Spa Magazine

The Resort

Sprawled across 78 beachfront acres in Santa Barbara, California, Bacara Resort & Spa resembles a Mediterranean village, its whitewashed, red tile-roofed haciendas ensconced in gardens of bougainvillea, palm, and citrus. The five-star property has, since its opening in 2000, served as a refuge for Hollywood elite and discerning travelers from around the world. 

I'm here to experience Bacara's new wellness program, Destination Transformation, a customized luxury retreat designed to help guests meet any personal health and lifestyle goals, from weight loss and stress management to boosting overall fitness and well-being. While some of the guests who sign up for the retreat book into Bacara for a short getaway, a majority of the visitors stay for weeks, sometimes months, at a time. 

The personalized attention begins in the lobby, where I'm greeted by spa director Shawn Hallum, fitness and recreation manager Wayne Barnes, and Rigel Bitterman, my wellness choreographer for the stay. Even from the quick introduction, I can tell that Bitterman, the embodiment of health and positive energy, is just the guy to get guests in gear. Once we've arranged the timing of my afternoon fitness evaluation, I'm escorted to my room.

All of Bacara's 360 guestrooms and suites come with a private balcony or terrace overlooking the ocean, garden courtyards, or the Santa Ynez Mountains. My suite is set near the bluffs, with two balconies facing the sea. Almost as impressive as the view are the sumptuous extras - a fireplace, Spanish terra-cotta tiles, plush Frette linens, a sunken tub, and a bathroom with white wooden shutters that open up to the bedroom. 

The staff has pre-stocked the room with fresh berries, granola, and dark chocolate as well as orange juice, red wine, and water (they called ahead to inquire about my favorite snacks). Coming away from a stressful couple of months, simply relaxing on the couch, nibbling on fruit and chocolate, is enough to make me feel transformed. While part of me longs to sink into that tub with a glass of wine, it's time to meet my wellness choreographer at the spa.

Bitterman - whose clientele includes movie stars (Los Angeles is only 90 miles away), high-profile CEOs, and royalty - asks me to fill out forms about my medical history, food preferences, and workout goals. (Usually, guests email this information ahead of time.) 

Basically, I'm a "fishetarian" who loves seafood but avoids meat, poultry, and most dairy products. Though I feel in shape cardio-wise, I need a boost in flexibility and new ideas for my mind-numbing strength-training routine. Based on my responses and the results from a body composition test, Bitterman will create a personal agenda that encompasses my workouts and meals for the next three days. 

Obviously, the wellness plans he crafts vary greatly from individual to individual. "Some guests have not worked out in years, so we start out slow," Bitterman notes. "Sometimes we have serious athletes who want to tweak their routines to prepare for a race. Everyone's different." Those who come mainly to decompress are encouraged to explore a deeper mind-body connection through classes like restorative yoga, meditation, qi gong, and tai chi as well as spa treatments that aim to relieve stress and tension. Even if a guest's focus is on detoxification or beauty, the foundation of the Destination Transformation program has a strong emphasis on fitness. "Regular exercise yields anti-aging benefits, including a stronger heart and protection from age-related problems like osteoporosis," explains Hallum. 

Those looking to turn back the clock will also appreciate skincare therapies like the UltraLuxe Age Control Facial by Sonya Dakar, which includes massage techniques that detoxify the skin and tighten facial muscles. Hallum suggests following that treatment with a well-balanced lunch of grilled Mannin Bay salmon and marinated heirloom tomatoes - loaded with free radical-fighting antioxidants. "With appropriate skincare and nutrition, we can tackle age-related concerns inside and out," he says.

A health bonus for all guests, the resort uses only the freshest herbs and produce, much are picked daily at the 1,000-acre, all-organic Ranch at Bacara. Set in the foothills a five-minute drive from the resort, the Ranch's garden and citrus and avocado groves are home to more than 100 plant varieties, including lemons, oranges, squash, sugar pumpkins, lavender, mint, and sage. Summertime brings ripe strawberries and heirloom tomatoes as well as various types of edible flowers that accent entrees and desserts.

Bitterman works closely with Bacara's chefs to ensure program participants get each meal as customized as they need - and want. "I let the chefs know about any food preferences and allergies," Bitterman says. "I might also ask them to exchange certain portions of the dish for something leaner or to hold the bread before dinner. It all depends on the plan of action that the great and I establish."

Destination Transformation

As soon as I finish the paperwork, it's time for a private therapeutic yoga session with Elena. A Russian transplant, the longtime yogi is known for her intuitive touch among guests and local practitioners alike. I'm tight all over, but with Elena's help, I slowly ease into the poses and feel my muscles - and even my mind - starting to relax. Clearly, I need yoga in my life. 

A lighter, suppler version of me strolls over to The Bistro for dinner that evening. It's a brisk night, but I savor the ocean breeze against my face and breathe in the scent of saltwater. The Bistro, known for its Italian Riviera-style ambience, is set on the bluffs, fronting the Pacific. Seated at a window-side table, I order the scrumptious grilled king salmon prepared with citrus roasted tomato, pearl onions, and alba clamshell mushrooms.

The next day is quite action packed, by choice. Pre-breakfast, Bitterman and I head to the Ranch for a morning run through the avocado orchards; up and down dirt paths that reveal awe-inspiring mountain and ocean views at their peaks. From time to time, we stop to take in the vistas and complete silence that envelop us. Even though I'm breathing hard, trail running has a meditative affect on me. I return to Bacara clearheaded and invigorated.  

I refuel at the Spa Café with the tastiest, and probably healthiest, French toast I've ever had before meeting Bitterman in the fitness studio for a strength-training session. A series of Swiss ball, Bosu, and dumbbell exercises gives me plenty of inspiration for my next gym visit, besides challenging every single muscle in my body. But no rest for the weary: Next is a one-on-one Pilates lesson with personal trainer and instructor Scott, who mixes work on the reformer with mat-based exercises that I can later do on my own. He finishes the class by stretching and massaging my tired legs. 

That afternoon, Bitterman and I drive back to the Ranch to hike the Condor, a four-mile trail (roundtrip)at the northern end of the property as famed for its steep climbs as dramatic views. As we set out, he tells me that he often uses this trail as a carrot for guests. "When they arrive, they never dream of attempting advanced hikes like the Condor, but after a few weeks, most of them are in shape to do it," he says. "It's a lot of fun to see the progress they are able to make in relatively short span of time." Coyotes, hawks, and buzzards are often spotted on the hike, and some lucky guests are also rewarded with a glimpse of a bobcat.

I love how at peace I feel. I could see myself staying at Bacara for days on end, working out with Bitterman (who's become my personal fitness guru), and being spoiled with great food and spa treatments. Even if I were to stay here for several months, like one Middle Eastern princess did, I'm told the exercises and treatments keep changing so that there's always something new and inspiring on the agenda. Beyond the golf, tennis, fitness classes, hiking, and running available at the Ranch and on the resort's two-mile stretch of beach, the staff can arrange ocean kayaking, deep-sea fishing, yachting, and trips to nearby wineries. 

By late afternoon, I've more than earned my scheduled spa treatment. In fact, my body is so exhausted that simply relaxing in the swanky spa lounge is a treat. White-walled, with elegant wood, tile, and leather accents, the bright room evokes the sophistication of the Mission Revival Style of the early 1900s, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to the ocean. 

The Spa

This period decor continues throughout the spa's four stories, a total of 42,000 square feet of therapy for the senses. Past the entry on the main floor are the spa shop and enormous men's and woman's locker rooms with a dry sauna, steam room, and whirlpool in each. Downstairs are the fitness center and yoga and Pilates studio, while another set of steps leads up to the spa lounge, bordered by 36 treatment rooms, and then to a private sundeck on the top floor. Just outside the main entrance is the spa's centerpiece: a heated, zero-edge, saline pool for soaking in the sun. 

The 80-minute Bacara Body Melt I have booked with Olivia involves a gentle seaweed scrub, a Swiss shower, and a full-body massage using eucalyptus and ylang-ylang oils. One of the spa's most popular therapies, "the Melt" not only reduces muscle soreness but also detoxifies and cleanses the skin while inducing deep relaxation - the perfect remedy after a hard workout. Olivia, a seasoned therapist, easily locates my tight spots, fusing long, fluid motions and pressure to release the tension. To boost detoxification, I'm then wrapped in a heavenly cocoon of warm blankets and Mylar. I drift off as she massages my feet, hands, and scalp - my body completely melts, as promised.

My last day at Bacara holds even more rejuvenation. Following a morning tennis lesson on the resort's clay court, a deep tissue massage with Alex loosens up my joints and alleviates muscle soreness from the day before. Considering my intense fitness agenda, I'm surprised at how spunky I feel. This can partly be attributed to ending each day with a spa treatment, Hallum explains. "Having regular bodywork helps you release lactic acid and calms your mind and body," he says. "Because you allow your body to recover this way, you can get up the next day and do it all over again - even harder than the day before. Plus, you sleep better."

My final treatment, an Environmental Defense Facial, is designed to revive my skin from the toll the elements take - a great choice considering all the time I spend outdoors. Using Naturopathica products, the facial boosts the skin with powerful enzymes. The beta-carotene exfoliating masque is infused with black cherry, which mimics glycolic acid to gently break down dead skin cells. A nourishing vitamin-C cream neutralizes free radicals to improve the skin's own protective barrier. Soothing massage of the neck, hands, and feet is also an integral part of this therapy, and as I blissfully doze off, I recall Marilyn, my therapist, reassuring me that I'm doing a pretty good job defending my skin despite my active lifestyle. Still, she suggests I find a new, low-chemical sunscreen that's water- and sweat-proof. 

A few hours later, I'm packed up and ready to go. Hallum, Barnes, and Bitterman meet me in the lobby to say goodbye, each holding a parting gift so I can continue my spa journey once back at home. Bitterman also hands me a portfolio that details each part of my stay, along with fitness tools I can apply to my everyday routine.  

I leave rejuvenated and feeling inspired on many levels: to eat more organic food, do yoga and stretch more, and also create more spa time for myself, even if this simply means soaking in a warm, candlelit bath. Manifesting little things I do, my Bacara stay has helped and improve my life in a big way.

Address Book Bacara Resort & Spa, Santa Barbara, California, (877) 422-4245