Valentine's Day Roundup

By: Anne Vickman

Photo by Oscar E.

While we may be single and indifferent to Valentine’s Day this year (okay, and every other year, whether we’re dating or not), mostly as a way to “stick it” to the behemoths at Hallmark, we understand that some people actually feel a genuine desire to shower their significant other with tokens of affection. But don’t forget, Bostonistas: Parents, siblings, friends, and yourself are all worthy recipients of V-Day love, too. So consider this our gift to you: a round-up of this year’s local Valentine’s Day offerings.

Chocolate Facial and Massage, Equinox

There’s no real chocolate involved in this treatment, but it’s still pretty sweet . A trained aesthetician analyzes your skin type, then proceeds to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize your skin (including a chocolate-scented mask, natch), and tops it all off with a sleep-inducing décolletage massage. Whether you invest in this for yourself or for someone else, make sure the lucky recipient takes full advantage by making a mental list of any skincare-related questions beforehand. The expert advice is an added bonus that’s too good to pass up — we were told we had dry skin and needed to switch cleansers.

$155, Equinox, 131 Dartmouth St., 617-578-8918; 225 Franklin St., 617-426-2140, equinox.com.

Snow Shoveling Massage, Spa at Rhowes Wharf

On the fun scale, snow removal might be right up there with a trip to the dentist. For a root canal. Fortunately, though, the Spa at Rhowes Wharf is offering a 50- or 80-minute deep tissue massage that’s the perfect antidote to heavy lifting. As described by one of our insiders — who just happened to shovel a foot or two of snow before hitting up the spa — “I haven’t been this relaxed ever.”

$125–$185, Spa at Rhowes Wharf, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, 617-439-3914, bhh.com.

Love is in the Hair, Leon & Co.

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays through March 2, Belmont’s three-time Best of Boston award-winning salon Leon & Co. is offering up a package deal with Italian restaurant il Casale (another Best of Boston winner). Leon & Co., owned by Leon de Magistris, will treat you to a deep condition, haircut, and style. Afterward, head down the block to il Casale (owned by Leon’s son, Dante de Magistris) for a three-course meal. The best part? The whole shebang is a steal at $100.

$100, Leon & Co. , 84 Leonard St., Belmont, 617-484-4777, leonandco.com; il Casale, 50 Leonard St., Belmont, 617) 209-4942, ilcasalebelmont.com. To book this deal, call Leon & Co. at 617-484-4777 and mention “Love is in the Hair.”

Sale at Dorfman’s

If good old-fashioned bling is your thing, hit up the pre-V-Day sale at Dorfman’s jewelry store. Almost everything in the store (excluding only Patek Philippe and Van Cleef & Arpels) will be discounted 50 to 80 percent — including both precious sparklies (think diamonds, pearls, and sapphires) and sterling silver. The sale begins Monday, February 7 and runs through Saturday, February 12.

Dorfman, 24 Newbury St., Boston, 617-536-2022, dorfmanjewelers.com.

Forty Winks Lingerie Party

Need some sexpot skivvies before a romantic date… or just because? This Harvard Square boutique is hosting an in-store party on Thursday, February 10 between 5 and 8 p.m. You can score 20 percent off underthings by Elle Macpherson, Chantelle, Huit, and more, and get some free champagne and snacks to boot.

Forty Winks, 56 JFK St., Cambridge, 617-492-9100, shopfortywinks.com.