Can't-Miss Affordable Spa Resorts in the Golden State

What comes to mind when you think of spa resorts? Perhaps relaxation, rejuvenation, reinvigoration…a new you. Trust us, nothing beats a luxurious spa treatment in a blissful resort. There’s a certain myth that one has to travel far and spend copious amounts of money to experience a world-class spa getaway—that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, some of the best affordable spa resorts are located right here in the Golden State.

Affordable Spa Vacations That Are Perfect For Unwinding

Whether you’re looking to embark on a solo inexpensive wellness retreat to a California hot springs resort or to gather your loved ones and go on a holiday adventure, there’s an affordable spa resort on this list for you. Mark a weekend on your calendar for a future getaway filled with pampering and massages at one of these California spa resorts. (You can thank us later.)

1. Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa, Indian Wells

A true desert oasis set in the Coachella Valley, the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa is a perfect destination where you can relax and revive. After you complete your exemplary desert road trip, check in to this affordable wellness resort complete with a private golf course, full-service spa, and an outdoor pool. The Spa Esmeralda has many healing spa treatments such as therapy baths, hair and scalp treatments, and a steam room designed to unleash your inner beauty. After your spa day, enjoy a meal at one of the seven on-site restaurants; for the full experience, try one of the local specialties at Cava Restaurant. 

2. The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort and Spa

The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort and Spa sits on 360 acres of land in the Golden State's Rancho Mirage landscape. Ranked as one of the Top 50 Golf Resorts in North America by Golf Digest, this luxurious spa resort with stellar ratings will take you to seventh heaven. A six-person room in this hotel starts at less than $200—opulent yet totally affordable. Begin your day with an early yoga session in the Westin workout fitness studio or take a quick dip in one of the three spa resort pools. After your morning workout, head to the spa. The expansive menu offers a wide variety of treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate.

3. Two Bunch Palms

This adults-only, contemporary, and sustainable wellness destination is situated within a lush oasis on 77 acres of land amidst a dry, desert landscape. Focused on sustainability, Two Bunch Palms is the oldest mineral hot springs resort in the country. The resort offers hot spring pools ich in lithium natural water and low in sulfur. Other notable features include the 3,000-square-foot yoga dome, award-winning spa center, and organic farm-to-table cuisine.

4. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

When it comes to a Santa Barbara escape, you can’t go wrong with The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. This resort has beautiful ocean views and an outdoor pool. The quintessential SoCal views of palm trees and the Santa Ynez mountains can be seen from all the guest rooms, too, as they all include a private patio. The inexpensive spa resort’s 42,000-square-foot spa is a peaceful retreat that sets the tone for your heavenly vacay. The array of wellness and beauty treatments include hot-stone massages, a Spirulina wrap, acupuncture, immune-boosting aromatherapy, and more.

Dine at one of the hotel’s six restaurants in the resort after an intensive workout at the on-site fitness center. Engage in a friendly competitive match with your beaux on the tennis courts or take one of the nearby hiking trails to burn those calories. Reward yourself by sipping on a drink on the gorgeous rooftop terrace.

5. Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles

The breathtaking, Tuscan-style Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles will have you feeling like you're living in the beautiful hills of Italy—the resort is surrounded by beautiful vineyards, olive trees, and picturesque landscapes. This inexpensive spa resort is situated between Los Angeles and San Francisco, making it a perfect getaway from both cities. Featuring an outdoor pool and a restaurant, the resort offers comfortable, Mediterranean-inspired rooms that’ll transport you to a different world. The range of spa and wellness treatments at Spa Allegretto includes signature Swedish, warm stone, deep tissue, and prenatal massages.

6. Grand Residences by Marriott, South Lake Tahoe

Grand Residences by Marriott, South Lake Tahoe is located in Heavenly Village—and, yes, the name is absolutely fitting. The on-site Serenity Spa boasts a variety of beauty and wellness spa treatments. The heated outdoor pool is another feature we know you’re going to love. By staying at this affordable spa retreat, you'll have access to several top-notch Tahoe restaurants. Skiers can also rejoice; the famous Heavenly Ski Resort is closeby. 

7. Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite

Nestled next to Yosemite National Park’s south entrance, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is so much more than a hotel. The affordable spa resort is a perfect destination for adventurers and explorers. You can visit the park, go on hikes, and partake in many of the recreational outdoor activities Yosemite has to offer during the day, and then come back to unwind at the full-service resort spa in the late afternoon. The on-site spa, Ascent Spa, provides a full range of treatments, including massages, body wraps, facials, manicures, and pedicures. Oh, and that's not all: Detox in the sauna and steam room before calling it a night. One thing’s for sure, you’ll leave your stay feeling more youthful than you did walking in.