601 Murray Circle, Sausalito
If you are looking for a resort-type spa experience where you can spend some quality time relaxing and then partake in the other on-site amenities (namely the highly touted restaurant Farley or the cozy lounge for drinks and bites, Sula), then this is your place. We love the facials at Cavallo Point, but it is the entire experience that makes this spot a winner. Start your spa day with a soak in the hot tub or steam in the sauna (men’s and women’s facilities are separate), then make time to sip tea and nibble on healthy snacks in the relaxation area before being whisked away to your private treatment room. Cavallo Point uses a variety of products, but all of them contain sustainably harvested ingredients and all avoid petroleum-based components, harsh surfactants and parabens. If you want to delve a little deeper, then explore the spa’s healing arts services, which include experiences like energy work, hypnotherapy and meditation, among other modalities. It truly is a local escape like no other.
208 Vintage Way, Ste. K29, Novato
Imagine a spa that offers not only pampering treatments like facials and massages, but also healing modalities like acupuncture and cryotherapy. Well, no need to fantasize — this is a reality at 9 Corners in Novato. Often referred to as a “health-style galleria,” the space is a respite from the hustle and bustle that lies just beyond its doors. Why not spoil yourself and pair your treatments? Our favorite duo is the whole-body cryotherapy chamber (shown to reduce inflammation, improve workout recovery times, encourage lean body mass and help with chronic pain) followed by a visit to the full-spectrum infrared sauna (good for detoxing, improving circulation, burning calories, reducing pain and boosting mood). Ask about the Fire & Ice pain relief plan — available in five or 10 session packages — and benefit from biocode testing before and after the series of treatments. This might just be your best holiday investment yet.
200 Stanley Crossroad, Napa
Not only is Halehouse one of our favorite hotel spas to splash out at, the luxury day spa offers a facial featuring one of our favorite local beauty brands, Botnia Skincare. Grown, formulated and produced in Sausalito, the Botnia line is touted for its highly effective cold-pressed organic products (if you haven’t tried them yet, this is a sign that it’s time). Stanly Ranch’s spa experience is immersive, so make time to enjoy the amenities and opt for the Halehouse Facial. It is customized exclusively for you at the time of your treatment with Botnia products and can change from season to season depending on your skin’s needs. Available either as a 60- or 90-minute treatment.
Belle Marin Aesthetic Medicine
250 E. Blithedale Avenue, Ste. B, Mill Valley
Microneedling has been the minimally invasive go-to skin care trend for a few years now — and for good reason. So what is it? In a nutshell, very small needles are used to cause microtrauma to skin, stimulating the skin’s healing process, giving it a glowing, plumper, more gorgeous appearance. For the best results, a series of treatments is done with four to six weeks between each one. Belle Marin is our favorite spot for microneedling because it offers a number of treatments under this umbrella — you can opt for a traditional microneedling session (it can help reduce acne scars, minimize fine lines, help to firm skin, address uneven tone) or depending on your aesthetic goals, try one of the more intensive treatments: Vivace Micro Needle RF (combines microneedling with fractional radio frequency and LED light therapy), Secret RF (pairs microneedles with radio frequency) or Secret PRO skin resurfacing (state-of-the-art technology that uses fractional CO2 laser energy with radio frequency microneedling to deliver noticeable improvements both on the skin’s surface and deep within the dermis). Be sure and ask about downtime; some treatments require more than others.
Resonance Marin
26 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera
Tucked away behind an unassuming storefront lies a vast space that transports you to a place of tranquility and healing. Word on the street is you can find the best massages in Marin at Resonance, but we have also been seriously eyeing one of the full body treatments as well (please Santa, a gift certificate would be divine). Included with your 60- or 90-minute session are amethyst infrared heating mats, tuning fork therapy and aromatherapy oils, as well as heavenly CBD creams, balms and serums and more. We love that the spa formulates its own line of clean products on site. And if you haven’t perused the retail space yet, we highly recommend doing so. Whether you are gifting yourself a little something post-treatment or doing some early holiday shopping, you are sure to find unique treasures here.
