To help me plan an upcoming trip to to a luxury spa or retreat on San Mateo County, California, along the spectacular coast, my friend Stephanie Fermin, a local spa-goer, recommended these spas. San Mateo County lies between San Francisco and San Jose, on two sides of a gorgeous peninsula – the Coastside and the Bayside. Lush scenery, attractions, upscale and health-related spas -- including one in an outdoor camp – entice locals and tourists.

For a different experience on the San Mateo County Coastside, I plan to splurge on a luxury camp featuring a spa. Costanoa Coastal Lodge and Camp in Pescadero is in an idyllic setting near the Pacific Ocean, the Ano Nuevo Elephant Seal Reserve and the redwoods of Butano State Park. The camp offers a spa featuring Swedish, Shiatsu and Deep Tissue massages and Aromatherapy. Rooms include upscale “camping” in the Lodge – rooms with sweeping vistas; Douglas Fir; Canvas Cabins with beds with heated mattress pads, down bedding, electric lights, locking doors and windows. Costanoa also offers hiking and biking trails, seasonal kids’ camp, naturalist-led hikes, horseback riding, llama hikes, wildlife activities, and outdoor hot tub. Costanoa Resort at 2001 Rossi Road in Pescadero. Call (650) 879-1100.

The Beach House Hotel on the outskirts of Half Moon Bay, in the style of a Nantucket summerhouse, is perched atop a cliff with views of the rugged Northern California coastline. The spa offers a full menu of restorative and relaxing treatments including Parisian Lavender Wrap, Reiki Massage and Aromatherapy. Massages can also be arranged in your own room. The rooms in this boutiqueinn offer loft ceilings, private patios or balconies, separate bedroom and living spaces, wood burning fireplaces and more amenities. The Beach House Hotel is at 4100 North Cabrillo Highway in Half Moon Bay. Please call (650) 712-0220 for reservations.

The Bayside of San Mateo County also offers health-related spas and retreats. In Redwood Shores is The Sanctuary, a gorgeous spa facility located within the Pacific Athletic Club at 200 Redwood Shores Parkway. The spa offers body treatments, massages, facials, hair removal, makeup, nails, and advanced procedures such as micro-dermabrasion, peels, and cellulite treatments. Before or after, relax in the quiet lounge, hot tub, steam room, sauna, sipping herbal tea and listening to music. The Sanctuary, www.pacclub.com,(650) 593-2900.

In San Carlos, AvantGard Spa offers advanced products and progressive therapies to care for your skin, body and total wellness. Services range from facials, body treatments, advanced therapeutic massages and massage enhancements, sensory therapy, and meditational baths to foot care, make up, hair removal, and nail care. From anti-stress to anti-aging, the treatments at AvantGard will beautify, relax, and replenish you. Call AvantGard Spa at (650) 591-1498 or visit the website at www.avantspa.com.

Bella Imagio Day Spa, a quaint, petite day spa located in San Mateo, offers an array of skin and body care, facial and body beauty treatments, and massage therapy that will refresh and revitalize. Bella Imagio is located at 405 North San Mateo Drive in San Mateo, California. Phone: (650) 348-8891.

The brand-new Four Seasons Hotel in East Palo Alto will feature a full-service spa offering an restorative and beauty treatments including body therapies, massage, facials, manicures and pedicures. May be booked in treatment rooms, in room, or poolside.