San Francisco is a picturesque city whose counter-cultural influence helped shape the modern world. People think outside the box in San Francisco, so it’s no surprise that holistic wellness has blossomed in this eco-conscious, open-minded city.
In fact, a survey by WalletHub actually found San Francisco to be the healthiest city in the United States! If that’s not a reason to take a wellness trip to the Golden Gate City, then I don’t know what is.
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If you’re looking to treat yourself, you can’t go wrong at a Ritz-Carlton property.
This luxurious hotel is located in Nob Hill, a neighborhood famed for its five star hotels and opulent mansions. It’s a majestic building with a stately white exterior and a sleek modern interior. It houses a state-of-the-art 24/7 fitness centre and, even better, a L’Occitane Spa where blissful relaxation awaits you.
Hotel Vitale is a boutique property offering amazing views and a gorgeous spa with a private bamboo garden. There are jet lag and CBD massages on offer, as well as an indulgent bathing ritual or my favorite, an aromatic scalp massage. Bliss.
I love the timeless elegance that all St. Regis properties seem to have. The San Francisco hotel has a gorgeous indoor pool, which is perfect since things can get pretty cold! There’s also a spacious fitness centre and a Remede spa where you can enjoy a wide range of rituals and massages. If you’d like to try a signature treatment, the Fog on the Bay hot stone therapy comes highly recommended!
Reconnecting with nature is a big part of wellness, so why not pay a visit to San Francisco’s beauty botanical gardens? Make sure to check out the Andean cloud forest and the gorgeous magnolia collection, too.
The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic emblem of both San Francisco and America itself. Cycling, meanwhile, is a great way to get your blood pumping and those happy hormones flowing. A ride across the Golden Gate bridge is a great experience, and I recommend continuing on to Sausalito for even more scenic views.
Many studies have found that trees make us humans happy and exposure to greenery can even help with anxiety and depression. Therefore, marvelling at the majestic, 800-year-old redwood trees in Muir Woods is a real must during a wellness weekend in San Francisco.
Located within Golden Gate park, the Japanese tea garden is a tranquil oasis where you can read, meditate or even do a spot of yoga – whatever works for you. I recommend stopping at the Tea House to enjoy a cup of tea as you gaze upon the scenic koi pond below.
There’s no menu at Kristina Holey’s studio because each treatment is completely personal. During your two-hour session, Kristina will not only deliver a facial but also skin care advice for your specific needs. She not only discusses products, but also other nutritional and lifestyle factors that may be impacting your skin. A session here is part facial, part masterclass.
Dermaplus is a skincare boutique offering state-of-the-art laser facials, microneedling and even vitamin b12 injections. In addition, they sell a carefully curated selection of luxury skincare tools, from ice globes and dermaplaning tools to clay masks and natural deodorant.
This luxurious spa offers a wide range of treatments, from specialty massages to peptide peel facials and endermologie cellulite treatments. After a few hours here, you’ll leave feeling like a whole new you!
This restaurant serves up delicious, healthy and sustainably-sourced fish, allowing you to indulge completely guilt free. I recommend sitting on the patio and enjoying a Louie Salad on a balmy San Fran day.
This cafe proved to be such a hit that there are now locations all over San Francisco – the locals just can’t get enough of organic, plant-based goodness. There are plenty of juice cleanse options available if that’s something you’re interested in during your wellness weekend trip. If you’re looking for a healthy breakfast, I highly recommend the gluten-free Power Bowl; it’s a total nutritional powerhouse.
I’m a sucker for some good Mexican food, and if you’re the same then I highly recommend Nopalito. It’s great quality Mexican food that just so happens to be organic, sustainable and healthy – no fried cheese over here! It’s a great way to treat and nourish yourself at the same time.
Have you been to San Francisco? Drop your wellness recommendations below!
For more on wellness travel, take a look at these guides to Miami and New York, and if there’s another city you’d love to read about, just let me know.