SHOPPING & SERVICES Good acupuncturists know the human body isn’t a static grid, and finding pressure and points isn’t a guessing game. Great acupuncturists get multiple degrees in Eastern medicine, study pre-med and are named Oona Hull. Hull has been relieving chronic pain and rejuvenating spirits for more than 20 years. And while Hull’s resume speaks volumes, readers would like to add a profound sigh of relief, too. BEST SPA Refuge 27300 Rancho San Carlos Road, Carmel (831) 620-7360, refuge.com The healing properties of a hot water bath have been appreciated and sought-after since ancient times. The Greeks and Romans had their hot springs, while the Japanese built onsen and the Islamic world developed hammams. In Carmel, there’s Refuge. There, the three-step game of relaxation goes like this: heat up (6-10 minutes recommended) in the sauna or steam room; cool down (10-60 seconds) in a cool or cold plunge; then relax (10-15 minutes) in a comfy chair with a good book—or with some shuteye. Ready to play! BEST PLACE FOR SKIN CARE Spa on the Plaza 201 Alvarado St., Monterey (831) 647-9000, spaontheplaza.com Many games are built around the senses. There’s the blind taste test—which food or drink tastes better when you don’t know the brand? There’s the challenge of identifying an object placed in your hand behind your back. And then there’s sound: Can you guess what it is just by hearing it? A great spa works the same way—it plays with your senses. The air is filled with calming scents like eucalyptus or citrus. Your face and shoulders are massaged with soothing oils and lotions. Good ingredients make for a good experience, and for good skin care. And if there’s one place that knows how to care for your skin while engaging every sense, it’s Spa on the Plaza, located across from the Portola Hotel. BEST NAIL SALON Tina’s Nails 709A Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 372-1334, tinanailspg.com You’ve heard of spin the bottle? There’s actually a party game called Spin the Nail Polish Bottle, where players spin to attempt challenges like painting a nail with eyes closed or while standing on one foot. Fun for a sleepover party, but not at a nail salon. Fortunately the manicurists at Tina’s Nails will expertly take care of your hands and your feet, leaving you with perfectly polished nails every time. BEST SALON - WOMEN Euphoria Salon + Spa 499 Pacific St., Monterey (831) 717-4375, euphoriamonterey.com Back in the day, girls could gather with a Little Tikes Beauty Salon and curl each other’s hair. When they got a little older, they could step up to the Kenner Easy Curl, complete with a light-up mirror. Granted, these toys probably did more harm than good. We have it so much better today, thanks to Euphoria. The team of hair and skin experts offer a range of services that have you looking and feeling your best. They can blend highlights artfully, give you a lived-in look that still glows, provide a deep conditioning for troublesome hair, facials, peels and so much more. There is even the 74 BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2025 montereycountynow.com/bestof Thank You Monterey County Weekly Readers for voting us for the 5TH year in a row BEST FLORIST EXTRAORDINARY FLORAL DESIGN for Weddings, Events & Special Occasions Fleurs du Soleil Garden & Lifestyle Boutique 598 Fremont Street, Monterey 831.656.0455 • fleursdusoleil.com info@fleursdusoleil.com ’21 ’22 ’23 ’24 ’25
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