What's New at Terranea

Back in 1966, The Beach Boys sang about “picking up good vibrations.” I don’t think they could have known that nearly 60 years later, spa-goers would be able to quite literally do this.

Enter: Himalayan singing bowls. Many wellness travelers will be familiar with these copper or crystal bowls from attending sound baths, where a healer plays the bowls so that attendees — usually lying on yoga mats — can get absorbed by the calming sounds and vibrations.

But Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes, California, takes it a step further with its new Harmonic Aura Awakening treatment, which places the bowls directly on the client’s back. This new treatment was launched in May following the completion of a $4.5 million renovation of The Spa at Terranea, part of a broader refresh that aims to elevate the oceanfront resort.  

The Spa Renovation

I have visited Terranea’s 50,000-square-foot spa more than a handful of times for therapies ranging from a relaxing prenatal massage during a spa day baby shower to the spa’s signature Ocean’s Prelude body ritual, which takes place in the Ocean Suite and is complemented by the sound of waves crashing below.

The panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean is a huge part of what sets The Spa at Terranea apart from all others in Los Angeles, and these views are on display at the spa pool, the spa restaurant (Solviva) and the lounges.

And while the view is as beautiful as ever, the interiors have gotten a nice lift thanks to a top-to-bottom refurbishment by Los Angeles-based Rodrigo Vargas Design (RVD) Associates, a full-service interior design firm.

According to Rodrigo Vargas, principal for RVD, the studio was inspired by the region's unspoiled coastal habitat when coming up with the spa’s new look. The new design features organic materials, soft tactile accents, bold contemporary artwork, new modern light fixtures, refurbished stone flooring and Venetian plaster walls. A color palette of wave-like soft blues and sandy neutrals brings the beach inside.

This nature-forward aesthetic is apparent from the very start of a visit here. In addition to a dramatic new quartzite reception desk, the entrance’s double-sided fireplace is lined with new triangular iridescent Moroccan zellige tiles, which look like a mosaic of seashells. Porous travertine curvilinear furniture and a wavy mirror round out the calming space.

At the relaxation lounge, there are also new beach-inspired wall coverings and an embrace of soft blue colors. And the upstairs co-ed relaxation room — where clients go after their treatments to spot dolphins jumping out of the water below — features three new ergonomic Evo loungers by Gharieni, in addition to brand-new furnishings.

The spa's 25 treatment rooms have been upgraded with soft Living Earth Crafts spa beds, new paint and cabinets in dark cherry wood.

Harmonic Aura Awakening

Laying on my stomach to start, my masseuse placed the singing bowls along different chakra points on my back, and I could literally feel the reverberations on my body. The use of the bowls bookmarked the hour-long treatment, which features relaxing marma point and facial massage and the use of sesame oil, arnica and ashwagandha. Rooted in Ayurveda, an ancient medicinal practice from India, the treatment left me feeling calm and grounded, as though I had just emerged from a meditation.

In addition to experiences such as this one, the spa also offers numerous practical treatments. To that point, the other new addition to the spa’s extensive menu is the HydraFacial, a 60-minute, results-driven facial that utilizes hydra-dermabrasion and a gentle peel to extract impurities and boost hydration. 

Casita Refresh

But the spa isn’t the only thing that has been elevated through a chic, coastal lens. As my family of four can attest after a recent visit, groups will benefit from the hotel’s refresh of its residential-style casitas, which now embrace a beach-cottage aesthetic. The bluff-side rooms offer a kitchen, a living room and a large bedroom and can be easily attached to a connecting room, as well as neighboring suites in the same building.

While the kitchen and dining area remained mostly untouched, the room’s furnishings were swapped out. Now, there is framed art of crashing ocean waves and boats, new furniture of sandy beige and light and dark wood, white curtains with blue floral patterns and woven chairs. 

Our room featured new light-green carpeting that almost looked like an extension of the grass outside, where some of the hundreds of bunnies that live on Terranea’s grounds would enjoy dinner while we were getting ready for bed.

On our last visit, my daughter pointed out the bunnies from the same vantage point. This time, she was joined by her brother, who was enjoying his first stay at Terranea, experiencing its kids’ club, family pool, birds of prey presentation and oceanfront eateries with fresh eyes. It was just another reminder that even good things can get better with time.