It was that time of year again so what better way to ring in another year of me than with a little pampering and relaxation. A little pricier but sometimes you do get what you pay for.

• Spa: Remède Spa San Francisco
• Service: 90 Minute Signature Massage
• Cost: $255/$270 (more expensive sa/su)  ($2.83/3 min)
• Amenities: They have the full suite of facility options with steam, sauna, and Jacuzzi in the locker rooms and a pool right across the way (the pool is a part of the hotel but it was pretty quiet). Locker rooms have the standard spa fare, very luxurious robes, and actual clocks to see if you’re in a rush to get to your treatment which you certainly don’t want to miss. There’s a small waiting area for you to be brought down a level for another small waiting area. The second includes typical spa snacks in addition to fabulous chocolate truffles. And you’re greeted, if you so choose, by a glass of champagne upon completion of service.

As I mentioned I recently got out of town, and while I don’t always indulge in a spa visit I do find it’s a nice city stop to add a little extra relaxation to the typical travel hustle. Popping into the lovely Fairmont Pacific Rim near the harbor was the perfect luxurious place to get away from it all.

• Spa: Willow Stream Spa
• Service: 60 min Deep Tissue/Purifying Detox Facial
• Cost: $195/$195 CAD (more expensive f-su/holidays) – approx $156 USD ($2.60/min)
• Amenities: The facilities are just lovely. Standard lockers, robes, slippers then take a pass through the rest of the women’s locker room to check out the amenities including a 360 shower. Then a visit to the most beautiful steam room I think I’ve ever seen with long spacious marble benches and a window overlooking the harbor. Then out to the coed areas including various indoor and outdoor lounges with fireplaces including cozy pods that you can nestle into and rotate looking out into the water giving a feeling a privacy and full tranquility. The staff swung by after a bit to offer some fresh fruit skewers. And two separate semi enclosed Jacuzzis for a cozier effect. Following the service you’re given the standard option of water or a shot of a fresh pressed juice blend. Of course various flavors of water available throughout along with the typical nuts and dried fruits. The hotel also has a full menu just a dial away including their sushi bar which I read was quite good.