Take A Deep Breath and Say Spa!
There are almost as many luxurious spa treatment facilities in the bay area as there are restaurants (ok, not quite), but I wanted to mention a few standouts where you can indulge yourself no matter which part of the bay you call home. After the knots which developed after decorating and un-decorating in December, a massage and blissful escape will be just the thing to get you energized for all those resolutions you made.
San Francisco – The Lowes Regency
The New Loews Regency provides a sea and stone massage sure to make you feel like a pampered mermaid. More than just a massage, this is an experience. You will receive a consultation and aroma analysis with a spa therapist. The therapist will then select a special scented oil, which is mixed with mineral salts. Next up is a foot bath ritual followed by a full-body exfoliation with the custom-blended salt scrub, leaving your skin as soft as velvet. For the grand finale, heated basalt stones individually pulled from California river beds and a deeply moisturizing, toning body lotion are used in an indulgent head-to-toe massage. This is a far cry from Calgon – take me away. Get the details.
Sausalito – Cavallo Point Healing Art Center and Spa
If you are in the mood for a little something extra, say a journey to inner healing with a Shaman guide, hypnotherapy and guided imagery or acupuncture with massage, here it is! Not only can you transform your body into a relaxed and peaceful state, you can also work on releasing your “monkey’ mind at this organic and green certified spa right across the Golden Gate. Nature and nurture go hand in hand at Cavallo point, where the serenity and beauty work with the healers who practice their crafts on spa guests. I can’t wait! Get the details.
Menlo Park – Sense Spa – Rosewood
In the land of techies and VC companies, the Sense Spa indulges Silicon Valley folks with its unique spa experiences. Their 5-hour package will soothe your body and soul for an ultra-indulgent treat. Included are The Signature California Woods’ walnut scrub and full-body massage followed by a 90-minute transforming Rosewood Custom Facial, and California Woods Signature Manicure and pedicure. After wheeling and dealing all day, or just because you deserve it – enjoy the yummy dark chocolate nibs while waiting on your treatment, or dip in the hot tub, breathe in the eucalyptus steam or sweat it out in the sauna. You will never want to leave.
Lafayette – Lafayette Park Hotel and Spa
For an East Bay spa retreat, try the spa at the Lafayette Park Hotel. One of this spot’s best-kept secrets is its menu of discounted midweek treatments. If you are running from one place to another as is so often the case with us, they offer a shorter massage and facial at any time. Signature treatments also include the ever soothing hot stone massage, custom blended aromatherapy massage and perfect for Valentine’s Day, the couple’s candlelight massage. It is worth the Bart ride for you city dwellers.
Kim Selby, the SF life editor of The Three Tomatoes, is your gal for info on what’s hot and happening in the beautiful bay area. Having lived on the Left Coast for 27 years, after almost a decade in NYC, she has explored and continues to have adventures all over the San Francisco area. Passionate about fashion, formerly with GLAMOUR magazine and Fashion Director at Saks Fifth Avenue , Palo Alto, Kim produced fashion shows in the bay area for over 20 years. She now creates events to empower, delight and inspire women, aka “Tomatoes”. Learn more about Kim at www.kimduffselby.com
Listen to her podcast, "Ignite Your Spark" wherever you listen to podcasts.
