SenSpa
From the outside, SenSpa might surprise you. It's at the edge of the Presidio, an army post turned national park that now houses everything from the Walt Disney Family Museum to Industrial Light & Magic. The exterior of the building has a utilitarian feel, but inside, SenSpa is a 13,000-foot sanctuary. The services draw on both Eastern and Western healing traditions, and the decor reflects that. Picture orange upholstered lounge chairs, potted plants, water features, Buddha statues, and lots of bamboo.
SenSpa is focused less on the cosmetic benefits of spa treatments than the healing ones, with "an integrated approach to well being." (The spa's founder, David Spencer, dedicated himself to health and wellness after a car accident left him without a leg and the use of an arm at age 19). That commitment to healing translates to massage therapists who ask detailed questions about pressure and underlying issues, as well as educational classes that can help clients learn new daily practices. The treatment rooms are also carefully designed, with details like sound-resistant walls, soothing tones, and spaces for couples. The menu includes services you might expect, like massages, waxes, facials, and peels, as well as acupuncture, alignment services, LED light therapy (15 minutes for $45), and naturopathic medicine.
Unwind in one of four different relaxation lounges: a tea garden, where people who want to be more social are welcome to curl up on club chairs and chat; a quiet warming room with a twin-flame fireplace feature; and a bamboo garden with natural light and green plants. If you're looking to recharge solo, the warming room is your spot. There is also a group lounge if you're planning a gathering with friends or coworkers. Both the men and women's locker rooms come with a lemongrass steam bath (and lemongrass products), and guests are provided with plush bathrobes.
Google rating: 4.7/5.0
Address: 1161 Gorgas Ave, San Francisco, CA 94129
Contact: +1 415-441-1777
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm daily
Website: senspa.com
