Top 4 Green Health Spas :
As a “greenie,” it can be challenging to stay green in all areas of your life. You want to do-good for the planet, yet still enjoy a relaxing day at a luxury spa and manage to pay your bills at the end of the month. Don’t fear eco-conscious minded consumer; here are the top four most affordable green health spas in the North Bay, and answers to all of your eco-minded questions about what makes a health spa green.
Spa Gaia in American Canyon, CA
Blends east and west, naturally
Located in southern Napa County, Spa Gaia is cited in an “up and coming area” for sustainable businesses. Away from the hustle-and-bustle of Napa’s wineries, this green wellness spa, is a part of the Spa Gaia Napa Valley Hotel, a LEED (Leader in Energy and Environmental Design) certified hotel and a Green Spa Network member.
Decorated in Balinese artwork, Spa Gaia presents an endless array of organic skin care products, recycled furniture, organic paints and recycled plastic drinking cups. Spa Manager Kate Riley says that as a wellness spa, Spa Gaia staff looks at the “whole entire being of a person and are concerned with what guests put inside of their bodies, as well as what they put on the outside.”
Affordability: A relaxing stay at Spa Gaia Napa Valley Hotel and Spa consists of a room for $109-$139 a night, massage and facials from $100-$160, and complimentary referrals from spa staff to the nearest ecologically-sound wineries and restaurants.
Couples can enjoy a Yin & Yang Massage ($200 for 50 minutes) in the “duo” room with side-by-side massage tables. Friends, mothers and daughters can spend quality toxin-free time in the organic nail room breathing fresh air and enjoying the pondview. The Gaia Mani-Pedi costs $110 for 120 minutes. Nail lacquers are vegan, dibutyl phthalate-free and eco-friendly. Or, seek the ultimate personalized bathing experience and enjoy a Sacred Soak ($35 for 30 minutes) with customized oils for your bubble bath, by the spa’s acupuncturist.
Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Freestone, CA
A truly organic experience
Tucked away in sleepy Freestone, west of Sebastopol, off of Bodega highway sits this hidden treasure. Osmosis Day Spa is beautifully-lined with Japanese meditation gardens, meandering walking paths and tranquil tea gardens; the drive is worth the effort. It’s an “unknown treasure in Sonoma County,” says Michael Stusser, founder and Green Spa Network member. Recyclable building materials and furniture, composting of natural resources, safe and clean personal care products, a natural design and the conscious use of water and energy make this a “green spa experience.”
Affordability: Locals Night is once a month on Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m., with “tasters” of the Cedar Enzyme Footbaths for $10; and mini-spa treatments: Chair Massage, ($15 for 15 minutes), Express Facial ($40 for 30 minutes), and Table Massage ($65 for 45 minutes). Osmosis staff will greet you at the parking lot to park your car, and then welcome you with warm sake before your treatment.
Join the spa for a signature Cedar Enzyme Bath treatment, ($85 for one, $75 for two or more). Enjoy a Japanese organic herbal enzyme tea in the tranquil tea garden, followed by the traditional enzyme bath treatment with cedar wood, rice bran, and plant enzymes to detox and heat the body naturally. Next, relax with a body wrap and metamusic sound therapy rejuvenation treatment to balance your mind, body and spirit.
International Orange (IO) in San Francisco, CA
Simple and chic
San Francisco’s posh Fillmore district is a perfect match to the green certified yoga studio. Move your mind and body in the yoga lounge, purchase organic clean skin care products, sit outside on the deck drinking herbal tea, and be reminded to “please practice silence.” Like-minded and well-trained staff, sustainably-harvested Brazilian cherry flooring and eco-friendly yoga mats greet visitors and allow some stress-free time away from the big city activities. “If you can have the opportunity to do that on a special day or break from a mid-term that is really amazing,” Amy Darland Spa Co-Founder says.
Affordability: Experience off-peak discounts, up to 25 percent off (for example, a 60-minute massage for $105 at $95, save $10), three spa specials a month (facials, massage, yoga), Monday-Thursday. “See our great therapists and enjoy wonderful environment at a great rate,” Darland says. Sign up for the VIP newsletter online on the Specials page, and receive monthly specials.
Enjoy a full day and affordable use of the facilities, with a “trio” deal, IO Package: Spa Yoga Lounge Day (prices vary with treatment), includes a 45-minute or longer facial, massage, and free yoga class. Use the full facility, lounge, steam room and read a book or magazine out on the deck.
Kabuki Springs & Spa in San Francisco, CA
Body and mind re-connection
If you are looking for traditional Japanese communal baths, this Japantown Green Spa Network member is the place to be. Beautifully centered on Geary Blvd., Kabuki Springs decorated by Buddhist statues lined with flowers and candles, offers spiritual readings in the waiting room, and carefully placed mantras to remind us to “care for Mother Earth.” Water conservation, 100 percent certified green laundry (plant based detergents), local vendors, re-usable compostable drinking cups for guests, and an effort to replace lighting with carbon fluorescent lights (CFL) are all several green initiatives throughout the spa.
Affordability: Reduce your stress with unlimited time Communal Baths, for $22, with sauna, steam, hot & cold pool, relaxation and vanity area. Add on a 25-minute massage, a total of $65. The baths regular table salt and restricted water flow prove more effective than chlorine options that harm the environment. Check online for all-women, all-men, and co-ed days. Clothing is optional, except co-ed days.
If communal baths are not your thing and you need a little more privacy, unwind with a Bliss Massage with Private Bath ($110 for 80 minutes). Take a bath in your own private tub, and then transition to your same-room massage table, for an easy-going day.
“We are not a high-end spa. Our most expensive package is $155. We really try to be affordable.” Kathy Nelson, Spa Director says.
/ By Mary Murphy
