Spa City Series: San Francisco

The Big Chillax

If multiculturalism is your jam, San Francisco is your city. Between Chinese Dim Sum, Japanese Tea Gardens, and the Mission District’s mini-Mexico vibe, there’s definitely a little something for everyone here. If you can tear yourself away from your super burrito long enough to explore all the options, you'll discover dozens of destinations where relaxation beckons in many languages. These three spots are special for different reasons, but each one holds the very real promise of deep-down détente, no matter what language you speak.

Kabuki Springs and Spa
Spa style: Relaxed Japanese Onsen
Price of admission: $25
Hours: 10am to 9:30pm  every day
Women-only days: Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
This spacious Japantown institution has been luring locals to its hot tubs, cold plunge pool, steam bath, and treatment rooms for decades, and it’s no wonder. The calming oasis oozes nothing but good vibes  with a healthy dash of zen and makes a great city escape without having to cross a bridge. Extras include scented scrub in the showers, herb tea, fruit-infused drinking water, and fluffy white towels. A post –soak bowl of ramen at a nearby noodle bar comes highly recommended.

Imperial Day Spa
Spa style:  Cool Korean Calm
Price of admission: $25
Hours: 8am to 10pm every day
Women-only days:  Every day 
Regulars at this lovely little spa know better than to judge a book by its cover. Tucked into a corner strip mall beside a Taco Bell and a dry cleaner’s, Externally, Imperial Day Spa doesn’t look particularly enticing, yet inside, it’s pamper central with nary a hint of the urban brouhaha just outside. Besides the hot tub and alluring yellow clay fomentation room (you just have to try it!), a big draw is the exfoliating scrub administered by a very strong woman dressed in knickers. The experience is invigorating and revitalizing, and leaves your skin as softer than you ever thought possible.

Jin Healing Center for Women (Chinatown location)
Spa style: Chinese Minimalism
Price of admission: Massages start at $38
Hours: 10am to 8pm every day
Women only days: Every day
Not exactly a “spa,” but a rather a bare-bones massage studio where the best rub-down in town is reserved exclusively for women, by women.  Buy a bundle of massages for the steep discount, and come regularly (it’s addictive). Before stripping down to your skivvies, you’ll be handed a small sheet of paper with a human figure on it; circle the areas in need of the most attention, and let your body relax under a pair of strong, intuitive hands. These massages border on magical, and will leave you feeling uplifted, relaxed, and ready to sip a bowl of vegetarian wonton soup at neighborhood favorite, Lucky Creation.  

Top three images courtesy of Kabuki Springs and Spa/Frankie Franksey
Bottom photo courtesy of Imperial Day Spa/Adrian Miu