Ommm! 10 Ways To Relax In S.F. On A Tight Budget
When you look up "balance" in the dictionary, it's likely that our calm city is sitting pretty as a poster child for mastering the art of zen. Our healthy, sometimes hippie-dippy outlook on life is what makes the city such a desirable place to live. But when was the last time you actually took a spa day? Seriously, the stress in our lives and on our wallets can throw a major roadblock on our quest for inner peace.
At twenty bucks a class, even yoga can seem like a luxury! But, not to worry, dear readers — we’ve scoured this hilly town for affordable solutions in order to clue you in to 10 super-secret spa-like services that won’t break the bank. And, while trying something cheap and under the radar can sometimes be sketchy, trust us — these treatments and activities will take you (and your savings account) from blah to ahh in no time!
The Pool At Hotel Nikko
Dying to hit the pool and bask in a little patch of sunshine on an outdoor patio? Same here. Thankfully, Hotel Nikko opens up its bright and airy atrium pool to locals for a cool 20 bucks. Max and relax on one of the many lounge chairs, do some laps to burn off steam, or warm up in the whirlpool. No matter what the weather’s like outside, this water lover’s day pass will have you zenned out in no time.
Price: $20 for day use.
Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason Street (between Ellis and O’Farrell streets); 415-394-1111.
Full-Body Massage At Wonderfoot Health Center
If you’re looking for day-spa ambience, let’s start by saying this is probably not for you. But, if you’re ready for someone to really get in there, Wonderfoot is tops in our book. This teeny-tiny spot in the Richmond has small rooms with massage recliners and is all business when it comes to working magic on your pressure points — from your forehead to your toes! Are your tootsies hurting from the daily torture of heels and hills? Then you're in luck — of the 70-minute massage, 30 minutes are devoted entirely on your feet. A bonus: You can usually call a few hours ahead and get booked on the same day. (Insider tip: Clothes stay on, so wear a dress or skirt and a baggy shirt for easy access to feet, legs, and shoulders.)
Price: $39.99 for a 70-minute full-body massage.
Wonderfoot Health Center, 514 27th Avenue (between Anza Street and Geary Boulevard); 415-933-8871.
Traditional Thai Massage
There is no shortage of Thai massage joints in the city, but we’re head-over-heels with two locations that are guaranteed not to break your back — or the bank — when wringing all that tension out of you. No matter what side of the city you’re on, there’s a place for you: La Biang is located on the edge of the Tenderloin, while the Mission spot, La Nee, is on the far end of Valencia. The environment is warm and welcoming, and the practitioners are well versed in traditional Thai techniques, like the release-junkie's fave: Walking on your back. Ommmm-G, this one is heaven.
Price: $30 for 30 minutes, $55 for 60 minutes, and $80 for 90 minutes.
La Biang Thai Massage, 1301 Polk Street (between Bush and Austin streets); 415-931-7692.
La Nee Thai Massage, 1453 Valencia Street (between 26th and 25th streets); 415-282-2236.
Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Nikko
At twenty bucks a class, even yoga can seem like a luxury! But, not to worry, dear readers — we’ve scoured this hilly town for affordable solutions in order to clue you in to 10 super-secret spa-like services that won’t break the bank. And, while trying something cheap and under the radar can sometimes be sketchy, trust us — these treatments and activities will take you (and your savings account) from blah to ahh in no time!
The Pool At Hotel Nikko
Dying to hit the pool and bask in a little patch of sunshine on an outdoor patio? Same here. Thankfully, Hotel Nikko opens up its bright and airy atrium pool to locals for a cool 20 bucks. Max and relax on one of the many lounge chairs, do some laps to burn off steam, or warm up in the whirlpool. No matter what the weather’s like outside, this water lover’s day pass will have you zenned out in no time.
Price: $20 for day use.
Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason Street (between Ellis and O’Farrell streets); 415-394-1111.
Full-Body Massage At Wonderfoot Health Center
If you’re looking for day-spa ambience, let’s start by saying this is probably not for you. But, if you’re ready for someone to really get in there, Wonderfoot is tops in our book. This teeny-tiny spot in the Richmond has small rooms with massage recliners and is all business when it comes to working magic on your pressure points — from your forehead to your toes! Are your tootsies hurting from the daily torture of heels and hills? Then you're in luck — of the 70-minute massage, 30 minutes are devoted entirely on your feet. A bonus: You can usually call a few hours ahead and get booked on the same day. (Insider tip: Clothes stay on, so wear a dress or skirt and a baggy shirt for easy access to feet, legs, and shoulders.)
Price: $39.99 for a 70-minute full-body massage.
Wonderfoot Health Center, 514 27th Avenue (between Anza Street and Geary Boulevard); 415-933-8871.
Traditional Thai Massage
There is no shortage of Thai massage joints in the city, but we’re head-over-heels with two locations that are guaranteed not to break your back — or the bank — when wringing all that tension out of you. No matter what side of the city you’re on, there’s a place for you: La Biang is located on the edge of the Tenderloin, while the Mission spot, La Nee, is on the far end of Valencia. The environment is warm and welcoming, and the practitioners are well versed in traditional Thai techniques, like the release-junkie's fave: Walking on your back. Ommmm-G, this one is heaven.
Price: $30 for 30 minutes, $55 for 60 minutes, and $80 for 90 minutes.
La Biang Thai Massage, 1301 Polk Street (between Bush and Austin streets); 415-931-7692.
La Nee Thai Massage, 1453 Valencia Street (between 26th and 25th streets); 415-282-2236.
Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Nikko
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