Spa dates aren't only for lovers.
Get spoiled with your best gal pals or plan a chill outing for even the manliest of bromances. Whether you're looking for some unique one on one time, an affordable option, or a group bash—think birthday parties and bridal showers—these are the best spas in the Bay Area for getting R&R with friends.
Osmosis, Sonoma County
Courtesy of @osmosisdayspa
For a totally unique experience, head to Osmosis for a Japanese cedar enzyme bath. In this fermentation bathing ritual, your entire body will be immersed in a blend of soft and fragrant ground cedar and rice bran with living enzymes. You'll sweat out toxins, and then follow it with a massage before lounging in a hammock in the zen gardens. It's the perfect retreat for a pair or even a small group. While they do offer group options, you can also create your own custom spa experience for up to 70 guests. // 209 Bohemian Hwy. (Freestone); reservations are available at osmosis.com.
Healing Arts Center and Spa at Cavallo Point, Sausalito
(Courtesy of Cavallo Point)
In Sausalito, Cavallo Point's spa is a full-fledged wellness getaway with an array of traditional offerings—think massages, body treatments, water therapies, and facials—as well as such healing services as acupuncture, energy work, meditation, hypnotherapy, and guided imagery. There's even a heated meditation pool beneath the pine trees, eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, outdoor jacuzzis, a tea bar, and a shaman who can take you on a spiritual journey. For the dudes, there are also specialized treatments including "facial fitness" and deep tissue massage. Shared activities include resort workshops, hiking, yoga, aromatherapy, and bocce. The entire spa is also available for buy-out. // 601 Murray Circle, Fort Baker (Sausalito), reservations are available at cavallopoint.com.
Pearl Spa, San Francisco
(Courtesy of Pearl Spa)
This Korean-style spa is ladies only, and it has some of the more unique offerings around, including a 24-karat-gold extract full-body scrub and massage, pool of marble-sized clay balls, and a Himalayan salt room. In addition to a range of services, Pearl also has a jacuzzi, cold tub, sauna, steam room, and areas with plush chairs to simply relax. Plus, they also take reservations for everything from birthdays to bridal showers. Expect to be in your birthday suit as it's no swimsuits or outside clothing allowed. // 1654 Post St. (Japantown); reservations are required (services range from $80-$200) are available at pearlspasf.com.
Archimedes Banya, San Francisco
(Courtesy of @banyasf)
Find a mélange of spa treatments from around the world with Greek, German, Russian, and Turkish hammam–style bathing. Soak, get a scrub, have a good sweat, enjoy a massage, and a facial all in one place. There are heated rooms, a cold plunge pool, as well as signature offerings like the Russian-style venik platza, a massage-meets-light-beating with tree branches in a steam room. Afterwards enjoy the view from the deck with a bite from their international menu created with local and organic produce. The spa also books private events for groups starting at six guests ($75/three hours) and up to 40 guests ($195). For those looking to go all out, the entire facility can be rented for 100 people. Each venue room offers seating, flat screen TVs, and a dining area. // 748 Innes Ave. (Bayview), reservations are available at banyasf.com.
Kabuki Springs and Spa, San Francisco
(Courtesy of Kabuki Springs & Spa)
Kabuki bathhouse is known for its communal hot tub with cold plunge, steam room, and dry sauna with sea salt for a good self scrub. Chilled face cloths, flavored waters, and tea are also prepared and at the ready for a quick refresh. The spa has an extensive menu of of both eastern and western-style services; book a massage with CBD, a matcha and sea salt bath, or the Javanese Lulur—a traditional Indonesian ritual with a massage, turmeric and rice body scrub, a moisturizing yogurt application, and exotic flower bath. While the space is large enough to accommodate groups, reservations can also be made for a private party in the Satori Room (five person minimum) which includes massages and sushi followed by communal bathing. // 1750 Geary Blvd. (Japantown), reservations (communal baths are $45/day or $20 with treatment) are available at kabukisprings.com.
Piedmont Springs, Oakland
(Courtesy of Piedmont Springs)
On Oakland's Piedmont Avenue, this quiet little sanctuary has four private outdoor hot tubs (and cold water hoses if you want to cool it down) with jets, decking, and covered showers. At $27 per hour per person for a hot tub, it's one of the most affordable and efficient ways to score some R&R; plus you can comfortably fit four people in one. Those looking for a detox can also reserve the cedar-lined sauna or steam room ($20 for 30 minutes or $22 for 45 minutes), both with showers and separate dressing rooms; or make it a combo and get a tub and sauna in one ($40/hour). Those looking for a little extra pampering can peruse the selection of massages including Swedish, shiatsu, prenatal, and body treatments. Face coverings and social distancing are required while checking in and going back to the rooms. // 3939 Piedmont Ave. (Oakland); reservations are available at piedmontsprings.com.
Indian Springs, Calistoga
(Courtesy of Indian Springs)
The grounds at Indian Springs are plenty large enough to accommodate a party, with mineral pools for adults only as well as families, bocce, and more. Though is also an ideal for some quality friend time. The spa offers restorative treatments including massages, facials, and body treatments such as a chardonnay sugar scrub or signature mud bath. Indian Springs mud bath ritual with pure volcanic ash and mineral water from their own geysers is a must try; they've installed new showers, full spectrum infrared saunas and textured walls in the mud rooms. Another new addition is the halo therapy Himalayan salt room ($45/25 minutes). They also offer group retreats. // 1712 Lincoln Ave. (Calistoga); reservations are available at indianspringscalistoga.com.
LaBelle Day Spas and Salons, Palo Alto
(Courtesy of LaBelle Day Spas & Salons)
Get your pals excited with the Caviar and Carat, a nutrient-rich facial that combines a caviar ampoule, honey, sea buckthorn, and pure gold with ultrasound. For the fully gilded treatment, you can add gold leafing to the face, neck, and chest. There are also special grooming services for men (including a back facial), as well as an array of standard offerings like nail care, hair removal, massages, wraps, and scrubs. A la carte options make it easy to plan a custom day of pampering with a friend or group. // 855 El Camino Real #95 (Palo Alto); reservations are available at labelledayspas.com.