Ocean Views, Chaos & a Much-Needed Reset: My Spa Day at Terranea
Alright my Knotty Krew…
this one was earned.
The past couple weeks?
Absolute chaos.
Tax season wrapped (barely survived), my daughter had surgery, her caregiver had emergency surgery, and if you’re a parent to an autistic child… you already know life can flip on you in seconds.
Case in point:
Lexi decided to rip out her stitches THREE WEEKS EARLY and casually eat pistachios on a plane… which she is allergic to… epi-pen level allergic.
So yeah.
A spa day wasn’t a luxury… it was a requirement.
The Journey (aka mild trauma before tranquility)
We headed to The Spa at Terranea in Rancho Palos Verdes, and let me just say… getting there was not for the weak.
I was previously hit by two semi trucks, so I already have car anxiety.
And somehow… our route included TWO massive bridges coming from the San Pedro port.
Terrifying.
Like, white-knuckling-the-seat, questioning-my-life-choices terrifying.
BUT…
I would do it again.
Honestly? I’d cross 10 bridges for this place.
First Impressions: Luxury Hits Immediately
You pull up to valet and BAM—
a ginormous water feature front and center, luxury cars lined up like it’s a photoshoot.
You walk in and…
those ocean views hit you instantly.
Then you make your way through the lobby, down the stairs, along this path… and the spa is literally perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean.
Like… I’m sorry…
FUCKING STUNNING.
The Vibe (Real Talk)
Now let’s talk energy.
This spa was busy.
I’ve been to a LOT of spas, and I have never seen this many men casually hanging out in a spa lobby before 😂
The women’s lounge?
Packed. Probably 20+ women in there.
So if you’re looking for a silent, super zen, whisper-only experience…
this ain’t your quiet weekday hideaway.
And honestly?
That was my only complaint of the entire day.
The Massage (aka exactly what I needed)
We both booked 50-minute massages, and my therapist Deneb absolutely delivered.
I went deep tissue (obviously), and she nailed that perfect balance:
👉 deep enough to work everything out
👉 but still relaxing enough that you melt into the table
It was one of those massages where you walk out feeling like…
okay yes, I’m a human again.
Amenities: Fully Loaded Spa Moment
Terranea does not play when it comes to amenities:
Eucalyptus steam room (my sister-in-law’s obsession)
Dry sauna (my personal go-to)
Cold plunge (for the brave)
Jacuzzi + outdoor pool
And everywhere you turn… insane ocean views
It’s giving luxury coastal reset in every direction.
And I’m just gonna say it—
Pelican Hill… come take some notes.
Pricing
It came out to a little over $300 per person for a 50-minute massage.
For the location, the views, and the full experience?
Honestly… worth it.
Final Verdict
This spa day came at a time when I genuinely needed to reset… and it delivered.
Between the chaos of life, motherhood, and business, this felt like a moment to finally exhale.
✨ Knotty Rating: 4.5/5 Knotty Stars ✨
(Only docking half a star for the crowd/volume)
Would I go back?
Absolutely.
But next time…
weekday only, and maybe a longer massage because clearly I’m learning my lesson 💅