Skoah
Skoah’s short but sweet facial menu promises customizable “sweat-free skin-care workouts” powerful enough to whip even the most problematic skin types into shape. Case in point: The “Fitskin” facial, a 45-minute treatment that includes an exfoliating mask, hydrating lotions, and an ultra-relaxing hand-and-arm massage, will leave even the most blemish-prone skin looking bright and healthy. 641A Tremont St., Boston, 857-350-4930; 33 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, 617-383-5185. 641A Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118, skoah.com.
Thomas M. Menino Park
This play space perched at the edge of the Charlestown Navy Yard offers 38,000 square feet of universally accessible play structures, rubberized running surfaces, and gently rolling lawns for kids of all ages. The breathtaking views of Boston Harbor and the skyline give even the most blasé stroller jockeys a reason to look up from their phones. 300 First Ave., Charlestown, MA 02129, .
Katrina Hess
A stalwart of the Boston beauty scene, Katrina Hess has always been a go-to for special-occasion makeup. But she’ll also transform your daily makeup routine with private two-hour lessons at her Newbury Street studio. Bring along your own cosmetics bag, and she’ll even weed out the duds. 115 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, katrinahess.com.
Sonsie
We know what you’re thinking: With all the seafood joints in Boston, you landed on Sonsie? Stifle your preconceptions for a moment, because when it comes to the classics, it’s all about execution. And that’s where this al fresco hot spot outdoes its competition: with a just-viscous-enough lunch-menu chowder showcasing plump clams and tender Yukon Gold cubes. And, yeah, the people-watching is pretty great. 327 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115, sonsieboston.com.
The Brattle Theatre
True, there are a few places to see independent films around Boston, including the occasional museum, but it’s hard to beat this small but mighty theater’s regular programming. Whether it’s a mid-20th-century noir series or an obscure foreign flick, you’re unlikely to find this carefully curated selection of movies anywhere else in the city. 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 02138, brattlefilm.org.
Orly Khon Floral
Industrial chic. Richly bohemian. Romantic and fresh. Orly Khon, formerly of Tangerine Creations, can weave a floral theme for any romance—blooms springing from driftwood, succulents beneath glass cloches, blossom chains. She's also a weather watcher, keeping track of how our crazy climate affects flowers and making appropriate (read: calming) modifications. And with a retail store inside the Restoration Hardware flagship and a studio close to the Boston Flower Exchange, Khon has a garden of local inspiration at her fingertips. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116, orlykhon.com.
B/Spoke Studios
This locally owned studio leads the pack with top-notch amenities, including free shoe rental and impeccably clean locker rooms stocked with Aesop products. The various options—from super-sweaty hot rides to all-levels community classes—offer the perfect blend of cardio, core work, and conditioning. 101 Federal St., Boston, 617-951-9900; 50 Central St., Wellesley, 781-772-1920; bspokestudios.com. 101 Federal St., Boston, MA 02110, bspokestudios.com.
New England Aquarium Whale Watch
The Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary is full of wildlife, and you're missing out if you don't experience it up close. Thankfully, the New England Aquarium has partnered with Boston Harbor Cruises to get you there in style, via giant high-speed catamarans. Sip a glass of wine and wave to some massive sea mammals; if you don't see a whale, you can ride again for free. One Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, neaq.org.
Kelly Link
Link's fiction may be teeming with the inexplicable—polite zombies, world-swallowing purses—but it's no mystery why the work of this Pulitzer-nominated Northampton author was chosen for the Boston Book Festival's "One City, One Story" campaign last year. Razor-sharp, her take on magical realism is packed with local flavor. Who else would start an urban fairy tale in the Garment District's $1-a-pound pile? kellylink.net.
Bella Sante
City spas can be pure bliss. Battling Boston drivers to get to them? Not so much. Fortunately, Lexington has an outpost of Newbury Street's much-adored Bella Santé. The hushed oasis features invigorating services such as the heavenly three-step hot spot massage, aromatherapy facials, and the anti-puff marine eye lift. Book soon, before city slickers catch on and start a reverse traffic jam. 76 Bedford St., Lexington, MA 2420, bellasante.com.
Ares Shoe Repair
There are more than 70 shoe repair joints in Greater Boston; picking the finest involves a little legwork. Why this particular shop—and for a second year in a row? Armenian-born Mike Damirshian's work is impeccable, especially at the prices he charges ($4 for a perfect shine, for instance). From the moment you walk in, you feel as if you've traveled back to a simpler time when shoes were made by hand and not machine. 84 Charles St., Boston, MA .
Marisa DeMarco, Salon Mario Russo
Finally: a hairdresser who actually listens to your requests and delivers. DeMarco stays away from a on-ecut-suits-all technique, preferring to update your look gradually without any sudden, drastic changes. Based in the Louis Boston location of Salon Mario Russo, she's equally adept at color, for those who like to keep their salon visits down to a minimum. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA mariorusso.com.
Fifteen Beacon
Paul Roiff's $21 million hotel project in Beacon Hill is the ultimate in modernity. The boutique atmosphere extends to the rooms themselves, which feature an incredible roster of amenities in addition to the usual plus bathrobes: cream-colored walls, fireplaces, oversized entertainment centers with the latest film releases, and wet bars. The hotel even supplies personalized business cards for guests to give out while they're visiting or doing business in Boston. It is certainly a costly experience, but a unique one as well: Pampering never felt so sophisticated. 15 Beacon Street, Boston, MA xvbeacon.com.
Constitution Marina
The best thing about the most protected marina in Boston Harbor isn't even the free parking; it's the location. Proximity to the locks means quick access to the harbor, but you might decide not to leave once you've seen the view of Old Ironsides and the Bunker Hill Monument. The docking fee, $2.50/foot, is based on the length of the vessel or the slip, whichever is larger. Services available include laundry, shower, cable, and a pool. 28 Constitution Rd., Charlestown, MA .
Cheryl Richards
Awarded "Photographer of the Year" by the Professional Photographers Association of Massachusetts, this talented Boston newcomer wowed the judges with her wedding album, which took top honors. Artful black and white photographs capture the day in all its candid glory and charm, from prewedding jitters to frolicking flower girls, to Daddy's last dance with his little girl. 105 Newbury Street, Boston, MA .