The best spas in Boston

Another classic of the genre. G2O began life as Giuliano Spa for Beauty & Wellness way back in 1994, then went through several iterations before landing at its current, incomparable space. Housed inside a historic brownstone, G2O is the place for a modern daylong spa experience. For starters, there’s a fireplace lounge and experience room that can be filled with herbal-infused steam, as well as a salt cave and floating pod. But the cutting-edge treatments here are G20’s signature, like LED light therapy, hyperpigmentation facials, detoxifyng herbal wraps and reflexology. There’s even a separate hair salon to tend to your highlighting and Keratin needs.

Leave all worries behind as you enter this oasis within the Mandarin Oriental, Boston. The beautiful environs are instantly calming, and the treatment rooms are as luxurious as the hotel's suites. All treatments start with a foot bath to begin the relaxation process. Decadent treatments—many of which incorporate Eastern traditional therapies—include spa mani/pedis, facials and massage treatments. Some indulgent treatments last up to three hours. Make it a day with a spa package, and be sure to enjoy the steam room, vitality pool and relaxation room after your treatment.

One of the oldest and most renowned spas in Boston, Bella Santé is a sanctuary of relaxation on Newbury Street. Massages are thoroughly relaxing, and mani/pedis are top quality. Bella Santé provides excellent service and continually adds cutting-edge treatments to its repertoire. The HydraFacial, incorporating lymphatic massage, lactic acid cleansing and LED light will make your skin incredibly soft, and their body treatments—therapeutic massage, reiki, head-to-toe rituals—will leave you floating on air.

This one-woman show set in a tiny spot in Brookline is where you save face—whether you’re results-driven or just crave an indulgent facial. Armenia-born Babayan combines traditional European skin care techniques and products (she just started working with French cult favorite Biologique Recherche) with modern cutting-edge tools (hello, oxygen dome). Treatments like her bespoke facial and buccal massage help you reach your skin goals.

This “spa for well-being” makes customer service a high priority. A welcome from the friendly staff is the first step in your stress-relief journey. Attentive massage therapists take care to target and resolve all of your specific tension areas. étant also offers facials, detox wraps and gentle hair removal for full-body care. For something different that will lift your spirits—and your face—try the facial rejuvenation acupuncture.

For a truly clean beauty and relaxation experience, Balans is a 100% organic spa. All products used in the treatments are from Maria Åkerberg, an organic Swedish line. In addition to massages and facials, Balans offers floatation therapy in a private suite. It'll have you floating in a warm pool filled with Epsom salts as your choice of music or guided meditation soothes all of your troubles.

When a spa focuses only on massage, expectations run high. And Viyada doesn’t disappoint. The city’s first authentic Thai massage sanctuary, Viyada (which means “aroma from floral paradise”) introduces clients to the South Asian body technique. There’s no oil and no nudity; instead, customers wear loose-fitting clothing as they’re stretched, pushed, prodded and otherwise manipulated to rebalance the body’s energy. Guests feeling apprehensive can ease in with a classic Swedish rubdown or hydrating coconut oil massage.

For a quick pick-me-up without the fuss of a full spa treatment, stop into Skoah in the South End. Focusing on the face, Skoah offers “personal training for your skin” to keep it in tip-top shape. From a 45-minute deep cleansing treatment to a 75-minute custom facial that includes a massage, Skoah will leave your skin glowing in practically no time.

Violet Mkhitaryan has an advanced degree in biochemistry and a thorough knowledge of how natural ingredients can improve the skin. Her signature all-natural, organic masks, moisturizers and cleansers—made with old world European recipes—can work wonders when it comeds to stressed skin and other issues— without harsh chemicals. Try the “instant skin lift” egg yolk mask and an aromatherapy session. Body wraps, massages and waxing are also offered so your entire body feels refreshed. 

Just steps away from Cambridge's bustling Harvard Square, Pyara is a welcoming respite. These spa professionals use expert touch along with non-toxic and natural ingredients from the likes of Circadia, Naturopathica and Voesh New York for treatments. The signature aroma massage adds the element of aromatherapy and personalized massage techniques to heal and heighten your relaxed state. They also offer reflexology and facials focused on your skin’s individual needs.

A good workout can be stress-relieving, especially combined with a soothing massage. Exhale on Battery Wharf blends the benefits of a fitness studio and spa in one location. Start with an invigorating barre or yoga class, then choose from signature body treatments that incorporate deep tissue massage and lymphatic drainage techniques. Other treatments include cupping, acupuncture and cutting-edge facials that include cool beam and ultrasonic therapies.

Gilded and glowing floor lanterns along a pathway of smooth stones create the entrance to this stunning 19,000-square-foot space of sheer tranquility. Sip a cup of Yuzu tea to set the serene mood, with treatments from specialty massages to body treatments and result-driven facials. Enjoy a hot and cold plunge surrounded by rich lapis blue tiles, or a stint in the eucalyptus steam room.

The French-inspired Corbu spa, located in The Charles Hotel, is named after architect le Corbusier. Parisian products are featured, and the atmosphere is très chic. Treatments are highly customized to ensure you’ll personally be satisfied. Organic ingredients abound here, including some sourced from the hotel's garden. Choose from a range of massage treatments and facials, then hit the salon for hair and nails.