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Hawaii: Lomi Lomi massage at Four Seasons Hotel Spa
I’ve never been to Hawaii (watching countless reruns of that Brady Bunch episode where they go to the big island is, sadly, the closest I’ve come), but after the Four Seasons’s new 50-minute massage, I’m hooked on the aloha spirit. Before Thea, my massage therapist, starts the treatment, I’m greeted with an endorphin-enhancing citrus scent and soothing Polynesian music playing in the room where lei-worthy flowers decorate the massage table. As is the custom in Hawaii, where this massage dates back to the early 1800s, Thea performed the full-body treatment using her hands, fingers, forearms and elbows (traditionally, knees and feet are also used) to knead the muscles in my neck, back, feet and legs. The Hawaiian high continues with one of the best scalp massages of my life. At the end of the treatment, I sip a fruit smoothie and snack on macadamia nut cookies in the hotel’s pool lounge, taking the vacation vibe I was already feeling to the next level. 120 E Delaware Pl (312-280-8800; $140 for 50 minutes).—Kevin Aeh
Indonesia: Royal Lulur Ritual at Trump Spa
You don’t just travel to Indonesia in this treatment, you also travel back in time. The service originated in the 17th century, when brides-to-be in the royal family enjoyed 40 days of beautifying care and attention from their elders. In Trump’s version, the ritual begins with a rhythmic lymphatic-draining massage using a jasmine-and-frangipani-scented lotion, followed by a warm tumeric-and-rice scrub and then an application of yogurt (to maximize absorption of the detoxifying spice). Feeling pleasantly and exotically scented, I washed off inside a private, in-room hot tub before enjoying another light-touch, moisturizing massage. My only complaint? The therapist’s strong hands hinted at her knot-melting abilities—but, alas—the treatment is only meant to smooth and detox. You’ll want to keep the holiday feeling going afterward (and squeeze out your money’s worth for the sky-high price tag) by relaxing in the locker room, where a chromatherapy rain shower, sauna and steam room invite lingering. On your way back to the streets of the real world, enjoy the river views and a fruity cocktail at the newly opened Rebar and it’ll officially feel like you’re on vacation. 401 N Wabash Ave (312-588-8020; thespaattrump.com; $300 for 120 minutes).—Liz Plosser
The Dead Sea: Look Better Naked Body Facial at Spa Soak
Don’t worry; the high salt content in this treatment will not raise your blood pressure. In fact, if you leave feeling as relaxed as I did, it might just lower it. The treatment begins with me lying on my back in nothing but disposable knickers and a “modesty towel” (for the ladies) as the aesthetician massages a detoxifying mixture of citrus-scented Dead Sea salts on every exposed inch of my skin (except my face, hence the name “body facial”). Like most scrubs I’ve experienced, this one errs on the abrasive side, so ask for a light touch and definitely don’t shave beforehand. After smearing on a thick coat of Dead Sea clay—it feels like a mud bath out of water—and rolling you up in a few layers of sheets and blankets, the aesthetician returns to unwrap your fully fortified bod before sending you to the private rain shower in your room. One fresh pair of panties and a deliciously lemongrass-scented shea-butter-lather later and I left feeling like I’d been on vacay rather than an extended lunch break. 1733 N Milwaukee Ave (773-395-9000; spasoakchicago.com; $130 for 75 minutes).—Jessica Herman
Fiji: Pedi-colada Pedicure at Bliss Spa
I felt like I’d been whisked away to a tropical island the moment I settled into my pedicure chair and sipped the (virgin) piña colada waiting there for me. My feet also felt—and looked—like they were on vacation during the indulgent one-hour treatment, which begins with a soothing soak in a warm tub of coconut milk. Next, my therapist tenderly rubbed my softened peds with an exfoliating shredded coconut scrub. The best part of the service is the lengthy seashell massage—large, smooth shells drenched in warm essential oils melt away any lingering tension from the calves and soles. While drying your meticulously upgraded toes—I had mine polished in a beachy hue called Fiji by Essie—check out the lake view (and the brownies) in the relaxation lounge and imagine you’re chilling in the Caribbean. 644 N Lake Shore Dr (312-201-9595; blissworld.com; $75 for 60 minutes).—Liz Plosser
