Location: Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa, Corona, CA
Category: Day Spa
Price Range: General admission ($35), the Grotto ($25), Massages ($45-$145), Facials ($60-$145), Body Treatments ($55-$150)
Signature Treatments: Club Mud, a communal red clay mud bath; The Grotto, an underground treatment chamber featuring a green algae moisturizing body mask
Summary: What started as a swimming hole for locals in 1860 has evolved into Southern California’s largest outdoor day spa. Glen Ivy underwent major restoration in 2002 and it shows. The lush, tropical ambiance invites you to linger at the 19 spring-fed pools and spas. The lounge areas, men’s and women’s locker rooms, and newly created underground Grotto were all extremely tidy and fresh with nary a stray towel or empty cup in sight. It can get very crowded, especially in the pricey spa restaurant, Café Sole, in and around the pools and at Club Mud, a walled in courtyard where guests coat themselves with wet red clay indigenous to the area and bake in the sun before showering off alfresco. The red clay will stain fabric, so wear an old bathing suit.
The Grotto was the only communal spot on the grounds that didn’t feel overrun with guests. For an additional fee, groups of up to eight guests at a time descend via an elevator into a warren of steamy caves. Efficient but uninspired spa attendants slather guests with a green algae-based body mask that truly leaves your skin feeling silky to the touch and softly radiant. Facials, massages and other spa treatments are also available, but save your money. The red clay and Grotto algae body mask really bring out the best in skin, and the relaxed pace will send stress packing. If you don’t mind crowds and are on a budget, bring a friend for the day and have fun smearing on mud and soaking in the warm, natural thermal spring waters of Glen Ivy.
Category: Day Spa
Price Range: General admission ($35), the Grotto ($25), Massages ($45-$145), Facials ($60-$145), Body Treatments ($55-$150)
Signature Treatments: Club Mud, a communal red clay mud bath; The Grotto, an underground treatment chamber featuring a green algae moisturizing body mask
Summary: What started as a swimming hole for locals in 1860 has evolved into Southern California’s largest outdoor day spa. Glen Ivy underwent major restoration in 2002 and it shows. The lush, tropical ambiance invites you to linger at the 19 spring-fed pools and spas. The lounge areas, men’s and women’s locker rooms, and newly created underground Grotto were all extremely tidy and fresh with nary a stray towel or empty cup in sight. It can get very crowded, especially in the pricey spa restaurant, Café Sole, in and around the pools and at Club Mud, a walled in courtyard where guests coat themselves with wet red clay indigenous to the area and bake in the sun before showering off alfresco. The red clay will stain fabric, so wear an old bathing suit.
The Grotto was the only communal spot on the grounds that didn’t feel overrun with guests. For an additional fee, groups of up to eight guests at a time descend via an elevator into a warren of steamy caves. Efficient but uninspired spa attendants slather guests with a green algae-based body mask that truly leaves your skin feeling silky to the touch and softly radiant. Facials, massages and other spa treatments are also available, but save your money. The red clay and Grotto algae body mask really bring out the best in skin, and the relaxed pace will send stress packing. If you don’t mind crowds and are on a budget, bring a friend for the day and have fun smearing on mud and soaking in the warm, natural thermal spring waters of Glen Ivy.
Facility: 4 Services: 4 Staff: 3
Highs:
- Chilled lemon water and cups readily available throughout the spa
- Women’s lockers were plentiful and spacious
- Spa admission includes use of all the pools, mineral baths, saunas, steam rooms, Roman baths, Club Mud, towels and lockers
- Crowded common areas
- Long lines during peak times
- Staff acted rushed and uninterested in spa guests