El Capitan Canyon Introduces Spa Camping

New Spa Cabin and Treatments Provide Nurture in Nature

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - April 21, 2008 - El Capitan Canyon, nature lodging on the California Coast, introduces 'spa camping' with the opening of the spa cabin and tent. The Canyon's expanded spa menu features a range of services from couple's treatments to specialized trigger point therapy.  

True to the relaxed outdoor experience El Capitan Canyon is known for, the new spa areas are inviting, restful and set along a meandering seasonal stream under a canopy of oak and sycamore trees. Guests can now book their Canyon treatments in the cedar spa cabin, or for an alfresco experience, treatments are offered under a tent, weather permitting. The spa area is landscaped with a botanical garden of flowers and herbs that, once mature, will be harvested to make essential oils for guest treatments.

"The new spa cabin and tent are El Capitan Canyon's first dedicated space for treatments," said Alla McKeon, El Capitan Canyon spa manager. "We're happy to now offer an expanded range of therapies and an enhanced spa experience for our guests and more fully develop the Canyon's overall wellness focus. We will be adding new therapies and services later this year. "

Full-body massage treatments include the Canyon Classic, based on traditional Swedish massage techniques, the Hot Stone Massage, and the Barefoot Deeperwork, a treatment where therapists use their feet and body weight for deep tissue work. Massage prices range from $105 to $155 for 55 to 85 minutes. Therapists can also work together and offer couples treatments in the spa tent. Guests may also book treatments in their own cabin or tent for an additional $15.

The spa menu includes new focused, 30-minute treatments that can be added to any one of the Canyon's signature treatments. Trigger point therapy concentrates on knotted tension and circulation blockages, the herbal scalp massage uses lavender, rosemary and sage with jojoba oil to stimulate the scalp, and the foot massage and sea salt scrub rejuvenates and energizes tired feet. Each of these treatments is an additional $50.

The spa cabin and tent are low-impact and compliment the Canyon's natural setting. Indoor and outdoor bathrooms with showers accommodate those using the spa. Guests are offered refreshments of mineral and spa waters. The botanical garden features aroma-therapeutic plants, such as jasmine, honeysuckle and roses as well as several varieties of sage, rosemary and lavender. Soft background music and the sound of the creek add to the experience, inviting total relaxation in the Canyon's own version of "spa camping."

Guests will be treated to a range of aromatherapy scents that promote wellness and bring balance, including lavender for relaxation and rosemary and sage for invigoration. McKeon and her staff will feature in their treatments a selection of organic essential oils from the well-known Young Living product line. Supporting the local Santa Barbara artisan community, McKeon has also selected a variety of handcrafted scents and oils from nearby producers.

Accommodations at the Canyon include cedar cabins and safari tents, which provide upscale retreats finished in warm earth tones and offer a variety of sleeping configurations for couples and families. Both the cabins and tents are complete with down duvets, western-style blankets, casual furniture, linens and plush towels along with fire pits and picnic tables. Cabins have full bathrooms and kitchenettes and some have Jacuzzi tubs and gas fireplaces. Spacious safari tents feature electric lighting, screened windows and doors with zip-down flaps. Chic washroom facilities are conveniently accommodated in nearby buildings.

To enjoy the great outdoors, staff can plan a full array of day trips, such as horseback riding, golf, ocean kayaking, Monarch butterfly park tours, whale watching, wine tasting and tours of Santa Barbara. Guests can also participate in any of the complimentary activities offered by El Capitan Canyon, including yoga, botanical hikes, biking and stargazing. From May through October, the Saturday night concert and barbecue series attracts Canyon guests and locals alike. The concert is complimentary for Canyon guests, and the barbecue dinner is $18 for adults and $12 for children 10 and under.

For more information and reservations, visit www.elcapitancanyon.com or call (866) 352-2729.

About El Capitan Canyon

El Capitan Canyon, nature lodging on the California coast, is renowned for its picturesque canvas safari tents and contemporary rustic cedar cabins. Originally a traditional campground, El Capitan reopened in 2002 as an upscale outdoor destination and was one of the first to be coined as "luxury camping." Set on 300 acres of rolling hills and creek canyons nestled against the Los Padres National Forest, the Canyon is 20 miles north of Santa Barbara and two hours north of Los Angeles. The Ocean Mesa campground at El Capitan Canyon features 80 RV and 20 tent camping sites. Family-owned since 1975, El Capitan Canyon caters to families, couples, and groups.

###