SANTA BArBArA’S seCRet GaRden

By BonnIe cARRoLL

Rushing to dinner at the Wine cask or to an opening at the lobero it is easy to zip by Float Luxury Spa, one of Santa Barbara’s great bliss zones, without knowing it’s there. located at 18 east canon Perdido, the popular venue offers a milieu of healthful and relaxing treatments and services that live up to the literal meaning of its name. following treatments at this peaceful and beautifully designed sanctuary it is likely you will begin feeling as detached as a leaf drifting in the calm current of a peaceful lake.

The first thing that strikes visitors when entering float is the quiet atmosphere, the second is the strikingly beautiful design of the facility, and third the cleanliness throughout. Natalie rowe and her partner Stephanie Phelan have left no stone unturned to create their vision of spa bliss at float. The three story building has an extremely deceptive exterior, and actually is quite spacious within, offering separate dressing rooms with showers for men and women, as well as a bevy of unique treatment rooms and a comfortably chic waiting area, where healthy tea and snacks are served. The interiors showcase clean graceful lines and are done in beige, white and blue. everything at float is easy on the eyes and restful to the spirit.

There is a private garden with a pond available for special wedding parties and groups visiting the spa that is simply the most beautiful ‘secret garden’ venue for a group spa day experience, and float will arrange for catered lunches if a guest requests it.

The treatments here were designed to provide visitors with a de-stress experience, an opportunity to find balance, feel light and just float. Their menu features a variety of facial and massage treatments, as well as special ritual packages that combine facial and body treatments. couples can enjoy a massage together in rooms designed with side-by-side tables, and during my visit I saw two couples relaxing in the lounge looking fairly blissed out.

The Pacific Paradise, a delightful Papaya Pineapple exfoliating body scrub followed with a mist of passion fruit and coconut emulsion was my pleasure of the day. The sensational ending for the ritual is a full body massage with warm coconut & Kukui Nut oil, given at the clients desired pressure level. Simply outstanding! float also offers a champagne treatment that seems rather intriguing, and visitors are encouraged to ask about it.

Their facial menu has you covered with everything from pigment balancing to gel peels and the ultimate in nurturing treatments for women and men of all ages. The collagen Boost facial is done with rich vitamin serums and left my skin ‘glowing’ according to friends who saw me later. The therapist was a skilled skin specialist who knew how to thoroughly hydrate my skin, leaving it soft and vibrant.

The items available in the float shop include the best in fine skin care products, including a new skin care line for men called jack Black. epicuren, Skinceuticals and Dr. Dennis Gross are just a few of the quality products for women available for home use or as gifts. float also offers gift certificates that can be purchased online. clearly, a day of floating is a gift worth giving to yourself or anyone you care about. for menu and pricing information visit www.floatluxuryspa.com FLOAT

18 East Canon Perdido, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 845-7777.