I’ve never considered myself a massage addict. It had never occurred to me until late one recent evening, sitting across the table from Vivanista founder, Layne Gray, and a couple of other friends. Layne began to recount her reflexology story, and so I chimed in with my massage experience.

At that point another woman at the table, Lisa, with whom I have traveled a fair amount, began to recite Mindy Massage stories…from around the world. Oh yes, the spiky haired Seattle airport massage therapist, the Moroccan massage therapist (“clothes off now” while staring at me. “Uhm, ok…”), the smoky breathed Scottish therapist, not to mention my extensive local massage experience. Well, I guess I am a massage “addict”- no, scratch that-“expert.”

San Francisco massage locations fall into two categories: the beautiful, relaxing spas with fountains, soothing music and essential oils and the local, simple salons with the talented, but inexpensive, massage therapists. Frankly, I am a fan of both.

The Nob Hill Spa in The Huntington Hotel can’t be beat for the beautiful experience. It’s peaceful and relaxing with a gorgeous pool, fireplace, table lunch service and great therapists. The Basque Style Roasted Prawn Salad is fantastic. It’s the perfect place for a celebration with girlfriends. (415) 474-5400, www.nobhillspa.com

Senspa in the Presidio is also calm, attractive, and relaxing. It has lots of great treatments, not to mention, it’s the only place that has ever offered me a 2 hour massage- very tempting for an, ahem, expert like me. (415) 441-1777, www.senspa.com

But, my current favorites are the simple massage salons. I find that there are many places like this littering Geary and Clement St. They go along with one of my personal mantras, “live in the City as if you’re on vacation.” In other words, find all of the hidden treasures that the City has to offer.

Here are my two favorites:

Dinair at Orchid’s Beauty Salon is Russian-American, and she calls herself an “Advanced Massage Therapist.” She gives a great deep tissue massage and charges only $64 for an hour. (415) 831-4139, www.orchidsbrazilianbeautysalon.com

My other favorite place, and current habit, is Jin Bodywork For Women. They boast “wrinkle reduction” and “deep tissue.” I can’t speak to the wrinkle reduction, but they do give a darn good massage. My favorite therapist is Cindy. Jin is a hole in the wall and can be found at 3557 Geary at Arguello-(415) 986-1111. You can buy one massage at a time ($43), or a package of six for $36 per hour. Which do you think I bought?