60 South Bay Accent
FROM TOP: COURTESY OF HYATT REGENCY MONTEREY HOTEL AND SPA; HAMISH JOHN APPLEBY
BATHE IN BLISS
HOT SPRINGS
The therapeutic benefits of geothermal springs derive
from minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and
sodium that are like nourishing food for your skin.
Their heat penetrates and relieves knots in muscles
as temperatures spill over 100 degrees. Take the
plunge at Tassajara Hot Springs in Carmel Valley,
within a serene Japanese setting. A Zen monastery,
the facility is open to the public from May to September
for a day or overnight. (sfzc.org/tassajara)
Calistoga has a number of hot springs resorts to
explore, including Indian Springs, where the springs
are located on four thermal geysers that supply an
Olympic-size swimming pool with its mineral water
(temperatures reach 82 to 102 degrees). There is
also a poolside steam room, and the famous mud
baths—made from volcanic ash—are a popular feature.
(indianspringscalistoga.com)
Sykes Hot Springs in Big Sur is a no-frills site located
in a lush, forested area that takes a 10-mile hike
to reach. Once you arrive, you’ll find beautiful, stonelined
natural tubs in which the 102-degree water will
ease all the aches and pains it took to get there.
Note: Many hot springs facilities are clothing
optional; check policies beforehand if this makes you
uncomfortable.
HOT PROPERTIES
HEAT-SEEKING
LOUNGES
The Hedley Club Lounge is a favorite
among locals in downtown San Jose. Located
at the Hotel De Anza, the lounge is open
seven days a week and features a warm
hearth that will entrance you as you sip one
of its famous cocktails, like the Diving Diva:
a mix of Tito’s vodka, Pur Spirits pear and
elderflower liqueurs, and sparkling wine.
(destinationhotels.com)
In Monterey, the Hyatt Regency’s
lobby lounge glows from light emanating
from its hearth. On Fridays and Saturdays,
musicians entertain by the fire, melting
away the blues associated with wintry days.
Check the schedule of events on the hotel
website (hyattregency.com/Monterey).
Farther north, a brick fireplace lures
customers to the dining room at Woodside’s
Mountain House Restaurant and Bar. The
drive to this sequestered gem, a cheery establishment
that has been serving seafood
and game to Bay Area clientele since 1988,
transports you up and away from the hustle
and bustle below. (themountainhouse.com)
HYATT REGENCY MONTEREY
TASSAJARA HOT SPRINGS