I came here with four other people for a bachelorette party, and it seemed like most other attendees were an even mix of male and female singles or couples. They have a no talking rule that's observed but not enforced. I liked the eucalyptus room the best. It's a fine layout and is decently appointed, but given the amount of time that you can realistically spend there, I think they're a bit pretentious and way over-priced.

I spent around 4 hours relaxing at Refuge on a Friday, the experience is unique! Essentially, it is a series of saunas (wet and dry) and thermal pools. You are supposed to follow a 3-step cycle of heat, plunging in cold water, rest outside the water and relax in a warm pool. Each cycle would take around 30 minutes to complete. Additionally, Refuge offers massages. I felt so much better after mine. I was afraid to get bored because of the no talking policy, but exploring the entire place, different pools and saunas, kept me busy and entertained.

Excellent place to relax in silence, heat, and water. Good way for me to balance out the noisy, dry and cold.

I can't speak highly enough about this spot. I would come here *EASILY* before trying Carmel Valley Ranch, Post Ranch Inn, or other surrounding spas.... because I have (all of them), and this "turn 'em and burn 'em model is anchored by one of the most beautifully designed experiences. The *ONLY* thing is that it gets crowded, which is no wonder for $60 massages and $40 entry. Plan to stay for 3 hours or so. Bring books, some drinks, etc. There's a hidden pool up on a patio that is sometimes empty, early, and if you get to it it's a hidden, private space that people usually ignore if it's occupied. Get there early, go on a rainy day, go on a weekday, or go during bad weather. It will get busy by noon, and I mean packed... especially on weekends, etc. The Canadian massage therapist Jamie was unbelievable... one of the best massages in my whole life. The atmosphere is beyond relaxing... the sauna was designed by a Finnish or Swedish person, it would seem, because it is just PERFECT. Not poorly designed and tiny like most. The steam room gets crowded, but it's beautifully designed as well, and the infusion of the eucalyptus is some of the best I have experienced. I just love this spot, and know I will return again and again.

This is a great place to go for a 'spa' experience. This isn't one of those 'go-sit-in-the-hot-tub-and-stew' spas. No my friends, they provide you with a suggested itinerary when you enter. This itinerary consists of series of treatments to be done in order that will take you through 'HOT -> COLD -> REST -> WARM' phases (oddly similar to preparing a cut of meat .... hmmmm). The whole series can be repeated as necessary. The HOT phase is a choice of using a steam room or dry sauna until your core body temperature is waaaaaay up there. This is immediately followed by a plunge into your choice of either a freezing cold pool or an OH MY GOD I CAN'T BREATH cold pool. Then you can REST for a short while in your white robe around one of the fire pits or in one of their o-so-comfy anti-gravity chairs. After you have rested you can enjoy one of their warm or hot pools to recover for a little while. I did this process 4 times, and let me tell you, for the next 2 day I felt like a limp noodle. I've never been so relaxed in my life. The decor here is pretty much what you expect for the Pebble Beach/Carmel/Monterey area. (i.e. it's tasteful, understated and awesome) The only downside to my visit was the cost. It's about $40 dollars to enter, but you can stay for as long as like. You'll also need to rent a white robe for another $12; although you can bring your own robe ... as long as it's white. They also offer a massage package for an additional $60, which is a pretty good deal. I didn't partake of a massage on my visit but I'm definitely looking forward to one on my next visit. I give Refuge 2 big thumbs up.