Sports Club/LA
The Sports Club/LA isn't a gym—it's an experience. One that features 50 personal trainers, an Olympic-size swimming pool, four squash courts, an indoor basketball court, and 16,000 square feet of weight and cardio equipment. Fitness classes range from the classic (kickboxing, step aerobics) to the modern (BalleCore, Gyrokinesis); clients range from visiting rock stars to lithe locals. Included in the steep monthly memberships ($165-$265) are a nutritionist appointment and discounts at the on-premises Blu restaurant and Splash spa. 4 Avery St., Boston, MA 2111, thesportsclubla.com.
Youliana Roussou
These are the qualities we look for in a waxing: speed, and a thoroughness that lets us put off the next one for as long as possible. After 15 years on the strip (so to speak), Roussou has the process down pat. She's versed in the fine art of distraction—as she chatters on about shopping or the local dating scene, you scarcely notice the hot wax near your nether regions. Plus, post-treatment includes a gentle rubdown with calming oils. 338 Newbury St., Boston, MA g2ospasalon.com.
Newbury Tailoring Company
When the Rivas brothers relocated down the street to 91 Newbury, their patrons followed. Their tailoring team can take in or let out (not that any of your clothes ever need that) whatever you put in their deft hands, from dandy Etro suits to a pair of Sacred Blues—and they'll even keep the much coveted original hem. As the waiting area's armoire overflowing with comic book action figures suggests, when holding a needle and thread, these guys have unlimited superpowers. 91 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Canyon Ranch
Peace and quiet don't come cheap. (If you have to ask how much, sweetie, you can't afford it.) But the Ranch's formula for relaxation is worth every buck: no cell phones, no booze, no table salt, and plenty of yoga and pampering. And since the resort's amenities also include nutrition classes and cooking demos, you're guaranteed to leave not only your stress behind, but a few pounds as well. 165 Kemble St., Lenox, MA 1240, canyonranch.com.
Porches Inn
We don't like those awkward B&B breakfast-table moments with fellow guests any more than you do. Porches' six restored Victorian row houses have 47 comfortabl—and privat—'industrial granny chic' rooms. The hotel also has a pool, spa, and free WiFi (no small thing out here in the country). Another bonus: The modern art of Mass MoCA is a short walk away. 231 River St., North Adams, MA 1247, porchesinn.com.
Back Bay Framery
Even the prettiest picture becomes an eyesore when confined to an ugly frame. A cure for such unsightliness can be found at this Back Bay fixture, where owner Kerrie Thomas frames preschoolers' doodlings, World War II medals, and everything in between. Choose from thousands of moldings in such hard-to-find materials as 24-karat gold, sterling silver leaf, and Peruvian leather. Also available are a range of albums to store those photos tagged for-your-eyes-only. Like the ones from that night at Whiskey Park. 303 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, backbayframery.com.
Twig
Every girl may like flowers, but a guy won't score any points with droopy Stop & Shop carnations. A truly thoughtful gesture calls for one of Twig's custom bouquets or topiary trees. Overflowing buckets of fresh local hydrangeas and asters line the sidewalk outside Lou Whitney's small South End store; inside, potted ferns complement delicate orchids, snapdragons, and calla lilies. Send some 'just because' and keep your romance in full bloom. 558 Tremont St., Boston, MA 2114, twigboston.com.
Jeffrey Dauksevich, Umi Salon
Jeffrey Dauksevich wants to take control of your hair. Here's why you should let him: Drawing on his two decades of experience, he still gives you the cut you really want, not the one ;he thinks you should try (in his chair, 'no bangs' means no bangs). Need some guidance? He's got suggestions aplenty. The results will be a stunning—if pricey—cut to outlast all the latest Hollywood hair fads. 75 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, umisite.com.
Hot Locks
The Hot Locks staff knows hair—the salon's been at the mane game for nearly 20 years. Well-trained by co-owner Sonny Rapozo, the seven stylists deliver flattering cuts, natural color, and enticing extras like scalp massages and deep conditioning treatments (and after a week at the beach, who doesn't need one of those?). Go in for the works or a basic blowout that will leave your locks looking, well, hot. 580-B North Falmouth Highway (Rte. 28A), North Falmouth, MA 2556, hotlockssalon.com.
LuxLash
After a visit here, your lash-batting average will be in a league of its own. The first of its kind in the country, the spa offers strip-lash application, semipermanent extensions, and, for serious fabulousness, the Signature LuxLash, which augments what genetics gave you with 120 (you read that right: 120) falsies. They're the longest-lasting in town. The store also offers an exclusive lash-safe mascara. Not that you'll need any extra volume. 232 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, luxlash.com.
Jeannette Neill
Out with smelly, stuffy, cramped studios; hello, Jeannette Neill! Proper ventilation and soft lighting set the mood in Neill's four exposed-brick studios, where energetic instructors help dancers of all levels limber up on the bar or uncover the secrets of booty quaking. (It's all in the knees.) The children's program here fosters personal growth rather than producing prima ballerinas, and adults can drop in on jazz, tap, theater, or hip-hop classes. 261 Friend St., Boston, MA 2114, jndance.com.
Dance Complex
Walk past this aging Central Square building and you'll hear lively drumbeats and rhythmic foot stomping. Walk in and you'll experience one giant Fame flashback. Four floors of studios allow ballet, capoeira, salsa, flamenco, tap, mambo, street funk, and samba to coexist like a little rainbow coalition of dance, while creating an unparalleled surge of collective energy—all for about 12 bucks a class. 536 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA dancecomplex.org.
The Charles Hotel
Few hotels can boast politicians, dignitaries, and celebrities among their clientele. The Charles can. The Harvard Square hotel houses jazz and martini bars, a renovated presidential suite, a multimillion-dollar art collection, and two award-winning restaurants. The J. Crew—uniformed staff is discreet and efficient, while the down comforters, lavish minibars, and Origins bath products in the rooms are simply the icing on the cake. One Bennett St., Cambridge, MA charleshotel.com.
The Charles Street Inn
Some people think B&Bs exist only in the country. This nine-room Beacon Hill inn proves otherwise. Its antique furniture, fireplaces, and four-poster beds impart old-world class, while DSL Internet, cable television, and whirlpool tubs offer modern comforts. Tall, narrow doors heighten the charm of the cavernous rooms, named after local luminaries like Louisa May Alcott and Oliver Wendell Holmes. 94 Charles St., Boston, MA .
Michaud Cosmedix
No pain, no gain. At Michaud Cosmedix, the latter far outweighs the former as owner Julie Michaud and her aestheticians spend 30 minutes plucking your eyebrows one hair at a time. The result? Enviable arches that stay in shape much longer than they do after a 30-second wax. Here's something actually worth tearing up for. 69 Newbury St., Boston, MA .