International Orange Spa

i like this place. it is very beautiful. the staff are nice to me. and the treatments so perfect. i will recommend this place to my friends and relatives. good job international orange spa. unique name too. :P

Posted 04/27/09

After hearing all the hype about this place I finally made it in. I was a bit disappointed. The atmosphere was not relaxing at all, I felt cramped and awkward. The actual massage was just average. It was not spa like at all.

Posted 06/18/08

I just picking up SF Weekly's BEST OF SAN FRANCISCO 2008 and saw that IO is rated BEST SPA & YOGA COMBO! I took some of my own medicine this week and am feeling more revved up than ever thanks to my wellness routine this week. Today, I had an amazing yoga with Rosemary at 9:15am and yesterday I had a truly pampering and shoulder-softening 90 minute massage with Christy. I am biased, but I love what we offer at IO and just wanted to share the good news. Try going during the weekday sometime and pray for sun on the deck...that is heavenly. :) AD

Pros: Deck out back, Yoga+Spa combo, Excellent Customer Service

Cons: Parking can be tricky midday so leave extra time

Posted 05/27/08

my boyfriend has been a client of IO for a couple of years now and has been trying to get me to switch where i go for my salon services{I AM VERY PICKY}. last week he surprised me with a massage for the two of us at IO. why did it TAKE ME SOOOOOO LONG to go there? From the time I entered the place, i felt GREAT things were going to happen. The staff at the front desk was really helpful and made me fell comfortable from the moment i walked in! after getting into my rob, the two us sat outside on this BEAUTIFUL sun deck! next, ... the message. WOW, best ever!!! Nathan was so wise when it came to all the parts of the body. I was very relaxed and at one point i even went to sleep because it felt so good!
Now, it looks like my boyfriend got his wish, I AM HOOKED ON IO and cant wait to have another service there! if you are looking for a clean, simple, YET amazing spa, IO is the place.
thanx, JORDY!!!

Pros: simple place, YET GREAT SERVICE

Cons: parking, parking!!!

Posted 03/30/08

International Orange is for Women only--- Men need not apply. I made several phone calls to make an appointment with a male for a massage. I re- arranged my schedule and inconvenienced several others in order to fit my appointment into the International Orange schedule. It was my Birthday. I am not from San Francisco. I am a former international diving champion. I have tone and muscles that only a man with strong hands can tackle.
After several phone calls, I was assured that I would have a strong man giving me the massage,When I arrived, I was shown to a very small dressing room, removed my clothes and put on the appointed robe with a pair of sandals attached. Unfortunately, the slippers were both for the LEFT FOOT. I had to go into another locker to get a right footed slipper to make a pair.

I then went to the waiting area for the therapist as several people walked by with robes saying "PRACTICE SILENCE".

Shortly thereafter, a little girl, perhaps 5'4" approached me to tell me she was going to give me a massage. I looked at her with dismay. After several phone calls, taking off my clothes, trying to find a "pair" of slippers that matched, the final insult was this little girl that thought she was going to give me a massage.
i was not happy as i felt i had been lied to from the beginning, starting when I checked in as there was no mention that my masseur was to be a young girl.

THE ONLY CONCLUSION FROM MY HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE AT INTERNATIONAL ORANGE, IS THAT THEY REALLY DON'T CATER TO MEN. IT IS FOR WOMEN ONLY, BUT IF YOU ARE A MAN, THEY WILL TAKE YOUR MONEY ANYWAY.

Instead of wearing robes that say-"Practice Silence", they should be wearing robes that say- "Practice Honesty".

Lastly, I have had massages in some of the best Spas all over the world. The sum of my experience at International Orange is that it is truly a rip-off for MEN!

A good friend of mine had a similar experience.

Posted 03/25/08

The Worst Spa Experience Ever!

International Orange was disappointing from the time I tried to make an appointment, until the time I requested a refund.

The staff's attitude on the phone was the first red-flag. I have rarely been treated this disrespectfully when trying to book an appointment. The attitude was underwhelming and the staff was very disorganized and not friendly. The facility is minimal. The changing room is barely large enough for one person to move around in. The lockers are small -- my clothes were piled up on top of one another -- as was the steam room. Essentially it fits one, possibly two people.

As I am a large, athletic male I requested a man. Each time I showed up there was a petite female waiting for me. The staff claims they tried to call me, but I never received any calls from them. It felt as if I they had intentionally allowed me to come in and then tried to push me into something other than what I had requested. It was a total waste of my time and resources.

I suppose the staff's lack of understanding my needs and their unwillingness to even remotely try to accommodate them was the most disappointing, therefore on a scale of one to ten I would give International Orange a zero.

Pros: None

Cons: Attitude, dis-organized. The staff cared more about their needs than their customers.

Posted 03/25/08

We went to IO for massages as a joint Christmas present. We both had the IO signature massage. Nathan (my masseuse) was great. He was attentive to my requests and quiet (not a big fan of the chit chat). I spent time before and after in the steam room and enjoying some tea and treats by the fire before showering with their great products and heading off to dinner. The staff was friendly, the ambiance was calming and unpretentious, and the service was great. I will be back just as soon as I can afford it! Here's what my husband thought.....

Joe, my masseuse was equally great. He gave me a strong massage and was responsive to the fact that I had had ankle surgery about 8 weeks previously. The environs were understated and comfortable. The steam room gave a LOT of steam and got good and hot. The shower pressure could have been a little stronger...but not so bad. I give this place a big thumbs up for the relaxing urban spa experience.

Pros: Read the Review!

Cons: Lockers could be bigger, would be nice to be able to hang something up.

Posted 01/08/08

i like this place, it is beautiful, the service is pretty good and the treatments are great for what they are, but this is not my kind of spa. I like yoga, but do it to workout and wouldn't want to come here on a regular basis, it's part of my gym routine and there's no where else to actually workout pre or post yoga. Also overall it's more a fro-fro, hollistic spa which isn't what i look for in spas. I do think it's worth visiting as it's right up some people's alley, but i personally just didn't like my visit and will not be returning.

Pros: beautiful place

Cons: too holistic - not enough treatment results

Posted 01/02/08

The atmosphere is so calm and clean feeling. I had a treatment by Joe. he was fantastic. He is so calming I immediately felt at ease. I live down the street, so the walk home after was pure bliss. I can't wait to go back.

Posted 08/09/07

You immediately feel relaxed and special here. I love the lounge and treats. Felt like I had been in Calistoga without the drive. My massage was pretty good too.

Pros: lovely atmosphere

Posted 06/05/07

It's clear the reviews are polarizing here ... so here's mine to add in. Not good. The yoga classes are boring as can be, all of the instructors I've tried them ALL. Plus, it's a very very cramped teeny tiny room - not good for yoga at all. I've wasted so much money buying 5 packs of yoga cards here and just never being able to drag myself back to use them. The staff couldn't care less about you and are cold as ice. I'd pass on this place any day and I live 1/2 mile away. Don't spend money here. This place built itself on PR - I don't see any reason to go here personally. So the orchids are nice? Great.

Pros: nice interior

Cons: unfriendly staff, cramped classes, uncaring environment, waaaayyyy too expensive

Posted 05/20/07

i LOVE this place. i first went there because it was up the street from my house. ever since i have somehow mangaed to make it a part of my life over the course of the past 2 years (and i do this making only $14 hour at my job). i have never had a treatment by the same person twice only because i have learned that it makes no different who you get- everyone is great there. its so quaint and i just love the dark book floors and the bright white walls. a suggestion: for holidays or birthdays tell everyone all you want are gift cards to international orange!

Posted 05/20/07

I live in Southern California and have been to spas all over and IO is hands down my favorite getaway when I have a few hours to take for myself in San Francisco, I would skip any spa in LA to go there. The service is amazing, the massage I had last weekend was to die for, my facial left me feeling 5 years younger!! And I was totally excited to find out that IO now has its own product line, could it get any better?!?! If you haven't had a chance to experience this place I would make an appointment asap. The massages and facials are great but if you have the time definitely try to fit in a yoga class before hand, followed by a steam and some chill time on their outdoor back patio with some tea and chocolate! I love IO, thanks to the staff for making it so special every time I come to visit SF

Pros: the whole experience

Cons: parking

Posted 05/10/07

As someone who has traveled to many highly touted spas throughout the west coast, I can now claim that I live just 2 hours away from the best of them all! After a recommendation from a very good friend, I visited IO yesterday, following a visit to my daughter's home in SF. I was so overwhelmed by my experience that I decided to submit a review, since I see that several of the reviews I had read below may not reflect IO's current status.

I attended a memorable and very energetic power yoga class (arrive early enough to find parking) and experienced an incredible deep cleansing facial/massage that was the best in my 56 years. IO stands out, in my thinking, as offering a mindful presence for anyone seeking a calming, thoughtful and knowledgeable understanding of living in their own skin. My visit gave that incessant "mind-chatter" a chance to settle in the background while I rested in peaceful harmony with the beautiful simplicity and stillness of this meticulous spa. I so appreciated seeing the certificate on the wall that IO has chosen to be one of the first "green" yoga studios and they proved that belief throughout the spa, which encourages visitors to become more aware of our own practices! The staff was friendly, sincere and, ultimately, quite professional: they offered to store my purchases from nearby boutiques and the wonderful bookstore down the street; remembered my name, interests and earlier questions; didn't pressure me to purchase (but,of course, I did!); and made me feel that I "mattered," from the time I entered the door to my reluctant farewell. Yes, this is pricey, so it may not head a list of quick "to do" items for your day, but, IO is a true gift of time to your soul to slow down from the inside out so that you may continue to be present for all those other needs throughout the rest of your week. I can't think of a better way to treat yourself! I will definitely call my good friend today and say, "thank you!" I can't wait to return! Enjoy!

Posted 05/08/07

I am an avid spa goer, and love relaxing. I had the BEST massage ever with Christy...I tried the new IO Fusion... it was so relaxing, and the jasmine oils she used smelled like heaven. She transported me to a far away place and at the end she played some "chime Insturment" over me which I loved!
The womens locker rooms were sparkling, and they were very attentive to me. I will be back!!! I want to try everything here...it was a sunny day and the deck is so quiet and peaceful. Thank you world for giving us this place and gifted people who care.

Pros: Worth every penny

Cons: get there early

Posted 04/29/07

I love this place, I get a lot of massages and would frequent IO more if it wasn't so spendy. A good place to treat yourself!

Pros: luxurious locker room and treatments rooms. Tea, snacks are available while you wait.

Cons: expensive, there are other massage/yoga studios that offer much better value

Posted 01/14/07

There is a reason this place wins all the awards it does. The sun deck is wonderful (make sure to get there early or save some time afterwards for lounging) and the massages are to die for. I also really enjoy the yoga classes I've been to there and only wihs I had time to go more often.

Pros: Sundeck, great massages

Cons: parking, but the 22 goes right to it

Posted 11/01/06

I have tried a few different facial places in SF and by far this is my favorite. Love the option to take a yoga class before the facial. The products are all natural at IO and the facials use a lot of massage techniques- it's like you are getting a mini massage also. Nice added touch: chocolates, dried fruits, and lemon water while you wait. Must go!

Pros: ambiance

Cons: parking

Posted 10/18/06

I went to IO because I'd heard so many things about it. I have to say I left feeling like I'd spent waaaay more than I wanted, it wasn't worth it and it felt too holisiticy to me. Not my type of spa and way over priced and the staff was only so-so. It was pretty and clean so I'll give it that, but I won't be returning.

Pros: clean

Cons: too expensive, not a good atmosphere

Posted 10/04/06

I received a gift certificate for a facial and a massage here, and was very excited to go, after reading the reviews here. I went back in December. Maybe it was an off day, but it wasn't that serene or relaxing: a gaggle of girls was talking loudly on their cell phones in the dressing room. The yoga room was small and crowded, and the teacher made no effort to modify the difficult poses for those with physical limitations.
The massage was average. The facial was nice, and the woman did an excellent eyebrow shaping. But there was a fairl bit of pressure to buy products, and I felt that the prices were too high for what you receive.

The decor is very modern, but not all that practical or comfortable.

Posted 09/02/06

I like that they have 7:45pm classes that can fit my busy work schedule. The yoga studio is neat and clean, which I think is very important. The instructors are all very nice and helpful. The receptionists are all very nice too! It will be even better if the yoga instructor turnover rate can be improved.

Pros: Service, Ambience

Cons: Parking

Posted 07/31/06

Just moved to the neighborhood from NYC and needed a new yoga place. Bumped into International Orange and absolutely LOVE it. Clean, friendly staff, great classes, great spa... I am so happy to have found such a great place. I highly recommend checking this place out!

Pros: clean, friendly staff, great yoga

Cons: nothing

Posted 07/23/06

The best atmosphere! I would suggest that you devote adequate time to taking advantage of the steam room, showers and products they provide. The staff is professional and highly attentive, it was absolutely amazing!

Pros: atmosphere, professionalism

Cons: parking

Posted 03/15/06

IO has some pretty good instructors but the studio is very small and they pack 28 students into the room. The evening classes are almost always full and your mat is literally 2 inches from touching another mat in any direction. A more appropriate class cap would be 18, NOT 28. I paid $120 for a month unlimited and have gone 12 of the last 14 days and have only been in 2 classes where I didn't touch other students during a stretch (on weekends in the evening). I always have a stranger's foot in my face, without exaggeration. I have only been able to fully stretch out in 2 classes. Also, they don't have any classes early enough in the morning for any normal working person to attend. If they would offer an early class, like at 6 or 7a, then maybe the evening class sizes would shrink.

Pros: good instructors, location

Cons: oversized classes

Posted 03/13/06

I have always had clear skin for about a month after a facial (from many other spas) but the morning after this one I had 6 large... well... zits that took forever to go away. I noticed the aesthetician used a needle a lot and I am convinced improper cleaning or use caused infections. To pay $120 +$20 tip for a "deep clease" and walk away with this seemed totally out of line so I called to tell them- I thought they would have me come back to remedy or give me a refund, but no such luck. The esthetician called and said my skin was "purging" - Give me a break. This place is way too expensive to be causing breakouts and responding with such a lack of concern for their customers.

Posted 01/15/06

I got a Gift Certificate for Christmas and gave it a go. This place was great! I will totally go back. The deck in the back with bamboo is a nice little retreat after a massage and heating up in the steam room. Even in the winter, a stroll onto the deck is worth it. Refreshing...the whole experience was, refreshing.

Pros: Excellent Massage, Male Friendly, Redwood Deck

Posted 01/06/06

This is a great spa/yoga studio in the heart of Fillmore that has amazing facials & massages and a really fantastic yoga staff. The interior space is very zen-like and offers a peaceful retreat away from the crazy city traffic!

Posted 01/05/06

It's rare to find a spa that's tucked away off the street, that is an oasis from city life. This spa and yoga studio has a comfortable, clean feel. Staff is nice. My massage therapist was a lot of help relaxing me. I left almost forgetting what city I was in, but that was a good thing, since SF needs more places like this one. Really well done...start to finish.

Posted 01/05/06

What's there to say? This place is amazing. Massages, facials, the lounge, the shop - it's all wonderful.

Posted 01/05/06

It's tough to find a better experience in town than the one I recently had at International Orange. I had a body altering massage that released so much tension in my back! The environment is peaceful and beautiful. Staff is helpful with product recommendations and delivered high service.

Pros: Friendly staff, Excellent Massage, Beautiful Spa

Posted 12/21/05

I received a gift certificate for several hours of massages. The first massage left me in pain for a couple of days. I'm not talking about the kind of good pain a good massage can leave, but instead the kind that makes you think that something bad has been done to the related muscles of your neck or in general, your spine. I thought that perhaps it was the masseuse that day. So I scheduled another massage, seeing as this place was recommended through various channels. My second massage left me in pain for another couple of days. Alas, I will not be returning.

The only positive I can mention was that it was a clean facility. However, I would NOT recommend this spa if you seek to feel better after a massage, not worse.

Pros: clean

Cons: painful massage

Posted 12/18/05

I have had my share of massage and having just relocated to the Bay Area, this find was a much needed relief for me. I have now tried 2 different massage therapists and they were both two of the best massages of my life. I highly recommend this place!

Pros: expert massage, calm vibe, good service

Cons: parking is tough

Posted 12/11/05

International Orange is a great escape. The massage here is excellent, especially the In Fiore massage, and I like how the menu is simple--nothing too fancy or confusing--just amazing treatments. The facials here are the best I have ever had, every esthetician is amazing. The yoga classes are a great way to start your treatment, and I higly recommend Andrea's class. The boutique also has amazing products!

Pros: skilled technicians, simple environment

Cons: none

Posted 09/06/05

I have had a lot of massage in my day and this place is excellent everytime I go. Even when I can't get in to see my favorites, Nora and Sam, I haven't ever been displeased with the massage. Deep Tissue with the Essential Oil blend of your choice is GREAT! I want to try a facial next since I hear those include a lot of massage too.

Pros: happy staff, highly qualified , good listeners

Cons: parking is tricky

Posted 08/15/05

I had a wonderful experience at International Orange last week. I went for a massage and a facial, a gift from my husband, and I was very impressed. Both of my therapists were knowledgeable, professional and very effective. I came away with many knots undone and a clean and glowing complexion. Their retail shop is beautiful and has many great products to choose from, including beautiful clothes that I have not seen anywhere in the city. I hightly recommend this spa, it is unique in its atmosphere and the quality of the service it provides - a rare find in San Francisco!

Pros: Unique, High Quality, Beautiful

Posted 08/08/05

How is it possible that IO has a 9.7 approval rating on CitySearch, when over half of the reviews posted are negative? This spa is staffed with bored front-desk employees who act as though they couldn't care any less that you're at their spa, and the treatments are all done in the same "just going through the motions" manner. A big disappointment, and a huge waste of money.

Cons: Uncaring staff, Overpriced, Mediocre treatments

Posted 06/24/05

Had an hour massage which was really just mediocre. There are many other places in the city that are much better and less expensive. For the price, I expected more. I felt no difference in my body after the massage, no soreness, no feeling of looser muscle, no sensation of being more balanced, nothing.
The interior of the spa is really well done, though.

Posted 05/31/05

This place has great staff and I was impressed with my facial. However, The two times I have come here there has been something broken, once the shower and once the steam room, and although it is beautiful, it looks like there might be a problem with maintenance. I just want to make sure I get the full experience when I pay $100+ for a facial. None of the receptionists seem too concered with the broken facilities. I will probably check to make sure everything is working before I come in when I am back in SF.

Pros: great facial, sun deck

Cons: poor maintenance, expensive

Posted 05/13/05

IO has one of the better facilities when it comes to spas in SF. I prefer full-serviced facilities (fluffy robes, jacuzzi, posh environment, etc) and I NEED strong massages for my upper back and IO fulfilled most of my requirements (other than the lack of a jacuzzi). My therapist was John and I booked the IO massage, a swedish-based treatment, but was far far better than so-called deep tissue massages from places that charge ridiculous amount of $$ for nothing more than a glorified body-lotion-rubdown. John was quiet, his techniques included TuiNa and accupressure and I am now planning to suscribe to their monthly membership thanks to John's great work! Don't forget, they only charge $95 for a full 60 minutes (where most places charge more for 50 minutes only).

Pros: great therapist, posh decor

Cons: no jacuzzi, horrible parking

Posted 05/06/05

The place is very chic and clean, and I got a great facial from Jenny. I printed out a coupon from Citysearch (20% off), and they gladly accepted it. The staff was very friendly and attentive; you will feel very comfortable hanging out at IO. They also sell the organic In Fiore products that smell wonderful!

Pros: Service, Location

Posted 04/10/05

don't even think twice about trying the place out. The staff and treatments I received were unmatched!!!

Posted 03/16/05

International Orange is a great little hideaway in the middle of the city. There is a warm fireplace in the lounge to heat up cold, foggy days. On warmer days, there is a sunny deck to enjoy while waiting for massage or facial treatments. The space has a Zen-like ambience- simple, beautiful, and clean. The staff is attentive and skillful. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences at International Orange and highly recommend its services.

Posted 03/10/05

I had a totally sub-par experience. It was especially not excusable for a supposedly high-end spa. I was surprised to see all the good reviews here. My massage started late, then was rushed and ran short and wasn't too good while it lasted. Not exactly relaxing.

The spa layout was nice, but nothing better than many other SF spas. The employees seemed to be in a funk - like they were just there to get paychecks. What do they put in the water? A downer.

Posted 03/10/05

Definitely the spot in SF. I go there for massages, waxing (Jennie's the best), and yoga for a non-patchoulie environment.

Posted 03/04/05

This place was just amazing. From the moment I arrived until the time I left, everything went smoothly. The massage was amazing and I really enjoyed taking a steam after I was done. Things at this place are basically spotless and run very well.

Pros: clean, friendly staff

Cons: 2nd floor, parking

Posted 02/09/05

Sophisticated and relaxing! This spa is my favorite I have found on the West Coast. They really get the idea that spa services can be pampering and effective. I had a massage that was the best I've had in years. The therapist was attentive to my needs and also really worked out the knots in my neck and shoulders in a technical yet relaxing way. Kuddos.

Pros: professional, inspiring, healing

Posted 12/09/04

I am not really the spa type. My girlfriend has been begging me to "do something special", so I tried something new for me and got he and I spa packages at IO. My girlfriend loved it, but I am now a spa convert. Does this make me a metrosexua?

IO was exactky what I needed - relaxing, attentive and clean without being too fussy. IO, thanks for the amazing experience!

Pros: friendly, attentive, clean

Posted 10/02/04

The most perfect get away in San Francisco. The moment you step into International Orange you will feel like you have stepped into a beautiful upscale New York art gallery. The friendly staff made me feel pampered before I even started my massage. My experience was truly relaxing; Ill definitely be back.

Pros: Yoga, Atmosphere, Attentive Staff

Posted 09/12/04

I'd saved up for over a year to be able to treat myself to a spa and was completely disappointed with my experience at IO. The staff is disinterested and clearly just going through the motions. One of the treatments I'd ordered was dependent on going into the steamroom after the mixture was applied to my body. They told me AFTER I'd applied the stuff that the steamroom was broken! So I just showered it all off. They were utterly unconcerned and I still had to pay the entire amount. I ended up spending almost $300 there and just went out to my car and cried afterwards. It just shows how a massive PR effort can make people think that a poorly-run business is actually first-class. IO has no warmth, no customer service, and poorly working equipment. It still leaves a bad taste in my mouth four months later...

Cons: , Ambivalent Service, Bad Waiting Area

Posted 09/07/04