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Spas

Escape from the streets of Philadelphia and relax in some great spas.
November 2007

Published in :: Features

LOVE THYSELF IN PHILLY

Take a break from the busy streets and indulge in some first-class relaxation.

Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia’s favorite home-town hero, was right: “Great haste makes great waste.” In other words, slow down—which is not always easy to do in the fast-paced, booming City of Brotherly Love. Philadelphia is hotter than ever, tourism is flourishing, neighborhoods are bustling, the arts are thriving and the restaurant scene—let’s just say it’s a feeding frenzy. Philly, jam-packed with things to see and do, places to be and be seen, can thrust you into fast-forward in a hurry. Fortunately, there’s help. Even wry Big Ben would approve of these top city spas, where you can slow down, unwind and breathe easy. —Diane Bair & Pamela Wright

TERME DI AROMA

32 N 3rd St • 215-829-9769
www.termediaroma.com

Smack dab in historic Old City, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of tourists and worker-bees, is this come-as-you-are, instantly calming oasis. The spa, with its friendly staff, twinkling candles and warm earth tones, is a delightful juxtaposition to the busy world around you. It’s very cozy (with pockets of dark corners and tiny rooms), and the treatments top-notch. Spring for the warm stone massage ($90) and let a gracious and gentle therapist rub your stress-twinged muscles with warm, oiled basalt stones. “Have a peaceful journey,” she’ll whisper, as you depart. The spa has nine treatment rooms, a cadre of caring therapists and a menu of tried-but-true treatments. Call it a home away from home.

ADOLF BIECKER SPA AND SALON

At The Rittenhouse Hotel 210 W Rittenhouse Sq • 215-735-6404
www.adolfbiecker.com

The Total Body Renewal treatment at this sleek, contemporary hotel spa is arguably one of the best values in town. For $115, you’ll get a warm oil scalp massage followed by a salt exfoliation and Vichy shower. Then, they’ll massage in a hydrating moisturizer before wrapping you up in a Mylar sheet and warm blanket cocoon (so the oils can penetrate). For those who wonder where the therapists at most spas disappear to while you’re sweating and baking, take note: The caring practitioners here stay with you, administering a mini-facial! You’ll feel like queen or king of the moment, rubbed, scrubbed and oiled to a fine, soft finish. Added bonus: Guests of the spa get to use the steam room, sauna and pool before and after treatments.

RESCUE RITTENHOUSE SPA LOUNGE

255 S 17th St • 215-772-2766
www.rescuerittenhousespa.com

Your first impression might not be a good one (it may at first feel more like a visit to your gastronomist than a massage therapist), but don’t let the drab lobby of The Medical Tower building just off of Rittenhouse Square deter you. You’ll step out of the elevator into a light-filled, citrus-scented room. This is a no-nonsense, award-winning spa, known for its skillfully administered, cutting-edge skin treatments. Splurge on the signature Bio-Lift Facial ($150), featuring a noninvasive current (the spa has the only machine like it in the city) and serums that actually make a difference you can see. In all, there are more than 40 treatments, from facial peels to makeup application. Psst... locals have named the eyebrow shaping the best in Philly.

Published in :: Features

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