Cielo Spa

Cielo Spa is a boutique day spa on State Street in Santa Barbara's Oak Park area, built around a short menu of facials, massages and body treatments rather than a sprawling resort-style spa list. Expect a personalized approach to skin care, with about seven treatments to choose from.

The spa works entirely by appointment and is open daily from 10am to 7pm, so walk-ins aren't part of the model. It suits solo visitors looking for a quiet hour, couples booking a treatment together, or small groups: the space can also be booked exclusively for private spa parties, from bridal showers and bachelorette gatherings to simple girls'-day get-togethers.

Pricing sits in the moderate range for the area, and gift certificates are available for massages, facials or other body treatments if you're booking for someone else. Cielo Spa has picked up a handful of local recognitions over the years, including Santa Barbara readers' polls naming it a top day spa and a top spot for facials.

If you're deciding whether to book, the short answer is: this is a straightforward, appointment-only boutique spa for a facial, massage or body treatment, with the option to take over the whole space for a private event if you're coming with a group.