Spas

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.