On a recent trip, I had the pleasure to visit the Spa at Catamaran Resort, idyllically set on Mission Bay in the spirited beach community of Pacific Beach.
Upon arriving, I immediately felt as if I was in the tropics. Walking through the lobby, my senses drank in the tropical vegetation, the sound of wild birds and, as I rounded a corner, the white sand beach and an expansive view of Mission Bay and the city beyond.
At the spa, I was checked in with a smile and personally greeted by my men’s locker room attendant, John. He gave me a personal overview of not only the men’s change room, steam room, sauna, lounge and showers, but the private outdoor (ocean view) whirlpool and open-air fitness center. John set me up with a locker, a robe and sandals, and I was on my way.
My most enjoyable spa experiences are the ones I can take the most time and relax in. Today, I made sure to arrive early so I could make use of the outdoor whirlpool, dry sauna and eucalyptus-infused steam room. The men’s spa was very well equipped, well lit and clean. In an effort to keep hydrated, I appreciated the full pitcher of ice water almost within arm’s reach. As my appointment approached I had a warm shower, dried off and relaxed in the co-ed lounge. Soon I was greeted by my therapist, Angie, and whisked away.
Once you’ve had an hour-plus massage, it is next to impossible to have one for less than an hour. Luckily for me, I was having an 80-minute deep tissue massage. I informed Angie I had no injuries, but my muscles were tight from exercise. Soon, she went to work on all areas of my body, paying additional attention to my hips, head, neck, shoulders and pectorals – an important area that is often overlooked. I was pleasantly (and painfully) surprised at my therapist’s strength and ability to “dig deep.”
At the conclusion of my massage, I met my therapist outside the treatment room, where she guided me back to the lounge and offered me water or tea. She also notified me that John had left and Mobin had taken over and would be able to help me.
As beautiful as the location was at the Catamaran, I was really impressed by the spa’s attention to detail (the place was spotless), protocols and amazing customer service. In my years of visiting spas, I’d never been treated so well.
Services at the Catamaran Spa are inspired by South Pacific and Asian healing traditions and feature marine and botanical-based products. The spa offers a complete menu of massages, body wraps, Vichy showers, hydrotherapy treatments, facials and rituals. Nail treatments, hair styling and makeup application are also available in the salon.
The Spa at Catamaran Resort Hotel
Craig Oliver, Editor-in-Chief, Healthy Living + Travel
