;PeT]STa 7X[[ B_P Purple and yellow, complementary colors of opposite hues in the color wheel. Lavender and golden mustard, the complementary blend of vibrant plants used for hundreds of years by the ancient Greek, Roman and Native American cultures for their therapeutic qualities, and now by visitors of the Napa Valley. Calistoga’s Lavender Hill Spa utilizes both plants and colors in a warm and healing blend. Added to a steamy bath or in a “musclemelting mustard massage,� the herbs soothe tense, aching bodies and frayed nerves. Nestled into a hillside surrounded by gardens, this intimate spa mingles the sensibilities of the Far East in a distinctly Western setting. Exotic Buddhas, prayer f lags and Asian sculptures and fountains greet wanderers in the tiered gardens, urging them to take a breath and enjoy a few hours of special treatment. Hailed as one of Napa’s most romantic couples’ spas, Lavender Hill offers specials for two: double bathtubs side by side, each “spiced� to individual taste, followed by blanket wraps or massages in warm, softly lit rooms. For the lovebirds craving more quality time together, an intimate cottage lets them enjoy it all, from aromatic baths to foot reflexology, and facials to body massages. Intimacy is guaranteed, since the spa serves a maximum of eight clients at a time. Many treatment packages are “buy one, get one half off,� so be sure to check the website beforehand. 1015 Foothill Blvd. (Highway 29), Calistoga. 707.942.4495.—S.D.
and an outdoor pool are also available for a day’s enjoyment. 6481 Washington St., Yountville. 707.944.8877.
Marin County Asante Day Spa This spa offers something for everyone in the family, from foot, knee and hip rehab classes for grandma to massage for the family pet. They also suggest promoting a healthy lifestyle for yourself by sending a “not so subtle gift hint� via email to those who love you; this links to the spa’s online gift certificate purchase. Other online specials change monthly. 1003 Third St., San Rafael. 415.460.6506. Barefoot & Pregnant This spa aims to comfort expectant mothers, couples or soonto-be older siblings. Barefoot terms itself a “maternity spa,� and offers treatments to reduce the discomforts of pregnancy, from aching feet to stretch marks. A plaster belly cast can be made to remind new moms of their days B.C. (before children). Casa Madrona Hotel, 801 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.354.8308. (Also in Sonoma County at the Hotel Healdsburg & Spa, 327 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 707.433.4747.) Eden Day Spa A quaint spa in the heart of even quainter San Anselmo, Eden offers threading, an ancient Middle Eastern form of hair removal. The hair is gently lifted from the root and is less painful than waxing. Walk-ins are welcome, but the spa only holds four clients, so reservations are recommended. Check for monthly online specials. 541 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo. 415.464.9111. Evo Spa If you can’t find the treatment you are looking for here, you probably won’t find it anywhere. From Hungarian paprika facials and noninvasive facelifts to zero gravity, dry hydrotherapy from Italy—complete with chromatherapy lights and experienced fully clothed—Evo’s got
it. Evo is heavily into rituals, and states that “transformation is their passion.� Sign up on the email list to receive monthly online coupons and specials. 216 Strawberry Village, Mill Valley. 415.383.3223. Safronya Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old Indian science of life and self-healing, is the foundation for treatments at Safronya. The spa’s extensive menu takes a holistic approach to health, offering classes in nutrition, yoga and meditation along with the usual slate of spa treatments. To promote community, Safronya offers daylong retreats for cancer patients and free introductory classes to the practice of Ayurveda. Online specials for services and products are also offered. 523 D St., San Rafael. 415.259.0433. Spa Soleil Who doesn’t want to get rid of cellulite? Spa Soleil specializes in endermologie, a noninvasive technique of reducing these cottage cheese–like fat deposits. It also has services aimed at weight loss, firming and acne control. Check the website for monthly or email specials. 2829 Bridgeway, Ste. 101, Sausalito. 415.332.5551. Stellar Spa New to its menu is ultrasonic microdermabrasion. Clients may have massages in the seawater negative-ion inhalation room, breathing in the calming effects of negative ions via a fine water mist. Studies show this helps relieve headaches, allergies and jet lag. Join the spa’s free online club and receive special monthly discounts; monthly specials can also be found online for non–club members. 26 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera. 415.924.7300. Tea Garden Springs Going beyond the usual, Tea Garden offers advanced body therapies that address the effects of emotions and thought patterns on a person’s health. The spa believes in the art of service, and strongly supports the community with monetary donations to schools and other organizations. 38 Miller Ave., Mill Valley. 415.389.7123. THE BOHEMIAN
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