watercourse way

Tucked away in the southern part of downtown Palo Alto lies Watercourse Way, in its 31st year of business.

Best known for its hot tub rooms, the spa is defined by beauty.

Eastern Decor and Sacred Art

The well-traveled owners have infused every detail of the spa with mostly Eastern decor and sacred art.

Each of the nine uniquely designed spa rooms — with names drawing from nature such as “Six Dragonflies” – display meticulous tile work in various shapes, textures, and colors.

Miniature Sanctuaries

The play of light in these rooms, some using natural light from above, creates miniature sanctuaries that tantalize the senses and quickly transport one to a blissful state.

The rooms offer a mix of cold plunges, showers, steam rooms, and saunas to enhance the hot tub experience.

Beauty and Mood

The owners seem to have a firm grasp on the use of beauty and mood to alter one’s experience, all while using water as the backdrop.

Spa Treatments

A one- or two-hour retreat in one of these rejuvenating hot tub rooms could be plenty, yet Watercourse Way offers a wide range of massages and spa treatments.

I experienced their 30-minute Jurlique Aromatherapy facial in one of the rooms upstairs from the tubs.

Japanese Quarters

The upstairs area feels like Japanese quarters, where each detail of the architecture continues to nurture and impress.

Treatment Rooms

The waiting areas do not offer privacy, but once in a treatment room, the Zen-like surroundings quickly transport one to an inner retreat.

My facial took me on a pleasant aromatic journey soothed by a peaceful backdrop of musical tones, and my practitioner was superb.

Aromatic Journey

From tropical banana scents to gentle sweet roses, each step of the facial inspired a soulful connection to nature.

Notable Treatments

Other notable treatments at Watercourse Way include hot stone massage; a collection of Ayurvedic treatments, organic and European facials; and a selection of skin treatments.

Pregnancy Massage

As I’m in my fifth month of pregnancy, I tried out their pregnancy massage, which consisted of oil being softly rubbed all over the body.

Celestial Space

The ambiance of the natural light brightening the celestial space with a large wooden mandala on the wall grounded my tired body and mind. Just a visit to the room alone offered some much-needed prenatal down time.

Scheduling Tips

The key to creating an enjoyable experience here lies mainly in scheduling.

Since Watercourse Way is a thriving spa, make your reservations far in advance. Mid-week is easier to get in than the weekends.

The spa opens at 8:00 am, seven days a week, and during the day, hot tubs, steam, and saunas are available at reduced rates.

The Gift Shop

Deserving of equal mention is the spa’s gift shop, which serves not just as a place to purchase items, but doubles as the waiting area before and after your spa experience.

The shop offers an array of uncommon products packaged in gorgeous displays and offering exotic aromas to help you take a slice of your spa experience home with you.

Convenient Location

The spa’s location makes it easy for Peninsula dwellers and workers to visit frequently, sampling different treatments, therapists, and hot tub rooms.

It’s a convenient, affordable, and rejuvenating oasis to keep on your list of local treats.

Address: 165 Channing Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States

TeL: +1 650-462-2000

Open:

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