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Great Day Spas 2009

Spas can be expensive—a facial or massage can cost $100 or more. We tested lots of area spas to come up with these 30 treatments that are worth the time and money.

Published Friday, May 01, 2009

Best New Day Spa in Maryland: Blu Water Day Spa

Treatment we had: Hydrating Facial Treatment, $100.

What we loved: The spa has been open only since April 2008, so everything seems new and fresh. The changing area is beautiful—water in the sink flows over river stones. There are lovely extras, too: Every guest gets a robe and slippers, many treatments start with a foot bath, and my facial came with a terrific neck-and-shoulder massage. Because there’s no hair services, Blu Water has the soothing feel of a destination spa.

Before the facial, my aesthetician, Teresa, talked to me about what I wanted, looked at my face carefully, and modified the facial to deal with my “mature” but still oily-in-places skin. Afterward, I was encouraged to sit and enjoy herbal tea and fruit in the relaxation room. I walked out glowing, and my pores looked smaller the next day.

What you should know: There are facial “rituals” that have more to do with relaxation and rejuvenation and “treatments” geared to specific skin problems such as acne, hypersensitivity, and extreme dryness. There are also à la carte extras such as gel peels and microdermabrasion, which raise the price. Products and services are recommended, but there’s no pressure to purchase.

Bottom line: A terrific facial in an atmosphere much plusher and more serene than at most day spas. But be clear about the treatment you’re getting before you start so you’re not surprised by add-ons when presented with the bill.

Blu Water Day Spa, White Flint Plaza, 5234 Nicholson La., Kensington; 301-984-6245; bluwaterdayspa.com.

—Leslie Milk

• • • • • • •

Best New Day Spa in Virginia: Lorien Hotel & Spa

Treatment we had: Classic Swedish massage, $100 for 50 minutes.

What we liked: A curved glass wall enclosing a stand of “bamboo” greets you at the entrance—the bamboo isn’t real but sets a stylish tone. With its soothing green walls and soft lighting, the Lorien has one of the prettiest spas we’ve seen.

The changing rooms are spotless and spacious, with big lockers, a steam room, showers, fluffy robes and comfortable flip-flops to wear, and a generous toiletry assortment that includes everything from shampoo to makeup remover.

The walls seem to be soundproof—the whole spa is wonderfully quiet. There’s a Zen-like relaxation room where you can sink into a comfy chair and help yourself to strawberry-infused water or terrific tea—we were partial to the coconut-scented white tea—and two kinds of snack mixes, including one with coconut shavings, walnuts, and cranberries. (One big complaint: There were no magazines—nothing at all to read—in the relaxation room.)

Another plus: Free valet parking.

What you should know: As at many hotel spas, prices are a tad steep. Our massage was good but wasn’t relaxing—the therapist dug into each knot with trigger-point therapy, and I was more sore than usual the next day. (I could have asked her to ease up but wanted the full experience for purposes of this review.)

As I left the massage room, the therapist was waiting—but not to ask me how I felt or offer me a glass of water. Instead, she handed me a product brochure with information about the massage oil—available for $34.25. The sell wasn’t hard, but it was odd.

Bottom line: One of the loveliest spas in the area, with first-class service. We visited right after it opened, and it may work out some kinks—such as the lack of magazines and the product push—to make the experience more perfect.

Lorien Hotel & Spa, 1600 King St., Alexandria; 703-894-3434; lorienhotelandspa.com.

—Sherri Dalphonse

• • • • • • •

Great Massage: Rejuvenations Massage Therapy

Treatment we had: One-hour therapeutic massage, $96.

What we liked: If you love massage but have found the skills of day-spa massage therapists often lacking, Rejuvenations may suit you better. All they do here is massage—there are eight therapists, all with impressive training. Online bios detail each therapist’s specialties.

When I mentioned to the receptionist, as I booked my appointment, that my neck was particularly stiff, she said: “You want Linda.” Indeed, Linda Libertucci spent a lot of time smoothing out the kinks in my neck and shoulders. Her strokes were those of a pro, and I felt great the next day.

What you should know: This is not a day spa, and it doesn’t bill itself as one. If you want a manicure with your massage, you’ll have to go elsewhere. Still, while there are no niceties like herbal tea, the decor is soothing, not clinical.

Bottom line: A great choice for those who are serious about massage.

Rejuvenations Massage Therapy, 297 Herndon Pkwy., Suite 302, Herndon; 703-437-9059; rejuvenationsmassagetherapy.com.

—Sherri Dalphonse

• • • • • • •

Very Good Manicure: Amenity Day Spa

Treatment we had: Classic manicure, $25.

What we loved: From the minute I walked into Amenity—with its enveloping, deep wall colors and trickling waterfall—I felt tension melt away. Every staffer was upbeat and friendly, and my manicure was expertly done—with instruments taken straight out of a sterilizer. The price at first seemed high, but I got more than expected, including a warm-paraffin dip. The manicure, billed as 20 minutes, took close to an hour—I didn’t feel rushed.

What you should know: Mai Lyn Edwards, the pro who did my manicure, was very chatty—but I didn’t mind because she was so enthusiastic about nail and skin care that I got good pointers.

Bottom line: A friendly, relaxing spa that’s also comfortable for men—the magazines in the lounge included the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, and I saw several couples during my visit.

Amenity Day Spa, 44365 Premier Plaza, Suite 120, Ashburn; 703-726-8100; amenitydayspa.com.

—Sherri Dalphonse

Posted at Friday, May 01, 2009

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AVA GARDNER FACIAL AND ELIZABETH TAYLOR PEDICURE - My Oh My! I just had the best Elizabeth Taylor Pedicure and Ava Gardner Facial at a new place, VA Spa & Salon in Clifton, VA. It is hidden away in this quaint little town, and if I had not gotten lost and saw it, I would have never known it was there. The Spa & Salon are decorated in the first Hollywood stars that graced our TV and movie screens way back when. I was impressed that the decor was elegant with vintage glamour, but was not overdone. It was lovely seeing photos of some of my favorite movie stars such as Audrey Hepburn, Kirk Douglas, Cary Grant, Sofia Lauren, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and many more. I cannot say enough about the services I received. I had the facial first and the facial lady, Phyllis was incredible. She had a very nice touch, did a great facial massage, with this little flutter finger technique that felt really good. The facial ended with a fabulous head massage and I was so relaxed when it was over. Then next I went for my pedicure. Virginia, the nail lady started off with 25 minutes of leg massage, using this incredible feeling sugar scrub that smelled wonderful, hot towels that were fabulous and slow pressure leg massage. It was wonderful! The pedicure chair was designed by the owner and is "one of a kind". It has a 6-jet whirlpool tub so my feet felt really good. Meanwhile my back was being massaged by the chair’s Shiatsu massager. I am not a person who can relax very well, but I fell asleep! It was amazing! I felt the prices were cheap considering what I received. I have gone many other places over the years and never got this type of service for this price. I paid $65 for the 65 min pedicure and $99 for the 75 min facial. You can check out their website to see what other services they have. I have an appointment to go back next week to have my hair cut, colored and try a manicure. I heard from another lady upon checking out that they give the best manicures, so I am going to try one. I am really looking forward to going back! It is so relaxing there. I recommend this Spa to anyone! What a find! The best kept secret of VA/DC! :) OH and PS…the music they play is great! Perfect really!

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Posted by: hdse , Sep 18, 2010 05:59:44 AM

Sheryl is no more at the SomaSpa. Anyone has any idea where she can be found? I miss her excellent manicures and pedicures.

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Posted by: linxiaoyu, Feb 18, 2010 05:18:31 PM

Circe Spa in Old town Alexandria offers a relaxing experience. If you are on their email list, you’ll be notified of specials they have weekly. I’ve been able to score a nice one hour massage and/or facials for almost half the price!

Posted by: Ayesha, Nov 24, 2009 08:10:38 AM

For more about health and wellness in DC (and to add your own reviews, comments, polls and events) - see my Local Guide on InnerRewards.com @
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Posted by: Kate, Aug 05, 2009 10:44:39 AM

FYI: Le Papillion closed a few weeks ago.

I had been going to the salon for the past six months and loved the place. Unfortunately, the owners filed for bankruptcy and there’s no news if it will re-open.

Posted by: Heidi, Jul 10, 2009 08:04:26 AM

I recently had a massage and a pedicure at Natural Body Spa and Shoppe in Sterling VA. I will never go back. The massage was very nice but overpriced and they wouldn’t let me change out of my suit into a robe or something so I had to put my business suit on over the eucalyptus oil and everything without a shower - yuck! The pedicure was the WORST one I have ever had. And it cost around $60. I would not recommend this spa to anyone. There are many other lovely spas around the DC metro area and this one just can’t compete.

Posted by: Elizabeth, Jul 01, 2009 07:01:36 AM

Soul...Day Spa and Salon just opened a location in the Bowie Town Center and they still maintain a location in DC. I’ve had services at both locations and was totally satisfied. The Bowie location is magnificent!

www.souldayspa.com

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A moving spirit.

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Posted by: Francesco Sinibaldi, May 09, 2009 01:54:26 PM

You forgot to mention The Potomac Day Spa on River Road in Potomac. The new owner has completely renovated the spa to make it a warm, relaxing and inviting place! The massage therapists are fabulous. I highly recommend Jessica for a facial and Orapan is an amazing nail tech. I was surprised at how competitive their prices are. Definitely worth a try!

Posted by: sarah, May 04, 2009 03:03:31 PM

Have you checked out Touch of Asia in Sterling, VA? That’s the place me and my husband go for "real" high quality massage. They also do excellent Thai massage as thier entire staff is from Thailand.

Great decor and outstanding massage staff. Like no other I’ve seen. http://www.GreatMassageVA.com

Posted by: Rebecca, Apr 28, 2009 08:22:30 PM

Posted by: Rebecca, Apr 28, 2009 08:21:56 PM

WASHINTONIAN...... YOU FORGOT ECLIPS! I PULLED UP SPAS IN MCLEAN VA AND GOT PAUL MITCHELL SCHOOL. THEY DON’T EVEN HAVE A SPA! I HAD BEEN TO THE ECLIPS SPA IN ASHBURN AND WAS LOOKING FOR THE MCLEAN LOCATION AND COULDN’T FIND IT ON YOUR WEBSITE!I WILL VISIT THE MCLEAN SPA WITH HOPES THAT IT MEASURES UP TO THE ASHBURN ONE!I HAVE MANY FRIENDS THAT RECOMMEND ECLIPS IN MCLEAN. IT’S BEEN AROUND FOR A LONG TIME AND I LOOK FORWARD TO CHECKING IT OUT AND GET BACK TO YOU!

Posted by: TRISHA , Apr 24, 2009 07:52:02 AM

One spa I would not recommend is the Red Door salon in Tysons. I had been a few times for bikini waxes so decided to use them for hair and makeup on my wedding day. The woman who styled my updo was very nice, however while she was working on my hair the stylist next to her asked me for what event I was getting my hair done. I responded - "my wedding" and she said "Oh that’s too bad - I’m sorry for you". Nice. I then went to get my makeup done and waited 45 minutes for the makeup artist to show up. I sat alone in a room - no one came in to let me know she would be late or to say anything to me at all. I got up to leave as the make up girl came in - she said she was delayed selling make up out front. There were several women in front who could have sold the make up - I think this girl just didn’t want to lose out on any commission. I did get my make up done as I was only an hour or so from getting married and having photos done - but I haven’t been back since, not even for bikini waxes. I refer all my friends to other spas. I think the Red Door is extremely over rated - they have terrible customer service and don’t provide a product significantly better than any other spa. Save your money - go to a small, local spa that appreciates their customers!

Posted by: Jgo, Apr 23, 2009 09:32:32 AM

You forgot Nusta Spa! I went there for a massage recently and it far surpassed all of my expectations and it’s in a very convenient downtown location.

Posted by: spalover, Apr 22, 2009 12:11:32 PM

thank you very much jacki and reece!

Posted by: NBrown, Apr 22, 2009 07:15:39 AM

My girlfriend recommended Rejuvenations for a pregnancy massage. She saw them all through her pregnancy and raved. I checked them out and everyone there is certified in pregnancy massage so I will be going soon.

Posted by: Reece, Apr 21, 2009 03:35:20 PM

The food at Le Papillon is the best. The first time I ate there I thought it was incredible. It was so good;I thought the chef got lucky. The second time was even better, so I booked dinner for four and we were all blown away. No joke, this chef is as good as any in DC.

Posted by: Alison Anne, Apr 21, 2009 01:17:14 PM

I highly recommend Elandre Spa in Vienna. It’s off the beaten path, but I haven’t found a better massage in the DC metro area. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is calming; I always leave in a better state of mind. The trip out to Vienna is worth it!

Posted by: Gail, Apr 21, 2009 10:52:46 AM

You should try Natural Body. I know that they have certified massage techs for pre-natal. They have a couple of loactions; DC, Arlington and Rockville. I have always had a great time when I visit. A girlfriend loved her HOUR and HALF pre-baby down time.

Posted by: jacki, Apr 21, 2009 10:01:12 AM

Does anyone have recommendations for great prenatal massages in Northern VA/DC? Thanks!

Posted by: NBrown, Apr 21, 2009 08:53:42 AM

Thank you for the informative and detailed reviews. I would have liked to see more reviews of Maryland spas. I live in PG County so reviews of Annapolis, Anne Arundel, Howard County, Prince George’s County spas would be helpful. I don’t always want to fight traffic to get to Chevy Chase, Rockville or Virginia. Thank you.

Posted by: HSmith, Apr 21, 2009 08:30:44 AM

Great Day Spas 2009

Best New Day Spa in Maryland: Blu Water Day Spa

Best New Day Spa in Virginia: Lorien Hotel & Spa

Great Massage: Rejuvenations Massage Therapy

Very Good Manicure: Amenity Day Spa

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