Treatment we had: Greta Garbo facial, $120.
What we liked: Hela is a peaceful, pretty spa, with soft-green walls and a clean-lined Swedish sensibility. The staff was quick to offer me water or tea, and there was a nice selection of magazines to browse—although I didn’t wait long before Amber Meyer came to get me.
Meyer is one of the spa’s most popular aestheticians, and I soon saw one reason why—her delicate strokes, whether she was massaging facial muscles or smoothing on various lotions, were extremely relaxing. Her seeming knowledge of skin and her advice inspired more confidence. I also liked that when I asked her not to mess up my hair too much, she went looking for a different headband that did the trick.
What you should know: While I thought the facial was very good, I found the price—$120 plus tip—a bit high for 50 minutes. The facial included the standard deep cleaning, exfoliation, steaming, extractions, and mask, but nothing extra—no heated hand mitts, no extensive shoulder-and-neck massage—as some spas provide.
Another unfortunate flaw: Sound carries in this small spa. The gentle music in the treatment room could not mask voices in the hall, heavy footfalls, and what sounded like someone washing dishes.
Bottom line: This spa offers a peaceful oasis with a very competent staff. They’re particularly known for facials. But you pay for that expertise.
Hela, 3209 M St., NW; 202-333-4445; helaspa.com.
>> See all 2009 Great Day Spas
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.
