Southern California: $150 day spa package at Terranea

Terranea, never heard of it? Some Angelenos haven’t, but here’s a deal at the Palos Verdes Peninsula hotel and spa complex that could change all that. Terranea is offering a $150 day spa package that comes with a facial or massage plus a mini service.

The deal: The Fabulous Fall Spa Sampler Package includes a 50-minute Relaxing Classical Massage or Skin Specific Facial (descriptions of each are on the treatment menu) plus one “mini service” (polish refresh for hands or feet, brow shaping or scalp massage) and a free smoothie. Tax and service charges are extra.

The other big draw of this deal is having access to the spa, which made Conde Nast’s 2010 Hot List. There’s a pool, cold plunge, steam and sauna, and a fitness center -- along with comfy areas to just sit and contemplate the ocean.

When: The package is available Mondays through Thursdays until Oct. 31.

Tested: I checked online to get a sense of the savings. The same massage or facial for 60 minutes runs $185 to $190, and day-use of the spa costs $40. Right there you’ve saved a bunch before you even sip the free smoothie.

Be careful in case you fall for this hotel: The overnight spa package for two (which adds an ocean-front room, more treatments and a bento box lunch) starts at $610 a night plus tax. For my money, I’d start with the day spa -- and work my way up.

Info: Terranea, (310) 265-2740