By Megan Eileen McDonough

Marin County might be an outdoor adventurer’s dream destination, but don’t rule out some indoor recreation, too. In most parts of Marin, there are spas and wellness centers, many of which offer both Eastern and Western treatments. Whether you’re resting up after a strenuous morning activity or simply looking for an excuse to pamper yourself silly, these six spas and wellness retreats will do the trick.  

 

Asian-Influenced Treatments

After a day of sightseeing and hiking, you’ve more than earned your respite at International Orange. Located in Larkspur, the spa specializes in skin and body treatments, as well as acupuncture. For a full-body massage, there are several options, ranging from traditional Thai and hot stone massages to signature treatments. Acupuncture is a smart choice for those wishing to restore balance to the mind and body.  While it might seem like too much of a splurge, International Orange has a rotating set of weekly specials so you don’t break the bank.

 

Restorative Workouts

When you’re all shopped out at Corte Madera Town Center, treat yourself to a massage at Bay Club Marin. The space spans 60,000 square feet and includes fitness and recreation areas along with an on-site spa. Throughout the week, Bay Club Marin offers many classes—from cycling and group fitness classes to aquatics and Pilates. For a wellness-focused morning, sign up for the Sunrise Yoga classes, usually held weekdays at 5:45 a.m. Alternatively, opt for a specialty yoga class that focuses on stretching the back muscles and alleviating any excess pain.

 

Brightening Facials

Located at the Strawberry Village Shopping Center in Mill Valley, Evo Spa is the perfect one-stop-shop for rest, rejuvenation and relaxation. Besides the massage treatments, it offers many brightening facials using results-oriented, therapeutic products that are gentle yet fast-acting on the skin. Try one of the signature cleansing facials, like the European Facial, aimed at restoring a youthful glow. Too many options? Let your aesthetician decide!

 

Science-Driven Sessions

 

Also located at the Strawberry Village Shopping Center, SkinSpirit is focused on advanced skincare and medical spa treatments—think custom facials, Botox Cosmetic, laser hair removal and CoolSculpting. The facials are highly customizable, depending on your skin type, whether you have sensitive skin, active acne or other skin conditions. CoolSculpting, on the other hand, is a way to safely treat fat cells. Many have turned to this method for its weight-loss and body-contouring benefits. SkinSpirit is closed on Sundays, so plan for a Saturday appointment.

 

Alternative Treatments

Not all massages are created equal, and Elements Massage—located at Bon Air Center in Greenbrae and open seven days a week—is anything but average. Treatments target all aspects of the body, from relieving back or neck pain and reducing stress to increasing circulation and improving range of motion. In addition to standard massages, like deep tissue and Swedish, Elements also offers aromatherapy, prenatal massages and even Himalayan salt stone massages. In fact, the salt stone massage incorporates many philosophies of Eastern medicine, along with Swedish massage and thermal therapy.

 

Affordable and Therapeutic Massage

Massage Envy is the country’s leading provider of therapeutic massages and, luckily enough, there’s one right here in Marin County, in Novato. Whether you’re suffering from back pain or just in need of a hydrating facial, Massage Envy has a remedy. Among its more popular introductory treatments is a 60-minute Anti-Acne Back Facial session and the 30-minute Total Body Stretch session. For advanced skincare treatment, try the Microderm Infusion to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve overall skin texture and even skin tone.

For all you need to plan your Marin County vacation, visit the Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website or Facebook page.