Sandalwood Spa

Sandalwood Spa sits inside the Monarch Club in Nipomo, a short drive from Santa Barbara, and works on a service-based model rather than a standalone day pass. Book a massage or facial and the price includes use of the spa's water and heat features for the day.

The centerpiece is a semi-private garden hot tub tucked down a short path under vines, fed by its own water feature and reserved for clients during their appointment time — bring a bathing suit if you plan to use it. Indoors, a glass floor over a running water channel connects two Serenity Lounges to the treatment rooms, and a eucalyptus steam room offers the infused-oil version of a standard sauna.

The Serenity Lounges sit just outside the men's and women's locker rooms, meant as a spot to wait before a service or linger after one with a glass of champagne. Facilities read as amenities tied to a booked treatment rather than a bathing-culture circuit you can wander on your own.

The spa is open daily from 8am to 7pm. It falls in the moderate price tier, and the listing notes both walk-ins welcome and reservation required, so calling ahead to confirm availability is the safer bet.