The concept of slow wellness emphasizes mindfulness while making a conscious effort to enjoy wellness rituals without distractions. At the Lavender Barn, guests are inspired to return to the joy of slow wellness, removing the fast-paced technology and over-the-top prescribed routines in favor of a more mindful practice. Visitors begin their journey at the Barnhouse, where the Eucalyptus Steam Room, Cold Dip, Vitality Pool, Oak Sauna and Fireside Relaxation Room for lounging. From there, six nature-inspired treatment rooms offer massages, facials and bodywork utilizing ingredients from the region. Guests can reset with the signature Slow Wellness Ritual, combining ear seed therapy, gentle dry brushing and bodywork to provide long-lasting relaxation or head to the outdoor treatment porch, which serves as a backdrop for a locally inspired ritual using sun, salts, clay, and flowers to hydrate the skin, followed by a botanical soak in water troughs.
Slow wellness is encompassed throughout several of the treatments at Lavender Barn. A highlight is the Slow Wellness Ritual, which offers a journey of deep relaxation and mental clarity. In this treatment, guests are enveloped in the calming aromas of local lavender, followed by gold ear seed therapy and a blissful grounding ritual, honoring the feet with a botanical exfoliation and foot reflexology massage. Additionally, the Slow Beauty Facial incorporates stone massage tools inspired by the ancient Chinese Gua Sha technique, delivering a rejuvenating and sculpting effect. This five-step facial treatment using Monastery resurfaces the skin with nourishing enzyme exfoliation, refines pores through cleansing and extraction, and boosts circulation and skin tone with a collagen-shaping massage. On The Porch, the spa’s outdoor sanctuary, guests can experience the spa’s signature tubs. These bespoke services embody the essence of Lavender Barn, merging nature’s gifts with expert techniques to provide a one-of-a-kind spa experience. In addition to the treatments, Lavender Barn provides guests with many opportunities to slow down and reflect through the elements of the bath house which includes the warm vitality pool with incredible sunset views or the cozy fireplace where guests can sip on a warm tea while having a quiet moment. The space lends itself to lounging, contemplating and just being.
Partnering with Monastery on the Slow Beauty Facial was a natural collaboration, “Monastery’s commitment to hand-crafted, botanically driven formulations aligns seamlessly with our ethos of intentional self-care and mindful living. Just as Lavender Barn invites guests to embrace the quiet luxury of time and nature, Monastery’s products celebrate purity, simplicity, and the healing power of plants—offering a ritual that nurtures both skin and spirit. We cherish partnering with niche brands that embrace a high-touch, low-tech philosophy, prioritizing skin health and natural ingredients. Monastery embodies the essence of savoring rituals and self-care, perfectly aligning with our gentle approach to well-being at Mattei’s Tavern,” shared Vivianne Garcia-Tunon, Vice President of Operations, Wellbeing for Auberge Resorts Collection
Monastery is known for its well-balanced and natural approach to improving, treating and healing skin. Founded by master esthetician Athena Hewett, Monastery was born out of Hewett’s frustrations as she saw firsthand that many skincare products were causing or worsening the skin conditions her clients were trying to heal. “I have always embraced slow beauty and placed a high importance on creating a memorable experience both within the treatment room and for the client’s self-care rituals,” she added. All Monastery products used in the Slow Beauty Facial are oil-based enabling skin to heal, repair and nourish itself.
Even the design of the spa facilities ties together the slow wellness theme blending burnt woods, barn-style thermal areas, locally sourced goods, materials and harvested florals that reflect the rich history of the Santa Ynez Valley. “Lavender Barn at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection was inspired by the spa’s location in Los Olivos, California, renowned for its flourishing blooms, deep agricultural roots, and rich soil. We not only infused this in the look and feel of the spa but also within our products and treatments, like Lavender in the Santa Ynez Valley and Coastal Grown Apothecary in Santa Barbara,” said Garcia-Tunon. “We worked with acclaimed interior design firm, AvroKO, to ensure that Lavender Barn felt authentic to not only the hotel but to the destination of Los Olivos by celebrating its rich history and natural beauty. Signature design elements include burnt wood finishes and barn-style thermal areas complemented by locally sourced walnut, cork and metal from Santa Ynez Valley-based artisans.”