1. AVALON SALON SPA 3699 McKinney Ave., Ste. 412 214-969-1901 www.avalon-salon.comCHOCOLATE SCRUB & RUB $130 for 90 minutes This is not your typical body wrap: The process began with a quick full-body massage. Then I was treated neck-to-toe with a Keyano chocolate scrub. Once the scrub was gently removed, I was slathered with a moisture-rich chocolate butter cream, again from Keyano. After donning a robe, I was led to a running double-headed shower. The entire experience was incredibly relaxing and pampering. | 2. ELIZABETH ARDEN RED DOOR SALON 7700 W. Northwest Hwy., Ste. 720 214-373-8338 www.reddoorspas.comSIGNATURE STRESS MELTER RITUAL $205 for 90 minutes I was given a choice of soothing aromatherapy oils and made comfortable before the therapist began my olive oil exfoliation scrub, which, after 20 minutes under wraps, left my skin butter-soft. After a quick rinse in a private shower just steps from my therapy room, the essential oil I’d chosen earlier was used during the elemental-balancing massage. The therapist used Swedish, acupressure, and rocking techniques to great effect; I would indeed say my stress melted away. | 3. GEORGETTE KLINGER 5560 W. Lovers Ln., Ste. 250 214-654-9800 www.klinger.comCOCONUT MILK WRAP $95 for 45 minutes Once I was settled in the therapy room, a cactus brush was used to exfoliate my skin and increase circulation. I found the sensation of the body brushing invigorating. The warm-oil-and-coconut-crumb rub drove all thoughts from my mind. Later, while I was wrapped in a warm cocoon, the therapist gave me a scalp massage that was so relaxing I actually drifted off into a coconut-scented tropical paradise. For the rest of the day, passersby told me I smelled heavenly, like a day at the beach or, in some cases, a daiquiri. |
4. RELACHE SPA & SALON AT THE GAYLORD TEXAN RESORT 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine 817-778-1800 www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordtexan/spa/GOLDEN GODDESS BODY THERAPY $135 for 50 minutes My experience began with an application of minerals and Artemisia and Passion flower extracts to exfoliate the skin. Then a warm oil was applied. After leaving me to enjoy a few minutes of relaxing quiet, the massage therapist dusted a golden power over my entire body. I left with deeply moisturized skin and a subtle, all-over glow. | 5. SALON POMPEO 3227 McKinney Ave., Ste. 103 214-979-0440 www.salonpompeo.comDERMALOGICA STRESS $85 for 90 minutes I was told to undress completely and lay on a massage table covered in a thermal blanket. When given the choice between a detoxifying or a destressing wrap, I chose de-stressing. The process began with a deep-green mud mixture that was spread over my entire body. Then I was wrapped in the thermal blanket and left to enjoy the warm cocoon for 20 minutes, and they were 20 minutes of sheer heaven. After a quick shower to rinse off, I returned to the treatment room for an application of warm aromatic oil that left me with silky-smooth, hydrated skin. | 6. SPA NORDSTROM 8687 North Central Expy., Ste. 2000 214-231-3910 www.nordstrom.comJAVA LULUR BODY RITUAL $95 for 60 minutes This “ritual” is part of Nordstrom’s Eastern healing therapies; its goal is to saturate the body in luxurious moisture. The treatment began with an exfoliating blend of fine-grain spices and jasmine, followed by a quick rinse in the shower. Then I was massaged with a combination of cool yogurt and warm honey. Layered under warm blankets that opened pores and helped the moisturizer penetrate more deeply, my body drank in the moisture. In the end, my skin glowed and stayed silky for days. |
| 7. ZASPA 2332 Leonard St. 214-550-9492 www.hotelzaza.comDANGEROUS BEAUTY $180 for 80 minutes After an exfoliating scrub with natural ingredients such as lemon grass, coconut, lime, and rice grains, a yogurt mask was rubbed into my skin and given plenty of time to sink in during the cozy, calming wrap. The hot sponge bath that followed was perhaps the most relaxing experience I’ve ever had. The final step, a full massage with lemon verbena whipped cocoa butter, gave my super-hydrated skin a subtle, soothing scent that lingered for the rest of the day. | |