It’s All Happening | Marc and Darlynne Menkin
Now that baseball season is finally here, downtown will be one happening scene.
Before you make your way into Petco Park, though, do yourself a favor. Instead of arriving right before first pitch and rushing straight into the ballpark, make it a day of adventure.
Our suggestion? Arrive early and start with a relaxing massage. From high-end, luxury spas to simple Japanese massage parlors, the area is filled with all sorts of possibilities, and with Spa Week April 16 – 22, now’s the perfect time. Here’s a look at two hot spots.
If you haven’t been to Sè Spa at the Hotel Palomar, you’ll soon discover it’s a unique experience. It all starts the moment you step into their relaxation room, the Silk Lounge. This is an intimate room filled with comfortable chairs, relaxing music and an assortment of soothing flavored teas, all designed to help you forget your troubles and get in the spa zone. The couple’s massage is a wonderful, one-of-kind experience that takes place in Studio Sutra, a private couple’s spa suite that features a soaking tub, double steam shower and daybed. “With our couple’s suite, we are able to get creative with what we can offer,” said Courtney Leyva, Sè Spa manager. “The [couple’s] spa can offer any of our services side by side, which is great because guests are able to customize their time. It really is a unique experience that allows couples to enjoy the journey together,” Leyva said.
Some of Sè Spa’s treatments include reflexology, Sè Stone massage and a medley massage, a customized massage using Swedish and therapeutic techniques. Other offerings include a green tea and crushed rice body scrub and a 90-minute premiere age-defying facial. They also offer treatments specifically for men, such as a 60-minute rezone facial and the Sè Sake peel. Prices vary and treatments run anywhere from $90 to $200. Sè Spa is located at 1047 Fifth Ave. For more information call 619-515-3070 or visit hotelpalomar-sandiego.com
Green Bamboo Massage & Foot Spa is another great find, perfect for people who enjoy a good massage and are budget conscience, too. Located just north of Petco Park, this is a simple, no-frills place that provides affordable, traditional Japanese Shiatsu massage and foot reflexology. There are several small private rooms for guests wanting a full body massage and guests who prefer foot reflexology are placed in a large, non-private room that has rows of comfy, leather chairs.
Although Green Bamboo may not have all the luxuries as some of the higher-priced spas, it is clean and the massage therapists do a good job. Another plus? There’s typically not a long wait, so walk-in guests can usually get an appointment in a reasonable time. It’s also a great fit for people who don’t have a lot of time but desperately need to be rejuvenated. A 30-minute foot reflexology session costs $20 while body massages run between $15 and $69. Green Bamboo Massage & Foot Spa is located at 629 Eighth Ave. Call them at 619-564-8960 or visit greenbamboomassage.com
We want to hear from you: Whiskey Girl has a cool, new location at 702 Fifth Ave. The popular bar has made a few changes, including the addition of a unique video song booth, which allows guests to record their own music videos. Get into the video booth and record the song “Where the Lion Sleeps Tonight.” Change some of the words and add the phrase “It’s all happening in the Downtown News.” The most creative music video will win two tickets to our Amazing Race Scavenger Hunt and two tickets to our Coronado Biking Adventure. Videos must be sent by May 6 to [email protected]
—Marc and Darlynne Menkin are the co-owners of Where You Want To Be Tours. Many of their tours and teambuilding scavenger hunts feature secret Downtown areas. Visit them at wheretours.com.
