Five Revitalizing Spa Experiences in Boston to Try This Spring
After a cold, dark COVID winter, treat yourself with these brand-new wellness and beauty indulgences.
Illustration by Jeannie Phan
THE HOLISTIC HARMONIZER
Acupuncture and Energy Healing, Laurel Wellness
Laurel Wellness founder Laura Corrigan uses a “little bit of everything” approach to find the energy-healing technique that works best for you, whether you’re targeting a specific problem or just a case of the post-winter blahs. Book an initial 90-minute session at her Ardan Medspa pop-up every Monday through June, and she might try a combination of acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, reiki, moxa, and even bioelectric massage. In subsequent sessions, she’ll narrow down the course of treatment to meet your body’s needs.
$250; 72 Central St., Wellesley, 617-869-5843, ardanspa.com.
THE MUSCLE MELTER
East West Fusion Massage, the Spa at Encore Boston Harbor
Eastern-style massage is all about acupressure and balancing your body’s meridians; Western-style massage is the deep-muscle gliding and kneading you might find more familiar. Combining both into 80 minutes of pure bliss, this fresh treatment manages to be both relaxing and invigorating at the same time.
Starting at $230; One Broadway, Everett, 857-770-7000, encorebostonharbor.com.
THE SECRET-WEAPON FACIAL
Xtreme Peel, Skoah South End
We’ve all heard horror stories about chemical peels that cause days or even weeks of grotesque shedding, but that couldn’t be further from the truth with this spa’s new 45-minute Xtreme peel. It uses a powerful 30 percent glycolic acid formula to buff away dead skin cells, resulting in both a dewy glow and better penetration of the products you use at home. Best of all? Any remaining flush disappears in an hour or two.
$160; 641A Tremont St., Boston, 857-350-4930, skoah.com.
THE SPA-CATION
Wellness Retreats, the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Take the term “staycation” to a whole other level with the Mandarin Oriental’s recently launched wellness-retreats program. Available in customizable three- or five-night itineraries, it includes a daily lineup of guided meditations, personal-trainer workouts, Himalayan singing bowl treatments, and yoga, plus three healthy meals a day from nearby Revolution Health Kitchen. Unwind at the end of the day with a bath butler service using Aromatherapy Associates bath oil.
Starting at $2,750 for three nights; 776 Boylston St., Boston, 617-535-8820, mandarinoriental.com.
THE EYE UPGRADE
Lash Lift, Bella Santé
Say au revoir to false lashes with this new service, which acts like a mini perm to lift and separate what you’ve already got—sans harsh chemicals or extensions. Results are instant and last for four to six weeks (just avoid any oil-based makeup remover). Forty-eight hours after your visit, you can continue using your go-to mascara as you normally would, or have the spa add on a Lash Tint for even more enhanced (and low-maintenance) results.
Starting at $120; 38 Newbury St., Boston, 617-424-9930, bellasante.com.
