EXCURSIONS
Mother’s Day Adventures Ideas for everyone in the family to enjoy a safe holiday away from crowds by Laura Saari
T
he traditional Mother’s Day brunch is likely to be packed this year, considering limits on capacity, the normal demand for brunch, and diners eager to get back to eating out. Here are some alternative ideas—from experts and my own decades of Orange County exploration—to get mom out of the house safely for your Mother’s Day celebration.
THE MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
54 O RA NGE CO AST • May 2021
SPAS Outdoor treatment areas are hard to find in Orange County. Here are two that are definitely worth a visit. Sycamore Spa by Hudson, Laguna Beach Tucked in a pretty canyon on the grounds of The Ranch Laguna Beach, this is just what a local spa should be: a getaway when you are unable to get away. There are three outdoor treatment tables for massages. The tented massage area is next to a dry infrared sauna and a eucalyptus shower. “A Mother’s Day Bliss” package includes a glass of Champagne, a 60-minute massage in the outdoor tent, a custom facial indoors, and access to the heated saltwater pool for $295. 949715-1393, spabyhudson.com Montanya Spa, Santa Ana This treasured urban spa is a secret find. A neighbor to the Bowers Museum, the Asian-inspired space lowers the blood pressure immediately. An outdoor massage in the garden will set you back $84 to get an annual membership, as those tables are reserved for members only. Do check out the other benefits for members. Mother’s Day specials (which are not part of the membership) include the Bliss, which for $350 features a facial and hand paraffin, a massage and foot reflexology, sea salt body glow, and cranial massage with scalp treatment. There’s also the Mother’s Love, which for $135 includes a 55-minute massage and 20-minute sugar foot scrub, as well as a more elaborate Mother and Daughter Spa retreat for two at $500. 714-918-8888, montanya-spa.com photographs by E M I LY J . D AV I S
