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Pechanga Resort and Casino's March spa specials are about gold.

The Liquid Gold Facial and 24 karat Gold Masque is a 50 minute, $135 treatment that uses specific enzymes to stimulate cells. That is followed by the masque which has anti-aging properties.

The Parafango body treatment uses warm parrafin wax and dehydrated mud in an arm and thigh massage which also draws out toxins and tones and tightens skin. The 50 minute treatment is $140.

For more information on spa packages and services go to www.pechanga.com.

Spa Pechanga
Where: 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula
Hours: 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Contact: 951-770-8501, 877-711-2946 ext. 8501, www.spapechanga.com

THE SPA AT PECHANGA
Spa Pechanga sees some hotel and casino traffic, but the beautiful facilities, friendly staff and variety of services draw a large base of regular clients in addition to the hotel and casino crowd, according to Spa Manager Gina Layland.

The spa is located in a quiet corner on the third floor of the hotel. The facilities feature a spa boutique stocked with Pechanga's signature brand skin products, as well as other skin and hair products, clothing and more. Adjacent is the spa's full-service salon, which includes cut and style services, as well as highlights, color and makeup application.

Spa services include use of all spa facilities. The spa offers massage therapy, body treatments, herbal soaks, skin care, nail services, hair services and make-up services. Or, visitors can create custom packages that include the options of a 25-minute neck, back and shoulders massage, a foot scrub, scalp treatment, body scrub and express facial. Any two cost $105, three cost $160 and four cost $210.

"One of our more popular treatments is the Organic Enzyme Facial, it's very rejuvenating," said Gina Layland, spa manager. "Some of our hair treatments like the Brazilian Blowout are very, very popular too."

The spa also offers a couples massage package for $230 that includes a 50-minute massage in a private suite stocked with complementary strawberries and champagne.

PAMPERED AT PECHANGA

During my visit I had the Mango Body Butter Massage and a Signature Facial. It was nearly three hours of bliss.

Before the treatments began I was given a tour of the facilities, which include private lockers stocked with a robe, slippers and water. The separate changing rooms for men and women include steam rooms, bathrooms with fully stocked toiletries, healthy snacks and beverages, and tranquility rooms.

My first treatment was the Mango Body Butter massage, which was originally a temporary special the spa was offering.

"It was so popular, we just kept offering it," said Gina Layland, spa manager. "It leaves you feeling really refreshed and revitalized."

She was right. The mango scented body butter was used in a full-body massage that went from my finger tips to the ends of my toes. When the 80-minute massage was complete, I drowsily pulled myself together and headed back to the lounge for some lemon water and almonds.

Soon enough it was time for the signature facial. The technician gave me a skin analysis, a cleansing, exfoliation, facial massage, steam mask, extractions and then topped it all of with a hand and arm massage. After another 80 minutes of treatments, I was putty.

I took in more water to head off any after effects - massage releases toxins that can leave you with a headache. Then I left, exfoliated, buffed, and without a ounce of tension left anywhere in my body.