FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Remède Spa, The St. Regis San Francisco

Jun 1, 2015
2015 / May 2015

My friend Megan and I were 30,000 feet in the air somewhere over middle America, on our way to a girls’ getaway in San Francisco and Napa, when we looked at one another, both thinking the same thought. As girlfriends are wont to do, we read each other’s minds and said, “We should get spa treatments while we are away.”

We had a jam-packed itinerary. I don’t like to leave any stone unturned when I travel, and I planned to keep us busy. But there’s always room for spa treatments. Right?

Upon landing at San Francisco International Airport, we started to explore our options. As we quickly learned, there’s no better option in the City by the Bay than the Remède Spa at The St. Regis San Francisco. Luckily, the spa could accommodate us that afternoon at 4 p.m. — the only 90 minutes in the day we had available. The stars were aligning; it seemed we were meant to have these much-needed treatments and a few moments of tranquility.

After checking in to our hotel, we set out to explore San Francisco, acquainting ourselves by walking up six steep blocks — the running joke for the rest of the trip was that we scaled a mountain — to Lombard Street, the curviest street in America. After winding down the hill (much easier going down), we had lunch in the city’s North Beach neighborhood before wandering up and down the city streets, through Chinatown, eventually making our way to The St. Regis.

It’s easy to see why the hotel’s Remède Spa is touted as the best in the city. It’s spacious, the staff is friendly, it’s elegantly decorated, and the therapists are experts. Megan was booked for the 60-minute customized massage. Depending on a patron’s problem areas, the technician customizes the experience, using specialty products and techniques. I opted for the 60-minute Remède customized facial, focused on providing a professional-grade deep cleansing, which works for all skin types. Therapists determine the areas of concern to leave the skin glowing and refreshed. Both are among the spa’s most popular; other treatments include the Urban Radiance Facial, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Facial, a hot stone massage, body wraps and polishes, manicures, pedicures and waxing. All treatments are based on the skincare of Laboratoire Remède.

The reception area welcomes spa-goers to the experience. Mostly white with black metal accents, it’s clean and modern but also soothing. Tempting, as well, because of all the high-quality skincare products on display and for purchase. I think I smelled every candle in the store before I left. The peaceful, sleek look continues throughout the facility.

Remède Spa The St. Regis San Francisco

Ladies’ locker room © Joe Fletcher

Once we signed in, we were directed to the large locker room. After a long day of early-morning, cross-country travel and a fair amount of walking around the city (those hills!), it felt wonderful to slip into the fluffy spa robes and slippers. The locker room is stocked with amenities for post-treatment showers and getting ready, if need be, and there are separate whirlpools, steam rooms and saunas for men and women as well as a co-ed infinity pool.

The attendant led us to the lounge. Decorated in tones of white with pops of color, the hushed room reminded me of floating on a cloud. We both settled into a white banquette with glasses of chilled Champagne as we waited for our attendants. Cheeses, truffles and other light snacks, as well as fruit-infused water, were available.

Both therapists arrived simultaneously to whisk us away to the treatment rooms. My room was just across the hall, so my facial began quickly. Facials can be a bit uncomfortable, particularly the extractions, but the feel of your skin and the glow of your face afterward cannot be beat. My therapist had a light touch which felt wonderful as she tapped my pressure points and massaged my face. A mask applied felt heavy while it dried, but the sensation of it being peeled off and the cool air finally reaching my skin was refreshing. My therapist kept me abreast of each step of the process as we went, identifying my problem areas and working on the areas — like my dark undereye circles — I requested, but in a gentle whisper that was not disruptive to my semi-conscious state. She also massaged my feet and hands, welcome after all the walking. As light music played in the background, she massaged my scalp, which I love.

I re-entered the lounge to find Megan blissfully relaxing. She looked like a new person when I found her. As we both enjoyed another glass of Champagne and a few more moments of serenity, we raved about the quality of the treatments. As with my facial, Megan’s masseur worked on the areas she requested, personalizing the treatment to her trouble spots and alleviating tension.

She also managed to get his entire life story in the process; he happened to be a fan of the restaurant we had reservations for that evening, Waterbar, citing it as one of his favorites in the city. He assured her the tranquility of overlooking the water and the glittering lights of the Bay Bridge, coupled with the decadent cuisine, would help us maintain our newfound Zen. Buoyed by his recommendation, the prospect of getting ready for dinner and those reservations finally pulled us from our seats and back to reality.

Remède Spa

The St. Regis San Francisco
125 Third St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
tel 415 284 4000
starwoodhotels.com

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Mar 31, 2023

JW Marriott Debuts in Spain with JW Marriott Hotel Madrid

JW Marriott makes its way into Spain with the unveiling of JW Marriott Hotel Madrid. The hotel lies within the Canalejas zone, merely steps away from theaters and prestigious art institutions, as well as other popular landmarks and attractions.

Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win

Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!

Daily
Mar 31, 2023

Wynn Las Vegas Debuts Luxury Wine Weekend with Opus One Winery

Wynn Las Vegas and Opus One Winery partner for the ultimate weekend wine escape April 28–30, bringing the Opus One experience outside the Napa Valley estate for the first time. Participants enjoy in-depth master classes, intimate tasting room experiences, food and wine parings from Wynn chefs, and an Opus One Under the Stars outdoor feast.

Daily
Mar 31, 2023

Italian Mansion, Winery Locanda La Raia Available for Private Stays

Looking for luxury in Italy’s Southern Piedmont Region? In the wine hills of Gavi, north and west of Genoa, Locanda La Raia offers 10 splendid guestrooms and two apartments on a 180- hectare estate. Once a countryside inn and post station serving travelers journeying through the area on horseback, the space has been meticulously restored by the Rossi Cairo family to showcase original features such as vaulted ceilings and exposed brickwork. Each guestroom has been individually decorated and now features enormous windows overlooking the surrounding landscape of lush gardens, rolling meadows and organic vineyards.

Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler

Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler

Daily
Mar 30, 2023

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach’s Wellness Experiences

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach offers travelers a new immersive wellness experience: Healing in Hawai’i.

eFlyer News
Mar 29, 2023

Etihad Airways Teams Up with Emirati Chef for In-Flight Ramadan Menu

Etihad Airways prepares a specially curated in-flight menu through the holy month of Ramadan. The menu comes thanks to the airline’s collaboration with Emirati Chef Khaled Alsaadi, in which Alsaadi recreates popular Ramadan dishes blending Emirati recipes with contemporary techniques and local ingredients.

Treasure Every Moment in The Islands of Tahiti

Welcome to The Islands of Tahiti, where every moment is a treasure waiting to be discovered. From the moment you arrive, you will be greeted with warm hospitality, time-honored traditions and an awe-inspiring landscape that will take your breath away.

eFlyer Deals
Mar 29, 2023

Paul Gauguin Cruises Celebrates 25th Anniversary with $250 Air Credit Per Guest

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Paul Gauguin Cruises adds a special gift for travelers. The Gauguin Experience gives a $250 air credit per guest on 25 South Pacific cruises aboard Paul Gauguin.