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Cover Story

The Joy of the Season

From pumpkin to peppermint, seasonally inspired spa treatments surround you with tempting smells and sweet indulgences.
By D Magazine |

Remember that time you promised to bring your signature dish to book club but didn’t have all of the necessary ingredients on hand or the time to hit the grocery store? And how it just didn’t taste right because you substituted canned mushrooms for fresh? That’s when you really learned the importance of using the freshest ingredients available. Well, the spa industry does the same thing. Because they often work with organic and all-natural products with few or no preservatives, spas must make the most of what’s in season at the moment. That’s why, at the end of the year, we get rich treatments with apples and pumpkin or peppermint and mocha that cover our beauty needs from head to toe. We combed the city’s spas for the most pleasurable experiences we could find; read on for a few of our favorite fall and winter indulgences.

The Ginger Rub
$220 for 135 minutes

The Highlights: We were hooked when we read “fresh-grated ginger root” in the description of this lengthy (more than two hours!), luxurious spa treatment. The idea of an exfoliating scrub that might smell something like a gingersnap followed by a skin-softening body wrap and an hour-plus massage was just too delicious to pass up. Okay, so the aroma of the ginger was subtle; we’re certainly not complaining. 

After a good 20 minutes of head-to-toe exfoliation, we were wrapped snug as a bug and gently heated to encourage the oils to seep deep into our skin. That was lovely, but the real pampering began after a quick but gentle toweling off (we love that we didn’t have to hop off the table and shuffle to the shower, which we find disrupts the rhythm). One-hundred minutes of perfectly moderated pressure (more on the neck and shoulders, less on the calves, as requested) reduced us to mindless mush. So, this is bliss….
The Atmosphere: Bliss is slick and chic; cool colors and sleek surfaces are the rule.
A Bit of Advice: The body wrap involves mylar sheets, which can be a bit crinkly, and the floors are terrazzo, so you’ll hear soft-soled shoes squeak and high heels clack. Tune it all out. Soon enough the kneading begins.
The End Result: While not the deepest exfoliating or moisturizing spa treatment we’ve ever had, the massage is definitely one of our all-time top three—and we really don’t see how it could be beat.
WHERE TO GET IT: Bliss Spa, 2440 Victory Park Ln., 16th Floor. 214-953-6200. www.blissworld.com.

Spice Cider Pedicure
$55 for 75 minutes

The Highlights: We were so comfortable during this amazing pedicure that we almost dozed off. It’s no wonder, given all of the warm and comforting aromas involved; in fact, we think this treatment should be double-billed as aromatherapy-slash-pedicure. While our tootsies soaked in an apple cider-scented bath, we were presented with a piece of biscotti and hot apple cider. The brown sugar exfoliating massage is one of our absolute favorites; not only did it smell delicious, but it was also performed slowly, making it all the more enjoyable. After the massage, our feet were encased in gingerbread paraffin with amazing essential oils and a pair of heated booties. The aroma was like Grandma’s kitchen, and we were so warm and cozy at this point that if we weren’t actually napping, we were darn close. It was a nice surprise to find, when we came to, that our toes were perfectly polished in a Christmas red.
The Atmosphere: You won’t find a lot of fluff or flounces here, but the Cooper Spa is perfect for someone who wants reliable service in a familiar environment.
A Bit of Advice: You’re in good hands; just let yourself go.
The End Result: Our feet have never felt so good.
WHERE TO GET IT: Cooper Spa, 12100 Preston Rd. 972-392-7729. www.cooperspa.com.


Vitamin Infused Facial
$120 for 75 minutes

The Highlights: We don’t know where to start: From the comfy bed that greeted us to the amazing facial massage that ensued, receiving this winter warm-up treatment was an all-around pleasurable experience. An exfoliating cocktail of vitamins A, C, and E made skin smooth, firm, and bright. The multivitamin recovery masque that followed also contained vitamins C and E, to repair and hydrate the skin. We were thrilled that our hands received the same royal treatment. Extractions were gentle, and a revitalizing additive with sandalwood oil was therapeutic. The final step, a moisturizing lip gloss and a light dusting of True mineral power, left us feeling indulged.
The Atmosphere: Face and Body Day Spa’s earthy color scheme combined with a quiet environment made us feel as though we’d escaped the city. A circular relaxation area, which has a soothing water fountain in its center, is serene. The treatment rooms are softly lit and have oversized, heated beds, which put us to sleep.
A Bit of Advice: Arrive early to enjoy the steam room, and allow time following the facial to sink into a plush Kashwére chair in one of the intimate relaxation areas.
The End Result: Our skin was noticeably firmer and gleamed for weeks after. The refined appearance made a friend say, “Your skin is simply glowing.” No makeup could work that magic.
WHERE TO GET IT: Face and Body Day Spa, 1549 Legacy Dr., Frisco. 972-668-6108. www.faceandbodyspas.com.


Apple & Paprika Facial
$100 for 50 minutes

The Highlights: Glow Spa uses all-natural Eminence products exclusively to perform treatments ranging from soothing to deep cleansing to rejuvenating. Whatever your skincare need, they can create a facial to meet it. We needed some exfoliating and detoxing, so, after a gentle cleansing, we were polished with the pulp of apples, grapes, and naseberries and then slathered with a paprika masque that increased the flow of blood to the face, bringing in much-needed oxygen and pulling out all the other stuff our skin didn’t need. The masque started out tingly, then moved to warm (our face felt flushed, but not uncomfortable). While the masque did all of the hard work, we deep-breathed our way through a thorough massaging of the hands, scalp, and neck and shoulders. In the end, we had firm, plump skin and a pleasant awareness of the blood circulating just beneath our skin’s surface.
The Atmosphere: We love the girly factor of this new spa and salon, particularly the Hollywood-glam mirrored furniture and chandeliers sprinkled throughout. The design is pretty, but it’s not over-the-top, and, in our opinion, it’s a welcome change from all the other Zen-den spas in town.
A Bit of Advice: The paprika masque goes from slightly tingly to quite warm as it works. Let your facialist know if it gets uncomfortable, of course, but be aware that you’ve probably not experienced this type of masque before. Just like the old slogan says, the tingle lets you know it’s working. 
The End Result: We could feel the stimulating and oxygenating effects of the paprika masque for a couple of hours. And our skin was firm and fresh-looking for days.
WHERE TO GET IT: Glow Salon & Medical Spa, 6440 N. MacArthur Blvd., Ste. 100, Irving. 214-466-1970. www.liveloveglow.com.


Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice
$195 for 2 hours

The Highlights: Any treatment that includes a scrub, mud wrap, and massage sounds lovely, of course, but we were blown away by this spa experience: The quality of each ingredient used pushes this winter treatment right over the top. The oil-rich scrub (with warm hints of orange and vanilla) from Biotone makes skin silky as it’s applied. The European rose mud (ours was scented with frankincense and sandalwood) used in the holiday spice wrap is a gentle, thick cream that pulls toxins from the body. And our aromatherapy massage used a calming mixture of several oils, including patchouli. Our technician paid close attention to our tastes and ensured that the scents and products matched. The Mast-Peters Orange Vanilla candle—made by L’Image’s owner and sold at the spa—burned during part of the treatments smelled delicious and added to the entire effect.
The Atmosphere: L’Image’s eclectic, European-inspired décor makes you feel as though you’re on vacation, and the music in the background—Hennie Bekker’s “Spa” and Michael Hoppe’s “The Yearning”—completes the mood.
A Bit of Advice: Be sure to pencil in plenty of time for this treatment, so you can enjoy every minute of it. No rushing.
The End Result: The musky scent of frankincense stayed with us for the remainder of the day; our skin stayed soft and smooth long after.
WHERE TO GET IT: L’Image Salon and Spa, 5100 Beltline Rd., Ste. 520, Addison. 972-934-8080. www.limagedallas.com.


Pumpkin Pedicure
$50 for 60 minutes

The Highlights: We love the smell of pumpkin pie, and the scrub used in this foot treatment gave us that sweet scent of fall we were searching for. After soaking in a tub filled with aromatic confetti (a nice twist), our nails were trimmed and cuticles were pushed back. The intoxicating (and organic) pumpkin scrub was applied to legs and feet, which were thoroughly exfoliated. Then pumpkin shea butter lotion was gently massaged into our feet and legs, leaving them soft, with a subtle glow.
The Atmosphere: Pure is both a salon and spa. The modern architecture, bold green-and-orange palette, and funky design of its predecessor remains intact.
A Bit of Advice: This pedicure isn’t for the very sensitive or those who prefer gentle scrubs. But, if you can tough it out, your legs will come out like factory-new.
The End Result: Our skin shone, our toenails sparkled, and our feet have never smelled better.
WHERE TO GET IT: Pure Spa and Salon, 5555 E. Mockingbird Ln., Ste. 300. 214-827-4200. www.purespaandsalon.com.

Detoxifying Pumpkin Enzyme Facial
$190 for 80 minutes

The Highlights: This deep-cleansing facial begins with a skin analysis and is followed by a 10-step process (using Naturopathica products) that includes exfoliation, lymphatic stimulation, and a choice of either the pumpkin enzyme or environmental defense peel.
The Atmosphere: The Spa at the Four Seasons represents the crème de la crème in luxury and relaxation. From the plush robes to the soothing lounges to the waterfall wall when you enter the spa, the entire space is a sanctuary.
A Bit of Advice: You may experience a slight stinging or tingling sensation while the enzyme is on your face. Give yourself time before and after your treatment to enjoy the other amenities the spa offers such as the lounges, whirlpool, cold plunge, steam room, and sauna.
The End Result: Our skin glowed. We left the spa fresh-faced and completely relaxed.
WHERE TO GET IT: The Spa and Salon at the Four Seasons Resort, 4150 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving. 972-717-2499.


Peppermint Sea Twist
$100 for 60 minutes

The Highlights: The point of the Peppermint Sea Twist is to soothe and hydrate the skin, but one of its pluses is that it also helps with water retention. The first step, we learned, is a bit of skin brushing. Gentle brushing exfoliates the skin and stimulates the lymphatic system. The peppermint comes into play in the form of an oil, that along with an aloe vera gel, is slathered over the body and allowed to soak in during a 20-minute wrap. The only part of us that was left exposed during the wrap was our head, so our scalp was treated to a massage. Now the “sea” comes into play; after the wrap, we enjoyed a Vichy shower from multiple showerheads. Being enveloped in the rushing, warm water was both relaxing and invigorating. After our shower, we were rubbed with lotion. We left this treatment feeling pampered in the extreme.
The Atmosphere: Woodhouse Day Spa is a study in soft lighting and dark woods. The atmosphere is rich; one might even call it “sumptuous.” The treatment room contains multiple swinging showerheads that are suspended above your table. At first glance the set-up might seem a little odd, but once you’ve had your first treatment, it will look like a little slice of heaven.
A Bit of Advice: The peppermint oils and aloe vera gel are very cooling; the cold-natured or easily chilled might want to opt for the Magnolia Soufflé.
The End Result: This was our first Vichy shower, but it won’t be our last. We loved that the invigorating peppermint gel was followed by a deeply relaxing wrap and shower.
WHERE TO GET IT: The Woodhouse Day Spa, The Shops at Legacy, 7200 Bishop Rd., Ste. D-12, Plano. 214-473-9955.


Mocha Madness Scrub Plus
$160 for 80 minutes

The Highlights: Talk about aromatherapy: This luxurious body therapy feels as delicious as it smells. First, each part of our body was treated to a mildly abrasive mocha-scented scrub, which was quickly followed up by a warm sponge bath. We appreciated that we didn’t have to move from the table to shower or rinse off. After our skin was baby-soft and smelled like our favorite hot cocoa, we were treated to a 50-minute full-body Swedish massage that left us noodle-like.
The Atmosphere: Hotel ZaZa is notorious for its sensual elegance, and ZaSpa is no different. From the bubbling waterfall and heavy wooden doors to the candlelit reception area and plush carpeted halls, ZaSpa exudes tranquility.
A Bit of Advice: The treatment comes with a Swedish massage, but clients can request an upgrade to an aromatherapy or deep-tissue massage.
The End Result: This is a perfect stress-relieving massage; like the cocoa-scented body balm that melted into our skin, we were sure we’d melted into the massage table and had absolutely no desire to do anything more than breathe in the delicious mocha air in our treatment room. And our skin was sweet-smelling and smooth well into the next morning.
WHERE TO GET IT: ZaSpa, 2332 Leonard St. 214-550-9492. www.hotelzaza.com.

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