Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and if you ask me, there’s no better way to celebrate than treating your Mom or the Mother figure in your life to a well-deserved moment of relaxation. Massage, steam room, sauna, or jacuzzi; there’s a spa for every mother. Here are our MerciSF favorites, kept short so you can choose with ease.

San FranciscoSenSpa

Located in the Presidio, SenSpa brings a touch of Southeast Asia to our favorite city. With three relaxation rooms, steam rooms, and fabulous massages set against a beautiful backdrop of wood, bamboo, and Buddha sculptures, this place is all about slowing down. Bring a book, tune into the sound of the fountain, and let the time pass until your massage.
SenSpa, 1161 Gorgas Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94129

Onsen

If SenSpa is all about Southeast Asia, Onsen takes you straight to Japan. A true bathhouse experience – no massages here, just a 104°F communal tub, redwood sauna, steam room, and cold plunge to fully embrace Japanese bathing culture. And when you’re done soaking, the restaurant serves delicious Japanese food (with vegetarian options) Thursday through Sunday. One more thing: Onsen closes at 10PM – so there’s really no excuse not to linger.
Onsen, 466 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Bamford Wellness Spa

Originally founded by Caroline Bamford in the English countryside, Bamford is rooted in sustainable and holistic living. The San Francisco outpost offers spa treatments, an organic skincare line, and – the showstopper – outdoor spa tubs on the terrace, featuring a Pacific Ocean mineral-rich bath salt soak. Just steps from the Financial District, it’s the perfect escape after a long day of meetings or a leisurely stroll around town with your mom.
Bamford Wellness Spa at the 1Hotel San Francisco, 8 Mission St 8th floor, San Francisco, CA 94105

North Bay
Cavallo Point

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and step into another world. Cavallo Point’s spa has everything you need to unwind: massages, a meditation pool, infrared sauna, Zen garden, relaxation lounge, and outdoor jacuzzis — the full package, with views to match.
Cavallo Point Healing Arts Center & Spa, 601 Murray Cir, Sausalito, CA 94965

East BaySpa at the Claremont

Come relax at the spa of the stunning Claremont Hotel, nestled in the Berkeley Hills. Treat yourself to a Manuka honey massage, aromatherapy, or a session in the eucalyptus steam room – pure bliss.
Spa at the Claremont, 41 Tunnel Road Berkeley – California 94705

Piedmont Springs

Outdoor hot tubs, a sauna, a steam room, and all your classic spa treatments — the perfect little escape on hip Piedmont Avenue.
Piedmont Springs, 3939 Piedmont Avenue | Oakland, CA 94611

South Bay Asaya Spa at the Rosewood Hotel

My favorite of all: a luxurious setting with steam rooms, saunas, jacuzzi, and indoor patio — the Rosewood Hotel is the perfect spot for a slow, indulgent afternoon in the South Bay. Being welcomed with a glass of champagne (or a non-alcoholic alternative) is hard to beat — even at the heart of Silicon Valley. The massages are executed to perfection. My tip: book your massage and arrive early to make the most of the space — you won’t regret it. More resort than hotel, the Rosewood sprawls across the hills of Menlo Park and genuinely feels like a mini getaway.
Asaya Spa at the Rosewood Hotel, 2825 Sand Hill Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025