Find Bliss At Pukalani
Pukalani Day Spa & Salon proves that looks can be deceiving. On the second floor of Flower Hill Promenade in Del Mar, this brand-new spa appears to be a cozy little retreat. It’s actually quite spacious, with two levels of beautifully appointed luxury to enjoy. The services offered at Pukalani range from salon treatments — men and women’s hair, nails, etcetera — to Botox and Restylane injections from the spa’s on-site dermatologist. Skin goes from gloomy to glowing with Pukalani’s Intensive Facial, which uses the scientific Environ system to penetrate the skin with rejuvenating vitamins. Before you leave the spa, be sure to spend a few minutes in Pukalani’s mosaic-tiled Turkish steam room — place a couple of cucumber slices over your eyes and a cold washcloth on your face, and let your worries evaporate as thick, healing steam envelops you. Mahalo, Pukalani. (858/523-0707) — AnnaMaria Stephens, photo by Kristy Ann Mann

Rebirth Of L’Auberge
If you’ve recently met closed doors at L’Auberge Del Mar Resort & Spa, fear not — the local landmark will reopen in June 2008 after a $25 million renovation that will include a new restaurant, spa, and remodeled guestrooms. "Plans for this renovation have been in the works for close to three years and I am thrilled that they are finally coming to fruition," says general manager Michael Slosser. In addition to a new look, highlights include a new lobby bar with a wine and cheese barista, a new outdoor area with 2,000 square feet of space for weddings and private events, and a new signature restaurant, headed by James Beard chef Paul McCabe. A televised epicurean studio will allow the culinarians to broadcast their talents to guests throughout the resort. A new 4,100-square-foot luxury spa will offer the latest treatments and amenities, as well as a romantic private suite for guests to receive couples treatments. (858/259-1515, www.laubergedelmar.com) — Jane Shiomi

Rancho Bernardo Bliss
If gazing upon the lush grounds of the famous Rancho Bernardo Inn doesn’t immediately drain every ounce of stress from your body, the spa’s Warming Stone Massage will. An organic blend of body oil provides a gliding surface for thermal stones, which are used with specialty massage techniques to relieve tension throughout the body. The sensation of the heated stones is unbelievably soothing. After any treatment — even a manicure — visitors are invited to linger in the tranquil garden or by the 2,500-square-foot saline pool (for spa guests only). For a full afternoon of bliss, try The Gourmet Escape, a package of treatments that includes an Aromatherapy Massage, the Perfect Body Treatment, Aroma-Transformation Facial, and a Hand Renewal Treatment, as well as an organic smoothie and fresh fruit. (800/770-7329, www.ranchobernardoinn.com) — AnnaMaria Stephens