The DCist staff doesn’t always have time for proper rest and relaxation, but when we do, we like to go all out. Last year, we highlighted some of our favorite spas in the D.C. area. Here’s an updated list of that, with a few more spots we like visit when we’re feeling like, well, feeling really good. And no, none of these places offer happy endings, so stop asking us to update this list. Not going to happen.
Via Nusta’s Facebook.
BLISS DC: My life is not fabulous enough to involve regular spa visits, but I have tried a few treatments at the D.C. outpost of Bliss thanks to a Christmas giftcard. Bliss is one among a chain of spas that originated in New York; they sell quirkily-named skincare products like “get a lift!” and “firm, baby, firm” and specialize in a purportedly less painful form of waxing. At Bliss, you get what you pay for: my pedicure was nearly three times what I typically pay at budget-friendly V Nails, but it also lasted three times as long and smelled amazing thanks to an almond milk soak. And as for the promise of an improved waxing experience, well, I’ll just say that the operative word here is less painful. At the end of the day, some (very professional) lady is still ripping hair out of your flesh, but Bliss makes this aspect of female grooming a little less horrific. Bliss’s online booking system makes it easy to set up appointments and the downtown location is ideal for popping in after work or at lunch. — Alicia Mazzara
Bliss Spa is in the lower level of the W Hotel at 515 15th Street NW.
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL: It’s no secret that hotels have the best spas—hell people travel to them just for spa treatments and whatnot. Not only does the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown feature some truly luxurious spa treatments and services, but its signature indoor pool, surrounded by gorgeous murals of cherry blossoms is one of its signature elements. — Matt Cohen
The Four Seasons is located at 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
FREED BODYWORKS: This is not a place where you show up, lie down, and silently hope that the massage therapist figures out what you’re looking for. The therapists at Freed talk through your aches, pains, and comfort level before you even get on the table. They might also gently suggest that you swap your vintage shoulder bag for a more practical backpack if you’re—ahem—experiencing back pain. The practice was founded with the express goal of being open and inclusive to all, with a mission of providing care “in an environment where all non-conforming folks would know that they will not have to explain, defend, or educate about their body, lifestyle, or ability.” Everything from the intake forms (questions include: what gender pronoun do you prefer, do wear a chest binder, do you wear hair extensions) to the therapists’ thoughtful consultation works toward end. None of that matter to you? Well, they’re also excellent massage therapists. They have exactly one review on Yelp that is less than five stars. — Rachel Sadon
Freed Bodyworks is located at 1337 Pennsylvania Avenue SE
Photo via Four Seasons Hotel.
NUSTA SPA: Move beyond the small waiting room in the “first LEED Gold-certified day spa” in the country and you’ll find a huge selection of “green” treatments. They offer long list of face treatments, including an “organic” facial and organic pumpkin face peel, as well as an organic manicure (where the hands are treated with fennel, birch and juniper) and a massage with organic creams. Basically, if it’s organic or the highway, Nutsa’s the spa for you. — Sarah Anne Hughes, from a previous list
Nusta Spa is located at 1129 20th Street NW.
SALAMANDER RESORT & SPA: If you’re going to go all out on a spa experience, might as well make a weekend out of it. At the Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Va., you get just that: a weekend of exorbitant rest and relaxation. The 23,000-square-foot spa and wellness center offers a variety of packages to keep you occupied all weekend. Bonus, I hear there’s a lot of good restaurants in Middleburg. — Matt Cohen
The Salamander Resort & Spa is located at 500 N Pendleton Street in Middleburg, Va.
SPA WORLD: Spa World in Centreville, Va. is undoubtedly one of the best places in the area to soak in a communal bath, get a scrub down and enjoy a massage. But this one comes with a big disclaimer: The management once asked a transgender customer to leave. As the Fairfax Times reported, a Spa World representative told the Better Business Bureau their policy is to “not accept any kinds of abnormal sexual oriented customers to our facility such as homosexuals, or transgender(s).” Spa World eventually apologized. But even so, it may be hard to enjoy your pampering with that in mind. — Sarah Anne Hughes, from a previous list
Spa World is located at 13830 Braddock Road A10 Centreville, Va.
THE SPA AT THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL: If you’re going to splurge on spa treatments, you may as well really go for it. The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, like the hotel, is elegantly designed, while the spa treatments are top-notch. Again: This place is not cheap. The signature oriental harmony massage—where two therapists work on you—costs $450. But you can worry about that after you’re done relaxing. — Sarah Anne Hughes, from a previous list
The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental is located at 1330 Maryland Avenue SW.
THE SPA ROOM: The Spa Room offers a holistic approach to relaxation and healing. While they offer the basics—massages, a facial cleanse—the Spa Room also does CranioSacral therapy and Reiki. For those who think massage is out of their reach financially, they also offer “pay what you can” massage sessions. — Sarah Anne Hughes, from a previous list
The Spa Room is located at 4115 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 102.
TUSUVA: This Adams Morgan spa was described as one Yelper as “no frills — in a good way.” Despite offering a 24 karat gold facial, which features actual gold flakes, the prices are reasonable, with a 30-minute massage priced at $50, and the service excellent. — Sarah Anne Hughes, from a previous list
TuSuva is located at 2701 Ontario Road NW, Unit 2.
