Hello, my name is Julia, and I am a spa junkie. [“Hello, Julia”].

I can’t help it. Actually, I didn’t even have my first pedicure or massage (other than for sports injuries) until I was almost thirty-four years old. Yet once I started, I was hooked. Now, with the hectic business travel schedule I keep, I can’t help but take advantage of spas in the hotels where I stay along the way. Fortunately, Spa Gaucin at the St. Regis Monarch Beach allows you to visit with them no matter where you stay in the area on your business travels.

Most spas at the hotels where I stay for business usually do not have the best spa facilities simply because there is not enough room. They tend not to be as big as a stand alone spa, for lack of a better word, like a Burke Williams, for example. Granted, I am a spa junkie. I have very high standards. However, what the Spa Gaucin doesn’t offer in space, it offers in ambiance, service, location, food, and everything else. It is a package deal.

My most recent visit to Spa Gaucin was an entire day of playing hooky. As difficult as it is to get away for an entire day on a business trip, I think this is the best way to enjoy this spa. I received my usual massage there, a deep tissue treatment to address my typing-related knots and my soreness from rushed workouts in unfamiliar gyms while traveling. After my massage I was offered a glass of wine or champagne, to which I responded, “oh, if I must!” I then spent about forty-five minutes in the lounge area with a fireplace roaring to catch up on my travel magazines. The atmosphere there is heavenly.

A great feature of the Spa Gaucin is that you are given full access to the St. Regis gym, pool, and spa facilities on the day of your treatment. There is a wonderful soaking Jacuzzi and your choice of steam and dry saunas to enjoy. Again, the facilities are small, but the serenity and quality of the space makes up for the lack of square footage.

Heading downstairs from the spa, you will come across the gym facility. Exactly the opposite of the spa, the gym has ample space for a state of the art workout facility. The machines are well kept and there is no shortage of cardiovascular equipment choices. There are also delicious snacks and juices which are complimentary.

Just through the glass doors of the gym you will find the outdoor pool to which spa guests have access. It is not the grand pool you see on the website with a view of the ocean, this one is actually better for a workout. It has lanes and is long enough to swim laps, although I am unsure of the exact length. It’s fantastic to go for a swim and then relax in the comfy pool side loungers. Poolside service is provided if you need more than the healthy snacks provided in the spa and gym. And remember, the St. Regis is located within walking distance to the beach down a beautiful trail with breathtaking views of the coastline. A nice walk around the property and to the ocean before checking in for your treatment might be just what the doctor ordered during a hectic business travel schedule.

Of course, with this level of quality and the name St. Regis, the Spa Gaucin will set you back a few hundred dollars for massages and other treatments, and even a pedicure is a bit pricey. In my opinion, it is well worth it. Times are tough, but for those of you that can contribute to this economy and support our travel industry, you will have a delightful time doing so.