The 55th annual Monterey Jazz Festival runs from September 21 to 23, with a terrifically varied roster of mainstage performers, from soignée chanteuse Melody Gardot, to iconic figures including Tony Bennett and Bill Frisell, to the Agenda’s pick for the most entertaining contemporary jazz musician on the touring circuit, Trombone Shorty. Over 500 artists will perform on 8 stages throughout the weekend-long event

On Thursday the 20th, the night prior to the festival opening, Jack DeJohnette will be honored at the non-profit festival’s fundraising Jazz Legends Gala. The evening’s host will be the Invisible Chair Whisperer himself, former Carmel mayor Clint Eastwood. The gala festivities will take place at the Hyatt Regency Monterey, home to one of SF Agenda’s favorite Bay Area escapes, the Accista Spa.

The deluxe couples’ suite at the Accista Spa in Monterey

If you like to feel jazz hands all over your bod, its well worth taking a break from the weekend’s concerts to treat yourself to a customized Accista massage. You’ll be asked to sample four different scents—from an almost medicinal herbal blend to a warm, sunny citrus—and select an aroma that matches your mood and the tone of the treatment you’d like to receive.

The spa’s most extraordinary offerings are its lavish couples suites, with private sitting areas, fireplaces, side-by-side massage tables, wine and cheese service available, and—in the largest suite—a hydrotherapy tub with room for two. Even if you don’t reserve a suite of your own, Accista’s hushed, sprawling post-therapy relaxation areas are arrayed with comfortable daybeds, encouraging dreamy naps to extend the spa experience (If you look drowsy, an attendant will likely offer you a soft blanket to snuggle up in, you little jazz kitten, you.)

Wake up! There’s a fierce Trombone Shorty video after the jump!