A Bliss Experience ~ W San Francisco, Bliss Spa
I loved the Bliss back story… Marcia Kilgore the ex-pat Canadian Celebrity Esthetician who stated, “To me, details are everything. Anybody can do ordinary.” Who wouldn’t love this woman?! In 10 short years she has successfully taken her experience and expertise global! Bliss has been toted by Karen Blackman of Travel & Leisure Magazine as, “a spa with an irreverent approach to pampering.” On behalf of “Spas of America.com”, I chose to see for myself, if their press release claims of, “signature over-the-top treatments and fun, 'no-attitude' atmosphere with a California twist.” were true…
First Impression:
The atmosphere and decor appealed to my minimalist sensibilities. Cool white finishes mixed with aquamarine colored glass and high polished chrome accessories, gave this urban day spa a young, hip and contemporary feel.
The Greeting:
Though very busy, the reception team was warm and welcoming, not at all frazzled. I was checked in by a bubbling receptionist who politely handed me a bottle of Bliss Water and asked me which flavor of Green Tea Extract I would like added: Peach, Raspberry, Vanilla or Pineapple/Coconut. The extract is called Pure Invention and like Green Tea (1 full drop = 16 cups) is packed with antioxidants to aid against free radicals and assist in digestion and weight management. Nice!
The Facility:
This newly renovated 5,000 square feet facility was truly impressive. To the left of the reception desk was an enticing retail boutique that shared space with an open concept multi stationed nail salon. While you enjoy a manicure you have the pleasure of viewing a personal television with your choice of viewing pleasure. Sex & the City reruns were playing that day!
Down the hall were eight treatment rooms, separate men & women’s lounges – complete with their infamous “brownie buffets” and exquisite change rooms where there were digital lockers complete with cozy waffled cotton robes. Not to mention a sauna, 2 personal grass tiled steam showers and all of the Bliss amenities you can imagine. The Lemon & Sage Soap is my favorite!
The Treatment Room:
A warm and inviting space, with its soft light and surprising mix of classic and contemporary Jazz, the likes of Dinah Washington & Diana Krall and soothing R & B like Luther Vandross. No Enya or nature sounds here - a welcomed change.
The Treatment:
Triple Oxygen Facial – 90 mins. $150.00 – worth every penny!
The Esthetician:
A delicate mannered young French woman named Marion. Very sweet.
The Experience:
Heavenly. This is described as, “an all-around complexion reviver”, which includes: “intense cleansing, exfoliating, a fruit acid wash, a pre-extraction oxygen wrap, necessary extractions, a calming oxygen and milk mask, hydrating enzyme pack, and vitaminized oxygen spray.” None of which begins to describe the comfort I experienced from the warmth of being cocooned in my heated bed, to the head, neck and shoulder massage during my facial wrap. The shoulder, arm and hand massage while my milk mask set, and the thigh, calf and foot massage before my oxygen spray. I have never felt so mind, body and soul rejuvenated after a ‘facial’! Not to mention, my face felt and looked 10 years younger… Though due to a few extractions, I was happy to be going back to my room at The W so I could order room service, rather than heading out for a night on the town ;).
My Blisscription:
Face: Cleanser – Clog Dissolving Cleansing Milk
Toner/exfoliant – Steep Clean Pore Minimizing Toner Pads
*Hydrogen Peroxyde Pre-extraction Cream
*Fruit Acids 20% Glycolyc Peel
Eye: All around Eye Cream
Lip: Blissbalm
Night Moisturizer: Decleor Aromessence Essential Balm
Body: New - Unscented Body Butter
Feet: Foot Patrol
*Products used but not available in retail.
The Verdict:
Recommendation: Did they live up to their claims? Yes. I give this facility and this experience a 4 out of 5. It’s young, hip environment and cheeky treatment names are targeted to young urban professionals. Which will not be for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and will definitely be back, especially when as a W Guest you receive priority booking.
Patricia Scissons, Spas of America
