Salon and Spa Directory: The Springs LA

Once in awhile, an oasis presents itself to me and brings me such joy, I can't believe it wasn't there all along. That's how I feel about The Springs LA.

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What to Do in Pittsburgh: Volume 3

Welcome to another week of What to Do in Pittsburgh! (If you missed my previous columns, be sure to check them out here.) I decided to start this column as a way for you to share in all the wonderful experiences I've had -- and as a guide for you to experience my fair city for yourself! I'll be doing this column at least bi-weekly (if not weekly) and will include places to eat, things to do, sights to see ... everything you could possibly want to learn about such a fascinating city.

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Throwback Thursday: My First Massage Experience

Do you remember the exact time, date and location of your first massage? Well, I do. The date was August 25, 2005. The time was around 3pm. And the location was John Robert's Spa in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Salon and Spa Directory: Massage Heights

Truth be told, I've always been a bit wary of what I like to think of as massage factories. You know the ones -- the chain massage places that just seem simultaneously a bit sketchy and too good to be true. Well, am I ever glad I decided to throw caution to the wind and give Massage Heights in Pittsburgh's Bakery Square a try!

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Salon and Spa Directory: Sphatika

Admittedly, I do not live a very holistic life. Sure, I try to drink green juice sometimes and focus on positive energy. But then I fall off the wagon and eat potato chips and spend three months barely going to the gym. Well, with the introduction of Sphatika to my life, I can safely say I'll be focusing on a holistic, sensory approach to wellness going forward.

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Salon and Spa Directory: Paul Labrecque Salon & Spa at Chelsea Piers

I've lived in New York for almost 11 years, and before visiting the new Paul Labrecque Salon & Spa at Chelsea Piers, I had never visited Chelsea Piers before. Truth be told, it always seemed so far away, especially since I live on the Upper East Side -- and I just didn't see the point of heading all the way to the other side of town just for a gym. But for a spa? I made the effort on a sunny Sunday morning in a heartbeat.

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Salon and Spa Directory: The Bliss 24-"Heaven" Body Treatment

When I walked into Bliss over the weekend, my entire body was screaming for a little TLC. The sudden 30-degree drop in temperature over the past week, not to mention many hours sitting on planes, left my skin feeling dry, dehydrated and raw from head to toe. Enter the Bliss 24-"Heaven" Body Treatment.

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Salon and Spa Directory: The Spa At The Hotel Hershey

Last week, I was magically transported to a chocolate wonderland. And let me tell you, Willy Wonka has nothing on The Spa At The Hotel Hershey.

Everything about the spa is absolutely divine -- and not only because many of the treatments include chocolate! From the moment you step off the elevator and walk into the magnificent lobby, you're in the most delicious world possible. I was lucky enough to experience two treatments at the spa, and I'm here to tell you they couldn't have been more fabulous if they'd tried.

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Salon and Spa Directory: Moonshine Spa

"Not a speakeasy. A spa." That's the motto of Moonshine Spa, and they're sticking to it! But along the way, you'll be offered a shot of moonshine before your treatment (beware: it burns going down) and get a massage or facial in treatment rooms named after drinks from the Prohibition Era. All of this is happening in what's now known as the Underground at Le Parker Meridien, a collection of beauty and fitness spots (with Tenoverten, Drybar, Petit Blue Dog and Gravity Fitness, in addition to Moonshine) that's become a haven for beauty enthusiasts.

Moonshine is definitely a unique spa experience, Prohibition theme aside. The treatment names sound basic -- facial or massage -- but the actual treatments are anything but. Everything is completely customized to your needs, so you feel unique and special. I chose the 60-minute facial and 60-minute massage, and was completely smitten with both. The therapists have in-depth conversations with you prior to your treatment so they can fully understand what you want.

In addition, all of the facials use Tata Harper products, which are created on a farm in Vermont and are both natural and non-toxic.

So if you're looking for a truly unique spa experience in New York, this is it. In all my years of spa-ing, I've never found another like it!

60-minute facials and massages are $120, while 90-minute treatments are $180. For more information on Moonshine Spa and to book an appointment, visit their website here.

Salon and Spa Directory: La Prairie Silver Rain Spa at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

I have one word for you when describing my experience at the La Prairie Silver Rain Spa at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman last week. LUXURIOUS. Out of every spa I've visited -- and I've been to quite a few -- this spa completely and totally took the spa experience to a level I've never come close to finding anywhere else.

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Salon and Spa Directory: The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles Signature Massage

Anyone who knows me knows that when I go on vacation, I check out at least one beauty treatment. I simply can't go to another city without seeing what they have to offer in the ways of massages, facials, nails, hair and all the rest. So, of course, I simply had to indulge in the Ritz-Carlton Signature Massage at the Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles during my trip this past week.

Walk into the spa and immediately be whisked away to an oasis in the middle of downtown Los Angeles. The locker room is so decadent, replete with bed-like lounge chairs in both the lounge area and the huge steam room! And the coed lounge area outside the locker room has a make-your-own granola bar, berry water, more bed-like lounge chairs and even cashmere blankets.

But once in my treatment room with the very soothing and capable Jennifer, the real treat began. In only 50 minutes, my muscles were kneaded, rubbed, massaged, and worked so well, I fell asleep on the table and felt like jelly when I finally woke up. Jennifer was absolutely amazing! (My sincere apologies to her for the unbelievable knot in my left shoulder.)

The Ritz-Carlton Signature Massage at the Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles is $135 for 50 minutes and $195 for 80 minutes. For more information on this service and the rest of the luxurious services offered at the spa, visit ritzcarlton.com.

Salon and Spa Directory: Yelo Spa

A massage that actually includes built-in nap time? Sounds too good to be true, I know ... but at YeloSpa, that's exactly what you'll get.

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Salon and Spa Directory: Auriga Spa at Setai Fifth Avenue

Relaxation. Rejuvenation. Treatments based upon the varying energies of the lunar cycle. If you're curious about that last part, then you simply must head to Auriga Spa at Setai Fifth Avenue for one of the most luxurious spa experiences in New York.

I came into the spa during the waning moon phase, which meant I was treated to a 180-minute treatment that focuses on deep cleansing the system. Yes, 180 minutes -- that's three full hours! This treatment included dry brushing, a seaweed wrap, a full-body lymphatic drainage massage and a mini purifying facial.

Now, if I told you I felt like a puddle of jello after this treatment, would you believe me? Three hours of complete and total relaxation, in addition to the fact that the treatment room was huge and serene, and my therapist had magic hands that lulled me to sleep, were all I needed to completely detoxify my system and get me ready for the year ahead. (Because, yes, I received this treatment on my birthday!)

The amazing treatments aren't all you'll be able to experience at Auriga Spa. The spa includes a massive coed lounge area complete with whirlpools, a Hammam steam room, and two of the most incredible showers I've ever seen -- replete with music, a light show and rain shower heads coming at you from all directions. I want one in my house!

If you're looking for the ultimate in pampering and relaxation, the Auriga Spa is most definitely worth checking out. The spa also offers a la carte massages, wraps, body treatments and facials. The only problem is, you won't want to leave!

Disclosure: Auriga Spa kindly provided this treatment free of charge for potential editorial consideration.

Ultimate Pampering: The Your Way Massage and Red Carpet Facial at Oasis Day Spa

Oh, to be a princess and have everyone trailing after me at my beck and call. But thanks to the Your Way Massage and Red Carpet Facial at Oasis Day Spa, that's exactly how I felt!

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Beauty Question: What Was Your First Memorable Spa Experience?

At the spa that day, post-massage. I looked so relaxed, my friend Lisa had to snap a photo!

It was 2005, and my best friend was getting married. We decided to do a spa day at Cleveland's John Robert's Spa for her bachelorette party, and -- while I was already well-versed in beauty by that point -- GASP! I had never had a massage.

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Weekend of Beauty Treatments: The Butter Stone Massage at Spa Merge

By the end of this weekend, I will have experienced four different salon and spa treatments. (And yes, I will be covering them all for you right here!) Welcome to my Weekend of Beauty Treatments.

Last night, I went to heaven. Or as it's called here on earth, Spa Merge. This new concept in spa-going had me hooked from the very first second I walked in the door. The basic concept here is that each person receives his or her very own treatment room, complete with bathroom, locker room and all the amenities one could want during a spa service. (The bathroom even has both a stall shower and a separate jacuzzi tub!) Everything is completely individualized, so you can enjoy your treatment and spa visit in peace, quiet and tranquility. The room even has a comfy robe waiting in the closet, cozy slippers next to the bed and an eye pillow in case you want to rest!

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Heaven in a Massage: The Signature Massage at Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa

Have you heard about the wonder that is Groupon? (If not, click here for more info and to sign up.) In any case, awhile back they had a deal for a 60-minute Signature Massage at Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa. Considering this treatment is normally $130 and was going for only $59 that day, I immediately snapped it up. And wow, am I ever glad I did!

After a very traumatic day yesterday (hours at the office spent with a computer that didn't work, capped off by dropping my Blackberry in a puddle and -- yes -- losing everything), I was in desperate need of a relaxing massage. My masseuse, Ela, was right there to make sure I enjoyed every last second of the massage. Her strokes were long, deep and firm, and she really made sure to get out all the tension-filled knots in my shoulders and lower back.

I walked out feeling renewed and rejuvenated -- even without the ability to call people and tell them how great the service was.

For more information on Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa and to book an appointment, click here.

Recession, Smecession! These Two Spa Treatments Are Worth It!

Yes, I know we're in a recession. Yes, I know that means we should be saving money. But you know what? Once in awhile I still like to pamper myself. And the three spa treatments I'll keep getting even though we're in a recession? Why not read on to find out? (Hint: They're from Elemis, Sunpoint Spa and Joanna Vargas Skin Care.)

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Work Out The Kinks

Absolutely heavenly. Oh-so-relaxing. Soothing beyond all measure. What mythological fantasy might this beauty chick be speaking of? None other than the Muscle Meltdown Massage at Oasis Day Spa.

This spa had intrigued me for quite some time -- the least of which because they actually have an outpost at JFK for weary travelers! I finally decided to take the plunge and make an appointment, and I must say the spa did not disappoint. I chose the One Park Avenue location, and from the moment I entered was completely comfortable and relaxed in my surroundings. The reception area was quite lovely, and the locker room and dimly lit lounge each had so many amenities it was astounding!

My massage therapist, Lisanne, collected me shortly after I had been seated in the lounge, and led me to a nicely sized treatment room that was lit by candles and had soft music playing. She warned me before starting that this massage causes people to sweat pretty profusely, since hot packs are placed all over your body throughout the treatment -- and said that if at any time I was feeling too warm, to definitely say something because I would just get hotter! But luckily, I never once felt too warm -- I really did feel comfortable throughout the entire treatment. Lisanne was a wonderful masseuse, working out all my kinks and knots with the utmost of ease and care. And the hot packs, which were strategically placed across my back and legs, really did remove tension and pain from the afflicted areas.

Intrigued? Well, you should book your massage with Lisanne or one of the other skilled masseuses at Oasis Day Spa before too much time goes by! You can even book your treatment online through the spa's website. The Muscle Meltdown Massage is $120 for 60 minutes or $155 for 90 minutes -- if I were you, I'd go for the full 90. Why not take in all the relaxation you can?