The Spa at Encore Boston Harbor
Photo by Barbara Kraft/Encore Boston Harbor If you think Encore is all bright lights and spinning reels, you’d be right … unless, that is, you’ve taken the elevator up to its state-of-the-art spa, a 19,000-square-foot oasis that feels both ultra-extravagant and profoundly Zen. Before your treatment, unwind in the sauna, relax in the eucalyptus-infused steam room, or take a soak in the hot tub. For the full experience — and a welcome shot of endorphins — alternate between any of these hot options and the cold plunge pool. Your body, and your soul, will thank you. One Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, encorebostonharbor.com.
Stacey Frasca, Studio 28
Photo by Jamie Grill What do Lorraine Bracco, Bryan Cranston, and Boston’s own Gretta Monahan have in common? They’ve all taken a spin in Stacey Frasca’s chair. With three decades of experience, the makeup artist’s glam yet natural style has attracted countless VIP clients and locals alike, who stop by Studio 28 for special-occasion makeup, spray tans, and one-on-one lessons. And with virtual services, you can up your cosmetic game without ever leaving home. 568 Washington St., Wellesley, MA 02482, studio28wellesley.com.
Crystal Morgan, C.Spa
Even before the very talented Crystal Morgan gets you on the table at her immaculately clean Back Bay studio, she’s already working, sizing up the way you stand to see exactly where your tension lies. Once she begins the massage, her magic hands free up every knot and tension spot. Go ahead and glance in the mirror after your 60- to 90-minute treatment is over: Not only will you feel different, but your posture will actually look visibly different, too. 715 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, cspaboston.com.
Styled by Gilda
Personal stylist Gilda Miranda / Photo by Courtney Ryan If the last time you spent money on real clothes (not, ahem, yoga pants) was February 2020, it may be time to call in a professional — namely, personal stylist Gilda Miranda. The shopping pro offers everything from brief virtual consultations to a complete “wardrobe rehab process” that includes a closet edit, a shopping trip, and an at-home styling sesh, all with an eye toward what works best for your style and body type. styledbygilda.com.
Beacon Hill Instant Shoe Repair
A Ukrainian immigrant who picked up the trade from his father, a cobbler in Odessa, Vadim Kotlyar knows his way around a pair of shoes — as evidenced by the work he did on our favorite pair of boots, brought back to life with a new heel and a lot of love. Bonus points for the lightning-fast turnaround (a few days for most jobs). 126 Bowdoin St., Boston, MA 02108, beaconhillshoerepair.com.
Newbury Tailoring Company
For two decades, Boston’s style mavens have trusted this family-owned business with their most valuable wearables, and for good reason. Whether you need your entire wardrobe taken in or a few nips and tucks on an extra-special evening gown, you can trust tailor Flavio Antonio Rivas to get the job done masterfully — and efficiently. 324 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115, newburytailors.com.
Marvelous Barber Lounge
Photo by Djecy Ramos Ready to make a statement? Trust your next ’do to Lex Andre Daluz and his team of artist-slash-barbers, who have taken Boston’s barbering world by storm since expanding here from Brockton two years ago. While they’re deft with standard cuts for all hair textures, the showstoppers are their custom designs, for which they shave complex geometric patterns and draw lifelike portraits on the backs of clients’ heads — all with just a set of clippers and a straight razor, and maybe a pop of attention-grabbing hair dye. They also operate the single most impressive hair-related Instagram account we’ve seen … ever? Multiple locations, marvelouscuts.com.
Balans Organic Spa
Maybe you’re commuting again and soaking up that car exhaust in your pores. Maybe some sunspots have cropped up on the virgin skin long shielded behind your facemask. Or maybe you’re just lamenting three pandemic years’ worth of stress etched into your face. Whatever the trouble, Balans’ expert aestheticians have the solution — and the 100 percent organic products to keep that glow going long after the appointment is over. 216 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, bostonbalans.com.
MoveStudios
Photo by Peter Barquet Ever want to catch a class at the gym, but don’t feel like schlepping all the way there? Good thing MoveStudios can come to a neighborhood near you. Launched in February 2021, the roving fitness studio now takes its climate-controlled truck all over the city and beyond, offering everything from small-group training to public classes at places like A Street Park and the Hingham Shipyard. And with a full range of equipment, it has everything you need to get fit under one (portable) roof. movestudios.net.
Shannon McNally
Looking to embark on a spiritual wellness journey this summer? Let local reiki master Shannon McNally be your guide. Offering sessions at the newly opened Soma Yoga in the North End, the holistic wellness coach tackles everything from stress and anxiety to digestive and hormonal challenges. Whether you prefer your appointments in-person or virtual, you’ll leave feeling like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. 256 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113, shannonmcnallywellness.com.
Ini Spahiu, Salon Mario Russo
Spending time in Ini Spahiu’s chair feels just like catching up with an old friend — albeit one who knows her way around a set of foils. After a quick consultation to suss out our transformation goals, the longtime colorist got to work, whipping up and applying just the right formula while we chatted. And the results? Let’s just say our sun-starved locks, which Spahiu thoughtfully brightened with perfectly placed balayage highlights, have never looked better. 9 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, mariorusso.com.
Jessica Thornton, Green Room Boston
Photo by Creative Crop/Getty Images Where do Boston’s old-money mavens and new-money titans go to get pampered? This one-woman, single-chair salon, tucked away along a side street on Beacon Hill. Owned by expert stylist Jessica Thornton, the concierge hair studio offers a comfortable oasis where great hair, discretion, and the quick-witted Thornton herself are always the stars of the show. Encore! Encore! 40 River St., Boston, MA 02108, greenroomboston.com.
Newbury Boston
Photo by Read McKendree Looking for picturesque views to go with your room-service breakfast and Frette robe? Touch down at the Newbury Boston, where the sparkling-new rooms overlook the Public Garden and the Common. One Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, thenewburyboston.com.
Paddle Boston
Looking to canoe, kayak, or paddleboard your way through the city? Let these experts hook you up with the gear — and the guidance — you need to get out on the Charles or the harbor. Multiple locations, paddleboston.com.
Revolutionary Story Tour
Led by local experts, this Boston history refresher along the Freedom Trail will not only remind you of everything you learned (and forgot) in school, but also how lucky you are to call this city your own. One Washington Mall, Boston, MA 02108, therevolutionarystorytour.com.
Midori Dowdie, MAD Soleful
Photo by Michele Constantini/Getty Images Dowdie’s credentials are impressive, to say the least: She’s a former bodybuilder and marathon runner who’s certified in personal training. She’s also a certified holistic health coach, meaning she understands that training is about more than just showing up at the gym. Rather than simply focusing on weight loss and toning, Dowdie helps find your “why” and encourages healthy and sustainable habits — which goes way further than any workout ever could. madsoleful.com.
The Centerpiece Flower Shop
Photo by Mona Miri Nothing cheers up a space like a gorgeous bouquet of fresh flowers. And these days, no one’s spreading more flower-powered joy than ángel Diaz. With an eye for design, the Venezuela native and owner of the Centerpiece Flower Shop — founded in 2020 — uses seasonal blooms and greenery to create artful arrangements bursting with color and texture. Bonus points for his monthly subscription service, which promises mood-boosting handtied bouquets delivered on your date of choice. 2051 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA 02132, thecenterpieceflowershop.com.
Feast & Fettle
After a few years of prepping three squares a day, it’s only natural to want to outsource the task of home cooking to someone, you know, outside the home. Thankfully, Rhode Island–based Feast & Fettle expanded its family-style meal delivery service to Greater Boston last year, and there’s something for everyone on the extensive menu. Bonus: The company has also been known to partner with local faves like Flour bakery and Blackbird Donuts for add-on treats. feastandfettle.com.
Bellacquer
Photo by Paperkites/Getty Images You know you’ve enjoyed your trip to the nail salon when you leave feeling more beautiful — and relaxed — than when you first strolled in. And Bellacquer, a neighborhood standout since it first opened its doors in 2017, delivers that satisfaction every time. Performed by diligent technicians with serious trimming, shaping, and polishing skills, the nail services here are consistently excellent whether you stick to the basics, splurge on a paraffin pedicure, or go for a trendy dipping-powder mani. 1389 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02446, bellacquer.com.
Perfect 10 Unisex Salon
The name says it all: Catering to all hair types and textures, this small but mighty team of stylists score the highest marks for their gorgeous weaves, silk presses, locs, and braids. And that’s not the only way in which they’re giving Bostonians a boost: The salon was recently the only small business in Massachusetts to be awarded a HartBeat of Main Street grant from Main Street America, thanks in part to owner (and mother of four) Kanessa Alexander’s efforts to give back to the community. Now that’s what we call beautiful. 1896 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA 02132, perfect10hairsalon.com.
G2O Spa + Salon
The wellness world’s obsession with CBD is here to stay — and with it, all manner of spa services capitalizing on the cannabis compound’s therapeutic powers. We found our favorites at G2O, where you can opt for a mani/pedi — complete with a skin-softening CBD scrub and paraffin treatment — or kick back with a massage, made all the more relaxing with pain-relieving CBD oil. Want to really get the full effect? Try the spa’s CBD-infused tea after your service (it’s free!). 33 Exeter St., Boston, MA 02116, g2ospasalon.com.
Dream Spa Medical
With all the focus on looking and feeling your best, it’s sometimes easy to forget what medspas are really offering: medical-grade aesthetic services. That’s why we love that this gorgeously appointed facility is led by a Harvard-trained plastic surgeon, adding a level of expertise to the body-contouring procedures, injectables, and laser treatments that goes well beyond skin-deep. The results speak for themselves. Multiple locations, dreamspamedical.com.
Lash L’Amour
Beauty trends ebb and flow, but will full lashes ever really go out of style? Judging by the undying popularity of this local salon, probably not. Lauded by thousands of social media followers and repeat clients, Lash L’Amour’s services are second to none, with options ranging from lowkey classic extensions (ideal for adding length) to ultra-impactful “mega” extensions that pump the volume up to 100. Multiple locations, lashlamour.com.
Bos2Go
Picture this: You’ve just lugged your bag all the way from security to your gate and plopped down on a chair when you hear your stomach growl. Instead of settling for a suspiciously wet egg-salad sammy from the newsstand, simply navigate to this website, which delivers meals and other essentials from anywhere in the airport straight to your seat. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your piping-hot Wahlburger from all the way in Terminal C. bos2go.com.
Eye Adore Threading
It’s been said that eyebrows should look like sisters: similar, but not identical. If yours look more like total strangers, spend some time with Eye Adore owner Akriti Shrestha Maes. Her skill in threading — an ancient hair-removal technique that uses thread to remove unwanted hair — was honed in her native Nepal. The result? Beautifully sculpted brows every time. And if you want to make the look last longer, Maes also offers brow lamination, which can keep your perfect shape for up to six weeks. Multiple locations, eyeadorethreading.com.
Lose It!
The crust off your kids’ sandwiches, a handful of chocolate chips after dinner: When you’re trying to reach a healthy weight, it can be hard to keep track of all of the bites that make up a day. That’s why 40 million users have downloaded this Boston-born calorie- and exercise-tracking app since it debuted in 2008. But the service isn’t just about shedding (or maintaining) pounds; with virtual support groups and a focus on nutrition, it’s about lifestyle changes that set the stage for lasting wellness. Count us in. loseit.com.
Men’s Den at Dr. Renee Moran Medical Aestheticse
Why should the ladies have all the fun? That’s the thinking, at least, behind this medspa’s new lower-level man cave, which offers relaxing and effective facials, expert body waxing, Brotox (ahem, Botox), and more tailored to the gents. And with unlimited cold brew and sparkling energy drinks on tap in the lounge area, it’s a place you might find yourself lingering long after your treatment is over. 97M Union St., Newton Centre, MA 02459, drmoranmedspa.com.
Karen Pham, Trephin Hair Salon
Whether you’re sporting long nails or short, natural or acrylic, Karen Pham stands ready to deck out your set. She can handpaint you a tiny bunny or bird, or encrust your tips with crystals or gold foil. Arrive armed with inspiration, or let her creativity shine: Either way, you’ll walk out with 10 unique conversation pieces. 25 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111, trephin.com.