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International Orange Spa
Rating Details »
Categories: Skin Care, Day Spas, Yoga, Hair Removal
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights2044 Fillmore Street
Second Floor
(between Pine St & California St)
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 563-5000
60 Min. Deep Tissue Massage for $90
http://bit.ly/45DcLF SAVE $25. For those of you that like it strong!
Announced 1 week ago- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
286 reviews for International Orange Spa
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
8/4/2009
11/2/2009
11/17/2009
10/21/2009
11/16/2009
10/10/2009
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Updated - 7/4/2009
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Updated - 9/4/2009
Updated - 2/17/2009
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Updated - 9/10/2009
11/25/2008
8/4/2008
8/30/2008
1/7/2009
1/29/2009
One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?
I looooove this place! I've had several massages and facials at IO during the past few years and have never been disappointed. I also get my Arcona face products here - The Magic White Ice is totally worth it.
The prices for services are pretty reasonable, especially compared to other spas in the city with comparable amenities. I do wish the changing area were bigger, but IO makes up for it with the relaxation deck out back. Take some tea or water out there before and after your appointment.
This place is freakin' awesome. Staff is great, facility is serene and the treatments are spot on....We got a pair of treatments on Saturday. Alexis was my therapist and she was solid. I even re-booked services with her two weeks later.
The hidden gem here is the outdoor terrace...enjoy the peacefulness after a therapy session.
Clean. Simple. Fresh.
That's what this place is like. The facial I had was fantastic! Not only did she do a great job, but she also give me a list and type of products I should use on my face when. She also gave me her email address if I ever wanted to contact her about products.
All in all a great experience, however it was a bit pricey. The minus two stars are for location (REALLY hard to find parking) and the price.
I had HIGH expectations, but my experience fell short.
I heard all these great things about the steam room, the robes, etc.
Well...I booked a 60 minute IO massage, and although my body was thankful and apparently relaxed a bit, my mind was not relaxed after the experience.
Reina, the therapist, told me that she specializes in neuro-muscular retraining/release, otherwise known as hippie-dippy massage. The music, her schizophrenic movements, were all very...non-relaxing. I guess I am just too used to slow, sleep-inducing Swedish massage. She kept moving all over the place, shoulder, then lower-back, the ribs...too much movement!
Also, the hot towels she used felt like she was burning off 5 layers of skin, and then I thought she was going to suffocate me with the one she put on my face!
Besides the massage...I felt like I was at The Matrix with the loud lounge music, and I was not impressed with the one working shower, and the burning steam room. Plus, the shampoo's scent was undelightful, and the conditioner didn't do it's job.
Tip: First time clients get 50% off any service...the only reason I went here.
I was really disappointed with my experience here.
Someone had given me a $200+ gift certificate to whatever SF spa I wanted and, based on some good reviews, I chose IO.
I walked in and the two women at the front didn't even acknowledge me until they were done with their personal discussion, then it was as if my presence was an irritating inconvenience.
Then I waited in an oddly uncomfortable waiting area before going in for a just-okay massage. Then I went in for my second treatment, which I was really excited about. It was a mud wrap (I don't know if they offer this anymore). You were wrapped in a detoxifying blend of mud and herbs and then were supposed to sit in the steam room to open the pores and allow the skin to absorb the nutrients in the mud.
Once they wrapped me up they told me, as though an afterthought, that the steam room was out of order! I couldn't believe they hadn't let me know that first so I could choose another treatment. I asked what to do and they said I could just go stand in the shower. No one even seemed apologetic.
After I showered off, they never offered me anything to drink, which most spas do after a wrap, because it's easy to become dehydrated. Then they added up my charges and sent me off. When I brought up the botched mud wrap treatment, the woman at the desk said, "Oh yeah, the steam room's broken. Sorry," and charged me full price for the service.
There was not one pampering moment that entire day. Not one moment felt warm and relaxing. I've had warmer moments at the dentist's office. I went out to my car and just cried.
IO needs to realize that, while $250 dollars might just be pocket change for them, to many of us, it's a huge amount to spend on ourselves, and might even constitute a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some.
I try not to think of the lovely, pampering experience I could have had somewhere - possibly anywhere - else for that kind of money. I gave them 2 stars rather than the 1 I was tempted to because we're all human and mess up now and then. I just wish this hadn't been such an expensive mess.
I finally used my gift card to get a facial here the other day and loved it!
The facial was excellent - I'd definitely rate it above average. The staff is professional and skilled, and the prices are reasonable compared to other spas in SF.
They've really done a good job on the decor - really tranquil and serene.
Lindsay Jean Thompson is the #1 yoga teacher in San Francisco, and top 5 in the world.
This spa is very peaceful/relaxing. I got a deep tissue massage,One of the best massages I have ever had.The staff are all amazing! I need to try their Yoga class:-)
While IO was once a most favorite spot of mine, it has sadly slipped in quality tremendously over the past year. When I started going three years ago it was pristine, peaceful, a perfect spa. However, in the past year I have experienced lost reservations, was reassigned a therapist without notice even though I routinely (2-3 times a month) see the same person. While my review of IO is not positive, I have to say that a few of their therapists and technicians are fantastic.
In addition to the slip in service, the locker rooms need to be refurbished. Showers are dingy with diminished water pressure and they decided to replace only half of the greying towels, so that everyone simply picks the new white ones out of the pile and leaves the grey ones unused on the floor. Lovely bottles of products were replaced with gym style dispensers.
When I brought all of this up with the business manager I was at first told that these issues would be addressed, but just a week later received an email that the management team and owners had discussed these issues and have no intention on making any changes. I'm saddened to see a great business chose to downgrade their services, but it's their choice to make.
I'm pretty sure I found my sanity and it's located at IO on Sundays at 6pm with Tina Foster. One of the best Restorative classes I've ever taken. Ridiculously relaxing and my mind didn't wander in her class as it usually does with other Restorative classes. Not sure if it's Tina, the room (very unique - rectangular vs. square) or just the timing: Sunday evenings are truly special for yoga. I left wanting more and that never happens.
1 star docked for the outrageous one-class pricing. But I'm still a sucka.
Great spa! However, when I first arrived at the front desk, the staff was talking about a client who just left and paid with a gift certificate and that they find it SO annoying when coupons are used to pay for services (I happen to have had a spa finder coupon I was using that day, so immediately I felt uncomfortable). I thought this to be very unprofessional to say the least. Besides that, the spa is nice. Probably the best massage I have ever had. I thought the facial was wonderful as well. The Zen / modern ambiance and organic skin care products make it even more appealing. A bit on the pricey side though, and again, they just need to retrain the front desk staff on a few things...
Ok I have loved this place in the past and visited on a monthly basis, but Eek NO MORE! Like my brother said I'm so divorcing this place! We're through! They really were awful yesterday! I still love my aesthetician Jenny she is awesome and tries to accommodate me but the people working at the front desk were terrible!
I'm from the South Bay and yesterday I was going to take my brother for the firsts time to get a facial! Well it took me 2.5 hours to get there since there was so much traffic!
We were super late, but my aesthetician is soooo NICE! She was willing to give me the full treatment but they didn't even bother checking with my brother's aesthetician to see if he or she was available to provide a mini service. So he got nothing and I ended up paying 100%. I'm sorry but NEVER AGAIN!
Yes Yes I know it's their policy but according to the aestheticians everyone was late yesterday and they could have provide some semblance of a service since it was his first time there! Yes I know you should be respectful of their time because they are providing a service and I am usually I call ahead if I'm late and try my best to show up on time but considering that I'm driving myself quite a distance it's really hard to gauge traffic!
Oh and not to mention my other friend who lives in SF was 10 minutes late and the other girl at the front gave her attitude! What really?! I mean everyone was late that day! I think they need to adjust their attitude sorry you are service the least you can do is be NICE to her when she is only 10 mins late since it probably stressed her out to get there too! I'm like REALLY!??
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/19/2009
I love this place! It's not huge, but my friend Morgan introduced me to it. The only thing is that… Read more »
Warning: you may be come addicted to spa services.
Someone should have told me this before I booked an appointment with Kala, a talented massage therapist at IO. I've referred many of my friends to Kala and after just one session they are hooked as well. She is simply amazing. Kala has a calm demeanor and works with her clients to ensure that they are relaxed and are enjoying the service.
IO's yoga classes are also great and work well when they are paired with a spa service. The instructors are especially attentive and will tailor the class depending on the skill level of the participant. Taking a yoga class followed by a massage was almost like having a vacation; you'll leave feeling relaxed and refreshed!
My brow needs are different from most: I want and NEED them to look darker and thicker. I get them tinted and shaped every so often, and most recently decided to try Alicia at International Orange. By far, this is the best brow shaping/tinting I've ever had! I'm not sure what she did - it felt like a combo of plucking, waxing and threading - but both the shape and color were perfect. Who knew you could remove hair and end up with thicker looking brows?
The service is a bit pricey for me, so I can't go back as often as I'd like. However, I will definitely visit Alicia every few months for a quality shape and tint, and try to maintain her good work between appointments.
A great big plus for the steam room and shower facilities. There just aren't enough spas in S.F that offer full services like saunas, steam room, shower etc...so I definitely give International Orange love for that. There are way too many spas in S.F that are just boutique spas that offer services and nothing much else.
I came here with my sister for a spa day during her birthday a while back, we both had the Essential Oil Massgage. My therapist was great, I believe his name was Darryl, but pressure was just right.
It was the second time for little sis getting a massage So she's still getting used to the pressure massages, and learning how to become comfortable and relax while being naked with a total stranger. Hehehe.
Decor was simple, an all white enviroment with a modern feel. I loved the outside patio that you can use before or after spa treatments, while sitting on the lounge chairs. However, they are bench-like with no cushions so they can be a bit uncomfortable after a massage.
One star deduction for the very tiny locker room area and for the lack of extra towels available in there. Lockers are right next to the set of showers. So you've got gals drying up, and their wet hair swinging around as you are dressing; not fun and way too close! Definitely try to come here during off-peak hours if you can.
Overall, I had a nice time having some girl time with my little sis.
Full service spa even has yoga. I have not done yoga there but some of my friends do and love it. The massages are very nice and the surroundings are relaxing although perhaps slightly overpriced.
I loved this Spa!! Trying to find places that use organic, paraben free and the least amount of chemicals possible is harder than it seems, but International Orange did it all!
The ambiance is cheery yet very relaxing, and my facial was hand downt he best i ever had. I will always go back and always request Yolanda, she was amzing. She listened to everything i said when she asked about my preferences and she did an amazing job!
Plus...as a perk....check out their website because they offer some great discounted spa facials and other great stuff!! Great place i recommend it now to all of my friends and family!!
Alright, I've been to this place twice. Both times were close to four years ago. Why am I writing a review now? Because I can't afford to go there these days and am hoping reminiscing via Yelp will fill that painful spa void in my life.
The first time I went, I went for a facial. It was amazing. They have bios of their staff online, and I made sure to book with the esthetician that mentioned her acne-ridden teenage years. The second time I went, I got a bikini wax. The facial was totally worth the $120 I paid. The wax was not worth the $80 I paid. Both were great, but when I'm paying that much I want my visit to be an enjoyable experience. Getting waxed is never an enjoyable experience. I'd rather pay half as much and go to the Greek lady across the street from my old school. Quick, cheap, and clean.
IO is amazingly beautiful, the staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and they have an amazing skincare line for sale in-house. The Arcona Toner Tea Bar is the best face soap I've ever used. Unfortunately, it leaves you smelling like a patchouli oil infused hippie, but whatever.
Spend the day at IO if you have the scrill to blow.
I had a lovely and wonderfully relaxing and cleansing facial with Karen last night. I called for a same day last minute appointment and they were very good in accommodating my time needs.
The facial was really good, every time when something had to soak or steep, I got a massage elsewhere on the body - once the arms and hands, once the neck and scalp - just great.
I might try more services here, I also love their office-hours-friendly opening times.
Had a facial with Karen. I was very pleased with the service. Added to the good facial, Karen has the right level of interpersonal skills to make one go back to her.
The deck is pleasant and the steam room a plus, though it is small and gets hot very fast.
It's also good to know there are classes going on for those days when a half day pampering and disconnection with the world is needed.
All in all, it is good to know international orange exists in the city.
If I only could afford to have my facials done here on a regular basis! Simply the best place for facials in Northern California! Modern minimalist decor, yet cozy and warm. Was not particularly impressed with their massages (not to say that they were bad, quite the contrary, but nothing outstanding to justify the price tag). Do not even know who is the best, Alicia, Abbie - truly, everyone I tried here was just amazing!
Tip: try to go in the morning, I felt just a tiny bit of "time-rush" on evenings and weekends.
tehehe . . . . this little piggy is smiling at her computer . . . . normally that doesn't happen unless there's a cute boy involved . . . . today, however, I'm perfectly happy and content sans cute boys . . . why, you ask? Just came back from International Orange, and it is awesomeness. Wish I could give 4.5 stars, le sigh (*(oo)*)
Piggy's Luxe Spa Tour continues!
Reservations / Front Desk Staff: Extremely sweet, soft spoken & soothing voices all around! Just the way spa staff should sound, know what I mean?
Massage Therapist: Mieze has just catapulted to the top of my list of favourite massage therapists in town! I had the 60 minute massage, and I swear her hands gravitated straight for knots I didn't even know I had!! It's like she's psychic (^(oo)^)v hurrah! I also enjoyed the way she incorporated some hot stones and other little extras beyond the traditional Swedish massage. That was one happy & relaxed little piglet that rolled merrily off the table at the end of the hour ~
Treatment rooms: Good ambiance with the tea light candles; also love the way they put the bowl of water with floating orchids underneath the face rest so you have something pretty to look at! The only quibble I have here is that the linens on the treatment table were a bit rough compared to some of the other spas; maybe time to invest in some higher thread count linens?
Facilities: The only downside is the way the women's locker room is set up. The lockers are very small; I wouldn't recommend going here if you're wearing something that wrinkles easily, as you wouldn't even be able to fully hang a shirt in the lockers. Also, it's a bit cramped with the showers literally *right* next to the lockers. There is a small steam room, which is much appreciated. All told, I'd prefer IO's more cramped locker room with the steam room to Tru Spa's more spacious one, which lacks a steam room.
Other Staff: Unobtrusive, but I still would have preferred if they waited until after all the guests left before they started cleaning. In all fairness though, it was past closing so understandable. I'm neutral on this one.
All in all, the best spa experience I've had thus far in SF . . . . piggy stamp of approval granted! (^(oo)^)v
I'm addicted and won't go elsewhere. Jennifer G is the best aesthetician in the city. I've tried for years and am spoiled by her gentle hands. I make regular appointments and refuse to see anyone else.
The only downside is their reception staff but with online appointments now... no more dealing with mess-ups and rude receptionists.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/21/2008
The only reason I go to this place is to see Jennifer for facials. She is an absolute gem with… Read more »
Oh man, this place is worth every penny you will spend in it. I came back to get a massage and had a new therapist, Jen. She did such a great job! She used the perfect amount of pressure which resulted in the most relaxing and energizing massage.
I really loved Jen's technique. The massage involved a lot of stretching, pulling limbs and mild contorting. It felt like getting stretched by a personal trainer. I would highly recommend her!
Then, you know, go sit in the steam room for an hour and enjoy the luxuries of a Pac-heights spa.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/25/2008
Whoa WHOA. This place is an urban zen heaven. You would never guess that it's located in the heart… Read more »
Gorgeous setting, awesome facials, and great massage. Loved it there. I am an aesthetician so I am fussy as hell when it comes to skin care.
I have only been there once and it was several years ago.
Best spa in SF hands down.
Four simple words for you: "Debbie is a Goddess"
Repeat after me: "I will ask Debbie to show me how to take care of my skin properly".
It took 2 years, a broken heart and lot + lots of clogged pores to get myself to make an appointment for a Deep Cleanse Facial. I didn't have a recommendation for a specific esthatician (nor the patience to sift through the reviews to find one), so I just took the most convenient time slot. The most convenient time slot also happened to be with the best esthatician I've ever had for a facial. Debbie took her time to examine my skin, and make recommendations on the deep cleansing treatment that would be best for my skin type. She then spent the rest of the 75 minutes (and probably more), giving me advice (about skin + life), letting me relax, and massaging my arms while she waiting for the various creams to work their magic.
I left the spa with a little baggie full of samples, a brain full of helpful advice, a happy heart to have had a little girl time...and best of all....the cleanest, tightest little pores I've ever seen (without a single red spot from the extraction to note!!).
The spa is quiet, and warm and totally infused with the sweet smells of relaxation. The experience was a little on the pricey side, but if you can afford to splurge every once in a while, you get a tremendous amount of value out of the cost. Its a totally high quality experience and you can see it in your skin (and attitude!) for weeks and weeks afterwards.
YAY! I am a fan..let me start off by saying that I am a hair stylist that sadly misses out on the monthly routine of being pampered and doted over (why pay when its free, right?) and am a STICKLER for costumer service. With that said I love this place for a few reasons 1. the soft fuzzy robes to change into while you 2. lounge in the wait room with chocolates, dried exotic fruit, and cucumber water to 3. get the most through and relaxing (yes its possible) facial with YOLANDA
whooo I love this lady
she is educating and down right good at what she does. From someone who has never had a regiment, rounding on 30 and savors feeling pampered my answer is YES! The only downside is if a yoga class just got out the bathroom/locker room/steam room is just too crowded
I visited International Orange for the second time last night and had my most amazing massage experience to date. I was a massage virgin until last year when marathon training made my poor muscles crave some TLC. I have visited a number of spas around the city and IO provides the best service, hands down! Courtney listened to exactly which parts of my body hurt and spent most of her time focusing on those. the cucumber slices over my eyes, the lavender water spray down and the hot towels are an amazing touch that makes the price for the service well worth it. The ambiance is also entirely relaxing and rounds out the experience.
My only complaint, like many others, is the very small communal space for changing. The changing area gets very busy and there is no room for privacy of any kind. It's a small complaint and not enough to keep me from visiting again!
PEOPLE NEED OXYGEN.
I NEED MASSAGES and this is where I go to get mine.
I love the simplicity of this full spa and I feel relaxed upon arrival. It's not super big, with three showers, steam room,and lockers. Once you arrive, you'll find a white robe and flip flops to slip into. I like to come by 30 minutes early to shower using their wonderful smelling IO body wash and sit in the steam room before my massage.
Afterwards, walk out to the waiting area and enjoy the calmness around you. Your massage therapist will fetch you and I've never waited more than a few minutes. I love how they walk around barefeet. It's like meeting up with one of your best girlfriends at her house.
The next 60 minutes are just pure heaven. I can't recount the details because I usually drift off into a slumber from the relaxation. When I wake up, all of the kinks and knots in my shoulders and back have magically disappeared.
I even brought my mom here when she was visiting from the east coast. I literally had to drag this woman up the stairs who could not fathom the idea of removing your clothes and allowing a stranger to put their hands on you. I kid you not, 60 minutes later, when I picked her up, she SWORE BY MASSAGES and even suggested getting one for my dad. LOL. She still raves about her visit to IO to this day. The massages here are really that great.
The gift certificate specials are a great deal if you go often.
What can you say about a facial where you go in feeling like a big dopey pore, and come out feeling like the hottest mom rivaling Angelina?! AMAZING! I got the deep cleanse, and cannot say enough good things about the experience. This "facial" (which was really a facial/upper body massage/life retreat) changed my attitude for the rest of the day. And trust me, it was a pretty crummy attitude. Abbie did my facial: VOTE FOR ABBIE! SHE WON'T LET YOU DOWN!
I also got a foot treat add on to the facial, which I at first was not that impressed with. But as soon as I got home and took off my shoes to walk barefoot in my house, I felt like I was walking on a cloud; My feet felt delicious!
I have only been to a small handful of spas in the city and so far IO is by far my favorite. Here is why:
- interior decor is simple, intimate, slightly exotic, and most inviting
- friendly staff
-enjoying dried mango and cucumber water on the sundeck
-an awesomely intense steam room
-fluffy soft robes
-a swedish and thai massage rolled into one
-feeling rejuvenated and believing that once again life is beautiful
If i had enough money, I would totally be there all the time. But I don't, but I totally recommend Brian the masseuse there. He is absolutely amazing. I got the hot rock treatment combined with his knowledge of Hawaiian techniques, I'm in love. I also had a facial and if I could go back my face would love me. Amazing service, except for the locker room was a bit cramped. Other than that, once I get a job that really pays, I'll go back.
This is a review of their business practice, not their massage or yoga, since I didn't get to try any of it out.
I made an appointment for a massage about 3 hours ahead of time for my sister who was in town visiting and had had a terrible massage at
Lavande.
I said she wanted a shoulder/neck/back massage. In fairness to IO the operator did ask if I knew the cancellation policy, and I said that we would definitely not cancel!
So, when I got there I the girl at the front desk informed me it would be $145 and that I had booked an hour full body massage plus a 15 minute add-on head/neck/shoulder. I said, "oh, I thought I just booked a 45 minute shoulder/neck/back and she repeated, "Well, I'm sorry but you are booked for a full body one hour plus 15 minute add-on."
I said it's fine, I just wanted my sister to get a good massage. My friend and I waited at the Grove while my sister was in IO.
Well, 20 minutes later she's back. She said that after she filled out paperwork and waited in a robe for that time, they told her she couldn't have the massage since we didn't inform them she was pregnant (we didn't know this at the time, that even if you are only a few months pregnant you can't be massaged unless that masseuse is licensed also in massage for pregnant women). My sister said that normally I wouldn't be refunded but that they told her in this case it was a misunderstanding, so I would be refunded.
But I did get charged $105, according to my bank statements it was days later in fact, and no one responded to my email at the "info@internationalorange" address, and after 5 days I called them. They gave me a different email address (why couldn't they have forwarded it? they sounded like they had read my email already when I spoke to them.)
I was not refunded but offered discounts on future massages with my sister, which of course will be difficult what with her living in NJ and all.
I just think if a business tells someone they will be refunded, and if they pride themselves on being such a high-quality place, they would keep their promise to give a refund. I think it was "sneaky", and I also think it was "sneaky" of them to say I booked a full body for one hour and an add-on, when I clearly said "we want a massage for the neck, shoulder, and upper back". Their website quotes massages in increments of 45 minute and on. Sure, I am stupid for not asking them how long they booked the massage for, but aren't they sneaky for booking me an hour and fifteen minutes? They didn't tell me they were booking 2 different massages, I thought I was asking for a specific part of the body to be massaged, not an add on plus a full body /full hour.
Bottom line, I'm not saying not to go there, I'm saying you better be detailed and specific about what you want when you go there for the first time, ask them to repeat what you are booked for, and how much that is, just to be sure. Don't assume they will book you the starting 45 minute one! The girl at the desk will just repeat with a smile "Well, you are BOOKED for .. . . ."
So Mieze isn't there anymore (sad!) but Karl R. is, and he is just as good (I.O. gets the best people). Enjoy!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/1/2009
I love this place because of Mieze, the most amazing massage therapist I've ever had. While IO… Read more »
International Orange is one of the places that I feel better after every time I visit.
Going to the spa to get a treatment is one of my favorite indulgences. Unfortunately, this "Recessionista" is getting less treatments these days :-) The waxing is reasonable, especially bc IO offers a wax card so that you can accrue discounts. The facials are heavenly. There's a quaint lounge where you can have some dark chocolate, water with cucumber, and nuts while you wait for your treatment.
The yoga center has some of the best teachers in the city, just make sure that you find a class that matches the type of practice that you are looking for. You can probably find whatever class you are looking for (from a hybrid yoga/ strength / cardio workout to a more mellow Friday evening flow).
Five stars for the yoga teachers, let me make sure that's clear. Four stars for the spa, which is quite nice. So, on to details...
Rosemary Garrison's classes on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:15 will inspire you, make you sweat, help you dream, and soothe your soul. All in 90 minutes. She is just amazing-- the music is perfect, her adjustments are divine (note: she's a massage therapist, and although I've never had a massage from her, based on her adjustments it would be divine as well). She can be calm and peaceful while driving you harder than any other instructor. Go to her class and change your life.
Jen Burk is only there for another few months, but if you can squeeze into her 8:30 Saturday classes you'll lose 9 pounds, some of them sweat, most of them doubt and fear.
Other instructors there... sadly, I haven't been to any of them enough to review fairly. Tim was fun in a cheerleading sort of way, very hard, but not as spiritually fullfilling as Rosemary. Chanda is great if you find her subbing a class. Don't like Nadine, but maybe she's just not my style. Others must like her since she teaches alot.
Massage: Yum. Go to Rose's class and schedule a massage for 11:00. They have a fabulous shower you can use, and a peaceful backyard to wait in. I haven't had a bad massage there yet. Ralph Lauren is currently destroying the space downstairs from I.O., so I can't guarantee your massage will be jack-hammer proof, which would suck. But it will still feel great.
Maeanna has the hands of a healing angel and exudes compassionate, healing energy.
I went in with a back and neck that has been deeply painful for weeks and walked out of the 60-minute deep tissue massage literally on the verge of tears because my body felt as light as air and it was such a relief to let the pain go.
I loved everything about my experience from the lush robe they gave me to wear to the focused, silent and excellent masseuse to the warmth of the room with its soft Eastern music, lights, and flower-filled bowls of water to soothe my eyes as I lay on my stomach being expertly massaged.
I tend to be cold so Maeanna used warm towels and extra blankets to heat up my extremities, and included wonderful scalp and facial mini-massages with cucumber slices on my eyes that left me feeling incredibly sensuous and relaxed at the end.
After the massage, I sat in the steam room and took a long shower using IO's decadent, rich products. On a Saturday morning, I never felt rushed and only ran into two other women in the steam room/shower area in the entire 2+ hours that I was there.
Sitting on their sun-filled wooden deck afterwards sipping cucumber water and petting Boomer the tabby cat in my lap I blessed the urban oasis of silence and relaxation which is International Orange .
It took me months to get around to using the gift certificate for IO from my wonderful husband but now that I've been there, I'll be back as soon as I can!
I absolutely love International Orange, and if I could afford to, I'd go there everyday. The steam room in the women's locker room is reason enough to book a service there! The spa's atmosphere is peaceful, the robes are soft and comfy, their products are unique and high quality, and the massage therapists and estheticians are fantastic.
Abbie gives the best facials this side of the Mississippi and instead of leaving the room (like estheticians from other spas who shall remain nameless do) while a mask soaks in, she gives a shoulder and arm massage that's soothing enough to put me to sleep. Her skin care knowledge is also amazing and I love the Arcona products that she prescribed for me - they make my skin glow. She also did an excellent waxing job on my eyebrows. I'll never see anyone else - Abbie's the best.
I also had a massage there a couple of years ago (I'm embarassed to say that I can't remember the massage therapist's name) and it was phenomenal. I haven't tried the yoga studio there yet, but it looks wonderful and I plan to check it out at some point. Anyway, International Orange is great - treat yourself as soon as you can. Oh, and don't forget to take advantage of the steam room!
Received a massage here as a gift. It was relaxing for the most part. However, word to the wise...even though you think it will be okay to be hungover during one of these (in fact, that it might cure your hangover), try to avoid. It would have been way more enjoyable had my muscles not been spazzing from the previous night's hike around the city or my stomach hating me for that extra Dirty Shirley.
