Relax and Indulge at Intercontinental Spa
One of San Francisco’s newest properties, the Intercontinental Hotel has just received its LEED Gold Certification, making it the largest recipient in California for the existing building category. With 550 rooms in a stunning blue 32-story tower, one would expect a great spa. I just had to find out! The spa is located on the sixth floor of the hotel with outdoor terraces, a great place to relax and enjoy the views before or after a treatment.
The Spa is a beautiful and welcoming environment. The interiors convey a sense of tranquility and calm and bamboo floors reinforce that vibe. A nail salon and hair salon are located near the spa lobby so you can continue being pampered after a treatment. The locker rooms are comfortable with a variety of body products, but it was the robe that I fell in love with. It was comfortable, yet elegant and just felt great on my skin.
The relaxation area is soothing and beautifully designed. Chilled water and snacks are available before or after treatments. Although I could have spent hours in here, I had a short wait before my masseuse came to collect me. They offer nine different massages with a variety of add-ons to create your perfect treatment. I chose the Traveler’s Tonic which incorporated Swedish, Deep Tissue and Aromatherapy massages. As she massaged my tight muscles I could feel the essential oils sinking into my skin aiding in relaxation. I felt like I was in heaven and was sad when the massage came to an end. If you have the time, schedule a few treatments to prolong the pampering and to postpone the inevitable end of service.
The Spa offers a full range of body treatments and facials, along with hair and nail services. They also offer packages so you can experience more treatments. The locker room has a Eucalyptus Steam Room which further added to my relaxation. Cap off your spa experience with a warm shower. Choose from the Swedish shower with overhead nozzle and side nozzles to deepen a sense of tranquility or a conventional shower complete with delightful body wash and shampoo.
The best way to experience the spa is to stay at the hotel, book several treatments, and dine in Luce restaurant. Opt for a room with a view; they have city and bay views. Splurge and upgrade to the Club Level unless you are already a member of Club International, which gives you access to the top floors of the hotel and the Club Lounge. The comfortable room has an entertainment area, as well as food and drinks throughout the day and evening.
As a hotel guest you can use the fitness center, indoor pool and jacuzzi. There are three public terraces in the hotel and if the weather permits it is a fun place to linger.
There are 14 suites in the hotel with the Presidential Suite being the most luxurious. It is a two-story room with spectacular views from the parlor and the second floor master bedroom. The other suites also offer views and are more spacious than the standard guest rooms.
Read about Iron Chef America winner Chef Crenn of Luce Restaurant.
Details:
Intercontinental Hotel is located near the Moscone Convention Center at 888 Howard Street in San Francisco.
To make reservations for the Spa, call 415-616-6597 or visit the spa website.
