Photo Credit: Zeel
Indulging in regular massage is a wonderful way to increase mindfulness and overall well being. Not only does massage reduce stress, pain, and muscle tension, but according to the Mayo Clinic, it can also be helpful for anxiety, headaches, insomnia, joint pain, and digestive disorders. Other benefits of massage? It produces feelings of connection, comfort, and caring. If you’re reading this and can’t remember the last time you had a massage, we recommend you book one at the following places.
Photo Credit: Loews Regency
For an urban oasis in the heart of downtown San Francisco, head to the third floor spa at the Loews Regency Hotel on Sansome Street. Although there are only four treatment rooms, the space is intimate, private, and sanctuary-like. Enjoy a glass of soothing Jing tea in the relaxation lounge before your treatment. The spa offers eight different types of massage including couples, express, and mother-to-be. For a truly decadent experience, opt for one or two of the massage enhancements—there is a head and scalp treatment, dry body brushing, muscle repair, or peppermint foot therapy among others.
Photo Credit: Meadowood Napa Valley
When in wine country, the best place for a massage is at Meadowood Napa Valley. The spa at Meadowood opened in late 2015, so it’s relatively new with state-of-the-art luxuries. All treatments are 90 minutes long and each room is actually a suite with a private bathroom and steam shower. Before the massage, spa goers meet with their therapist to discuss what they are hoping to achieve during the treatment. Where are you holding tension? What is your diet like? The answers to these questions will help the therapist customize your massage and decide which essential oil to use during the treatment. The oil is rubbed on to the chest and before the massage starts, you take a warming and fragrant steam shower that ensures you’re 100% relaxed when you lay on the treatment bed. Note that the spa is only available to Meadowood guests, so you will need to be staying at the resort to book a reservation. If you book a cottage between now and September 12, for Sunday through Thursday, you’ll receive a complimentary 90-minute essential journey treatment that includes a massage.
Photo Credit: Zeel
Want a massage in the comforts of your own home? There are all sorts of apps that offer on-demand massages, but our favorite is Zeel. Every therapist is licensed, insured, and screened in person—plus, most hold jobs at premium spas in the Bay Area. Simply download the app and book a massage for later that day. A Zeel massage therapist will arrive at your house, office, or hotel in an hour’s time. Therapists are on call seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., 365 days a year. They bring everything necessary for the treatment, from the massage table to the music to oil. Zeel offers six types of massage: Swedish, deep tissue, sports, prenatal, sleep, and couples. Many celebrities, including the stars of ABC’s Bachelor series, are fans of Zeel.
