*Guest blog post by Spa at La Costa's own Sara King
The Spa at La Costa is a place that allows you to escape the “real world” and unwind. Etiquette plays an important part in creating a relaxing spa environment. Discover a few etiquette techniques to help make your experience the most enjoyable.
Timing
Arriving on time is the best way to start a spa day. Since you are coming to relax, the last thing you want is to be rushed into your massage. Allowing yourself extra time to arrive to the spa for the check-in procedures, touring the facilities and changing into your robe, will help get you in that tranquil mindset.
When booking your appointment, keep in mind that weekends and holidays are popular times for spa days. Booking in advance gives you more options for available treatments and times. If you need to change or cancel any appointments, please notify the spa at least 24 hours in advance.
Manners
Most of us have become used to having our phones by our side regularly each day. In the care of creating a relaxing environment for you and our guests, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone while you are inside the spa. Also, to maintain a calm and peaceful environment, please keep your voice volume to a minimum while socializing with others.
There are designated areas outside of the spa for cell phone usage and smoking.
Gratuity
Providing gratuity is at your own discretion since it is not included in the cost of the treatments. It is not a requirement, but greatly appreciated. Customary gratuity is about 15-20% of the original price. This may be placed on your credit card at the time you check out of the spa.
We hope this was helpful for your future spa experience and thank you in advance for following these etiquette guidelines. Is there anything else you'd add to this list? Share in the comments below.
Yesterday kicked off the beginning of Sustainable Seafood Week here in San Diego, where we celebrate the practice of "harvesting and/or producing seafood in a manner that minimizes bycath and impacts on surrounding ecosystems, while maintaining or creating economic viability for those who depend on the industry." Here at BlueFire, this is a cause close to our hearts - and one that we practice not only in the seafood we serve, but in all ingredients we incorporate into the delicious and healthy meals we serve at our three dining outlets.
In addition to our on-property composting efforts, where we've successfully input approximately 40 pounds of homemade compost a day into our very own herb garden (keeping 180,000 pounds of food by-products out of landfills a year), we use herbs we grow on property in our dishes, and partner with all local farmers to ensure freshness in our dishes, business for our neighbors, and offer the highest quality food to our BlueFire dining guests.
We stopped into BlueFire Grill to meet briefly with Chef Greg Frey Jr. to see what types of ingredients we can expect to taste in our dishes in the upcoming months. Among those include "the poor man's truffle," the Morel Mushroom, red carrots and fava beans. See below for our quick video with Chef where he tells us what dishes these ingredients work best in.
What's your favorite Spring/Summer fruit or vegetable? Write us in the comments and we'll tap chef to provide a recipe using some of your favorite ingredients.
In the past month or so, La Costa has welcomed some big names in sports recently hosting the LPGA Kia Classic where golf greats, Belen Mozo, Ryann O'Toole and LPGA champion, Yani Tseng were among the many to grace our courses, and just a few days ago, we welcomed Saint's QB, Drew Brees as he answered questions regarding the annual Drew Brees Celebrity Golf Championship.
We're very excited to continue this trend of welcoming big names in sports and tomorrow, April 14, Tennis legend and La Costa member, Rod Laver will be joining us from 1-3 p.m. for a complimentary tennis clinic where members will get some court time action with Mr. Laver, photos and autographs. (Note: this clinic offered only to La Costa members.)
For more details on La Costa Tennis activities for the month of April, check out the below video. Tennis Pro, Brandon Sieh gives some great insight into your serve.
Today kicked off the very exciting start to the festivities around the 2012 Drew Brees Celebrity Golf Championship taking place at La Costa Resort from May 17-20. We were honored to welcome Drew Brees and his beautiful wife and cofounder of the Brees Dream Foundation, Brittany, along with Hank Bauer as our press conference moderator, David Miller from Integrated Sports Marketing and some of the wonderful individuals from the charities that are benefitting from this incredible tournament.
We were lucky enough to attend the press conference and have shared some highlights in the below video.
We are so honored to be a part of this event. Thank you so much to the Brees Dream Foundation, all the wonderful San Diego charities and celebrites that help make this happen. We're honored to be a part of the 2012 Drew Brees Celebrity Golf Championship! See you all again May 17!
To purchase tickets to the Championship, visit celebritychampionship.com. To book a tee time and play where the celebrities play, visit lacosta.com.
We've shared quite a few posts about our spa services here at La Costa but haven't yet touched on the extensive beauty skills our team has at The Salon at La Costa. Located inside the Spa at La Costa, our staff of talented stylists offer visitors everything from a daring, new and versatile look, to a simple trim, up-do or consultation, nail care and makeup.
To best showcase our offerings, we enlisted the help of senior stylist, Steven McLaughlin who worked his magic on model, Dana Ward. Having styled hundreds of men and women, Steven's been at La Costa since January 2010.
What's the inspiration for this style?
Steven: Mermaid - Dana came straight from the beach - she literally still had sand in her hair.
Where is the best place to flaunt this beautiful style?
Steven: When creating this, I had an evening engagement party in mind - I pictured the party to be held at an outdoor venue at the beach.
What attire would complement this style (or vice versa)?
Steven: I was picturing a blueish-silver metallic dress with a square neckline featuring thin spaghetti straps. Jewelry would have to be subtle to play up the hair. I'd recommend diamond studs and if the client wanted to dress it up with a necklace, a thin-chained, medium-length necklace would be perfect.
Does this style work with every hair type?
Steven: It works with most hair types - given that the length is there for longer, draping curls. Dana has blond highlights which gives the look more texture and her hair (which she has a lot of) is almost to her waist.
What's the preparation for a style like this?
Steven: When styling hair, I find it easiest to work with what I call "second-day hair." There's more traction when you allow for the natural oils in your hair to come out, plus it stays put easier.. Dana had come from the beach and the sand actually helped keep the style in place.
What products are used for this up-do?
Steven: We use Eufora hair products here at La Costa and for this style I used spray wax, a little bit of hair spray and polished it off with Illuminate Shine Mist to give the style an overall shimmer (just like a mermaid). For the draping curls, I used a 1 1/4 inch curling iron and to keep it all in place, I used my trusty pins.
How easy is this style to recreate?
With the proper products, hair type and enough pins, it really is very easy to recreate. The total time it took me to create this was 45 minutes - but remember Dana has a lot of hair. As long as it's done in sections, it's quite easy.
What advice would you give for clients that come to see you specifically?
Great question. My biggest tip: Try to be you, not someone else. When clients make appointments or come in for a style, I always prefer to know where they're going for the evening and what their dress looks like - rather than to have an image of a celebrity they'd like to look like . I find both of us are always more pleased with the end result when the inspiration comes from those two elements.
Steven is fantastic with all hair types, colors and styles. To book an appointment with him, call the salon at: 760.438.0551 and continue to check back here for more style tips, tricks and pics!
This week is an exciting one for us here at La Costa - our beautiful (and legendary) South Course is home to the 2012 LPGA KIA Classic. Walking the property, you'll notice a frenzy of activity, lots of beautiful, brand new Kias (anyone looking for a new car?), and most importantly a roster of talented pro athletes working their way around the course.
We were honored (okay, we were really giddy) to host a couple specialized exclusive events where our members were invited to sip, dine and mingle with the pros. On Monday, we met SoCal's own Ryann O'Toole as she signed autographs, took pictures and spent the evening getting to know our members.
On Tuesday afternoon, Belen Mozo joined our members for an exclusive training session on how to improve your putting skills. Below is a video of Belen expressing how important it is to remain patient when putting and how playing "Around the World" is a great exercise to improve your putt. What was her most important tip to improving your putting skills - get a putter that fits! "Most of the time you get caught up in the stroke... But to me it's really important to have the club fitted. People don't realize how important it is to have a putter made for yourself." There you go, folks! Get your clubs fitted, learn some patience and get out on the green.
We'd like to thank Ryann O'Toole, Belen Mozo and all the players that have been so gracious to our members, guests, visitors and employees during their stay here at La Costa. Good luck to all the LPGA players! We'll be tuning in to see who takes home the 2012 LPGA Kia Classic title. Keep checking back here for more video tips from Ms. Belen Mozo.
Walking around La Costa lately, I'm constantly reminded that bathing suit season is upon us. The sun feels stronger, the hammocks in the courtyard seem to be calling my name a little bit louder and the biggest reminder of summer - Edge Adult Pool.
Complete with three infinity Jacuzzis overlooking our golf courses, plush cabanas (with flat screen TVs that rival my own at home), firepits and lounge chairs in bright greens and blues, it's time to face the facts. I need to cut back on the sweets, which is no easy feat when I work with a pastry magician (I mean chef). But thankfully, Chef Jaimie is always looking out for the best interests (and apparently waistlines) of La Costa guests, members, visitors and employees.
Where there's an option to overindulge, Chef Jaimie always has a healthier option, where you can still get your fix without becoming fixated on your calorie intake. We asked her to share a dessert recipe for those of us dreading the inevitable bathing suit season. So, my fellow sweet-lovers, here you go, Chef Jaimie Hileman's Citrus Scented Angel Food Cake.
Citrus Scented Angel Food Cake
Makes 1 Bundt Cake, 8 servings
1 cup Cake Flour
½ cup Sugar
1 tsp Orange Zest
7 Egg Whites
2 Tbsp Water
1-½ tsp Cream of Tartar
1 tsp Vanilla Paste
½ tsp Salt
½ tsp Lemon Extract
1 cup Sugar
Sift cake flour and first amount of sugar 3 times. Add zest making sure it doesn’t clump. On medium speed, whisk whites, water, cream of tartar, vanilla, salt and lemon extract, adding sugar gradually. Whisk until whites are full and firm, but not dry. Transfer whites to large bowl. Fold flour mixture into whites in 4 stages being extremely gentile. Bake at 325 degrees in ungreased bundt pan until top is golden, and all visible batter looks dry, approx. 30 – 35 minutes. Remove from oven and invert pan until completely cool.
And there you have it. The perfect go-to summer dessert from your friends at La Costa. Enjoy! And don't forget to share pictures of how it comes out with us on Facebook, along with comments on how delicious it tastes in the comments below. Happy bathing suit season!
Irish or not, there's no denying the excitement that comes with America's favorite libation holiday. And falling on a Saturday this year, St. Patrick's Day is guaranteed to deliver, come rain or sun. For us residents of La Costa, there are some local pubs celebrating a day early, like Encinitas Ale House celebrating from March 16-18 with specials on Irish beer and food.Other St. Patty's Day hot spots in the area include Mr. Peabody's, Yogi's Beach Bar and Bar Leucadian.
For the more die-hard Irish partiers, you can always head south to Balboa Park right next to downtown San Diego and enjoy Irish traditions put on by none other than the Irish Congress of Southern California. Events include a parade themed “Celebrating the Spirit of Ancient Ireland," featuring bagpipes, dancing groups, celtic music, marching bands and plenty of well-decorated floats. Festivities kick off with a Flag Raising Ceremony at 9:45 a.m.in Balboa Park.
It wouldn't be a complete list of San Diego St. Patrick's Day activities if we didn't include how La Costa will be celebrating - and we will the best way we know how - with food and drink specials. The weather doesn't look like it'll be cooperating with us this weekend, so if you're closeby and need to get out of the house, stop into Diversions Sport Lounge for specials including Black Velvets, Irish Carbombs and Corned Beef Ruben Sliders. See below for our full list of specials. Take a stroll out onto the Plaza Shops for Coronitas and Popcorn from 2-5 p.m. and shop our GIGIchic and Marcia Moran Trunk Shows.
St. Patrick's Day Specials at Diversions Sport Lounge at La Costa
Diversions Black & Tan
Guinness and La Costa Lager
Black Velvet
Guinness and Champagne
Irish Carbomb
Guinness, Jameson, Bailey's
Whiskey Brined Free Range Chicken Wings
Mustard Pretzel Crumbs, Cider Roast Shallot Creme
Corned Beef Ruben Sliders
Saurkraut Marmalade, Kerrygold Cheddar, Local Arugula, Chive Aioli
No Matter what you do to celebrate St. Patty's, don't forget to don your green, drink responsibly and have fun!
February was an exciting month here on the La Costa tennis courts, with two weeks dedicated to the ITF Senior Championship where players from all over the world were matched up for some quality competition. La Costa Resort and Spa is proud to offer our congrats to one of our very own members, Cammy MacGregor who won the Women's 35 Division! Way to represent La Costa, Cammy!
As we move closer to spring, March has a lot to offer for our tennis members and we've enlisted the help of La Costa's Head Tennis Pro, Brandon Sieh to give the monthly breakdown of events.
Be sure to mark your calendar for the following tennis events:
- March 10 - BNP Paribas Indian Wells Road Trip
- March 20, 5:30 p.m. - Men's Night Out
- March 31 - 6:30 p.m. - Annual Tennis Ball Party
For any questions on tennis activities and events, stop into the Tennis Pro Shop or leave your question in the comments and we'll get a response back to you ASAP.
Valentine's Day may be over, but that doesn't mean the pampering should end - especially when there's chocolate, champagne and strawberries. involved! From now through Wednesday, February 29, we're offering discounted prices on our Valentine's Day Specials. See below for details and book before these treatments are gone!
To book one of these specialized treatments, call: 800.729.4772
Champagne Mimosa Massage
Inspire, Indulge or Invigorate with a champagne infused oil full body massage. Helps reduce muscle tension and increase circulation. Champagne grapes contain antioxidants, fight free radicals, provide the appearance of youthful skin and detoxify and hydrate the skin. Combined with a blend of Apricot, Jojoba and Pomegranate Oil, this massage is nutrient-rich, soothing and very moisturizing. Treatment concludes with a complimentary Spa Signature Champagne Bellini.
50 minutes $165 Now $140
80 minutes $230 Now $195
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Facial
Indulge in Chocolate Covered Strawberries – for your skin!! This luxurious facial incorporates berry cleansers, delicious Chocolate and Raspberry Hydrating Masques and Strawberry Serum to reawaken dry, thirsty skin – delivering a refreshing boost of firming hydration. Cocoa/Chocolate is very high in antioxidants, is moisturizing and is a skin smoother – very comforting and nourishing. The scents are incredible throughout the treatment and leave a subtle hint of scent upon leaving the spa.
50 minutes $155 Now $130
Divine Chocolate and Champagne Body Treatment
This divine treatment begins with a Mimosa Champagne Sugar Scrub, followed by a hydrating Chocolate Truffle Body Wrap and concludes with a Champagne infused oil full body massage. The experience would not be complete without enjoying a complimentary signature Spa Bellini!
80 minutes $230 Now $195
Sweet Red Rose Manicure and Pedicure
Indulge in this decadent manicure and pedicure with Sweet Red Roses and Chocolate Truffles. Compliment this treatment with a chilled glass of bubbly!
Manicure 45 minutes $50.00
Now $45 Pedicure 60 minutes $65.00
Now $60