San Jose, CA

Violet J Spa & Wellness
DESCRIPTION: Formerly called Spa R&R, retreat & relax under the care of a British non-practicing nurse, midwife, PhD Pysycologist who is an internationally licensed Cosmetologist, Hypnotherapist, Educator and Massage Practitioner, Public Speaker who brings a wellness background to this spa decorated in soft blues for relaxation; the spa offers the most delicious robes, slippers, handmade jewelry from England, purses, soy organic candles, bath salts (even some made especially for children), natural pain relief patches, heating pads, exquisite organic body line of products for skin care and mineral make up from England and the United States; Spa Therapies include: Hot Stone Massage, Pre & Post Natal Massage, Reiki, Shiatsu and Lymphatic Massage, results driven facials, steam therapy and hair removal: Brazilian wax specialist; the spa affiliates with some of the best Doctors, OBgyns, Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Cardiologists and Chiropractors in their field; the spa also offers quarterly health education classes;  a Breast Cancer Support Group and ettiquette classes are coming soon; the owner donates to Kiva & Homeless Shelters in the area and welcomes clients of all nationalities, though she specializes in skins of color; Gift Certificates can be purchased online;

DAYS & HOURS: Tue–Wed 10a-7p, Thu–Fri 10a–9p, Sat 9a–6p and last Sunday of each month 9a-6p
ADDRESS: 1345 Lincoln Avenue  MAP

PARKING: on Lincoln Ave and behind the spa
PHONE: 408-297-4899
WEBSITE: http://www.sparandr.com

Oakland, CA

Sol Y Mar Spa
DESCRIPTION: An elegant and intimate day spa with a Caribbean inspired palette, combining the latest techniques in beauty, body care and the promotion of wellness.  Services include massage and body scrub treatments, body polishes, manicure, pedicure and skincare

DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Fri 10a-8:30p, Sat 9a-6p, Sun 10a-4p
ADDRESS: 3923 Piedmont Avenue  MAP
PARKING: on street

PHONE: 510-601-7111
WEBSITE: http://www.solymardayspa.com

All Health Care Imani’s
DESCRIPTION: "Imani," means "faith" in Swahili; how appropriate since owner and former nurse Shirley Manly-Lampkin has faith that Imani's will make a difference in the lives of people of color for years to come; her bright, uplifting oranges, pinks, reds and yellows almost leap out to greet visitors who cross the entrance threshold of a destination that is equal parts day spa, clothing and jewelry retailer, gift shop and spiritual retreat; colors emanate from mounted artwork, paint on the walls, pillows, candles, cut flowers and the many displays of African clothing and jewelry; offerings include traditional massage therapy, facials, waxings, body rubs, manicures and pedicures, among others; Shirley and staff strongly advocate the importance of  healthy lifestyle behaviors; if you mention being plagued by a recent bout with the blues, Shirley might add herb sage to your aromatherapy treatment, since as Shirley says “Sage is a natural mood-lifter”; a de facto gathering place for women of color who are healing from serious illness -- a breast cancer support group meets here once a month

DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Fri 10a-5p
ADDRESS: 546 9th Street  MAP

PARKING: on street
PHONE: 510-465-7333
WEBSITE: none

Pampered Man Pampered Woman Spa
DESCRIPTION: Walking through the doors is like entering your own private sanctuary filled with relaxing sounds of instrumentals, the gurgle of water flowing over polished stones in a copper-bowl fountain and a gracious smiling staff; offers facials, natural nail care, therapeutic massage and a variety of body treatments while strongly reflecting the flavor of Oakland -- a lobby display features hair and beauty products manufactured in the city;; by spa standards, prices are affordable, particularly combination packages; one excellent value is the 3-hour long Completely Pampered Man or Woman package, which includes a 30-minute massage, a spa pedicure, a pampered manicure and an express facial
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Wed Noon-7p, Thu-Sat 10a-7p
PARKING: on street
ADDRESS: 458 Perkins Street, Suite 104  MAP
PHONE: 510-418-2252
WEBSITE: none

Bates House
DESCRIPTION: The 19th-century Colonial Revival decor is so authentic you can easily imagine pulling up in a horse-drawn carriage; owner Joseph Ware passed away in 2008
DAYS & HOURS: CLOSED
ADDRESS: 399 Bellevue  MAP

Nailphoria Day Spa
DESCRIPTION: A day spa haven that cares for your relaxing, releasing and restoring needs by providing natural nourishment of the hands, feet, skin and body services for men and women; services include full body and chair massage treatment, manicure, pedicure and skincare; waxing & facial by YonKA
DAYS & HOURS: Mon 12p-6p, Tue-Fri 10a-7p, Sat 9a-6p, Sun 11-4p
PARKING: on street
ADDRESS: 1212 Broadway, Suite 910  MAP

TRANSIT: at 12th Street Oakland BART Station

PARKING: on street
PHONE: 510-893-2181
WEBSITE: http://www.nailphoria.com

God's Gym
DESCRIPTION: Sculpt that body in this community icon with a wide variety of weights and cardio equipment
DAYS & HOURS: Mon, Wed, Fri 4a-12p, 3p-9p, Tue, Thu 6a-12p & 3p-7p, Sat 8a-1p
PARKING: on street
ADDRESS: 2501 Broadway  MAP

TRANSIT: from 19th Street Oakland BART Station, walk 6 blocks north on Broadway

PARKING: on street
PHONE: 510-452-0409
WEBSITE: none

Walnut Creek, CA

2GORJIS Spa
DESCRIPTION: A facial, body wraps, exfoliating body polish, and make-up spa that specializes in skin of color; gift packages available
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Fri 9:30a-6:30p, Sat 9a-3p
ADDRESS: 1874 Bonanza Street, Suite A  MAP
TRANSIT:  from Walnut Creek BART Station, walk 1 block east on Ynacio Valley Blvd, then right on California Blvd and walk 5 bocks south to Bonanza, then right

PARKING: on street

PHONE: 925-932-8602
WEBSITE: http://www.2gorjis.com

Anderson Springs, CA

Sacred Space Healing & Retreat Center
DESCRIPTION: Undergo a fundamental change in physical and mental well-being; meditate and discuss how to live more peaceful, spiritual lives; following an initial ceremony and discussion inside the center, the group moves into the backyard garden for a dip in the hot tub and an extended stay in the sauna; Asara continues leading the spiritual discussion in the sauna while sisters bask in the steaming heat and apply a soothing Aloe gel all over their bodies; following the closing ceremony, your spirit is so light you feel as if you're floating; customize a lodging program from 3 days to a month to lose weight, quit smoking, reduce stress or eliminate other non-healthy behaviors; the healing center's decor is simple, boasting framed affirmations on the wall, Shoji screen room dividers, wicker furniture and rattan rugs; the locker room facilities are modest, a row of cubbyholes behind a curtain off the main hallway
DAYS & HOURS: Garden Sauna & Hot Tub daily 10a-10p
ADDRESS: Call for directions  MAP

PARKING: on premises
PHONE: 800-914-6360
WEBSITE: http://www.sacredspace-sf.com