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most spa-goers go back for additional hot and cold rounds. While an average Refuge guest stays for 2 1/2 hours, shorter and longer stays are also common. The resort offers Swedish, deep-tissue and sports massages, as well. Tight's favorite time to visit the property is early in the evening, just before sunset. "You're there to see the facilities in the day- light, and then the sun sets as you complete a few cycles," he says. "At night, all you see are flames in the fire pits, pool lights shining crystal blue through the water, and a few bulbs that illu- minate pathways on the grounds. That's it. It's just dark, and you feel like you're out in the wilderness a bit." Winter can be an especially appealing time to visit, he adds, even with cooler temperatures and rainy afternoons. "On days when the weather might scare someone away from golfing, hiking or going to the beach, we encourage them to come out here. You can sit in the pools, and it's pouring down rain, and it's a completely different expe- rience than on a sunny day," says Tight. "Either way, the setting here is always serene." Refuge is open daily from 10am to 10pm. While no reservations are required for the pools, massages must be booked in advance. On November 11, 2016, the spa celebrates its fifth anniversary with $5 admission after 5pm. For more information, or for details on holiday specials and other Refuge happenings, please visit www.refuge.com or call 831/620-7360. 126 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 6 Guests can spend time relaxing around the many firepits at Refuge. Dolores btwn 5th & 6th (courtyard behind Gallerie Amsterdam) (831) 9155052 Kathysharpestudio.com KATHY SHARPE Studio & Gallery (831) 9155052 (831) 9155052 (831) 9155052 (831) 9155052 (831) 9155052 (831) 9155052 (831) 9155052 (831) 9155052 (831) 9155052 (831) 9155052 (831) 9155052 (831) 9155052 (831) 9155052 (831) 9155052 (831) 9155052 (831) 9155052 (831) 9155052 (831) 9155052 (831) 9155052 (831) 9155052 Photo: Kelli Uldall