Story by Theresa Catena
Photography by Paul Aizaga

The epicenter of hippie-culture in the 1960’s, whose heartbeat still resonates to the mantra “peace and love,” San Francisco is on the top of many couples’ romantic, must-see destinations list. With its undulating streets, gingerbread Victorian homes and sultry, permeating fog, the city offers an ideal setting for an intimate rendezvous. Luxurious and serene, a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco is the ultimate splurge.

With its top-notch service and seemingly limitless resources, it’s an incredibly satisfying way to experience the beauty and sophistication of this inimitable city. The accommodations, awash in soothing colors, are spacious with floor to ceiling windows that make for romantic views at night when the fog pervades the city’s streets. The bathrooms are equally large with deluxe, deep-soaking tubs and a plethora of bath accoutrements from L’Occitane and Bulgari, although sadly Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries are sold separately.

While the rooms are comfortingly spa-like, the hotel does have one on the premises. The Splash Destination City-Spa offers all of the trappings from facials to body wraps, but being blissfully content in our downy bathrobes, this couple opted for the extravagant and unforgettable massages in-room.

The hotel is situated in the heart of the Yerba Buena Art District, mere blocks from Union Square’s prestigious shopping district, private art galleries and the MoMA, which combined make it a great neighborhood for hours of leisurely strolling hand-in-hand. Deriving inspiration from the surrounding art scene, the interior décor is infused with a vast and elegant art collection from many of the Bay Area artists. Be sure to note Darren Waterston’s oil painting above the front desk, its beauty and quiescence are almost hypnotizing.

Gourmet room service is available around the clock, however, there are many wonderful reasons for making a trip to the intimate Seasons Restaurant for dinner. Situated on the fifth floor, a candlelit table by the window yields a ringside seat of the action on Market Street where big city lights and intermittent vapor set a mesmerizing backdrop for the bustling locals and iconic cable cars below.

The glowing ambiance of the restaurant is further heightened by both the delightfully unexpected repertoire of pianist Michael Udelson, which gleefully ranges from classical to Coldplay, as well as by the playful cocktail menu where libations have been kicked up a notch with a host of specialty martinis, from an Appletini to their Adam & Eve Martini, which is blended with Fig vodka and served with a side of mini Fig Newtons. The light Californian cuisine is inventive and delicious with the Farmer’s Market at the recently renovated Ferry Building nearby being a fantastic resource for the freshest ingredients around.

Chef Amy Engberts made sure we experienced the risotto du jour, which was light and flavorful, while the lobster bisque topped our list of favorite dishes. We strolled out of the restaurant three fleeting hours later, fully satiated and grateful for an extraordinarily romantic weekend at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco.

www.fourseasons.com/sanfrancisco