Spa Review: Portola Hotel & Spa, Monterey

"Spa on the Plaza" monterey
Spa on the Plaza in Monterey

If you read this blog often, you know that I have never met a spa that I didn’t like. As a travel writer, I’ve been fortunate to slip in a spa visit whenever I write a luxury hotel or resort review. I’ve experienced a massage on a water table in Switzerland, an in-room massage in Yountville, California, a Birch Stick massage in Portugal and  a Essence in Balance massage at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa where guests create their custom blended aromatherapy scent at the on-site Apothecary. There’s not a massage treatment I won’t try, but sometimes time is not on a travel writers side. This was the case with my Spa on the Plaza review at Portola Hotel & Spa, Monterey.

Monterey Bay’s Spa on the Plaza

After a day of hiking Point Lobos and a trip to Big Sur on the Monterey coast, I had hoped to squeeze in a massage at Spa on the Plaza at Portola Hotel & Spa. I was only able to  reserve a 25 minute “Heaven Express” massage, but the therapist made the most of those 25 minutes with a sideline massage, focusing on my computer-weary shoulders.

"Spa on the Plaza" relaxation room
Spa on the Plaza relaxation room

Spa owners Camille and Roy Malcolm offer their person guarantee to provide guests with authentic spa therapies in a beautiful coastal setting. Spa on the Plaza offers a full-service salon, a relaxation lounge and locker rooms with steam rooms. Housed within the Portola Hotel, Spa on the Plaza guests have access to the fitness center, outdoor pool and whirlpool, as well as poolside dining service.

"Spa on the Plaza" monterey, california
Spa on the Plaza Oasis Suite, Monterey Bay

To stretch my spa treatment, I added an Oasis Suite Bubble massage therapy to my spa time. Priced at $50 (check website for current pricing) the Toto Hydrotherapy tub experience relaxed my tired muscles and the steaming hot water prepared my body to maximize the mini-massage treatment.

"Portola Hotel & Spa" seashells
Monterey Bay theme promotes tranquility at Portola Hotel & Spa

Insider Tip:
If time is not an issue for you, plan to arrive early for your spa appointment and hang out at the Portola Hotel, one of the few hotels with a swimming pool in Monterey. For additional insider tips follow Northern California Travel Writer @Nancydbrown on Twitter and Spa on the Plaza on Twitter @Spaontheplaza20.

READ  Holiday Inn Express Sedona Hotel Review

If You Go:

Spa on the Plaza at Portola Hotel & Spa (831) 647-9000

Two Portola Plaza

Monterey, California 93940

Article and photos (excluding top photo) by Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Spa on the Plaza in conjunction with Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau. All opinions are my own.

2 thoughts on “Spa Review: Portola Hotel & Spa, Monterey”

  1. Thank you Nancy for the beautiful review you did on our spa. We are always improving our spa menu and increasing our focus on custom spa therapies, especially for those who don’t have time for a full or half day at the spa.
    We strive to offer the best in holistic, natural spa therapies in a serene environment. We really appreciate our clients and love improving people’s sense of well being.
    Warmest Regards,
    Camille Malcolm

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