San Francisco's Best Relaxation Massage 2008

A Union Square day spa focusing on acupuncture, body work and beauty packages.

Reviews:

• “Anna Hsieh Gold: Great knowledge and suggestion for a breech pregnancy. Thanks!”
• “Healing Acupuncture”
• “Love your new acupuncturist!”
• “Best Massage in SF! "
• “Eri is GREAT!”

earth & sky oasis or email earth & sky oasis

Time-honored Thai methods soothe tense muscles and rebalance inner energy flow at this outer Richmond bodywork studio.

Reviews:

• “Effective massage”
• “Remarkable Experience”
• “A REAL THAI MASSAGE OUTSIDE OF THAILAND”
• “Truly a 24 Karat Thai Massage:”
• “Best Thai massage ever”

Tips: Also specialize in herbal message and foot reflexology.

SUCHADA Thai Massage or email SUCHADA Thai Massage

This deluxe spa is an elegant oasis on the borders of Chinatown, North Beach and the Financial District.

Reviews:

• “the most sublime spa experience in san francisco”
• “Great customer service, professional facials.”
• “Best rockin massage!”
• “Champagne and brownies?”
• “Tru Love”

Tips: Modest spa-goers should be sure to request a same-sex masseuse. If not, you may get a practitioner of the opposite sex.

Tru or email Tru

The massages at this SOMA studio offer to soothe as well as enhance health.

Reviews:

• “Best athletic massage/Rehab place”
• “BEST MASSAGE I’VE EVER HAD”
• “This place is the best!!!”
• “Psoas is the Best!! "
• “Best massage for musicians or any serious movers”

Tips: Ask about discounted rates on corporate massages—therapists will bring a portable massage table right to your office for individual or group treatment.

PSOAS Massage + Bodywork or email PSOAS Massage + Bodywork

An appealing Pacific Heights day spa with East Coast flair.

Reviews:

• “so so massage”
• “SF WEEKLY’s BEST Spa & Yoga Combo 2008”
• “TRUE CUSTOMER SERVICE…”
• “International Orange not for Men”
• “The Worst Spa Experience Ever!”

Tips: Try a morning yoga class coupled with an afternoon spa treatment and spend down time in the lounge or steam rooms.

International Orange Spa or email International Orange Spa

An invigorating Civic Center spot for the massage-and-facial crowd.

Reviews:

• “great massage and facial”
• “horrible massages”
• “Very Accommodating”
• “Best mani/pedi”
• “One of my favorites”

Tips: Want to treat your feet while you gab with a girlfriend? Ask about reserving the spa’s pedicure room for side-by-side treatments.

re:fresh, a day spa or email re:fresh, a day spa

At this Japantown sanctuary, nirvana is attained for less than the cost of a good sushi dinner.

Reviews:

• “Only SF spa I repeatedly visit”
• “Very relaxing, rejeuvenating, good staff, clean.”
• “always relaxing environment!”
• “Amazing Shiatzu Massage, Wonderful Spa!”
• “Absolute Bliss!”

Tips: In addition to discount admission on weekdays ($15 before 5pm; $18 after), an early visit to the communal baths means fewer people, more relaxation.

Kabuki Springs & Spa or email Kabuki Springs & Spa

Holistic healing and rejuvenation are paramount at this alternative spa.

Reviews:

• “Great massage”
• “Great Massage for the Office”
• “Totally Recommend”
• “superb massage”
• “Serious muscle relief”

Tips: Aromatherapy treatments here come at no extra charge.

Therapeia Massage or email Therapeia Massage

The posh address of this spa makes it a favorite among SF’s relaxation-hungry glitterati.

Reviews:

• “Nice all day spa”
• “It’s more the top floor of a hotel than a real stand-alone spa”
• “Most relaxing experience”
• “A little tired?”
• “A mixed experience”

Tips: No matter what time of year you go, book an early weekday appointment for a quieter visit. Also, in cool weather, request a treatment room with a fireplace; in summer, plan time to relax on the outdoor patio.

Nob Hill Spa