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Here are yet more reviews—places we didn’t like quite as much as the ones that made our list but still worth mentioning for various reasons.
The February 2013 Washingtonian includes reviews of our favorite places for facials, massages, waxing, and other spa treatments. But the spas in the print edition aren’t the only ones we visited—in fact, our research introduced us to more than 80 spas, salons, massage studios, wellness centers, and facialists. Here are yet more reviews—places we didn’t like quite as much as the ones that made our list but still worth mentioning for various reasons.
Keep in mind that your experiences might be different—so much of a spa experience
depends on who works with you. When possible, we made appointments with aestheticians
and therapists who came highly recommended, hoping for the best possible experience.
Azure Dream Day Spa
2420 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington; 703-243-4343.
Some women in Arlington who used to get regular waxes have given them up after discovering
laser hair removal at Azure Dream Day Spa. We can swear by the laser hair removal
we’ve had on both our bikini area and underarms, mostly with Mitra Espari. The bright-blue
walls in some of the treatment rooms aren’t serene, but neither is getting prodded
with laser light pulses, a painful yet effective and mostly permanent method of hair
removal. (After six months or so, touchups may be needed at $45 to $100 a pop.) While
we’re pleased with the results, Azure isn’t generous with its definitions of “small”
and “large” areas. A full Brazilian cost $850—$600 more than our initial $250 coupon.
Of note: Owner Leila Espari is recommended for facials as well. While the staff has always
been friendly, they’re rather impersonal, never remembering our reviewer—a regular
client.
Online booking? No.
Parma Spa
8212-B Old Courthouse Rd., Vienna; 703-506-8401.
A broken traffic light and Tysons Corner rush hour meant scrambling to make a 5 PM
massage appointment at Parma Spa, located in a set of quiet townhouses near the mall.
But the moment we entered the serene reception area, we felt relaxed. Dianna Southerland,
the therapist, ushered us back to a bathroom, providing a cozy robe, slippers, and
a basket for our clothes, and telling us to take our time.
The hourlong Ayurvedic massage ($125) began with a soothing foot bath. The treatment
felt like a firm Swedish massage, but with a thicker, more fragrant oil—be prepared
to take a shower afterward. Southerland climbed onto the table to apply extra pressure
to the lower back and shoulders, and by the time the massage ended, traffic was a
mere memory.
Of note: We’ve heard complaints about the med-spa treatments at Parma, but our reviewer has
always had positive experiences here with massage.
Online booking? No.
Robert Andrew Salon & Spa
1328 Main Chapel Way, Gambrills; 410-721-3533.
Robert Andrew is a cavernous, full-service salon and day spa that’s been going strong
in this location for a decade. There’s even a med-spa practice. Guests rave about
the facials ($100 and up) and organic Éminence products.
We enjoyed a signature facial, but an aggressive product push, by both the therapist
and the front desk, rubbed us the wrong way. The next day, however, we were free of
pesky blackheads and our skin felt smooth and hydrated.
Of note: Arrive at least a half hour early to unwind in the small steam room and spacious relaxation
area, a dimly lit room with comfortable couches, blankets, tea, flavored water, and
a fireplace. Guests can even order lunch to be served in the adjacent dining area.
Online booking? In theory yes, but our online appointment request was never confirmed, and when we
called, the spa had no record of the transaction. Booking by phone is more reliable.
Nicola of London
6744 Old McLean Village Dr., McLean; 703-893-8384.
Nicola of London takes skin care seriously. Although the “skin salon” offers massages
and some body treatments, most of its services focus on the face, including facials
and peels, and the staff of master aestheticians boasts impressive training and credentials.
Those who live or work in the McLean area and are looking to improve or shake up their
skin-care routine may find a home here.
If you’re looking, though, for a relaxing facial, this is not the place. The space
is fairly bare-bones, and the treatment rooms are very small—the one we were in was
so tiny that the aesthetician bumped into the table almost every time she moved.
First-time clients are asked to detail every product they put on their face—we were
told to bring in the products so the aesthetician could see the ingredients. It was
one of the most comprehensive intakes we’ve ever seen, which is a plus if you’re really
looking for advice. On the other hand, at the end of our facial, when we were asked
to take a seat and presented with a product pitch, we couldn’t help but feel it was
too hard a sell. To be fair, we had gone in under the guise of hoping to improve our
skin—the salon didn’t know we had come just to do a review.
Except for the nice paraffin hand treatment included with our 75-minute Lymphobiology
Facial ($125), there were few of the extras or niceties you might find during a spa
facial. When the aesthetician put us under a steam machine for about ten minutes,
she left the room. She left one to two other times as well while she waited for various
treatments to work. Only when a mask was setting did she use the time for us—to massage
our shoulders, neck, arms, and hands.
The extractions were some of the most painful we’ve ever had. Fortunately, we had
only one small lingering red mark afterward, as opposed to the handful we sometimes
have. Another positive: If your face often breaks out after a facial, the Lymphobiology
Facial is said to be a good choice—and as promised, our face did not break out after.
We can’t say our skin was glowing and looked noticeably better, though; in fact, it
felt rather raw and it was quite dry days later, though it had also been dry beforehand.
Also irritating: We weren’t given a 30-percent-off special advertised online and had
to call later to ask for a price adjustment. To the spa’s credit—after explaining
to us that the discount is only applied if you mention it—it did adjust the price.
Of note: The second-floor spa is somewhat hard to find—look for the shared door with Elements
hair salon.
Online booking? No.
Celadon
1180 F St., NW; 202-347-3333.
Celadon is known mostly as a hair salon, but it has an interesting skin-care menu—a
Bright Skin Facial ($145) claims to lessen hyperpigmentation, while its popular Apple
& Paprika Exfoliating Facial ($145) promises to remove dry skin and clear pores. Some
fashionable women swear by the facials—the aesthetician we tried had a weeks-long
wait for an appointment. Unfortunately, our reviewer—who booked a Bright Skin Facial—left
not with dewy, radiant skin but a blotchy face that felt raw.
The aesthetician was clearly experienced, but we found her manner brusque and were
troubled that she rarely explained what she was about to do—whether applying a stinging
glycolic peel, slapping an icy towel onto our face, or leaving the room while a mask
set. Some warning would have been nice.
The extractions seemed overly aggressive: We left with a face full of red dots and
what appeared to be one tiny cut. Days later, the spots were still visible and our
face was broken out.
While a long facial massage was somewhat relaxing, the rest of the experience was
not. Part of that is because Celadon is more a salon than a spa—there’s no quiet waiting
area, and you’re confronted with a barrage of products. (While we weren’t given a
detailed intake form about our skin-care regimen—as many spas require—we were handed
a 25-percent-off product coupon on arrival.) When the facial was over, we expected
the aesthetician to be waiting outside the treatment room with a glass of water. She
wasn’t. She was waiting at the cash register.
Of note: The facials are billed as 60 minutes long but are typically closer to 75.
Online booking? No.
Healthy by Intention
100 N. Washington St., Falls Church; 703-534-1321.
Many of the area’s best-trained massage therapists work not at salons and spas but
at centers or clinics devoted to massage. These are the kinds of places where patients
with acute or nagging issues may come for massage.
While these centers tend to be spartan and clinical—rarely will you find plush robes
or hot tea—clients trade pampering for therapeutic massages at prices generally lower
than at day spas.
Healthy by Intention is such a place. Located in a dated office building at the intersection
of Route 7 and Washington Street, it’s not much to look at—or to go out of your way
for if you don’t live or work nearby. The decor is a cross between day spa and doctor’s
office—posters of the craniosacral system and trigger points hang on the walls.
Our therapist, Amy Flynt, proved to be warm and solicitous, and she was full of advice
on strengthening particular back muscles for improving posture. The massage was not
relaxing—Flynt kneaded deep to work out some shoulder knots, and we were sore that
night and the next day. But at $90, it was a good deal.
Of note: While tipping is appreciated, it’s not necessarily expected at massage centers.
Online booking? Yes.
Rejuvenations Massage Therapy
150 Elden St., Suite 150, Herndon; 703-437-9059.
Like Healthy by Intention in Falls Church, Rejuvenations is more medical center than
day spa, devoted to the practice of therapeutic massage. Here, too, you can read online
bios of the staff—each with various certifications and expertise in everything from
sports massage to myofascial release to pregnancy massage. It’s a place that no doubt
attracts some patients with chronic ailments.
It’s not a spa, so we didn’t expect to be pampered. But we were hoping that a trained
therapist could deliver a massage that was not only therapeutic but relaxing. Sadly,
that wasn’t the case.
Later, the therapist asked if we wanted any particular areas targeted. Sure—shoulders,
back, feet, and calves. Then she set to work with vigorous strokes—several times we
had to ask her to ease up. The therapist was skilled, but as the hourlong massage
wore on and she continued working on our back and shoulders, it was clear that she
would be targeting just the areas mentioned. After a quick rubdown of the feet and
calves, she was done—no work at all on the arms or front of the legs, which was disappointing.
Rejuvenations, like so many massage clinics, may be a fine choice if you have particular
massage needs, but it’s not our first choice for a stress-reducing rubdown.
Of note: While this particular massage was disappointing, the Friday-through-Sunday receptionist
was a delight. Before we arrived, the receptionist called to ask if we’d like to extend
our 60-minute massage to 90 minutes, at a discount—the therapist had a gap between
appointments. Later, after the session, when she learned we were unhappy with the
massage, she offered to schedule a free session with a different therapist. That’s
what we call very good customer service.
Online booking? Yes.
The Teal Center
4001 9th St. N., Suite 230, Arlington, 703-522-7637; 1701 N. George Mason Dr. (lobby),
Arlington, 703-558-5454.
You might not expect to find a warm and welcoming holistic massage center inside a
Ballston apartment complex, but that’s exactly what you get when you step inside the
Teal Center, a group practice of some 30 experienced massage and holistic-wellness
practitioners. You can book hourlong ($95) or 1½-hour ($140) sessions in modalities
ranging from deep-tissue to oncology massage and craniosacral therapy, performed in
small but comfortable rooms with dim lighting and soft music.
This isn’t a spa but a wellness center geared toward results-oriented treatment. At
a recent appointment, most visitors appeared to be regulars, scheduling appointments
for two- or three-week intervals. Our therapist, Karin Robinson, walked us through
some basic lifestyle questions before performing a thoroughly relaxing deep-tissue
treatment. When we left, we were ready for a long winter afternoon nap—exactly what
we needed.
Of note: Practitioners also perform other holistic medical services, such as “emotional release”
therapy. A second location is located inside Virginia Hospital Center.
Online booking? No.
Ballston Therapeutic Massage
850 N. Randolph St., Suite 120, Arlington; 703-558-3633.
Many in need of a quick fix are turning to $1-a-minute massage places in malls. Ballston
Therapeutic Massage, in the Ballston Square apartments, elevates the concept. Spa-goers
are invited to relax with ice water on comfortable leather couches before enjoying
a foot-reflexology treatment (complete with warm-water bath) or massage in a private
treatment room (instead of a curtained-off bay).
Unlike most mall locations, patrons can undress completely and enjoy soothing music,
real massage tables, and a professional massage ranging from Swedish to Shiatsu. While
this may not be the best massage you’ve had, for the price it does the trick.
Of note: Ask for a free VIP card, which drops the price of every hourlong massage to $59 (normally
$80). Walk-in appointments are often accepted.
Online booking? No.
Spa at the Mandarin Oriental
1330 Maryland Ave., SW; 202-554-8588.
From the minute you walk into the Mandarin Oriental’s sizable downstairs spa, the
amenities are top-notch. Slippers come on a tray adorned with an orchid and a cup
of hot tea; shoes and coats are whisked away before you even enter the changing room.
The steam room features warm stone benches and a ceiling studded with tiny lights,
and the vitality pool and water “experience” shower are gender-segregated so you can
use them even if you don’t have a bathing suit.
Inside the treatment rooms, visitors determine the color of the room and which aromatherapy
oil they prefer. But we found the 50-minute Oriental Essence massage ($155 to $195)
disappointing, with only a few minutes spent on problem areas (neck and shoulders)
and the majority spent on arms and legs. Given the hefty price and the rest of the
spa experience, the treatment was subpar.
Like most spas, your experience at the Mandarin can vary depending on the day you
go and the therapist you get. On another recent visit, a staffer reported that the
Jacuzzi wasn’t working—although she still enjoyed her time there. Another reviewer
raved about her massage with therapist Benita Coles. For the money, we just wish the
Mandarin spa was more consistent.
Of note: Massages are $40 to $45 more on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and gratuity is added
automatically.
Online booking? We tried but never received a call back to confirm.
SomaSpa at Balance Gym
2121 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-965-2121.
At SomaSpa, a friendly receptionist hands spa-goers a long robe, towel, and sandals
and leads them to a quiet locker room with showers and a sauna. Up a flight of stairs
is the small and dimly lit spa with bright-orange chairs, plush pillows, and complimentary
fruit. A 50-minute Swedish massage ($110) was relaxing and gentle, and the therapist
will provide deeper pressure on sore muscle areas if desired. Distractions were minimal,
except for the occasional hum of gym equipment in use from the floor below.
Of note: You can work out at Balance Gym on the day of treatment. For those short on time,
Soma Spa offers 25-minute express massages that focus on the upper back and neck or
lower body for $60.
Serenity Day Spa at Sport & Health
4000 Wisconsin Ave., NW, 202-362-2560; 209 Madison St., Alexandria, 703-549-9212;
13037 Worldgate Dr., Herndon, 703-709-6596.
The resort-like Serenity Day Spa offers a quiet break from the busy Sport & Health
gym across the hall. With its 60 treatments, such as the symptom-specific Runner’s
Relief Massage ($65), it’s not unusual to see as many male gym-goers in the spa as
females; a special package for men includes a facial, massage, and sports manicure.
Other popular treatments for men and women include facials and 13 waxing options.
Of note: Spa-goers can use Sport & Health’s gym facilities on the day of treatment.
Online booking? Yes.
Comfort & Joy Wellness Spa
9514-A Main St., Fairfax; 703-425-8800.
They say not to judge a book by its cover, but unfortunately for Comfort & Joy, the
cover mirrors the content. Outside, the shopping plaza is mostly under construction,
or in need of it. In the small reception area, we waited five minutes to be helped.
Back in the nail salon, two pedicure chairs desperately needed an update (faulty massage
function), like the rest of the room, which called for a new coat of paint.
It’s not all bad news; the nail technicians do good, precise work with organic polishes.
We tried the TrueBond Long-Lasting Manicure ($40) but found the name misleading when
the polish chipped in less than a week. The Revitalizing Spa Pedicure ($65) was relaxing
but overpriced considering the ambience.
Of note: Tips aren’t allowed on a credit card.
Online booking? No.
Anabellas Spa
1320 Old Chain Bridge Rd., Suite 160, McLean; 703-847-0055.
Based on the humble decor and small space, you wouldn’t expect much from Anabellas
Spa, but you’d be surprised by what it has to offer: Customized facials get a boost
with state-of-the-art equipment such as a lymphatic drainage massager (think swirling
paddles that remove toxins), bacterial zappers, and microdermabrasion. It was one
of the most high-tech facials ($125) we received—not to mention effective: Smaller
pores and baby-soft skin came as a result.
While owner Ana Snow, who did the facial, was knowledgeable and friendly, we wished
she had been more vocal about the machines and products she used, given their novelty.
And despite our request to omit extractions from the facial, Snow did them anyway,
leaving us with a few new pimples. However, at the end of the treatment Snow was the
opposite of a pushy salesperson and sent us home with free samples.
Of note: New customers receive 10 percent off their first facial.
Online booking? No.
Pure Aesthetica
2212 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-664-0184.
As you climb the stairs to Pure Aesthetica, you may already be in a healthy state
of mind—the small spa is located above a yoga studio and next to a wellness center.
While the walls are adorned with proprietary skin-care products that boast all-natural
ingredients, the treatments are more results-focused, with services that range from
microdermabrasion to oxygen facials and lash-tinting. Therapists pamper while they
plump or pluck—a Signature 3-in-1 Facial ($180) included a lengthy hand, foot, scalp,
and shoulder massage. And therapist Megan Keany was friendly as she asked about our
skin-care goals before beginning the treatment, which included microdermabrasion,
a natural cranberry-and-cucumber mask, and an oxygen infusion.
Several days later, we unhappily sprouted a few unattractive breakouts, but our skin
was free of blackheads and clogged pores.
Of note: A small glass of tangerine juice and pineapple “chip” were welcome post-treatment
perks. The new-client special—a $90 90-minute facial or a $60 (hourlong) or $90 (1½-hour)
massage—is a great deal.
Online booking? Yes.
Aveda Bethesda Salon and Spa
4807 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda; 301-652-1610.
If it’s a luxury spa experience you seek, we suggest you skip Aveda Bethesda. The
bustling salon doesn’t smack of “come in, relax, let yourself go”; it’s more “come
in, head to this back room, and do your best to block out the noise of blow dryers
and chatty customers.”
However, once we were inside the tiny yet functional treatment room, The therapist
did her best to help us unwind with a soothing 90-minute Swedish massage ($135). A
skilled and knowledgeable therapist—she was patient with us as we told her our various
trouble spots—the therapist was able to undo several of our tightest knots and leave
us feeling new again. By the time we left, we almost didn’t mind the crowded wait
to pay at the cash register—a sure sign that a good massage can help restore patience.
Of note: Be sure to bring cash for a tip, as the salon doesn’t accept gratuities on a credit
card.
Online booking? No.
Ritz-Carlton Georgetown
3100 South St., NW; 202-912-4175.
For a high-end hotel like the Ritz-Carlton, the Boutique Spa is quite small and a
bit average when it comes to its menu of services. But despite the size—there are
just four treatments rooms—no one is skimping on the five-star customer service, which
largely makes up for what the place lacks in space and amenities.
Our 50-minute Swedish massage from Calvin McMann ($125) was a good experience—he was
thorough and quite skilled. We liked how he listened to us before getting started—we
told him we didn’t like a lot of deep pressure around our neck and he happily obliged.
In fact, he may have listened too well—his gentle touch put us to sleep before our
time was up.
Of note: There’s a steam room and a sauna in the ladies’ and men’s locker rooms, and the fitness
center is free to spa-users.
Online booking? No.
The Petite Spa at the Jefferson
1200 16th St., NW; 202-448-3270.
As spectacular and full of wonder and whimsy as the Jefferson hotel is, its spa is
a tad too intimate; with only two treatment rooms and a small waiting area, it’s not
what you’d expect. That said, those two rooms are beautiful and chic, with ample changing
space.
Knowing that the hotel embraces Thomas Jefferson’s passion for wine, we opted for
the Olavie Chardonnay Hydra-Quench massage. While the therapist moved a bit too briskly
for our liking, our skin was left moisturized and silky smooth. To keep things simple,
prices are flat fees based on time rather than the treatment; 30 minutes of any service
will run you $90, while 120 minutes costs $285—making it one of the more expensive
spas in the area.
Of note: A private steam shower is available for spa guests; a reservation is required.
Online booking? No.
Lorien Spa
1600 King St., Alexandria; 703-894-3434.
This serene and cozy spa is tucked in the back of Old Town’s swank Kimpton-owned Lorien
Hotel. A plush robe and fuzzy slippers awaited us in a tall white locker inside the
minimalist-chic but well-appointed dressing room, and we slipped into the tranquil
relaxation room for a cup of icy cucumber water and a few minutes with the latest
Allure. Skin care is aesthetician Ludmila Milic’s specialty, and while our hydrating facial
($125)—which employed chamomile and lavender-scented masks and lotions from Kerstin
Florian—wasn’t the best we’ve ever had, it was both soothing and effective. As cooling
masks and tingly glycolic-acid treatments sank in, Milic focused on gentle hand and
foot massages. Her extractions were quick and as painless as we’ve found, and best
of all, we didn’t leave with blotchy skin. After our treatment, a turn in the steam
room was a nice way to ease back into the afternoon.
Of note: We didn’t have a problem finding street parking, but the hotel valet service is free
for spa guests.
Online booking? Yes.
Nusta Spa
1129 20th St., NW; 202-530-5700.
We wanted to love Nusta—after all, it has a lot going for it. The first spa to earn
gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, it was built
with sustainable materials and features organic products. Though in downtown DC, where
space comes at a premium, the nearly 5,000-square-foot spa offers nine treatment rooms,
a locker room with showers, and a lounge with cucumber- or lemon-infused water, tea,
and snacks (think upscale and organic trail mix). It also has a group lounge for private
parties. The spa is very pretty, done up in bamboo and lots of white, and with sleek
modern touches such as molded white chairs.
But despite its style and offerings, we could never fully relax. While the sofas in
the spa lounge look nice, they’re somewhat hard and uncomfortable. There was herbal
tea, but it was lukewarm—and no one knew if it was caffeinated or not. Our therapist
ran ten minutes late, but no one updated us, so we sat waiting and wondering.
The massage itself was fine—not the best we’ve had but not the worst. We had signed
up for a Nusta Calm massage, and the therapist had a somewhat unorthodox style: She
spent more time than we liked on the base of our skull and neck, and although she
was completely professional, her strokes ranged closer than we normally experience
to private areas of the body. (Most therapists tuck a blanket firmly under your leg
for the most privacy, but the draping in this case seemed a bit loose—and our tester,
who has had many massages, isn’t that prudish.)
While the massage was soothing, it was 50 minutes—not 60 as so many others we tested
were—so it felt a bit short. And it’s not as if the abbreviated time came with a drop
in price: The 50-minute rubdown was $105, which is more than we paid for some hourlong
massages.
Over the years, we’ve visited Nusta many times. We’ve had decent manicures and pedicures—although,
again, the prices are high ($80 for an 80-minute Signature Pedicure, $60 for a 50-minute
Pure Pedicure, $55 for a 50-minute signature manicure, $35 for 30 minutes). We’ve
also tried the Interpretive Touch massage with owner Brad Drummer—a pricey service
($220 for 50 minutes) that claims to be as therapeutic as a deep-tissue massage without
pummeling muscles. If you like traditional massage, you won’t like the unusual techniques
used here. Although it did work for us, we weren’t tempted again, given the price.
The bottom line on everything we’ve tried: The services seem a bit overpriced, but
that’s no doubt a factor of its prime downtown location. If money is no object, if
you love eco-friendly businesses, and if you work nearby (and can walk over—because
there’s no parking), this is a decent urban spa with space to spread out—not always
easy to find.
Of note: The spa is recommended for eyelash extensions—Titi Lee Dawodu is an expert at giving
you full lashes that look real.
Online booking? Yes.
Blue Heron Wellness
10723-B Columbia Pike, Silver Spring; 301-754-3730.
This center’s unpretentious decor belies the serious attention paid to all aspects
of wellness. Blue Heron offers herbal skin care, such as vitamin C facial infusion
treatments, herbal-medicine consultations, acupuncture, massage therapy, and fitness
classes.
Massage therapist Jessica Parks used her forearms as much as her hands in long strokes
to find trigger points that needed additional work. John Cox also earns raves for
deep-tissue massage—the pressure always remained just below the pain threshold.
Yoga, mediation, and Pilates classes as well as more hard-core body conditioning and
kettlebell classes are also offered.
Of note: For total relaxation, follow a massage with one of Blue Heron’s Yoga Nidra or Yoga
for Better Rest classes. If you don’t want to wreck all that relaxation, avoid appointments—or
give yourself plenty of time—around the evening rush hour, when traffic in that area
can be awful.
Online booking? Not for massages or facials.
Hela Spa
3209 M St., NW; 202-333-4445.
The Zen-like waiting area of Hela Spa in Georgetown had us fooled—we thought we were
in for a calm, soothing experience. We were wrong.
After being ushered by our aesthetician, Tiffany Spruill, back to the tiny treatment
room for our one-hour Cleansing Facial ($120), it was pretty clear that peace and
quiet were out of the question. With little room to move around, through no fault
of her own, Spruill jostled, bumped, and rattled her way through the steps of our
facial; floors creaked and we could also hear voices through the thin walls.
And while we expected a deep cleaning (which turned into a really deep cleaning with
an extraction process that dug in there in a particularly painful way), we had no
idea what we were in for: Within 24 hours, our skin, which normally handles new products
very well, was clearly reacting badly to the experience—our face was red, blotchy,
and cracking.
When we got a follow-up e-mail from Spruill a week later asking if we had any irritation,
flaking, or unexpected dryness, we wondered if other clients have had the same results.
Of note: Keep in mind that parking in that area of Georgetown is scarce.
Online booking? No.
The Sugar House
111 N. Alfred St., Alexandria; 703-549-9940.
This spa, in a restored 19th-century rowhouse, feels more like a genteel Southern
mansion than a place for mani-pedis, haircuts, and facials. Rich, eggplant-purple
carpet and elegant crown molding follow you up the sweeping staircase, where, after
you check in, you’re taken to a stall in a tiny dressing area and given a plush robe
and slippers. In the hallway, you can graze on a breakfast spread of bagels and pastries.
After a few minutes of relaxing with a magazine on an overstuffed chaise longue, we
were greeted by Marcia Barnes, who administered a 50-minute organic facial ($115),
which used gentle and aromatic plant-based masks and serums from Éminence. Barnes
gets points for her pleasant demeanor and lack of pushiness (there was no upselling
or product-pitching), but left the room for minutes at a time when two separate masks
were settling in. At other spas, that’s usually when an extended hand and foot massage
takes place (a short one is included in this treatment). As for our skin? It was rosy
and clean but not much different than when we walked in.
Of note: A fun spa boutique carries a wide array of skin- and hair-care products, flowery
candles, and makeup.
Online booking? No.
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