One example of this exceptional array is the International Orange Spa Yoga Lounge on Fillmore Street, a trendy combination of fitness and beauty. Established by three Bay Area women-Kary Chendo, Amy Darland, and Melissa Ferst-International Orange offers inventive and flexible versions of spa classics with an additional twist: sessions of yoga before or after the treatment. Favorites include: deep tissue massage with a ginger, lemongrass and tangerine blend; revitalizing zen shiatsu, a rhythmic sequence of acupressure and stretching; the unbelievably refreshing holistic face lift, with its exclusive cranberry tightening mask and antioxidant vitamin C serum; and the salt rub, after which you slather your pores in sweet honey and take a steam bath. With their melt-worthy treatments and serene ambience, International Orange's approach is both therapeutic and innovative.

- Excerpt by Nirmala Nataraj