Favorite Bay Area Spas We Can Visit Together
I LOVE A SPA DAY.
Soaking in the bath, hot springs, or hot tub is one of my favorite things to do in the world. Want to do it with me? Some of these places are perfect for a 1-2 hour soak. Others require more of a day trip (or longer.) Let’s relax together…
1. Piedmont Springs
This is the best spot in Oakland to enjoy an hour or two in a hot tub. While each room is private, it is open to the sky, with some tree cover for shade and ambiance. It’s perfect for a little soak before or after a delicious meal, and before or after some fun at my place or yours.
2. Kabuki
Kabuki is a Japanese spa in San Francisco’s Japantown. It is not one for socializing, as they do request silence in the spa. But, it’s beautiful. They have a gorgeous hot tub and cold plunge, in addition to a large steam sauna and dry sauna. You can book some time at the baths, or, if you book a service (couple’s massage?) you can tack on the baths for some extra soaking.
3. Onsen SF
I haven’t been here yet, but I’ve been dying to go. I wanted to go here before the pandemic, but never got to. Then they were closed for several years. They used to have a sushi spot in addition to the soaking, but that part is still closed for a few more months. Their coed days are Thursday-Sunday afternoons.
4. Dr. Wilkinson’s
Let’s take a day trip up to Calistoga! Dr. Wilkinson’s is a charming little resort in this town known for natural healing hot springs and mud baths. There are two large heated outdoor swimming pools full of natural mineral water for good soaking. In another section of the property is a lovely hot tub at a more traditional temp. There is a great restaurant on-site with good cocktails and snacks. Plus, Calistoga is a destination unto itself. This is one of the only spots in Calistoga available on Resort Pass for day use, making it a great little day trip.
5. Calistoga Hot Springs Spa
If you want to spend a night in Calistoga, this is a great place to try. It has three large outdoor pools filled with natural mineral water from the nearby hot springs. Each pool is a different temperature. They also offer massages and mud baths!
6. Orr Hot Springs
Orr is one of my absolute favorite places on the entire planet. This hot springs is truly special. It’s located about 20-30 minutes outside of Ukiah. You can go just for the day, or stay overnight. The accommodations are rustic. Many of the accommodations require you to use the shared kitchen, but some have their own kitchen. There is no restaurant on site, though it would not be hard to go into town for dinner! This is the perfect place for someone who is OK with an experience that is a little off the beaten path. It is also clothing-optional in the baths.
7. Wilbur Hot Springs
I haven’t been to Wilbur yet, but I’ve been wanting to try it for ages. Similar to Orr, it’s about 2 hours away from the East Bay. It seems to offer a healing and calm atmosphere, similar to Orr, with the bathing areas also being clothing-optional. If we stay overnight, we would need to use the shared kitchen, unless we get one of the cabins that has its own. It seems like a great place to try!
