This jewel of a spa is tucked away on the border of San Marino and the toniest part of Pasadena.

A day-spa experience should let you forget everything, which means the employees should remember everything. The Ritz-Carlton spa delivers on both counts. When we recently booked back-to-back appointments, even sitting in the waiting room—with its comfy couches, low lights, herbal teas (iced and hot) and good smells—jump-started the relaxation process. Services run the gamut, from hot stones to hot parafin, but a few standouts include the Walk in the Clouds pedicure, which puts all chop shops to shame, and the signature facials with MD Skin Care, Skin Ceuticals and Prada Beauty products. And there's no shame in indulging with a champagne facial and caviar deep hair conditioning treatment: You are at the Ritz, dahling.—Lesley Balla