California is a dichotomy, surf culture on one hand and high end living on the other. Relaxing in California has been turned into an art you just have to experience.

Kicking It In California Luxury

The Balboa Bay Club & Resort is an exclusive slice of heaven in Newport Beach. Yes, that Newport Beach. Situated in the picturesque harbor, you an experience spa services that are to die for or head out to the beautiful, wide beaches of Newport. Once day turns to night, you will find yourself sitting in the lap of cuisine luxury. If you are able to move after dining on delicacies, nightclubs litter the area. Try one or ten for a great nighttime experience. The hotel is located at 1221 West Coast Highway in Newport Beach and can be reached at 202-465-3908

Taking a more low key turn, the Tenaya Lodge offers the ultimate in spa treatment. Massage therapy is, of course, a central program. Notwithstanding this fact, you can also live in the lap of luxury by trying one of the nine different facial services. If you are feeling a bit stretched out, try the body brush and polish. Therapeutic paraffin treatments will put a shine back on. Oozing in the enzymatic sea mud pack treatments will flush out those toxins and bring you back to life. These various treatments are only a small sample of the offerings at Tenaya Lodge. The lodge is located at 122 Highway 41 in Fish Camp, California and can be reached at 559-683-6555.

If you pass through Sonoma, you definitely must take the waters at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. This 160 year old tradition is based around the thermal mineral water springs on the grounds. Relax in a soothing bath and think about the fact that Native Americans first used the pools hundreds of years ago. The Inn covers over 40,000 square feet, so there is plenty of space to unwind from the hectic pace of life. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is located at 100 Boyes Boulevard in Sonoma, California. Reservations can be made by calling (707) 938-9000.

There are two Ritz-Carlton hotels in California that define luxury. At Half Moon Bay, you can stay right on this picturesque bay and experience majestic living. Your every need is waited on hand and foot. If golf is your thing, this is the place. Farther south, the Laguna Niguel Ritz-Carlton offers similar luxury on the cliffs of the Pacific roughly half way between Los Angeles and San Diego.

L'Auberge in Del Mar is a personal favorite. Del Mar is a stunningly beautiful beach town. You can experience all the luxury amenities you would expect in an upscale hotel, but there is much more on the menu. During the summer, you can see concerts at the Del Mar Pavilion with top acts. Wait till late July and you can take in the horse races at the Del Mar Race Track. Most people, however, just like to walk down to the beach and take in the majesty of Mother Nature. LAuberge is located at 1540 Camino del Mar and can be reached at 800-245-9757.

Whether you are looking for unrivaled spa treatments or luxury accommodations, California has it all. Give it a try and enjoy.