Pacific Heights Health & Beauty

Retreat Acupuncture has an office in the coolest old building in Lower Pacific Heights; formerly the Green Brothers Eye Hopsital, it's now full of alternative healing practitioners. Retreat was founded by Julie Hackmann (who specializes in womens health), and she's got a roster of amazing women who all specialize in traditional Chinese medicine. Ask for Rachel Root for acupuncture.

Shari Spakes’s philosophy centers on educating her clients about how to take care of their specific skin concerns and skin types at home, in addition to occasionally supplementing with professional treatments. She offers a range of options, from classic European-style facials to more targeted peels, which are rounded out by massages and body therapies.

The Tata Harper Spa in San Francisco (the only spa of its kind) is tucked into the back of Credo, a clean beauty shop in Pacific Heights. They offer a variety of treatments using Harper's signature products, including hydration therapy, and even back facials, and in true Tata style, you'll snuggle up under a vintage quilt that's reminiscent of her Vermont farm. There's just one tiny room in the back of the shop, so book ahead, though they will take walk-ins.

Margaret Arent is a bit of an institution in San Francisco at this point—treating local celebrities like Alice Waters, she's been in practice for nearly 40 years. She practices five element acupuncture.

Part yoga studio, part day spa, International Orange (IO)—named after the paint color of the Golden Gate Bridge—is a huge open space of zen in the middle of the city. IO has both restorative and vinyasa yoga available; choose between group classes, private sessions, or workshops. And that's all in addition to a spa menu rife with massages, facials, and more. They also have a location in Marin.

Andrea Lembkey owns and operates this quaint second-floor space, where each treatment is leisurely and attentive. As a bonus, she performs some of the most potent, results-oriented laser facials on the market, as well as great waxes.