Guests will delight in the new treatment rooms, including the introduction of two luxury couples rooms with panoramic views of Union Square. The new couples rooms will feature full-size soaking tubs that provide even deeper levels of healing, relaxation, and detoxification through a variety of soothing salt soaks and cleansing mineral baths. The expanded treatment rooms will offer a full range of massages, facials, full body treatments, and hand and foot treatments to pamper and indulge clients. In addition, the ever-popular nail suite will be expanded and enhanced to provide unparalleled service.

Amber Marie and Christopher Bently created Kamalaspa in 2005, offering an incomparable spa experience in San Francisco. “We are excited about the expansion of Kamalaspa. We stand by our commitment and will continue to offer a holistic and balanced approach to healing. Our new treatment rooms and added services will make Kamalaspa even more accessible and luxurious”, says Amber Marie Bently, co-owner of Kamalaspa.

Upon entering Kamalaspa, guests are transported to a tranquil Maharaja escape with sumptuous jewel toned fabrics, hand carved furniture, delicate chandeliers and other superb delights to tickle the senses. Lavish surroundings beckon guests to stay in this exotic paradise influenced by the Raj era of India.

Kamalaspa uses its own exclusive Ayurvedic line of beauty products, which are available for purchase at the Kamalaspa website throughout the renovations. Their most popular items include exfoliators, anti-aging night creams and serums, regenerating serums and luscious herbal moisturizers to heal and pamper the skin.

Based on over 6,000 years of wisdom, Ayurveda is a holistic system of healing that is native to India. Ayurveda, which translates to “knowledge of life,” is a natural approach to creating balance while strengthening the body’s healing abilities. The system is focused on measures to protect “ayus”, which includes healthy living along with therapeutic measures that relate to physical, mental, social and spiritual harmony. According to Ayurveda, the body is governed by three fundamental biological principles, or “doshas,” that work together controlling all of the body’s functions. These doshas are: Vata (regulates movement), Pitta (regulates metabolism), and Kapha (regulates structure). One’s individual mind/body type is determined by the natural predominance of one or more of these three doshas within the body.

Ojas (OH-jas) are your energy sources for life, vitality, and longevity. By cultivating your Ojas you can achieve a new level of vibrant health. Ojas are said to be found in both the heart and circulating throughout our tissues. Ojas can be stimulated by stoking the Pitta fire that lies with in all of us (even though your dosha may be a Vata, you still must survive with both Kapha and Pitta). One way to open up your Pitta fire is to drink some ginger tea. In the morning your Agni fire has died down, but drinking ginger tea throughout the day helps stoke that internal fire and can help clear ama (toxins), and aid digestion. Having a variety of foods that are salty, sweet, sour, spicy, astringent, and bitter also helps to cultivate agni, the fire of Pitta.

Choose the freshest ingredients– your meal begins at the market. Ayurveda pays special attention to the vital energy of foods– especially fresh greens, grains, and fruit. Getting regular exercise is essential for augmenting Ojas, and exercise nourishes us at every level of our being. Virtually anything that gets the blood flowing will make you more calm and benefit your Ojas. Massage is also essential for stoking up our Ojas. it isn’t just pampering– it is a necessity for a healthier life. It also aids blood flow, which stimulates the Ojas, stokes the Agni and Pitta, calms the Vata, and grounds the Kapha.

Lastly, don’t skimp on sleep. Ojas hold together consciousness and matter. When we are exhausted, this connection grows thin. If you must get less than 8 hours of sleep, Ayurveda suggests that it is best to go to bed early and get up early, sleeping from 10:00 pm to 4:00 am is better than sleeping from two am to eight am. So strive for balance!

• Deep Forest
• Abdel Wahab
• Abhijit Pohankar
• Karsh Kale
• Bhagavan Das
• Gotan Project
• Bhinda Jaft
• Banco de Gaia
• Ali Akbar Khan
• Kaya Project
• Bombay Dub Orchestra
• Al-pha-X
• Thievery Corporation
• Nicos
• Rivertribe
• Drala
• Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
• Turbo Tabala
• SyZyGy
• Ursula 1000
• Budi Siebert
• Zohar
• Gus Gus
• DJ Cheb I Sabbah
• Peter Gabriel

Pamper yourself this month with our yummy and edible body scrub. This scrub is loaded with fruit enzymes that will provide your skin with anti-aging vitamins and antioxidants. Oils of Cabernet Grapeseed, Rosehip and Peach Seed will nourish and moisturize your skin during this relaxing treatment. You won’t believe how incredibly soft your skin will feel!

$145 for 60 minutes

$125 for 60 minutes

Propolis from the rainforests of Brazil has recently been proven by doctors and scientists to help build immunity and resistance toward infections, viruses, stress and burns. Propolis accelerates healing and helps the skin repair itself. The Propolis Facial contains active properties such as antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and Omega 3, 6 and 9, which penetrate deep in the epidermis for maximum moisture and healing. Contraindication: Not for people allergic or sensitive to bees or honey.

$135 for 90 minutes

You can also participate in this raffle by going to our website– fill in your information, sign up for our mailing list, and you’ll automatically be entered to win that month.

Sandra is a charming personality whose extremely passionate about hair, and her attitude and energy shine through for her clients in every look she creates. Rapidly becoming one of Kamalaspa’s sought after stylists, she was recently featured on the hit MTV show Justin TV.

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Section 1.10.32 of “de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum”, written by Cicero in 45 BC

“Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?”

1914 translation by H. Rackham

“But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?”

Section 1.10.33 of “de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum”, written by Cicero in 45 BC

“At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga. Et harum quidem rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio. Nam libero tempore, cum soluta nobis est eligendi optio cumque nihil impedit quo minus id quod maxime placeat facere possimus, omnis voluptas assumenda est, omnis dolor repellendus. Temporibus autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveniet ut et voluptates repudiandae sint et molestiae non recusandae. Itaque earum rerum hic tenetur a sapiente delectus, ut aut reiciendis voluptatibus maiores alias consequatur aut perferendis doloribus asperiores repellat.”

1914 translation by H. Rackham

“On the other hand, we denounce with righteous indignation and dislike men who are so beguiled and demoralized by the charms of pleasure of the moment, so blinded by desire, that they cannot foresee the pain and trouble that are bound to ensue; and equal blame belongs to those who fail in their duty through weakness of will, which is the same as saying through shrinking from toil and pain. These cases are perfectly simple and easy to distinguish. In a free hour, when our power of choice is untrammelled and when nothing prevents our being able to do what we like best, every pleasure is to be welcomed and every pain avoided. But in certain circumstances and owing to the claims of duty or the obligations of business it will frequently occur that pleasures have to be repudiated and annoyances accepted. The wise man therefore always holds in these matters to this principle of selection: he rejects pleasures to secure other greater pleasures, or else he endures pains to avoid worse pains.”

Exfoliation on the face helps men in a huge way: It exposes the hair follicles allowing for a better shave… and we know that a smoother shave is an important part of a man’s morning routine.

Book our Sujana Gentleman’s Facial and receive a complimentary Kamalaspa After Shave spray (a $25.00 Value)
This tension-releasing facial for men is specifically designed to cleanse and exfoliate. Special products are used to leave the skin with a healthy rich glow.

Book our Navarakizhi Rice Milk Massage and receive a free Scalp treatment (a $20.00 value)
The Navarakizhi Rice Milk Massage is a highly effective rejuvenation technique using brown rice, tied into a poultice and soaked honey with warm milk; skillfully massaged into the skin for one hour. This acts as a free radical scavenger – toning, strengthening and deeply rejuvenating the whole body.

Having healthy and luminous skin results from good nutrition, plenty of sleep, lower stress levels and the quality of our environment, but it can be significantly improved by using our all natural skin care: Kamalaspa Skin Care. 
Whether a client has come to Kamalaspa for a deep pore cleansing facial, an individualized skin care routine, a relaxing facial or an anti-aging peel, our estheticians take the time to customize treatments and home care for their clients’ skin. Call Kamalaspa and see if we can’t personalize a treatment for you to get you started on healthy glowing skin!

Book our Kamalaspa Dosha Facial and receive a complimentary Makeup refresher and receive a Glo Minerals Lipstick or Gloss absolutely free (a $16.00 value)
The Kamalaspa Dosha Facial is catered to your skin. Our skilled estheticians will create an ayurvedic analysis of your skin and perform the appropriate facial for your dosha using our Kamalaspa Skin Care line!

Massage is beneficial in several ways: aside from being physically and emotionally relaxing, massage improves blood and lymph circulation, reduces nerve irritation and brings fresh oxygen and other nutrients to the affected tissues. Massage may also cause the body to produce fewer stress hormones like cortisol and norepinephrine (formerly adrenalin), and may also increase the body’s production of pain-killing endorphins and the mood-altering hormone serotonin. Follow up with after care by booking a series of massages into your monthly health regimen. Kamalaspa offers a series of massages where you purchase ten 60-minute healing treatments and receive the 11th free!

Tea, like fruits and vegetables, contain important antioxidants which help slow premature aging. Oxidation is a normal process that takes place in the body as a result of regular metabolism. It causes damage to our cells, and this cumulative damage is what causes aging and eventual death. The antioxidants in tea may inhibit the growth of cancer cells, support cardiovascular health, prevent stroke, and even help prevent or control Parkinson’s disease by stimulating the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine.

Oxidation is accelerated by pollution, excessive exposure to sunlight, alcohol (though studies also show that red wine contains some antioxidants as well known as polyphenols) and smoking. Antioxidants are chemicals that generously offer up their own electrons to the free radicals, thus sparing you the cellular damage that can occur. 
 Every time they neutralize a free radical, the antioxidant loses an electron and is unable to function as an antioxidant. This is why you must continually re-supply your body with the vitamins and other chemicals that act as antioxidants. Tannins or polyphenols in tea are naturally occurring flavonoids, which have strong antioxidant properties. Therefore, drinking tea is a natural and pleasant way to increase dietary intake of antioxidants.

Above all, we’d like to thank our great customers who’ve made Kamalaspa such a success! If you have any suggestions or comments about our new store (or website in general), please don’t hesitate to contact us at your convenience.

RSVP via our online email, call us at 415.288.0202 ext 407, or visit us at 240 Stockton Street, 7th Floor, San Francisco CA today!

Read more about Edgardo Chacon in his biography.

Pitta: A balancing, calming facial for those who have combination skin. This cleansing and non-invasive facial is tailored to sooth breakouts and cleanse dry skin by using hypoallergenic products that create a healthy glow.

Kapha: This reviving facial is designed for normal skin types that occasionally have problem areas. Indulge in the fresh, clean feeling this facial provides— and leave with soft, supple, and radiant skin!

Every facial includes an in-depth analysis and consultation. According to your concerns, and your skin’s needs, each treatment is customized to include exfoliation, steam, thorough (yet gentle) extractions, massage, mask, moisturizer, and sun protection.

2. Dry air. Your skin can easily become parched and thirsty. Keep a hydrating floral water spray handy at all times.

3. Weight loss/gain. Your skin, though quite elastic, is not a rubber band. Stretch marks and sagging, untoned skin can be the result of yo-yo dieting.

4. Excessive pulling on the skin. Makeup and facial products should be applied using a gentle touch. Pulling on the skin encourages sagging.

5. Abusive exfoliation/overszealous cleansing. Washcloths and facial scrubs are designed to exfoliate your skin while cleansing. If you scrub your skin in the same manner used to remove the soap scum from your shower stall, youll only irritate it and make matters worse, not better.

6. Sunlight. Excessive sun exposure leads to dry, wrinkled, leathery, blotchy, prematurely aged skin and possibly skin cancer.

2. Protect your skin from the elements. Wind, sun, heat, cold, and dry office or airplane air can quickly cause dry skin. Apply Kamalaspa moisturizer every day.

3. Limit hot water contact. Avoid long, hot showers and baths (especially during cold weather) as they dehydrate the skin. Warm showers and baths for a short duration, though, are beneficial to dry skin. Also, limit bathing or washing you face to once a day, usually right before you retire. When you arise, apply a bit of herbal facial splash or toner, or spritz your face (and body, if it needs treatment as well) with an aromatic hydrosol and youre ready to go.

4. Increase EFAs in your diet. Chow down on cold-water fish, walnuts, and flax seeds(all rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids) which can help replace moisture in dry hair and skin. Also consider adding evening primrose oil to your diet. The author takes one 1300 mg capsule daily or every other day, depending on her bodys needs and she reports that her skin just blooms! Flaxseed oil is also beneficial: 1 tablespoon is the standard recommended dosage.

- Try not to burn.

- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day.

- Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.

- Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.

- Avoid tanning and UV tanning salons.

Do You Know?
- Year-round sun protection is important.

- The sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation can penetrate many types of clothes?

- It can also go through automobile and residential windows?

- It can damage your eyes, contributing to cataracts, macular degeneration, and eyelid cancers?

- When you’re on snow or ice, your face and eyes are at almost twice the risk of UV damage because of reflected glare?

- Dont forget the ABCDEs of Moles and Melanomas. A Asymmetry, B Border, C Color, D Diameter, E Evolving.

1. Spritz your skin frequently throughout the day with one of Kamalaspa’s hydrators.
2. Honey is a great humectant. Try one of Kamalaspa’s skin care masks that have honey as one of the main ingredients. Apply to skin, rest for 10 minutes, rinse with warm water and pat dry.
3. Winter is a wonderful time to boost hydration. Moisturizers and facial Peels are great for reducing wrinkles.
4. Anti-oxidant-rich foods like carrots are good to eat.
5. Try to add lots omega-3 oil in your diet. Flax seeds, and cold water fish are a great source.

* $50 voucher is good for any treatment or product purchase at kamalaspa

Prepay your 10 treatment plan at the spa reception desk and setup your appointment schedule. Receive a 10% discount off your entire 10 treatment plan and a complimentary Kamalaspa Body Lotion (a $35.00 value). It’s that easy! Call now to book your personalized treatment series plan today!

Cary loves San Francisco and after seven years calls it home. His debut into cosmetology began in the south as he circuited some of the best salons in the area. As a Fine Arts Graduate he prides himself in his knowledge of shape and color and applies it to his styling.

Cary is a favorite among our brides and San Francisco’s elite for unique and beautiful up-do’s. Come and book your appointment with Cary Carter at Kamalaspa & Salon.

Edgardo now joins Kamalaspa, where he says, “This is where the stars will come to be pampered.”

Among his San Francisco clients are Mayor Gavin Newsom. “For the past nine years, I have cut Gavin’s hair; in fact, since Mayor Newsom was 27.”

While other stylists strive to be a “Jack of All Trades”, Edgardo prides himself on staying focused exclusively as a stylist.

In addition to being talented, Edgardo is a fabulous human being. We are very proud to have him join Kamalaspa. He is precisely the type of individual we strive to present in our services.

The always imaginative and sophisticated Ursula says: “All kinds of hair are beautiful. You just need to know how to work with it, and it’ll do what you want it to do. I love beauty and fashion, and I keep pushing myself to achieve the best style for every one of my customers.” She is a gifted and versatile artisan who can glamorize any hair type.

Born in Lima, Peru, Ursula moved to New York at the age of 16. She soon started working at the world renowned Jacques Dessange, where they cultured her in French styling techniques. She was later recruited by the famous Frederic Fekkai to work with fashion models, celebrities, and jet setters. Catherine Deneuve, Cristy Brinkley, Kim Basinger, David Bowie, Martha Stewart, Elizabeth Vargaz, Stephanie Seymor, Peter Gallagher, and many other notables. Ursula has worked under Mark Garrison and Julian Farel, Alain Pinon, and of course the famed Mr. Frederic Fekkai himself. She has also studied with Bumble and Bumble.

In 1997 Ursula moved to San Francisco, and is now settled at the fabulous Kamalaspa. Her youthful, chic style is a perfect fit for the discerning taste of our clientele. Ursula can be seen at Kamalaspa on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Call to book an appointment, and discover the elegance Ursula can add to your look today!

Prashanti’s history of Ayurveda is now profound, having studied the essence of the Vedas and the theory and practice of Vedic sciences including Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotish, Tantra and Vastu Shastra since 1990. Prashanti offers the staff and clients of Kamalaspa insight and inspiration to the world of Ayurveda.

Prashanti created Om Organics and dhanvantri.com without even trying. “I was just following my path and it led me to these creations” explains Prashanti “It was never about the money or business, it was always just about the experience”. This more than any other quality Prashanti posses was what made Kamalaspa the perfect venue for his passion. Kamalaspa is also all about putting the experience first. Prashanti also sits on the board of the California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine.

Come meet Prashanti de Jager at Kamalaspa and experience his magic wisdom of health and relaxation.

Anyone visiting the spa will become immersed in Amber Marie and Christopher’s love for travel and adventure: South America and Asia have greatly influenced their lives, and are the inspiration of the spa’s design. “There are many ways to pursue happiness and fulfillment; one just has to find the way that works best,” says Chris. “With Kamalaspa, we wanted something special to capture the imagination and heal the soul.”

Amber Marie Bently’s vision of Kamalaspa is an Indian Ayurvedic experience of ‘East meets West.’ She has a passion for Eastern culture and history, and has traveled with her husband throughout the Indies, experiencing the beauty and healing of Ayurveda first hand. “Our time in India was an enlightening experience, it was truly special.” Amber Marie has also studied jewelry design, and puts her creativity to use at ambermariebently.com, which features exotic gems and sophisticated designs inspired by the Far East. Her beautiful jewelry is also available for purchase at kamalaspa.

In 2004 the couple trekked across Rajisthan, the northern region of India where Maharajas of old left their mark in the form of great palaces and forts. In 2006 they returned to travel along the beautiful, lush coasts of India, experiencing Goa, Kerala and the great Bay of Bengal in Chenai. They experienced Ayurveda in its birthplace, and continue to bring this inspiration back to Kamalaspa.

Christopher and Amber designed the spa themselves, from the ground up: they gutted the seventh floor at 240 Stockton St. and started from scratch. “Designing and creating brings us closer together; we just love the process,” says Christopher. “At one point we were going to have a stream run through the entire spa. Our engineer looked at us like we were crazy. We had a lot of fun on this project. This will be the first Kamalaspa. The second will be a destination resort on the Mendocino coast. We can build our stream there!”

Christopher and Amber Marie Bently live in San Francisco. They share a love for the city and the Bay Area: “San Francisco is one of the world’s most precious cities, and we love being able to give back what we can after all it’s done for us.” They live with their two pugs Mugsy and Che.

Christopher and Amber are very hands-on owners. At the spa they are in charge of quality control, and stick to the principle of “managing by massage.” Come say hello to Christopher and Amber, and enjoy their vision of Kamalaspa!