How to Relax on Catalina

June 15, 2019

There’s is more to Catalina then crazy activities and partying. Sometimes an island vacation calls for slowing down, and savoring the moments. I have some advice about ways to relax and pamper yourself.

Massages

I highly recommend the Holiday Inn Resort Spa. I don’t remember if we took a cab, or hoofed it up here but it was out of the way, and totally worth it! It was a bit expensive at $218 for a one hour couples massage but it was a great massage. It was also unplanned, we were just sore from hiking the day before, and we were able to get a same day appointment. The two women who did our couples massage were fantastic. I like harder pressure and a focus on my legs, and David likes more focus and the back and neck. At the end of the massage they even taught us some things we could do for each other. They really went above and beyond.

Descanso

Descanso is all about the Glamour. There is something magical about spending the day at Descanso. The $80 buy in seems pretentious at first, but I happen to appreciate that they charge you as a pair, instead of as individuals. You must get reservations. Sometimes months in advance.

There are many things I appreciate about Descanso. For example, I love that the wifi is poor, if not nonexistant. It’s like being forced to set your phone down, and appreciate being on a beautiful beach, and watching the waves lap the sand and the boats bob on the water.

I love walking up the pebble cement trail, barefoot, each time I use the restroom. You can watch the descending zipliners. I always stare longingly at colorful sarongs, maxi-dresses and bikini tops and have internal conversations with myself about “If I still want that bikini in one hour, I’ll bring my wallet with me the next time I walk past.” Once you are in that little cove you are isolated from the rest of Catalina. You submit to reading your book, or talking to your spouse.

The Spa

It’s confession time. I’ve never been to The Catalina Island Spa But I walk past it, and I consider it frequently. They have tons of services, including facials, massages, full day packages, everything you might expect. They also have lots of options specifically tailored towards men, and for people who have limited times. They have several 30 minute options to satisfy your skin care needs in a flash. They also have a pretty extensive fitness class schedule, and I swear I am going to go one of these times. They offer everything from Full Body Strength, Cardio, Pilates, and Yoga classes.