1. Burke Williams
Mission Viejo, Orange; 1-866-239-6635; burkewilliams.com
Theresa and Bill Armour opened the first Burke Williams Day Spa in 1984.
“Together we created a new landscape for health and wellness, introducing the original ‘urban day spa’ and pioneering a new market in the United States,” Theresa Armour says.
Service options span a variety of relaxation and beauty treatments, including massage therapy, facials, manicures and pedicures, baths and wet room treatments, plus aromatherapy spa treatments.
Each spa is equipped with a large co-ed lounge; separate spa amenities for men and women; whirlpools, steam room, dry sauna, cool misting room, private showers and cold deluge; quiet rooms; and vanity areas.
“What has become clear to us with our guests is two very crucial things,” Theresa Armour says. “First, they turn to us for advice and expertise in what kind of services they should have. Second, they choose to return to Burke Williams because of how we made them feel. To that end, we created a Purpose Driven Menu.”
Burke Williams categorized needs into three primary areas. The first is the fundamental need to rest, the second is to awaken or feel renewed energy, and the third is to heal.
Theresa Armour says it has another important mission. The spa has started a foundation called the Blue Heart Warriors.
“This year, we will donate a portion of each full-paying guest’s visit to a vetted agency that searches for, rescues and rehabilitates survivors of human trafficking,” she says.
2. La Vita Salon & Spa
2721 East Coast Highway, Ste. 110, Corona del Mar; 949-723-0406; lavitasalonspa.com
La Vita owner Mariella Boniadi has more than 32 years of experience as a hair artist.
“I received two years of full-time training at the prestigious London College of Fashion in England, where I was awarded the Student of the Year Award upon graduation among 9,000 students. Throughout the years, I remained committed to offering my clients the best services possible, so I continued to learn the latest techniques in hairstyling and chemical processing,” she says on her website.
She’s received additional training from instructors at The Joshua & Daniel Galvin Academy in London, L’Oreal Paris and Schwarzkopf.
She says on her website that she was born with very curly, frizzy and brittle hair that she learned how to control, straighten and smooth out by pioneering a unique blow-dry technique.
“My philosophy is to create low-maintenance hairstyles that will grow out in style, without the need for excessive hair products,” she says on her website.
3. C’Siren Day Spa
910 S. El Camino Real, Ste. 101, San Clemente; 949-498-7700; csirendayspa.com
C’Siren Day Spa opened in 2008, inspired by a dream to share a love of holistic wellness with the community. It is a full-service day spa with offerings ranging from massage and facials to scrubs in four treatment rooms. There’s a couple’s room and two sitting areas for relaxation. Tea, coffee and other refreshments are served while guests wait for treatments.
“Each one of our clients is special to us. Sharing special occasions, health improvements, goals and births is our dream come true. We look forward to working with all of you to reach your wellness needs for years to come,” says its website.
The beach town vibe of San Clemente is another big inspiration for the spa — it seeks to create an atmosphere that takes guests to a tropical oasis.
“I was so relaxed after my incredible massage with Oceana that I floated through the rest of the day,” according to a review on their website.
