Happy Haven: Mandara Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Michele Himmelberg

by , Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort

We all know Disneyland Resort is the Happiest Place on Earth. But did you know that many people call the Mandara Spa the happiest spot inside the Happiest Place on Earth?

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After a long day walking the parks and riding attractions, you might also want to check out Mandara Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. Like most of the magic at Disneyland Resort, it’s the little things at Mandara Spa that make all the difference. The greeters at the front desk are all smiles, and they’re happy to answer questions. The aromatherapy is soft and pleasant, adding to the relaxing atmosphere. Therapists utilize Balinese practices, massaging the left side of the body and then moving to the right to achieve optimal results.

Be sure to ask an attendant which treatment might be best for your sore spots. Attalia Alverdes, the new manager at Mandara, said the hot stone massage is very popular. The smoothly rounded stones are heated to just the right temperature to make knotted-up muscles give a big sigh of relief.

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Facials also are very popular at Mandara and it offers a wonderful selection. To test it out, I chose the “Visibly Brilliant Facial.” The therapist suggested this one after we had chatted about how I wanted to feel when I went home: relaxed and hydrated. I also recommend the scalp treatment and the seaweed wrap massage. Next time, I want to try the “Thai Poultice Massage.”

One surprise was also one of my favorite things: The therapists are trained to wash a guest’s feet at the beginning of each treatment. It’s not just to soothe feet that may have taken 10,000 steps that day; it’s the theory that clean feet are necessary for the body to fully relax.

I thanked the staff profusely for their service, but I never got to give them the best compliment possible: When I got home that evening, I still felt like I was floating on a cloud and I enjoyed one of the most restful night’s sleep in a long while.

If you go: Mandara Spa is open seven days a week and you can make reservations by phone, 714-300-7350, or online at www.mandaraspa.com.

Destinations: Happy Haven: Mandara Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Comments

  • Hi Michele ~
    We’re annual passholders, yet haven’t stayed at the Disney Hotels yet ~ Is the spa open to only Disney hotel guests or is it open for any Disney visitor to book an appointment? Sounds like a fabulous treat after a full day at the Parks!
    Thanks! Luv Donna Lee

    • Hi Donna Lee. You don’t have to be a hotel guest to make a reservation at Mandara Spa. I’m sure they’d be delighted to see you there!

  • Thanks Michele! Great to hear too! Will add this to the Disneyland to-do list ~ right up there with California Screamin’!
    We’re planning at least a month for this year ~
    3 weeks last November, not enough,
    2 weeks the November before that ~ seriously not long enough!

    *just found your reply now ~ much appreciated!

    See you at the Parks!

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