The proudly suburban Orange County, better known as the O.C., is all about gorgeous beach communities, laidback lifestyles, and rich heritage. In fact, there’s no better place to detox, pause, and unwind on the Californian coast. Whether you need a break from the kids, want to soak the stresses of the nine-to-five job, or simply want to relax for no reason, the spa hotels in Orange County, CA, that are home to the best spas in California, are waiting for you. The best hotel spas in OC are a balm for the mind, body, and soul and rejuvenate them like no other.
Spa hotels are the way to go for a relaxing yet luxurious Californian vacation with salt-of-the-earth treatments and absolutely indulgent ones involving mud facials and all kinds of natural-based wraps. So, grab your plus-one and book an appointment for a decadent spa treatment at one of these best spa hotels in Orange County, CA.
Table of contents
- Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel
- Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
- Balboa Bay Resort
- Surf and Sand Resort
- Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa
- Paséa Hotel & Spa
- The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
- Montage Laguna Beach
- The Resort at Pelican Hill
- Lido House Hotel
- The Ranch at Laguna Beach
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in Orange County
- Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Orange County
- Recommended Activities in Orange County
Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel
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The high-end fitness and wellness destination Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel is one of the best spa hotels in Orange County, California (CA). The resort boasts a full-service Aliso Viejo R-Spa, which is the ultimate health and wellness destination in OC. Even if you aren’t staying here, you get access to the whole wellness resort even if you enjoy just one treatment.
This includes the massive 12,000 square-foot-huge fitness center, a.k.a. ClubSport, which has saunas and steam rooms and offers body and mind classes. What’s more, it even has a hydrotherapy pool to relax and enjoy a swim in after a spa session. That’s why it’s one of the best spas in orange county, California. Go for the Reflexology Massage that targets feet pressure points, thus promoting healing energy throughout the body. Besides the spa, the hotel also has an excellent restaurant and lounge, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and swanky rooms and suites.
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Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
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Best hotel with an adults-only spa. The spa at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, which was newly reinvented a few years ago, offers a five-star spa experience. The massive 30,000 square feet of space features relaxation and tranquility zones, a lap pool, and a boutique. What’s more, the spa is open only to adults, so the lap pool is also an adults-only space, making it almost a Zen space on the property. Besides wellness-oriented add-ons and a host of clinical treatments, it’s famed for its Serenity Package. It even has seasonal offers. Later, you can retreat to the cozy lounge or recharge in the sauna. The cherry on top is that the spa also has many interesting workshops, such as painting and meditation, salsa nights, and more. It’s no wonder it’s one of the best spas in orange county, California.
Apart from the above, the hotel also has three swimming pools, a championship golf course, and rooms and suites with private balconies. The best bit is the private beach access right from the lushly landscaped grounds.
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Balboa Bay Resort
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Hotel with the best spa packages. The iconic luxury property that is the Balboa Bay Resort is one of the best spa hotels in Orange County, CA. This iconic property perched on a picturesque harbor in Newport Beach Bay is home to an amazing state-of-the-art spa. It boasts nine different treatment rooms, a eucalyptus steam room, and an entire menu with signature and traditional services. One highly recommended treatment is Seaside Escape, which includes a Harborside massage and a citrus essence facial. Besides that, the spa also offers treatment enhancements, facials, other packages, and special treatments as well. The best bit? The spa is open only to hotel guests and Balboa Bay Club members.
This sprawling property also features alfresco fine dining, offers harbor Duffy Boat tours, al fresco fine dining, a first-class full-service spa for both men and women, and plenty of upscale events for the locals and tourists alike.
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Surf and Sand Resort
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The Aquaterra Spa at the Surf and Sand Resort is one of the best hotel spas in Orange County, California (CA). After all, nothing compares to a spa day followed by relaxation right by the beach! Aquaterra Spa has an intimate setting, eight treatment rooms, and a relaxation area by the fireside. What’s more, it offers an array of wellness and holistic treatments that provide rejuvenation for the mind, body, and soul. We’d recommend the Custom Wellness Massage, which offers much relief, promotes relaxation, and enhances body wellness and muscle tension. Besides the spa, you’ll love the rooms and suites facing the ocean. So, you can fall asleep to the sound of ocean waves outside your window. What’s more, the resort also boasts a gourmet lounge serving delicious cuisine and drinks right on the sand. Sigh.
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Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa
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Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa is one of the plushest spa hotels in Orange County, California (CA). The sprawling property lies right on the Pacific Coast Highway, directly across from Huntington Beach. So, the Pacific Waters Spa, with glistening views of the ocean, sure hits differently! Besides gorgeous views, it also boasts many amenities and treatments, especially it’s Swedish or Pacific Massage. Both are absolute crowd favorites, incorporating a flourish of hot stones. The Pacific Massage, in particular, is excellent as it’s a Swedish-style signature massage that conjures the sensation of gentle, undulating ocean waves. After pampering yourself with a lavish treatment, make sure to check out the retail collection Aesthetyx that’s sold at the spa. If you’re looking for the best spas in orange county, California, then this is one of them.
This Huntington Beach resort offers every imaginable amenity under the sun, including three restaurants with a distinct ambiance. There’s also a gorgeous lagoon-style pool by which you can perch and enjoy artisanal cocktails later. Everything is topped off by modern, Spanish-style architecture.
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Paséa Hotel & Spa
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Hotel with the most opulent spa. The luxurious and opulent spa at Pasea Hotel & Spa has been named one of the “Top Spas in the U.S.” by American Spa Magazine, and for good measure. The Balinese-inspired Aarna spa sets new standards for relaxation in OC. The huge, tranquil space features eight beautifully designed treatment rooms, including a gorgeous couple’s suite for couples looking to relax together. Besides that, you’ll also find a serene relaxation lounge where you can relax pre or post-treatment. The private spa garden is a standout, which features a tranquil water feature, cabanas, and fire pits. It’s the ultimate spot to relax outdoors on the property. Plus, there is even a saltwater whirlpool, a eucalyptus steam room, and a sauna. We recommend Aarna’s Ocean Devotion, whose restorative Polyenesian and Balinese-influenced techniques harness the power of the Pacific Ocean to restore your mind, body, and soul.
Besides the Aarna Spa, you’ll also love the rest of the resort. Located right on Huntington beach, the property offers serene views of the beach from the pool, the restaurants, and the rooms. Since the resort focuses on wellness, you’ll even find beach cruising bicycles and a range of activities, such as hiking and windsurfing.
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The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
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Beachfront bliss is tantamount at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Nigel, one of the best spa hotels in Orange County, CA. The Dana Point spa takes luxury to new heights with a host of unique spa treatments that one won’t find anywhere else. For instance, you can indulge in a “California Dreamin” massage employing specialty massage techniques or an “Ocean Inspiration Facial,” which uses naturally fortifyingly sea minerals. You’ll also find a variety of other mani-pedis, facials, body scrubs, and massages for both men and women. For something really unique and splurge-worthy, try the Laguna Wellness Experience, which incorporates a slimming body wrap, a collagen facial mask, a massage, and skin brushing. It leaves your skin detoxified and hydrated to no measure.
The sprawling seaside resort also has two outdoor pools, a bevy of dining options, and a tennis court. The rooms and suites are particularly pleasing with sea-inspired decor, swanky mod-cons, and plush beds and bathrooms. Do you want a splurge-worthy and memorable vacation? The first-floor ocean-view rooms even have outdoor pits.
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Montage Laguna Beach
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Best hotel with an oceanfront spa. The resplendent spa retreat that is Montage Laguna Beach is the perfect spa getaway in Orange County. The award-winning Spa Montage is perfect for those seeking some R&R, healthy indulgers, and remedy seekers. Armed with spellbinding sea views, Spa Montage offers a menu tailored to suit every kind of individual. For instance, the “Elements of Wellness” signature experience rejuvenates and improves your well-being. It offers everything from organic treatments to nail care, massages, and facials. The California Wildflower Ritual, for instance, was specially created for Spa Montage and celebrates the resort’s SoCal roots with the most amazing head-to-toe experience.
Besides that, the spa also has a relaxation room, a spa lap pool, an oceanfront fitness center, a steam room, a waterfall whirlpool, a sauna, and a cold plunge. Phew! Besides the award-winning spa, Montage also has lavish rooms and suites and three signature restaurants.
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The Resort at Pelican Hill
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The Resort at Pelican Hill is one of the best spa hotels in Orange County, CA. This one offers much more than your run-of-the-mill massages and facials and has a unique variety as well as totally relaxing experiences with wellness and fitness classes. Spending a wellness day at the spa invigorates the mind, body, and spirit with workouts, exclusive treatments, delectable meals, and lots of downtime to simply unwind. If you want to indulge truly, go for the Coastal Renewal Experience. It employs local ingredients and includes a massage, skin buffing, and a body wrap. During the body wrap, you even receive a refreshing hair and scalp massage experience and
a mini-facial with cooled Jade rollers. This 90-minute treatment will leave you relaxed for eons to come and is one you’ll never forget.
Accommodations here are something out of the world. They boast stellar sea views, huge living spaces, plush beds, and decadent spa-like bathrooms. A fantastic outdoor pool and a slew of restaurants, including one by the poolside, complete this place.
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Lido House Hotel
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The Boost Spa at Lido House Hotel in Newport Beach is what makes it such a place of relaxation to reckon with. The spa blends natural botanicals with cutting-edge technology to spark vitality and enliven the mind, body, and spirit. Indulge in the gamut of thoughtfully crafted and diverse spa treatments in a tranquil and intimate setting that’s perfect for wellness, unwinding, and relaxing. If you want to try something different, go for the Hyaluronic Hydrating Facial. It integrates LED light therapy with HydraFacial, the Alpha Beta Professional Peel, and the Dr.
Dennis Gross Hyaluronic system. Your skin instantly gets a smoother, plumper appearance.
Afterward, you can even head to the fitness center, whose crowning glory is the Peloton bike. In fact, you can even live stream an instructor! The charming boutique accommodation is so gorgeous that you’ll feel like extending your stay here. It serves a delicious a la carte American breakfast in the mornings and even has a hot tub and sun terrace for some much-needed R&R.
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The Ranch at Laguna Beach
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The Ranch at Laguna Beach is the epitome of rustic elegance in Orange County. One of the most opulent spa hotels in Orange County, CA, the hotel is home to Sycamore Spa. Now, the spa might be petite, but don’t be fooled by its diminutive status. For it offers a vast array of unique sea and garden-inspired experiences. For instance, the most popular of them is the Beach Recovery, a full-body refresh that features a coconut oil scalp massage, a seaweed facial mask, an aloe vera elixir application, and finished off with exfoliating foot treatment. Aside from the spa, the resort is famous for possessing the only golf course in Laguna Beach.
Moreover, the restaurant serves delectable Californian comfort food, while the bar is all about specialty wines. Even accommodations are excellent in the form of small buildings and ranch-style cottages clustered around the grounds. The place has an excellent pool and an outdoor lounge area with a fire pit.
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Our Verdict!
When it comes to spa hotels, Orange County certainly doesn’t disappoint. That said, we’ve conjured a smaller, more specialized list for spa travelers looking for something specific along the Orange County coast.
- Best hotel with an oceanfront spa: Montage Laguna Beach
- Hotel with the most opulent spa: Paséa Hotel & Spa
- Best hotel with an adults-only spa: Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
- Hotel with the best spa packages: Balboa Bay Resort
Where to Stay in Orange County
Orange County is perhaps the brightest spot on the Californian coastline. There are so many amazing and sun-kissed places to visit in the region that it’s rather a favorite with all kinds of travelers. One of the topmost places to stay is Huntington Beach, a.k.a. Surf City, USA. Also, it’s one of the country’s top places to learn surfing! Lying just south of Los Angeles, Huntington Beach has a ton of spots for water babies and beach bums. Its pier, for instance, is the longest one on the West Coast! Moreover, it has a dog-friendly beach and many places to play in the sand and the water. Next up is Newport Beach, the quintessential SoCal beach town. Besides surfing spots, the town is home to the largest recreational harbor on the West Coast. Moreover, it offers lots of swimming, fishing, and other water sports activities.
Perhaps the most famous place in Orange County is Anaheim, which is famous for Disneyland Park, one of the world’s best amusement parks. One of the top tourist attractions in the USA, Anaheim is the ‘happiest place on earth,’ with a gorgeous GardenWalk and loads of dining, entertainment, and shopping opportunities. Finally, Laguna Beach is one of the most beautiful places to visit in SoCal. In fact, Laguna Beach is one of the best beaches in California. The sleepy yet charming coastal town is all about the sun-kissed beaches, cozy coves, and bluffs tumbling down into the Pacific Ocean.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Orange County
- Fable & Spirit: Delicious food, elegant decor, and the Pacific Ocean in the background make Fable and Spirit one of the favorites of Orange County’s restaurants. Tucked on the shoreline in Newport Beach, this Michelin-level brunch and dinner spot is all about Californian, Italian, and Irish flavors. Don’t miss the Guinness brown bread starter, fish and chips, wine, cocktails, and wood-fired pizzettas.
- Los Angeles Champagne Brunch Cruise from Newport Beach: Newport Beach is California at its classic best, and this two-hour cruise allows you to unwind, relax, and see the coast in a wonderfully different manner. Set off from Newport Beach in the morning, where a bottomless glass of sparkling cider or bubbly awaits you. Soak in the abundant sunshine and the salty breezes as you dig into a delicious buffet brunch, along with free-flowing champagne as you take in the sights of coastal California.
Recommended Activities in Orange County
- Newport Beach Year-Round Whale Watching Cruise: Did you know that the waters surrounding Newport Harbor are home to all types of marine creatures, especially whales? Yes! This year-round whale-watching cruise allows you to see a variety of whales throughout the year. These include grey whales in spring and winter and giant blue whales in fall and summer. What’s more, you’ll also get to see humpback whales, minke whales, and finback whales, along with several types of seals, dolphins, and other marine life. The best bit is the amazing whale-watching ship, which has indoor seating with large windows, a snack bar, a wraparound outside seating, and a large upstairs sundeck.
- Orange County Coastal Beach and Highlights Tour by Van: If you also want to explore Orange County by road, then this van tour is perfect. This coastal road tour takes you to the best landmarks, beaches, and beach cities of Orange County. You’re accompanied by a local guide who’ll tell you all about the places you see at this world-famous beach destination.