The Spa at Pebble Beach opened in 2000, more than 80 years after Pebble Beach Golf Links welcomed its first golfers; and although the 22,000-square-foot spa sits along the first and second fairways of the golf course, the spa is not for spectating … it’s for indulging. That point was made clear the moment I sauntered past inlaid fountains and entered through the glass doors. Before I could open my mouth, a discreet attendant welcomed me by name and gracefully ushered me to the dressing rooms.

In my experience, there are spas that excel at ambience and those that excel at specific services, but The Spa at Pebble Beach masters both and goes one step further by training its staff to anticipate the needs of its guests. As my attendant showed me around the locker room, she handed me a keepsake bag containing everything I forgot I would need during my time on site: a face lotion with SPF 30 for the pool, a razor with shaving cream for the shower, and a toothbrush with toothpaste for before my treatment.

© Scott Campbell

Without my prompting, she walked me through a recommended routine for a pre-treatment ritual. This included using the Roman whirlpool tub first, moving to the Moroccan-tiled steam sauna next, and then spending a few moments in the dry sauna before ending up in a zero-gravity chair in the inhalation room. She handed me my robe and slippers, explaining the robes intentionally have no pockets to encourage visitors to disconnect from their devices (but also to discourage lost valuables guests far too often forget in spa pockets).

I took her advice and immersed myself into the jetted bliss of the whirlpool room, only to find myself shoulder-deep in the warm water when the jets shut off. Before I could finish the thought of, “Where is the button to …” another attendant whooshed in to reset the jets and place a towel within my grasp for when I was ready to move on.

I finished my sauna journey and breathed in the woodsy scent of eucalyptus beneath the warm glow of a Himalayan salt wall in the inhalation room before making my way to the coed conservatory to meet my therapist.

© Kristy Alpert

Lisa was ready for me and, in pure Pebble Beach fashion, immediately made it her mission to make me feel comfortable. Her questions were meaningful and nonscripted as she asked about my goals for the treatment. I had booked the 75-minute Royal Treatment, which incorporates the use of a local honey plus ginger and royal jelly with a full-body massage, foot scrub and facial mask. Lisa raved about the honey-infused oil, noting the entire staff loves giving this treatment just because of the divine smell of the oil.