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