Though known for its cable cars and dazzling skyline, San Francisco is also ideal for connecting with yourself and nature.
Though known for its cable cars and dazzling skyline, San Francisco is also ideal for connecting with yourself and nature.
Mention San Francisco and you’re typically met with a nostalgic smile about a glorious day in Sausalito or tasting cioppino for the first time. A dynamic destination famed for Alcatraz, that bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf, its potential as a city for wellness may not be an immediate thought, even given its positioning at the forefront of mindfulness with its eclectic, progressive community. And the urban overhaul needn’t mean forgoing any of the beautiful sights, quite the opposite – relishing the blue skies, crisp air and verdancy nestled in pockets of town where solace is surprisingly easy to find.
Urban Escape
If you’re looking to get away from the bustle, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco provides an urban oasis while still just a stone’s throw from some of the most picturesque sites, including Golden Gate Park, a short walk or bike ride away. There are few better spots to meditate than its Japanese Tea Garden, where the aroma of wisterias offers delights of the olfactory sort, with a visual feast of irises, dwarf trees, azaleas and Japanese maples dotted around the waterfalls and lake, which offer an ideal backdrop to settle in with a book or enjoy a reflective moment.
Back at base, the Club Lounge on the eighth floor is perfect for those after a bit of peace, as it’s unnecessary to even brave the lobby with refreshments available around the clock, interspersed with wine and caviar tastings during the week. For something more substantial, signature eatery Parallel 37, helmed by Chef de Cuisine Michael Rotondo (a protégé of Charlie Trotter) serves healthy, sustainable contemporary American cuisine with a touch of Asian flair.
Must-haves include local black cod with pumpkin arancini and dark chocolate mousse with raspberry and Sichuan peppercorn. After checking-in, unwind after a long journey with the Jet Lag Reviver treatment at Spa L’Occitane by the Bay, which aims to combat plane-induced dryness with a hand and foot mask using the brand’s famed shea butter and an eye mask drawing from the power of the antioxidant-packed immortelle flowers to brighten and hydrate.
The head, neck and shoulder massage aims to calm the nervous system and rejuvenate. Perfect for morning, the milder than a massage approach ensures you’re primed and not groggy. In case it’s drizzle and fog, the urban sanctuary is perfect for a little ‘me’ time. The Relaxing Aromachologie Massage with Joy is just that – an intuitive experience marrying Balinese and Chinese acupressure techniques to boost circulation, with deeptissue incorporated around the left shoulder where she feels a lot of tension.
A 20-hand mask incorporating the Shea Ultra-Rich Softening Hand Care follows before a divine scalp massage. The 90-minute Immortelle Divine Secret Facial draws upon seven natural active ingredients, including Immortelle oil and myrtle, the antiageing treatment uses lifting and contouring techniques to revive the complexion, firm, smooth lines and leave satin-soft, so you face the world rejuvenated.
Adrenaline High
Nothing provides inspiration like a bit of adventure and there are plenty of ways to indulge your inner thrill seeker, even in the heart of town. Few cities have such steep hills, which also mean serious steps for keen runners. Lyon Street has more than 250 for a killer session in Pacific Heights (affluent residential area with mansions galore), and gorgeous views of The Presidio’s lushness and the Bay shrouded in mystical fog.
To explore above the clouds, hang gliding at Fort Funston offers a newfound sense of freedom, with winds blowing at up to 20 miles an hour. Originally a missile site after World War II, today it’s popular for hiking and horse riding. If the clouds are low, you may even catch a glimpse of sunset, and many describe the experience as peaceful and feeling connected with the universe.
Hidden away between residential neighbourhoods, Glen Park Canyon is not only where locals walk their hounds, but offers a picturesque spot for rock climbing. Expect fun, moderate bouldering with two large cliff bands in the idyllic space, and in the east hillside is most suitable for beginners, with cracks and finger slots allowing plenty of options for hand and foot holds.
For wonderful views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Point Fort attracts intermediate to advanced surfers. It also tends to be dominated by a tight-knit group of locals and is known for slippery rocks, strong tides and Great White-infested cold water. If you can look past all of this, it’s also known as being one of the most unique and breathtaking spots to catch a wave.
THIS PAGE : Fort Funston offers great trails for hiking; pocket s of greenery can be found in the heart of town. OPPOSITE PAGE : The San Francisco Suite’s mesmerising panoramas at The Ritz-Carlton.
THIS PAGE : A sense of peace in the Immortelle treatment room at Spa L’Occitane by the Bay; light, healthy cuisine at Parallel 37 at The Ritz- Carlton, San Francisco. OPPOSITE PAGE : Unwind at Spa L’Occitane by the Bay.
Good Earth
Nothing calms the mind like time spent outdoors and that is just one of the draws of the captivating Bay Area. Some of the most famous, namely Big Sur, Yosemite, Monterey and Carmel require a larger chunk of time, but there are also awe-inspiring natural wonders just an hour away from the city. One such ecological gem is the Mount Diablo range at the eastern fringe of the region in great Central Valley.
Following a winter storm is said to be the best time to visit, offering spectacular views from its 3,849ft summit whether you are on foot, bike or horseback exploring the trails and rock formations, or simply admiring the wildflowers and keeping an eye out for wildlife. Another treasure only half an hour away from San Francisco is Muir Woods, a redwood forest where some trees are 800 years old, towering above at heights of 250 feet.
Flat trails make the groves accessible to all and you can gaze at the sunlight filtering through leaves of California big leaf maples, and Douglas firs. The national monument’s Redwood Creek is home to the endangered coho salmon fingerlings and river otters, while on dry land you can expect to see the Pacific wren, deer, chipmunks and skunks.
If the ocean beckons more strongly, Point Reyes offers ample opportunity to be close to the sea, where waves crash against rocky headlands and beaches. The only federally protected seashore on the west coast, it’s a nature lover’s paradise where you can birdwatch at tidal salt marsh Drakes Etero, tidepool at Sculptured or Palomarin beaches or spot humpbacks and blue whales along the coast.
Soul Searching
For seaside frolicking back in town, the Wave Organ, an acoustic sculpture designed by Peter Richards provides healing through sound. Situated on the jetty forming the Boat Harbor of the Marina district, the installation consists of 25 pipes which are dotted at different elevations, creating ‘music’ with the movement of the waves and water. Best time to visit at high tide.
Another way to bring out your inner child is with a ride on the city’s best-loved 30ft tree swing at the top of Billy Goat Hill on 300 Beacon Street. You may need to queue as plenty take advantage of the Instagram-worthy shots of joy rides with incredible views of the Bay Bridge and downtown as backdrop. Once the sun sets, there’s no better place to admire San Francisco evening panoramas than pitching a tent on the sandy shores of Kirby Cove at the base of the Marin headlands surrounded by cypress, eucalyptus and pine groves.
Watch the stars twinkle above the Golden Gate Bridge. Take in the sights at the viewpoint at Battery Spencer before making your way to the camping spot next to the historic military gun site. Behind is the beach with its millions of colourful pebbles – the perfect place to get away from it all and immerse yourself in the Bay’s bounty of natural treasures. www.ritzcarlton.com.
