Very Good Manicure

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.

>> See all 2009 Great Day Spas

Editor in chief

Sherri Dalphonse joined Washingtonian in 1986 as an editorial intern, and worked her way to the top of the masthead when she was named editor-in-chief in 2022. She oversees the magazine’s editorial staff, and guides the magazine’s stories and direction. She lives in DC.