Autumn spa treatment from Four Seasons Resort Aviara

You don’t often hear the words “do it yourself” and “spa treatment” in the same sentence. And thank goodness! Wandering into a treatment room to prep the table and massage your own shoulders isn’t quite the blissful spa experience one might imagine. But at The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Aviara, just 30 minutes north of San Diego, “DIY” means you get to customise your experience — with a seasonal twist. As you arrive at The Spa’s sun-dappled atrium for your Fall Foliage Ex “Foliation” Treatment, you’ll be asked to sit down, relax and reflect on the change of season. Then, choosing from a long list of Autumn-themed ingredients like cypress, cedar wood and bergamot, you’ll create your very own essential oil to be used throughout the 50-minute treatment. First, your back, arms and shoulders will get invigorated with a warm exfoliating scrub that boasts a hint of skin-tingling rosemary. As your circulation comes to life, a mineral-enriched mud mask is slathered across your back to remove impurities and introduce much-needed vitamins. Next, while those earthy elements penetrate your skin, you’ll be treated to a soothing massage with your very own essential oil. To finish, you’ll be seated in the Atrium Lounge with a soul-soothing cup of hot tea. Heaven!