Body, Mind & Spirit - Ranch & Coast

Best Spa For Massages: The Spa At Rancho Valencia The Spa at Rancho Valencia has made a lot of friends since it opened in mid 2006. Some Ranch & Coast readers have become members, and many more voiced their opinion when they voted for what some consider the best of the best: massages. "I love the beautiful surroundings," one North County resident affirms. Others comment on the "Thank Goddess for Girlfriends" package, which begins with a choice of body/mind enhancement classes and includes two hours of blissful treatments, as well as plenty of time to relax by the private pool and secluded sun garden. With or without girlfriends, local residents with a massage or facial appointment are welcome to use the pools, fitness center, and movement studio. (858/756-1123, www.ranchovalencia.com) — Elizabeth Hansen Best Spa For Facials: The Spa At Torrey Pines It must be the brisk breeze off the Pacific Ocean that inspires the creative facials offered at The Spa at Torrey Pines. Seasonal specials — such as The Chocolate-Covered Cherry Facial — augment an already expansive menu. According to spa director Darcie DeBartelo, "This treatment [available until April 1] feels as decadent as eating a box of chocolate-covered cherries, but with none of the guilt." In the spring, look for refreshing facials incorporating citrus and cucumber. The Illuminating Pearl Facial, which contains extract of seed pearl and seed pearl powder, is especially popular with brides. The Anti-Aging Aqua Lift is another favorite. Local residents are welcome at the Spa. In fact, facial and massage clients can join hotel guests at the pool, in the fitness center, and on guided hikes in the area. (858/453-4420, www.spatorreypines.com) — Elizabeth Hansen Best Day Spa: Spa at La Costa The first, the largest, and — according to readers — the best: Spa at La Costa wins rave reviews for expansive facilities and customized treatments. Therapists ask each client whether they want to be "indulged, invigorated, or inspired" and vary the oils, lotions, and technique accordingly. Open since 1965, La Costa was the first major resort spa in the U.S., and a subsequent $12 million makeover means that it’s still a frontrunner in services and setting. The Spa includes 42 treatment rooms; one of these has a Vichy shower, two are Thai-style, and one has a hydro-tub. In addition, two are for couples. Pop star Pink and her husband, motocross and VH1 Surreal Life star Carey Hart, recently enjoyed an after-hours romantic journey here. "They loved the candles around the massage tables and around the suite’s private Jacuzzi," says a secret source. (800/854-5000, www.lacosta.com) — Elizabeth Hansen Best Gym: Pacific Athletic Club Pacific Athletic Club is not just a gym, it’s a lifestyle — one that our readers have come to embrace as their own. The club’s mission is to enhance people’s lives, which they do not fall short of achieving. Aquatics, group exercise, and Pilates are only some of their top-notch programs designed to accommodate all needs and levels. The warm and friendly environment of the club includes a café, a pro shop, and a family cabana — the combination of which is intended to make members feel safe and empowered to enrich their lives and achieve personal excellence. (858/509-9933, www.pacsandiego.com) — Alanna Trimble Best Medical Spa: La Jolla Spa MD Founded in 2002 by board certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, Mitchel P. Goldman, MD and Dianne York-Goldman, La Jolla Spa MD offers a full range of cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures as well as innovative cosmetic dermatology and spa treatments. "It is a fantastic honor to be recognized as the best medical spa in San Diego by the readers of Ranch & Coast magazine," says York-Goldman. "La Jolla Spa MD houses a large and interactive staff of world renowned experts and we are delighted to provide San Diego with the most current and cutting-edge services available." (858/459-6868, www.spa-md.com) — Jane Shiomi Best Hair/Makeup Salon: Do’s & Lipstick Perhaps best known for their beautiful brow shaping techniques that don’t use wax, Do’s & Lipstick in Solana Beach is all about glamour, from stylish cuts to cutting-edge style. High-end makeup and skin care lines vary from Scott Barnes to Kevyn Aucoin and Mario Badescu to Kerastase by L’Oreal — all within a quaint Fred Segal-like setting rather than an expansive department store. A hip boutique offers hair and make-up products unique to San Diego, including jewelry from designers like Lisa Levine and stylish bags. Showing true professionalism and class, Do’s & Lipstick’s glamour artists treat each client like a work of art. (858/793-5477) — Christie Heatherly
		Best Lotion/Soap Selection: L’Occitane En Provence With two boutiques in San Diego, in University Towne Center and Fashion Valley, L’Occitane en Provence brings "the colors, scents, and traditions of the south of France" to the world. When you visit, you do get the feeling of being in a French shop, decorated in Provence colors, the air redolent of lavender, and bottles of cut glass on their shelves. Not only does L’Occitane carry soaps and lotions for both women and men in fragrances of Immortelle, Green Tea, and Rose & Reine, they also have a wide variety of home items like candles and linen water. If you’ve ever desired to indulge in products that the stars use, you’ll find L’Occitane’s naturally-fragranced products decadent but affordable. L’Occitane is also available at Mistral in Solana Beach. (858/638-8160, www.loccitane.com) — E.S. Magill

		Best Cosmetic Dentist: Martin P. Abelar, DDS Martin Abelar, DDS was sensitive to beauty at a young age. "I remember as a kid noticing nice paintings and homes...I was drawn to visual things." Later, he sought elective classes in art, photography, and film to nurture his creative spirit. He even began to cast jewelry molds in dental school. "I enjoy making things look natural and healthy. In my view, cosmetic dentistry is a failure if it looks artificial," says Abelar, who has been in practice 26 years. "Patients like the fact that I teach other dentists the techniques I perform. I am a clinical instructor at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies." (858/457-7994, www.martinpabelardds.com) — Marion Hoy

		Best Dermatologist: Alex Ataii, MD If the readers’ poll has anything to say about it, San Diegans are thrilled with the way Alexander Ataii, MD makes them look years younger. Though it should be noted Ataii is not actually a certified dermatologist. He is, however, certified by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and is a national advisor in laser technology. Along with his brother, Payam Ataii, DMD (a cosmetic dentist), he runs Laser Cliniqúe in La Jolla, which offers the latest in skin rejuvenation therapies, such as Visia Complexion analyses and Active FX treatments, and other noninvasive procedures such as mesotherapy. "Our goal is to enhance a patient’s overall image," he says. (858/481-7701, www.laser-clinique.com) — Alicia Garcia Editor’s note: The certified dermatologist with the most votes was Mitchel P. Goldman, MD of La Jolla Spa MD.

		Best General Dentist: Shervin Erfani, DMD, FICCMO, FICOI Erfani places special emphasis in providing gentle, personalized care for a patient’s dental needs. For those a little tense about their teeth, Erfani’s practice offers mild analgesics as well as nitrous oxide and other medications (such as Valium) to ease the "butterflies." Additionally, Erfani’s rooms are equipped with DVD players and headphones to help patients relax. When it comes to smile makeovers, Erfani shines the brightest. "When our guests come back for their checkups after we’ve designed their smiles," he says, "it’s as if a completely new person has walked in, more outgoing, happier, and more confident." Erfani was awarded a fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists for Advanced training in Dental Implants, as well as a fellowship in the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics, for advanced training in neuromuscular dentistry and TMJ therapy. He is also an instructor at the the esteemed La Vegas Institute. (858/490-4281, www.dentaldesignspa.com) — Alicia Garcia

		Best Cosmetic Surgeon: Paul Chasan, MD, FACS For over a decade, Paul Chasan, MD, FACS has been creating natural, beautiful looks for Californians. With state-of-the-art equipment and a dedication toward making his patients feel relaxed and comfortable, Chasan’s La Jolla office has become the top place for surgical makeovers. Breast augmentations, rhinoplasty, liposuction, facelifts, tummy tucks, and a wealth of laser procedures are performed with the utmost care and skill. Chasan’s Skin Spa offers a wide range of options, as well, such as chemical peels and laser hair removal. (858/450-1555, www.drchasan.com) — Alicia Garcia

		Best Pediatric Dentist: William Rawlings, DDS, MSD William Rawlings, DDS, MSD is a diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, which emphasize, "great smiles begin at birth." Rawlings’ priority is to provide pediatric dental services in an efficient, safe, and personal manner. "We think of our mission as child advocates, working hard to promote the interests of children in our community," says Rawlings. "As a member of the Del Mar Rotary Club, I support many programs focused on improving the lives of children worldwide." (858/755-4223, 760/944-5225, www.greatsmiles.org) — Marion Hoy