Sanctuary Spa at Bay Club of San Francisco

My experience at this facility was horribly embarrassing, to the point where I had to email the company about our experience…
This past weekend for Valentine’s Day my boyfriend and I decided to book a massage appointment. We love getting massages when we go away on vacation so we decided last minute to get one. We decided to go to this facility per the recommendation of our hotel concierge. When we arrived I was surprised to find that this place was in of a gym, but I tried not to think too much of it.
Upon checking in and signing their forms, we were given robes. When I was handed slippers, the receptionist informed us that they did not have men’s slippers because «men tend to leave with them.» When I scheduled the appointment I stated it was a «couple’s massage» and she never mentioned there would not be men’s slippers available, had I know that I would have told my boyfriend to bring slippers, but since they didn’t, my boyfriend wore his tennis shoes until they found WOMEN slippers in a large size… and that was only after we made a statement about walking on the floor barefooted unhygienic.
From that point on things just went downhill… honestly, when your boyfriend is trying to pay for something nice for the two of you to do together, you want to make sure everything goes well, especially for him since he’s paying for it.
The whole thing was a terrible experience for him which made me embarrassed because he still paid for it.
No one showed him how to use the locker card, no one showed us around the facility until we asked where we were allowed to go in our spa robes, and the therapist we had were mediocre. Their therapist have no spa etiquette AT ALL. While my massage was good, she lacked customer service. My boyfriend said his massage wasn’t worth the price he paid. BOTH of the therapist were not anywhere to be found after they finished with us, which I thought was rude because everywhere else they wait outside your door with water to ask how you are doing. Yet we saw another therapist did that with another customer, so that didn’t make sense.
Despite the fact that this place is for the ‘elites” and their gym membership cost more than Equinox; we are treated WAY better at other spas AND they cost way more than this place for a massage…
The only positive thing I can say about this place is that there was a nice girl with tattoos and a pixie hair cut at the front desk that showed us around when we informed her it was our first time there and she let my boyfriend use her phone charger. If it were possible I would have just tipped her and only her…

Ok can I just say that I’ve had the best facial of my life? I got the Hollywood facial with Marjan. My face was literally glowing for days, and the service was absolutely fabulous! Complements galore! Marjan seriously knows her stuff, and is many steps above her counterparts. I definitely recommend her!!!

My rating reflects my experience with one massage specialist (Kayle/​Kilie/​something). She was very strong so the pressure was great but overall I found her style abrupt, and despite it being a deep tissue massage for 80 minutes, she didn’t really dig deep in any particular area (though I requested two specific areas). After the massage, she started talking to me (while still on the table, not fully awake) about where she had focused and stretching I needed to do. This has never happened before — usually they wait until I’m up — and it just seemed bizarre.
I’ve had a lot of massage work done, and a lot of deep tissue work as well as other styles. Two or three times I’ve had a massage therapist who just didn’t seem *present*, and abrupt to the point of potentially causing me muscle spasms (which I get in my shoulders if my neck gets yanked the wrong way). I find it incredibly frustrating. Unfortunately this was just one of those times.

Best hidden secret in the Financial District/​Embarcadero area. No need to go to Polk Street anymore or Downtown. Two high fives for One (Oanh) who is the new Nail Technician. She uses the Shellac CND (not the gel and what a difference) and my hands look great for a couple of weeks. It also comes off very easily. The Sanctuary Spa is part of the Bay Club and offers many services. One does not have to be a member there to have a manicure/​pedicure or any other of their services.

I only chose this place because it was close for my client to get to and seemed really nice.
It definitely is really nice because its located inside The Bay Club but it is pricey and for sure not worth it.
I’ll start with what I liked:
— Had new OPI colors from the Germany collection
— Uses all natural products
— Tools were clean and sanitized
— There is a slight discount if you are a Bay Club member ($ 30 for mani or pedicure) Not a bad price for a Pedi but definitely too much for a Mani
— While my nails were drying placed a heating pad over my shoulders that felt really nice
What I did not like:
— Super strict cancellation fee. If cancel or even reschedule before 24 hours they will charge you in full. Things happen so it was annoying that they weren’t accommodating about that.
— IT IS NOT A NAIL SHOP which means they don’t do anything special in terms of nail designs, acrylics, etc. They do shellac and gel tho.
— They CANNOT handle more than 1 person/​treatment at a time because there is ONE nail technician. So even if you wanted your feet and hands done at the same time its a no go.
— There was NOTHING special about the process of her doing my manicure. The massage part was short changed
I’m guessing this place is much better suited for other services like massages. Don’t come here for nail services unless you want to get ripped off.

A master of a massage therapist, Janvier = GREAT massage. He does some serious deep tissue work that gets results on tight, sore muscles. He works out the kinks while also being very relaxing.
Side Perk for non Bay Club members, It’s nice to make a day out of the spa visit with use of the facilities.

All of the services (2 massages, 1 facial and an eyebrow wax) that I’ve had here have been wonderful (the only names I remember are Candy and Yaz, but they were all REALLY great). Everyone that performs services are very knowledgable. I also love the products they have for sale in the shop.
Would be 5 starts if they had less scratchy robes and always had flip flops to use. Also, the lounge you wait in for service doesn’t usually have water filled, has outdated magazines and not a large selection. Also if they had a separate changing area and restroom than the women’s changing room for the gym which is less than calming. They also fit me in at the last minute once, but then ran 20 mins late. Wish I would have known when I booked it so I could have worked out longer.
Update: Had an AMAZING massage with Kim the other day. She is very sweet, knowledgable and gives an AMAZING deep tissue. She really reads the body incredibly well.

Got a St. Tropez airbrush tan just a few days ago, and it was AMAZING.
I’ve gotten tons of airbrush tans before, and this was completely different. The application was very light, and there wasn’t any need to consistently blend, not to mention it smells so good! It looks very natural, and there weren’t any streaks!
The price for a full body is $ 50, which isn’t much different than anywhere else in San Francisco, but way worth it. The best tan I’ve gotten. Can happily say I have no complaints!

Was surprised to like a spa that is part of my gym so much. The rates are great if you’re a member of the Bay Club and my first massage last week was very, very good. It’s also so convenient for me as a member. I thought the quality wouldn’t be great as it is affiliated with my gym — but it was really excellent. I will be back here for sure!

The Sanctuary Spa is a nice little addition to my fabulous gym. The prices are relatively high (even with a Bay Club membership), especially these days with all the Groupons and Spa Finder certificates out there, but then it is a part of the super pricey Bay Club.
After checking in with the front desk, you are offered a plush robe and escorted through a private entrance into the locker room to shower and change. From there, you can either remain in the TV area of the locker room to wait for someone to escort you back, or go to the waiting area of the spa.
The spa itself is just as pleasant as any other stand-​alone spa. The waiting room is peaceful and dimly lit with comfy chairs, massagers for backs and feet, cucumber and lemon flavored chilled water, and relaxing music softly playing overhead.
I had several wonderful deep tissue massages and a hot stone massage here in the past. The massage therapists that worked on me were some of the best I’ve had.
Unfortunately, one of the waxes I received was extremely painful (as it was my first) and the esthetician was not at all sympathetic. I ended up standing in the shower afterward in such pain, I didn’t want to ever move. The second time, however, I had Marjan. She used her own wax and worked in such a way that made the whole experience a lot less painful than the first. If I ever return for a wax, it will be with Marjan.

Got my first massage ever here about a year ago (I can’t remember by who) and it was amazing!!!
The spa is clean, relaxing, and quiet.

I am a member of the Bay Club and over the years have tried various services. I wouldn’t come here to get away and have a relaxing day at the spa because it is the same facilities as the Bay Club. The spa uses the same changing room, jacuzzi, and steam room as the regular facilities and so it doesn’t feel like you are getting away. I would rather pay $ 10 more (about the discount you get for being a Bay Club member) and go somewhere else that doesn’t feel like my gym.
I have tried the massage a few times and at $ 85, I didn’t feel like it was a bargain for being connected to the gym. The massage was okay, but nothing great. I also have tried the manicure and pedicure and these were okay for the convenience, but for the price I would go elsewhere. There are a lot of nail spas that will give you a nice hand and foot massage for the same price. I also tried the bikini waxing and I have found this the most worth it. The facilities are clean for the price and they give you a paper panty so you won’t feel too exposed when they are doing their business.

Golden and Beautiful. Spray tan Yes! I’m olive-​toned and came in for the first spray tan of my life. I usually tan easily but the weather in SF hasn’t been warm enough for me to lay out. I just needed to even out. I had the «medium,» used barrier cream everywhere instead of just elbows, knees, ankles, feet, hands. The color stayed for at least a week and it was a beautiful golden even color. No terra-​cotta here!
I wouldn’t reccommend you go out anywhere immediately after you spray tan because you do smell. I was even embarrassed riding muni home. Leave on for at least 8hrs then take a shower. Smell no more. Just a golden new you!

This urban retreat (it’s not really a traditional spa) is connected to the SF Bay Club. It’s absolutely great if you’re a member because the prices are very reasonable for the services you get. I like the fact that this place is not very busy. The waiting area has a back & foot massage machines, lots of magazines, chilled water and tea to help you relax.
I’ve tried the pre-​natal massage by Melissa and she is great! I like the no frills services, and just plain pleasant attitude of the front desk administrators. You don’t even have to fill those non sense disclaimers which no one reads anyway. Melissa simply just asked how do you like your massage and any concerns and there we go — she doesn’t waste precious minutes and just gets to work. I love it!
I also tried the pampered pedicure — it’s pure heaven, it cannot get any better than this. The nail care section very soothing and they have loads of nail color options.
The spa also sells really cute jewelry and great smelling candles and other skin products. This spa never pressures anyone to buy anything which is very classy.
80 min massage for $ 110

Attentive, expert, well priced massages. I’ve had fantastic sports massages, reflexology work, and my boyfriend had an expert Thai massage. This is what I think massages should be about: customized to what you need at that moment. Plus, the spa is now separate from the club and very calm and pretty. If you’re not a member, I still recommend giving it a try. (It’s also not so hard to get an appointment, which is a plus).

I don’t know if I would go here as a spa. I like to get a lot of massages here post or pre or without a workout. It’s great to have a massage place in your gym. The therapists can be hit or miss so if you find a good one, stick with him or her. I think a spa, particularly one in a gym, is made by its therapists. I wouldn’t go here if I wasn’t a Bay Club member. The convenience is great, and the prices are a bit cheaper for members, but at the normal rate, I would probably go to a regular spa.
Vanessa deserves five stars. She is awesome.

My husband is a member of the Bay Club, so I came here to indulge my ever growing self with a prenatal massage. I’ve had numerous «regular» massages (deep tissue, Shiatsu, Swedish, hot stone massage), but I wasn’t really sure what to expect with a prenatal massage.
Let me tell you, Sanctuary Spa is wonderfully set up for prenatal massages. You get a body pillow to support yourself (which seems much better than having to lie down on your belly) & Jen, my therapist, worked miracles with my back pain. I indulged in a 80 minute massage, which went by all too quickly. If I had a bottomless bank account, I would get a massage every day!
The changing room for the spa is the same locker room that all the female gym members use, so it was kind of chaotic. You are provided with a very plush robe, which was nice. The waiting area is very relaxing (dimly lit & soft music playing in the background) & you get to kick back & drink water or tea before you go in for your treatment. Another perk was that the treatment rooms are very quiet. Aside from the classical music playing, you couldn’t hear anything else that was going on.
I will definitely be back!

I was overdue for a wax (lower leg and pits) and had procrastinated so bad that I craved going to a *nice* place, rather than a mid-​road. A friend is a member at some other sister club, and so I found out about this place and their ‘Sanctuary Spa’. I made an appointment, was running late cuz it was farther away than we thought, called to say I was late, got there 15 minutes late, and only had time to get the lower legs done. Ok, no big deal, it’s basically my fault. I’ll try to come back for the pits another time.
I thought maybe I’d ditch the pits, as I hadn’t yet stepped into that territory and was nervous about it. Lower leg only for me, going on four years. So whatever. I walked by down the plush hallway, down the stairs to the counter and was told that if I didn’t book the pit wax for another time, I’d have to pay for it anyway.
Needless to say, I was a little appalled, but this place is just tryin to be real nice, so they make you pay for shit they didn’t do to you, and they require a credit card to book appointments. All of that is to say: –1 for being uptight and uppity.
4 stars for the woman (both the lower leg and when I went back the next day for devirginizing of armpits) who waxed me cuz she was great, and I was able to get her to warm up and talk to me. She didn’t miss many hairs at all — especially on the pits. She waxed carefully with my leg hair growth which resulted in… well, better results. High end tables, clean, nice REAL spa, and not overly ridiculously priced. Cheesy ass music on the PA system, alas.
They sold me into getting a $ 20 bottle of ingrown hair stuff that might be doing an ok job keeping my follicles chilled out.
I’ll go back once I can afford it again — and am also considering a gym membership (under 30 is a good deal, as someone below says) once my current membership at ghetto-​mission-​gym expires.

I spent a fabulous afternoon here with a good friend. My massage was relaxing and my mani/​pedi was great and lasted a full week (what a rarity) — ask for Annie, she’s in Mondays and some weekends.
The kicker, however, was my facial. I think I glowed for a week and my skin felt incredible. The spa carries a number of lines of facial products but my personal favorite is Sonya Dakar.
To finish it all off, spa guests who get massages or facials are allowed full access to the Bay Club for the day (I’m already a member but this was great for bringing a friend) and the showers have the best shampoo and conditioner ever. The staff is also very gracious and if you’re a member of the Bay Club you’ll get a sizable discount.
I left totally relaxed and satisfied with my spa day.

DID YOU KNOW that this place has the BEST spray tan on earth?
Yes, yes, yes the nail services are amazing and the massages are 3.5 stars… but I feel alot better doing the ol’ walk in-​walk out here.

I’ve been for pedicures, eyebrow wax and massage.
My massage was amazing, I went for a deep tissue and he really worked it out.
My eyebrow wax, I loved that it’s a true spa wax, where you lie down and are relaxed in a soothing environment, but I’ve had better jobs done, at Andrews Therapy @ Rezvan Spa, and also at Spa-​Bar.
The pedicure is awesome. Lasts forever, doesn’t chip, and they can get you in and out in the middle of your work day. And you’re not crammed in next to a million other people, very private and lowkey.
4 stars!