Sunset Spa Re-invents Itself after Dot-com Bust, 9-11

By Edmund Moy

A tradition in Finland that some researchers say dates back more than 2,000 years, the sauna is a small room designed as a place to experience dry or wet heat sessions in temperatures more than 176 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius).

The sauna's heat induces relaxation and promotes sweating. Lauded for numerous health benefits, saunas are attributed to healing, and preventing problems by cleansing the body of toxins. When a person is in a sauna, their metabolism and pulse rates increase, and their blood vessels become more flexible so their extremities benefit from increased blood circulation.

A sauna's stimulation to the body increases cardiovascular fitness in a similar way that physical exercise does. Besides physical rejuvenation, the effects of the sauna's dry heat may include feelings of psychological peace and contentment.

Many people find that saunas relieve the symptoms of minor illnesses, such as colds, revive muscles after tough physical exertion, and even clear one's skin complexion.

Many local Sunset and Parkside district residents seeking stress relief have reaped the benefits of sauna and massage for nearly 32 years at Sunset Sauna, located on 20th Avenue, between Lincoln Way and Irving Street. Established in 1975, the original business was known as the Family Sauna. But after changing owners several times, the current owner, Bill Dresbach, purchased the business in June 1989.

"You know how if you ride the waves they can lead you a certain way?" Dresbach rhetorically asked while reflecting on his decision to buy the business. "Well, I just rode the waves."

After making several upgrades, Dresbach reopened as Sunset Sauna. He kept two of the original Finnish style wood saunas and expanded massage services by adding more rooms.

The business grew rapidly during the '90s as a wave of dot-com workers poured money into the economy. Business expanded so quickly that Dresbach rented out several upstairs rooms in the building to handle the increase in massage clients.

But the dot-com bust and the post-9-11 economic downturn forced Dresbach to ride another financial wave. So he reinvented the business again by adding facials and body wrap treatments and upgrading to a day spa.

Today, Sunset Sauna continues to offer massages and saunas. Massage services include specialization in full body, deep tissue, sports, pregnancy, couples, hot stone and chair. Facials, body wraps, salt glows and reflexology are also part of the services offered. And, as always, the menu includes hour-long private saunas.

Adding a little bit of Zen serenity to Sunset Sauna is the pagoda massage room, located in the garden area. Surrounded by Buddhist statues and Hindu gods and goddesses, the garden offers a quiet setting for those relaxing between sauna sessions or seeking a massage in a natural environment.

The look and feel of Sunset Sauna has also changed over the years, evolving from a kind of San Francisco '70s decor to an inviting space with ethnic and contemporary design. Wall hangings from India and Africa blend with local artist Delaine Hackney's sun and moon tile mosaic and an impressive glass cabinet of Brazilian healing crystals, which are for sale.

Patrons can also buy several varieties of incense, nag champa, sage sticks, aromatherapy patches, ointments, massage tools, body lotions and other luxury bath accessories.

Dresbach points out that Sunset Sauna has always prided itself on its customer care and adhering to professional standards. The staff are more than happy to reserve same-day massage appointments and work around a client's busy schedule. Additionally, the spa offers specials for seniors, combination packages, and discount cards for repeat customers.

"We're not a high-end, celebrity-type day spa," Dresbach said. "We fit the neighborhood. We offer good massage and customer service at below average prices."

Sunset Sauna & Massage Day Spa is located at 1214 20th Ave. (between Lincoln Way and Irving Street). The spa is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. For more information, call (415) 753-2559 or (800) 200-2559 or visit its Web site at www.sunsetsauna.com.