Refuge Spa Carmel: Our Must-Visit Outdoor Spa
Places We’d Love to Visit: the spots on our own wish list. We haven’t been yet, and we’ll tell you when we do.
Places We’d Love to Visit is a new series where we share spots that are on our own travel wish list. We haven’t been to these places yet, but we’re planning to go.
Every so often a short video stops us mid-scroll. This one came from Californian Views on Facebook, with the line “Every Californian should visit this outdoor spa at least once in their life.” The spot is Refuge, an outdoor relaxation spa in Carmel, and now it’s at the top of our list for the next time we drive up the Central Coast.
What Is Refuge Spa in Carmel?
Refuge calls itself America’s first co-ed outdoor relaxation spa. It sits at 27300 Rancho San Carlos Road in Carmel, CA 93923, in the Carmel Valley area. The reel shows hot tubs, cold plunges and rock formations, with cypress trees giving it privacy. Refuge says its goal is “affordable relaxation” built around what it calls the Refuge Thermal Cycle. It also has massages and facials.
The Hot and Cold Thermal Cycle
This is the part we’re most curious about. You warm up in the sauna or steam rooms, cool off in the cold pools, and then rest. Refuge says one Thermal Cycle takes 15 to 30 minutes, and most guests do two or three cycles. They suggest planning on two to three hours there.
Admission covers the whole outdoor facility, which includes the sauna, steam rooms, hot and warm pools, Nordic cool and cold pools, and outdoor fire pits with Adirondack chairs. A day-use robe and bottled water are included too.
No Phones, No Talking
Refuge is a silent facility, and the staff quietly enforce that rule. Cell phones and other electronics aren’t allowed. Honestly, that might be the best part for us. Real estate keeps our phones buzzing all day, so a few hours of quiet sounds like a gift.
Refuge Spa Pricing and Hours
Refuge posts its admission prices on its Pricing & Services page. When we checked, it listed:
- Weekday admission (Mon to Thu): $67
- Weekend admission (Fri to Sun): $75
- Golden Hour admission: $57, Monday through Thursday after 5 PM
- Massage packages start at $235 for 50 minutes, and that price includes admission and gratuity
Hours are 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Friday through Sunday. Last entry is at 8:30 PM. Holiday hours vary, so check the site before you go. Prices can change, so confirm them on Refuge’s site before you book.
How to Make a Reservation
Admission is by reservation only. You can book through Refuge’s online reservation system or email [email protected]. If spots are open, same-day reservations are available online. A few things to know before you go:
- Guests must be 18 or older.
- Swimsuits are required, and sandals are recommended.
- Apart from water, no food or drinks are allowed inside.
- There are no in-and-out privileges once you check in.
- Refuge is open rain or shine.
Phone: 831-620-7360. Official site: refuge.com.
Add It to a Monterey, Carmel or Big Sur Trip
The reel suggests Refuge as an add-on to a Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea or Big Sur trip, and we agree. Our plan is to drive the coast and spend an afternoon doing the hot and cold cycle. Then we’ll stay through the evening by the fire pits. If you’ve been to Refuge, we’d love to hear what you thought.
Inspiration and video credit: Californian Views on Facebook.
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Andy & Rebekah, Entity Realty, entityrealty.com