Located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Terranea Resort (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA) boasts 102 acres of expansive Pacific Ocean views. The Southern California resort offers world-class accommodations; The Links at Terranea, a nine-hole golf course; four swimming pools; farm-to table dining options utilizing local and seasonal ingredients; and The Spa at Terranea, a newly renovated spa, fitness, and wellness center.
The 50,000-square-foot spa recently underwent a $4.5 million renovation and refresh. Led by Los Angeles-based RVD Associates, the renovation includes new modern decor throughout, a dramatic new entry and lobby, modernized locker rooms and bathrooms, refreshed treatment rooms and lounge areas, and a revitalization of the lush, outdoor areas. “The Spa at Terranea’s design is inspired by the natural beauty of our oceanfront setting, seamlessly blending with the | property’s overall coastal aesthetic,” says Cynthia Howell, spa director at The Spa at Terranea. “Light earthy tones echo the rugged cliffs nearby, while soft blue hues and a striking blue Venetian plaster re ect the tranquil essence of the sea. Every detail is thoughtfully curated to create a serene, immersive environment that feels like a true extension of the surrounding landscape—offering guests a deeply restorative and sensory-rich experience.”
A standout part of the newly upgraded spa is its lobby, which features a monolithic quartzite reception desk, a double-sided replace, and modern furnishings. The newly revitalized lounge areas bring the outdoors in, with mural wallcoverings and coastal-inspired lighting; while the co-ed relaxation room offers three new Evo loungers by Gharieni, new flooring, and more.
The spa’s 25 treatment rooms have all been refreshed with new paint, cabinets in rich dark cherry wood, Living Earth Crafts spa beds, and hot towel warming cabinets. In addition to the 25 treatment rooms, the spa boasts three luxurious signature suites—Ocean, Earth, and Fire—each themed to enhance the spa journey and designed to accommodate couples. The Ocean Suite offers views of the Paci c Ocean and features a free standing copper soaking tub, a Swiss shower, and dual treatment tables for side-by-side services. The Earth Suite is designed to ground and restore, and includes a private infrared sauna, Swiss shower, and two treatment tables. The Fire Suite is an intimate and cozy space that features a built-in replace, an oversized copper tub, and two treatment tables. “What sets The Spa at Terranea apart is its breathtaking oceanfront location and the intentional design of every treatment, each inspired by the natural elements of earth, ocean, re, and air,” says Howell. “Surrounded by panoramic coastal views, the spa experience is deeply connected to the land and sea, offering therapies that reflect the rhythm and beauty of our environment. Every detail—from the setting to the service—is thoughtfully curated to deliver a truly restorative and unforgettable escape.”
The spa’s outdoor spaces, including the private spa pool and hot tubs, have been updated, in addition to the 5,000-square-foot fitness and wellness center, which features floor-to-ceiling windows. New upgrades include state-of the-art Precor equipment, as well as two Peloton bikes, a Peloton rowing machine, nine treadmills, two stair climbers, an air bike, and more.
The spa, which can accommodate up to 200 guests per day, attracts both hotel guests and locals. “Our typical clientele seeks relaxation and a meaningful break from the demands of daily life,” says Howell. “Many of our guests are local to Southern California, returning regularly to enjoy the serene oceanfront setting, personalized treatments, and sense of calm that de nes The Spa at Terranea. We proudly serve as both a luxurious escape and a trusted wellness retreat for our community.”
To attract clients, the spa markets to hotel guests primarily through a real-time text messaging platform, which allows it to share timely promotions and personalized offers during their stay. “We regularly feature special offers, such as weekday discounts and value-added packages, to encourage guests to discover the spa and enjoy its full range of services,” says Howell. As for marketing to the local community, the spa actively engages through targeted email campaigns that highlight seasonal specials, exclusive offers, and new experiences—designed to encourage repeat visits and build lasting relationships. “To further support our local clientele, we offer a robust spa membership program that provides full access to spa amenities, a variety of tness classes, and exclusive discounts across the resort,” says Howell. “It’s an ideal way for local guests to make wellness a consistent and rewarding part of their lifestyle.”
According to Howell, most of the spa’s guests are looking for a restorative escape—an opportunity to relax, disconnect from the stresses of daily life, and reconnect with themselves. They’re seeking experiences that offer both physical renewal and mental clarity. Therefore, the menu of services was created to include a wide range of experiences that re ect the natural beauty of the spa’s coastal surroundings. “In developing the menu, we focused on aligning with the body’s circadian rhythm and supporting energetic balance, creating intentional, sensory rich experiences that go beyond traditional spa offerings,” says Howell.
While massage and facial treatments remain the most popular, the spa offers a range of other treatments and experiences, such as the Sound Sleep (starting at $330, 60 minutes), which is designed to help reset the circadian system and calm the nervous system. “This experience engages three sensory pathways—touch, scent, and sound—to promote deep relaxation,” says Howell. “Gentle, Ayurvedic-inspired nerve strokes help guide the body into a parasympathetic state, while carefully selected essential oils and soothing soundscapes foster a sense of tranquility. It’s a meaningful example of how our treatments are deeply rooted in both our natural environment and our holistic wellness philosophy.”
Treatments with a more holistic focus, such as the Crimson Revival: A Holistic Sauna Retreat (starting at $732, 2 hours), are challenging to sell at first, according to Howell, because some guests are less familiar with modalities like contrast therapy and how they integrate into a spa experience. “To promote these offerings, we prioritize education by clearly communicating the wellness benefits, including improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and enhanced physical recovery,” she says. “We also highlight the sensory aspects, such as the therapeutic use of temperature variation and grounding techniques, that naturally resonate with guests. By connecting the treatment’s benefits to familiar sensations, we help transform initial curiosity into confidence and interest in booking.”
As part of its renovation, the spa has introduced a few new treatments, including the Harmonic Aura Awakening (starting at $330, 60 minutes), which harnesses the healing vibrations of Himalayan singing bowls placed on and around the body to awaken the body’s chakra points. The sacred sound therapy is followed by a restorative marma point body and facial massage, designed to rejuvenate energy flow and promote holistic healing.
Creating a holistic wellness experience for its guests is a priority for the spa, as is sustainability. In fact, the spa is actively working toward becoming a fully green spa by integrating mindful, eco-conscious choices across its operations. In addition to environmentally friendly amenities made from wheat straw, such as razors, hairbrushes, and dental kits, the spa has transitioned to compostable trash bags to further minimize its environmental footprint. “Additionally, we’re developing treatments designed to reduce water consumption, ensuring our menu aligns with sustainability goals without compromising the guest experience,” says Howell. “These efforts reflect our broader commitment to wellness—for our guests, our community, and the planet.”