skoah is the spa for those who are looking for a little pampering but not all the fuss and fluff that goes along with a day at a traditional spa. A gym for your skin, skoah's focus is on the face. Offering memberships for those who are serious about skin care or single visit options for those who are passing through town, skoah helps you incorporate a spa service into your busy schedule. With options that get you in out and glowing in about an hour so you can keep on schedule to more in depth pampering skoah has a treatment for you. Enjoy a little extra by opting for the soothing, customized, deluxe 'facialiscous' facial that includes a mini massage along with your cleansing or get as little as a 'quickie' which has you off the table in 20 minutes. With an extensive product line, you may just find your skin care regimen at skoah.
Recommended for Spas because: skoah is the spa for those who want the skin fix without the fuss or cost of a full service spa.
Jessica's expert tip: If you plan to visit skoah often, purchase a membership and save on services as well as products.
Taking 'farm to table' to the next level is Corbu, the Charles Hotel Spa in Harvard Square that brings seasonal and local to your skin. Inspired by chefs of the hotel's famed restaurants, Corbu's Spa Director shops area farmer's markets and makes many of the salt scrubs, sugar scrubs and lotions. In addition to their fabulous "farm to table" treatments, Corbu is the first New England spa to use mySkin. Based on principles of science and sophisticated algorithms mySkin is used to analyze your skin type in order to find you the perfect set of products to care for your unique needs.
Recommended for Spas because: Corbu's 'farm to table' approach to spa treatments makes for a truly local spa experience to pamper you with in-season treatments.
Jessica's expert tip: Indulge yourself with one of the seasonal treatments; that way return in another season for something different!
Equinox is more than a spa, it a high end, full service gym. Bostonians in the know join Equinox for top notch fitness, but take advantage of the on-site spa after workouts. Although it is not easy for non-members to enjoy the gym (having to shell out $50 for a day pass) a service at the spa at Equinox allows you instant access. Book a massage, facial, wax, body treatment tan or healing session and enjoy the gym and its amenities for the day. If you have children with you, take advantage of the on site daycare while you get in a good workout and enjoy your spa service. Then get glamorous in their state of the art locker room stocked with Kheils products before heading back out onto the bustling Boston streets.
Recommended for Spas because: The Spa at Equinox offers fitness buffs the opportunity to get in a good work out before their treatment.
Jessica's expert tip: An appointment at the Spa at Equinox includes a day pass to this high end gym.
Inman Oasis is a different kind of spa. Here you'll get all relaxation you want, with a strong focus on water. Inman Oasis provides guests with a nice soak in one of their hot tubs followed by a massage. The focus is on on healing and relaxing the body itself. Inman Oasis only offers massage therapy and hot tub soaks, leaving you with a targeted treatment. The hot soak prior to your massage can help maximize the effect of even the shortest massage. The vibe at Inman Oasis is laid back and welcoming allowing even the spa phobic the chance to give it a shot and feel comfortable.
Recommended for Spas because: Inman Oasis is unique in that it utilizes soaks in hot tubs to to enhance your massage experience.
Jessica's expert tip: If you want a soak, last minute, walk ins can enjoy the community tub and even borrow a suit if you have forgotten yours.
Bliss spa is like no other- upbeat in nature, it invites a more social spa experience. Lively music pumps throughout, headphones are available to enjoy a show on their televisions, or listen to your choice of tunes. The ultra modern surroundings are filled with bright pops of color and the small bites provided are not your typical spa cuisine (brownies anyone). Treatments are done with Bliss products that can be purchased for your at home enjoyment. Food and drinks can be ordered and enjoyed while you're undergoing your Bliss experience from Market Restaurant on the first floor of the W Hotel that is home to Bliss.
Recommended for Spas because: Comfortable for guys and girls alike the fun upbeat atmosphere at Bliss Spa sets it apart from its peers.
Jessica's expert tip: Order food and drinks in advance to ensure they are waiting for you.
Pyara Spa and Salon is an Aveda product specialist using their 97% naturally derived ingredient products for your services. Upstairs, you'll find a well appointed, modern chic salon and retail space, while downstairs you'll escape reality in their calm and inviting spa. Rooms are set-up to create the ideal setting fro your services. Built in Vichy showers, with adjoining shower stall for rinsing without the need to leave your room for the locker room mid service, and couples units are just a couple of the reminders that Pyara has put a lot of attention into the detail of their spa. Services can be customized, by the specialists on staff to ensure that each guest gets exactly what they need. arrive a few moments prior to your service starting to savor a cup of tea in the spa waiting area then get ready to be well cared for.
Recommended for Spas because: Pyara offers a wide range of services allowing you to fulfill all of your beauty needs in one spot.
Jessica's expert tip: Maintain the glow you leave with; utilize your specialists recommendations and purchase the products suggested from their retail shop.
Bella Sante is a favorite day spa among locals. The Newbury Street location is a stunning space with tall ceilings, architectural detail and an elegant lounge that features expansive windows overlooking Newbury Street and letting in lots of light. A focus on relaxation for their upscale clientele means that you'll feel like a million bucks before your treatments even begin. Offering nine spa treatment rooms, his and her locker rooms, three pedi seats and four mani tables you'll find what you need at Bella Sante. Enjoy their amenities which include a steam room, before or after your appointment and face the rest of your day refreshed.
Recommended for Spas because: Bella Sante is a favorite among locals who return time and again to enjoy the elegant space and consistent services.
Jessica's expert tip: Bella Sante has three area locations; if you prefer to enjoy their services outside of Newbury Street, make an appointment in Wellesley or Lexington.
Exhale Spa lets you come in to relax and treat your mind, body and soul to something special. At Exhale Spa you will find yourself whisked of the city streets and into a space that invites you to let go. Starting with the boutique stocked with the big names in chic exercise attire and accessories you may want to buy your outfit before participating in one of their classes. Exhale is not just a place to pamper your outside, it is also ideal for those looking to partake in a little exercise. Offering Core Fusion and Yoga classes, indulge your need for staying fit before enjoying the steam shower, or sauna. If you're at the Battery Wharf Hotel location make time for the Hamman where the heat and steam helps any special moisturizers soak in. Loosen your muscles with a relaxing massage or treat your skin to something special like a facial, scrub or wrap. Those who seek a more holistic treatment will be pleased with Exhale's selection including acupuncture, reiki and cupping.
Recommended for Spas because: Exhale offers relaxation with the option of exercise, making it the perfect combo for the spa goer who is looking for overall well-being.
Jessica's expert tip: Make the most of your Exhale experience by enjoying a class prior to your treatment.
G2O is a full service spa and salon that will make your spa day dreams come true. Here, you'll be escorted to the relaxation area where you can slip out of your street clothes and into a cozy robe. Arrive early as the amenities are amazing and any service entitles you to enjoy all that G2O has to offer. Take a dip in their hot tub, chill with friends in the fireside lounge or on the patio when the weather is warm, take a deep breath and relax in the brine relaxation room and even bring in your own bottle of bubbly and even some snacks because G2O has a kitchenette at your disposal. With a wide range of services that include acupuncture, a nap pod and an experience room where steam, light, sound, scents and water converge, you can truly spend an entire day at this spa.
Recommended for Spas because: G2O is a luxurious spa that has a fun side, making it a go to for couples, and groups of girls to gather and celebrate.
Jessica's expert tip: Book any service and take advantage of G2O's amenities, or buy a day pass and skip the treatments and enjoy the G2O perks.
Enter a world where relaxation is all you'll know. Feel every worry vanish as you indulge the needs of your inner and outer self at the Mandarin Spa. A truly zen retreat, Mandarin Spa is perched within the Mandarin Oriental. Enjoy a single spa treatment, a full day, a couples retreat or a few customized selections from their menu of services and you'll be treated to a day of pure relaxation.Starting the moment you approach the desk when you are whisked out of your street shoes and into their slippers, you'll begin your journey from stressed to calm, cool and collected. Enjoy time in the heat and water facilities before making your way to the relaxation beds where you'll be met by your therapist and led through the facility to your treatment room. Here, you'll complete your visit and receive personalized care under the expert hands of the spa staff.
Recommended for Spas because: When you want the ultimate in luxurious Boston spa treatments, The Mandarin Spa is the place to go.
Jessica's expert tip: Arrive 45 minutes before your appointment to make the most of the heat and water facilities and if you are modest, bring a swimsuit along.