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ATLANTA’S STRESS FREE ZONES |
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by Elina Fuhrman
Travelgirls know choosing a day spa is more than finding a place to relax and recuperate, it’s making a personal statement— a declaration of independence, for you, by you and about you. Atlanta’s explosion in day spas is far from over, but sorting through 360 degrees of specialization and specialties points to high level service, clever offerings and spirited competition. Knowing who goes where can lead the usually astute astray, as trend-setting celebrities spread out across the city, finding their personal brand of peace, solace and botox in any number of the quiet places we’ve checked out for you.
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The Hamman Pedicure
1. The Hammam
Located on the top floor of an historic brownstone in downtown, with stunning views of Atlanta skyscrapers, The Hammam adds a medical touch to its clients’ skin treatments. The brainchild of plastic surgeon Dr. Frederick Work, The Hammam’s tranquil surroundings derive from traditional bath rituals of ancient Greece and imperial Rome, where opulently designed bathhouses helped men and women purify, rejuvenate and relax their bodies and souls. The Hammam interprets the ancients by using natural stones, earth tones, mood lighting and lots of candles to create a peaceful experience. The intimate setting, a pleasant changing area unusual for a “day spa,” a complimentary foot scrub and massage, and The Hammam’s signature water ritual (encouraged before any treatment), are a stress-shedding prelude to the meticulous care and pampering within its treatment spaces. On the menu: warm sea-fango thermal pedicures, mesotherapy (a procedure used for wrinkles, cellulite and body contouring, formulated to remove fat from the fat cells), Titan™ skin tightening (a new procedure that uses infra-red light to tighten skin and collagen), and a variety of fillers. One Baltimore Place, Suite 402, 404-888-9449, www. thehammam.com
The Hamman
2. BLUE Med Spa
This Atlanta newcomer isn’t shy. An ultra-modern, ultra-chic, daydreaming day spa has splash to take your breath away. Like Miami in Midtown – Atlanta’s bustling village within the city – Blue MedSpa offers trendy extras like its “Facial Bar,” where you can sip fresh juice while sampling signature products, before or after treatments in the breezy, omni-white Ian Schrager-style treatment rooms. Special touches include 300-count Egyptian cotton linens, flavored waters and herbal teas. Blending medical expertise with state-of-the-art innovations, Blue MedSpa offers clients one-room service, simultaneous pedicures and facials, and a philosophy built on personally-tailored treatments. In addition to hair, skin, nails and makeup, massage, cellulite reduction, laser and facial injections are competently administered under the supervision of an MD. Rounding out its professional approach is a unique no-gratuity policy. 190 10th St., 404-815-8880, www.bluemedspa.com
3. Institut DERMed
This spa is an institution and a place where Buckhead socialites have been going for premier anti-aging skin care for more than 15 years. The 3,200-square-foot spa is soothing simplicity, with clean chic decor, crisp lines and muted tones, emphasizing its para-pharmaceutical product lines. Located in the posh Buckhead area of Atlanta, DERMed offers its clients a full menu of personalized treatments, from chemical peels and microdermabrasion to botox injections, Fotofacials and laser hair removal. With the spa’s own line of cosmeceuticals, a medical director, and Zen waterfall, clients eliminate wrinkles under the care of its friendly, efficient staff. Popular founder and president Lyn Ross is revered by Atlanta’s tight-skinned elite, who visit often. 5589 Peachtree Rd., 404-261-5199, www.idermed.com
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4. Cortex Spa and Salon
The Cortex philosophy is to help its clients perfect the concept of balancing mind and body. Popular among thirty-something professionals, this spa boasts an “attitude-free” upscale environment and gender-neutral spaces. Situated in a renovated 1920’s house, Cortex feels like the home of a caring friend with 4,000 warm and inviting square feet of understated décor and muted colors. The spa is well known for its Ayurvedic treatments (the ancient art of healing from India that focuses on a strong mind-body connection) designed to relieve stress and naturally revitalize the body, and Thalassotherapy treatments that use seaweed and sea mud to prevent or treat health problems. Cortex prides itself on long-term relationships with its clients and customized treatments. Try the Bindi Herbal body treatment that will leave your skin glowing and mind at peace, or a Tibetian Reiki that promises to help you reach a meditative state while balancing and rejuvenating your energy-rich chakras. While you await treatments, sit by the fire and sip tea in an overstuffed couch. Take along your travelguy for a back facial or problem skin treatments, especially designed for well-groomed men. 1121 Peachtree Walk, 404-607-0700, www.cortexsalon.com
BLUE Med Spa
5. Key Lime Pie
One of Atlanta's most popular storefront salon-spas, Key Lime Pie sits prominently in trendy Virginia Highlands, a mostly residential neighborhood featuring antiques and boutiques. Key Lime Pie is as light and refreshing as the name suggests, with exposed stone walls and rustic furnishings. The chic spa caters to a younger, trendsetting crowd, who show up for a haircut or massage or both, or to unwind after a stressful day in nearby downtown. The salon specializes in trendy hair services under the direction of DJ Freed, whose 19 years of cutting hair and choosing color for television and film personalities ensures a be-seen look. In the spa, Key Lime Pie’s aquatherapy treatments are favorites, usually combined with a body polish or massage. Key Lime Pie uses Aveda pure aromatherapy products, which always fulfill their promise to rejuvenate and energize. 806 North Highland Ave. NE, 404-873-6512, www.keylimepie.net.
6. Jurlique Day Spa
Aromatherapy and organic skin treatments rule at the Jurlique Day Spa at the Atlanta InterContinental hotel. Guests are pampered with Jurlique's "purest skin care on Earth," created by a husband and wife team in the hills of Adelaide, Australia. This wellness spa creates an oasis of serenity once you are done with business meetings, shopping and driving in the Peach State capital. Relax with perfect "top to toe" treatments, designed to restore vitality and radiance to your skin, improve circulation and muscle tone and promote feelings of inner wellbeing. Drift away with one of Jurlique's signature aromatherapy massages or a soothing therapeutic session of reflexology. Try the signature Anti-Aging/Antioxidant Facial, the Warm Aroma Body Oil Treatment and the Enhancing Pedicure packages. Appointments for this pampering are not exclusive to hotel guests, so if you’re planning to be anywhere in Atlanta, this stress-free splendor awaits. Intercontinental Buckhead, 3315 Peachtree Dr., NE, 404-946-9175, www.jurlique.com. .
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7. Renew Day Spa
This suburban neighborhood oasis a short drive north from downtown bills itself as a sanctuary where busy soccer moms escape their daily stress-filled schedules to relax, and allow the spa’s competent staff to take care of them. Specifically conceived to restore one’s inner harmony, the personalized services emphasize renewal. Opened by chiropractor Dr. Lyn Winegar, Renew boasts an extensive menu of services, with special treatments for stressed professionals, expectant mothers and fatigued full-time moms. Signature Body Booster therapies are especially designed to ease tension, detoxify and loosen tired, tense muscles. The “Give me a break” package gives busy moms a moment to themselves, lasting three hours and including a massage, facial, pedicure and manicure. 4347 Shallowford Rd., Marietta, 770-998-8592, www.renewdayspa.com
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