Reviews of spas around the world, including destination spas, resort & hotel spas, day spas, spa products and spa news & bargains from some of the best travel writers in the business.
New Spa at Grande Dame by Lillian Africano -- San Francisco, CA
New Spa At Grand Dame by Lillian Africano
Although there was no spa in the early days, the St. Francis did pump seawater into the hotel to provide "healthy" baths for its privileged guests. Nowadays, guests may choose a contemporary version of that treatment.
an Franciscans know exactly what's meant when someone says: "Meet me under the clock." For almost a hundred years, the Great Magneta Clock in The Westin St. Francis has been a favorite rendezvous spot for visitors and locals alike.
The grand hotel was built around the turn of the century by Charles T. Crocker and his millionaire pals, who decided that the city needed a world-class hotel to reflect its growing international stature. They were right. Over the years, the hotel has welcomed every U.S. president since Taft, Queen Elizabeth II, King Juan Carlos of Spain, the Shah of Iran, and many more dignitaries.
Although there was no spa in the early days, the St. Francis did pump seawater into the hotel to provide "healthy" baths for its privileged guests. Nowadays, guests may choose a contemporary version of that treatment. It's the Sea Salt Glow treatment at the St. Francis Health Club, the 4600 square foot facility that cost $2.1 million and opened in December 1999. The Health Club, which is located on the Arcade Level of the main building, is part of an ongoing $185 million restoration that has been in progress for some six years.
The club, which was designed by Kevin Joyce and Annie Rutter, features a strength/cardio room with state-of-the-art Cybex equipment; machines are equipped with Cardio Theater, with a choice of four television channels and CD or FM radio. There are four spa treatment rooms and two locker rooms with steam and sauna.
The spa offers a full menu of body treatments, massages, facials, manicures and pedicures for both men and women; Jurlique and Jan Marini Skin Research products are used. The Sea Salt Glow previously mentioned uses sea salt to exfoliate dead cells and expose fresh skin. A rich moisturizer is then applied to hydrate and soften the skin. Moving up a notch, the Glycolic Body Treatment uses glycolic acid in combination with polished granules in a scrub that exfoliates and refines the skin. The treatment is finished with a rich glycolic cream to continue smoothing and toning the skin. The Essential Oil Wrap begins with a light exfoliation that's followed with a light, balancing massage and a warm wrap using steamed towels that allow the oils to penetrate the body. All these treatments are $95 for 60 minutes.
Massage techniques offered include Swedish, Deep Tissue, Shiatsu, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, and Sports Massage. The cost ranges between $50 for a half-hour reflexology massage to $135 for any 90-minute massage. The club's signature treatment is La Stone ($130, 75 minutes), which may well be one of the most popular treatments offered at spas and health clubs today. No doubt that's because it feels great to have a well-trained therapist massage the body with smooth, warmed river stones. The heat and healing energy penetrate deep into the muscles in a treatment that's relaxing and nurturing and does wonders for everyday aches and pains.
The choice of facials is equally varied, ranging from a quick half-hour ($55) pick-me-up that combines cleansing, relaxing, and nourishing to the intense 90-minute Vitamin C and Enzyme Facial ($135), a skin rejuvenation treatment whereby the skin is exfoliated with Vitamin C products, which then allow moisturizing liposomes to penetrate deep below the surface.
The club is open seven days a week; hours vary. Spa treatments are available daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The St. Francis has 1195 guest rooms, including 39 suites; rates for a double room start at about $249, though specially priced packages are often available.
Guests have a choice of dining venues. Caruso's, located in the Tower Lobby, offers specialty coffee drinks, homemade pastries, panini sandwiches, salads and a full bar that serves wine by the glass. The Oak Room features breakfast favorites, American classics like Prime Rib at for dinner, and "Smart Dining" selections that are higher in protein and lower in sodium and fat. The St. Francis tradition of Afternoon Tea is carried on daily at the new Restaurant Michael Mina. A dinner menu created by the celebrity chef is also offered here.
The Westin St. Francis Union Square, 335 Powell Street San Francisco
Tranquility by the Sea: The Spa Le Merigot Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica adds a great deal to Le Merigot Spa at the 175-room European-style hotel under the Marriott banner, nine miles north of Los Angeles International airport and an easy walk from the Santa Monica Pier and the Promenade.. . . read more
Billy Yamaguchi: Feng Shui Beauty During a stay at La Costa several years ago, I visited the Billy Yamaguchi salon and had a superb haircut and perfect color with one of the senior designers. So when I planned another trip to California, I made an appointment with the master himself, at his salon at the Four Seasons Westlake Village.. . . read more
