Spa Gregorie’s in Newport Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita
Soothing stone massage, $145
Ordinarily, spa experiences are wasted on me. I’m the kind of go-go girl who can’t seem to quiet her mind (or her smartphone) long enough to escape into a massage or soak up the restoring powers of a quiet room. But Spa Gregorie’s may have changed that for me. Intrigued by the prospect of an hour and 15 minute hot stone massage, I booked an appointment at the Newport Beach spa—which makes good use of every square inch of its Fashion Island location.
The crock pot-warmed smooth river stones are billed as “soothing” and I couldn’t describe them any better. The light-touch massage is deceptively effective using the heat and repetitive motions to relax muscles instead of kneading them into submission. It’s like being wrapped in a warm hug for an hour. Add some time in the comfy armchairs in the quiet room or a quick steam in the small ladies lounge and it’s an all-around comforting experience—but the space can get a little tight, so it’s best to come at off-hours.
I’ll be sure to squeeze in the latest offering at Spa Gregorie’s—the Fassage—which combines its full-body massage with a classic facial in the same treatment. You can start off with a massage and then flip over for a facial without ever having to leave the room. Don’t worry, all that relaxation won’t be lost during the pore cleansing. The therapist won’t send you on your way without a nice scalp, arm and leg mas-sage after. The 90-minute treatment is $160.
—Julie Leupold
