Even in a city this laid back, there comes a time when every discerning San Franciscan needs to check out from the demands of modern life. If you’re looking for a place to rejuvenate, recharge and restore the soul, few places do this with more finesse than the International Orange Spa and Yoga Lounge in the heart of San Francisco.

At first you’ll wonder how a place intending to restore peace and calm could be situated on Fillmore Street, a location that teems with foot traffic around the exclusive boutiques and restaurants of its Pacific Heights neighborhood. Thanks to double glazed windows however, your climb up the carpeted stairs to the spa’s entrance on the second floor will transport you into a world of zen-like quiet, where minimalist décor of cream walls and wooden floors and gentle fragrances of scented candles and incense complete the calming effect.

Named after the hue of paint used on San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, International Orange (IO) effortlessly embodies the best of Californian sophistication, and it’s not surprising to learn of its firm commitment to being eco-friendly. You won’t find any environmentally harming ingredients here, and most treatments use only natural organic ingredients including herbs, exotic flowers and natural enzymes.

The spa’s full range of skin and body treatments includes facials, waxes and massages. Facials range from the teaser 45 minute “mini facial” to the 120 minute full facial retreat involving a combination of essential oils, plant extracts and antioxidants to leave your skin dewy, radiant and glowing. For a special facial treat, try the custom organic enzyme boost where an enzyme mask is mixed specifically to meet the individual needs of your skin.

If you’re struggling to choose between the many massage treatments on offer, the signature IO Massage remains the most popular body treatment at the spa. A decadent Thai/Swedish affair, the IO Massage incorporates various Eastern and Western massage techniques to target specific tension areas on your body. For something bordering on a spiritual experience, the Organic Fusion Massage uses Shaitsu massage techniques and organic herbal ingredients to reopen energy pathways and trigger the release of tension in the body. Finally, for the ultimate in relaxation, the “Red Flower Japan” is a Japanese-style ritual massage that starts with a bath, follows with exfoliation, and ends with a massage that layers the body with minerals such as wild lime and gingergrass. Close your eyes and the Red Flower will have you believing you’re in a tea house in rural Japan rather than in the heart of the Western world.

International Orange fits right in with Fillmore Street’s sophisticated culinary and sartorial neighbors. Staff are highly attentive yet discreet, and all are professional and impeccably groomed. As well as beauty treatments and yoga classes, you’ll find an exclusive range of skin and hair products for sale here, all carefully hand-picked by the IO owners. Spa treatments can also be given as gifts for birthdays or to a deserving bride or mom-to-be. But why not just treat yourself? After all, you know you deserve it.

International Orange
2044 Fillmore Street, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA, 94115
Tel: (800) 839-3856
www.internationalorange.com

-Written by Catherine Parker (cathparker@qmail.com)