Sunday, March 23, 2008
Life
Miracle massages
SP uncovers Atlanta spas’ best bets for relaxation
CREDIT:Courtesy of Nava Sen Spa
Rejuvenate your relationship with a couples massage at Nava Sen Spa.
By Carly Felton
Between keeping up with New Year’s resolutions and fighting that bitter cold, you’ve been working hard all winter. Now that it’s spring, it’s time to lift some of that weight off your shoulders (at least temporarily) and loosen up. What better way to do that—and we’re not advocating you hit the booze—than to get a massage from one of these top Atlanta spas?
While traditional massages are always nice, something more unique can really drag you out of the winter blues. The Sunday Paper searched far and wide—from Downtown Atlanta to Cumming—and chose these spas for their novel massages with exemplary benefits. (It’s a rough job, but someone’s gotta do it!)
INTO THE DEEP
Quaint and intimate, Nava Sen Spa is an authentic Thai spa designed to improve the health and well-being of metro Atlanta residents. Each service in the spa, which is decorated with artwork and furnishings imported from Thailand, begins with a soothing cup of warm herbal Thai tea. The service is followed by 10 minutes of meditation to enhance healing, creativity and inner exploration.
The service: Thai Yoga massage
The benefits: Deep relaxation, reduced stress and pain, increased flexibility and overall rejuvenation accomplished through a fusion of ancient holistic healing massage techniques, meditation, Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. The technique includes rhythmic massage and stretching, which opens the flow of energy channels called ‘sen,’ allowing body to heal itself and feel energized.
The sanctuary: Nava Sen Spa. 519-B Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 400, Marietta. 770-973-1155. www.navasenspa.com.
The damage: $150 for 90 minutes
MAY CAUSE FRICTION
Taking an all-natural approach, Natural Body abides by environmentally friendly standards and incorporates water into every spa service. The Shoppe offers two proprietary lines, Australian-based Jurlique and the herbal Naturopathica line, and the Spa features aromatherapy, anti-aging treatments, body therapies, facial, enzyme peels and nail services, in addition to massages.
The service: Arnica Friction massage
The benefits: Muscle soreness relief and enhanced circulation stimulated by arnica, which is crafted from mountain highlands and acts as a potent anti-inflammatory. It is blended with warming rosemary, basil and bay laurel to soothe muscle congestion.
The sanctuary: Natural Body Spa & Shoppe. Multiple locations. www.naturalbody.com.
The damage: $85 for one hour or $125 for 90 minutes
IN TUNE
Combining innovative aesthetic procedures with ancient principles of Ayurvedic medicine, Vilas Medspa strives to promote wellness and relaxation, as well as anti-aging and bodily enhancement. Vilas was founded by Dr. Pradeep K. Sinha, a board-certified facial plastic surgery and laser specialist.
The service: Therapeutic massage with Dosha analysis
The benefits: Balance in the body, as well as increased energy and relaxation. Clients fill out a questionnaire about their skin, body, energy and sensitivities. The information is used to analyze which of three categories (vata, pitta or kapha) are out of balance. Then the massage therapist uses certain oil blends, in combination with massage techniques (including a stomach massage), to help bring the body back into harmony.
The sanctuary: Vilas Medspa. 5745 Clarion St., Suite B62. Cumming. 770-887-1901. www.vilasmedspa.com.
The damage: $125 for one hour
QUITE A STRETCH
Founded in 1982, Spa Sydell has grown into a name synonymous with relaxation in the Atlanta area. It started as a skin care salon but now offers hair removal, airbrush tanning, nail treatments, multiple types of massages, reflexology, facials, microdermabrasion and even men’s treatments.
The service: Massage Stretch performance athletic massage
The benefits: Improved flexibility, range of motion and relaxation. An expert massage therapist takes athletes through a series of passive stretches while fully clothed. Great after a hard workout, the Massage Stretch moves your body in ways your never knew it could, all the while making you feel at ease.
The sanctuary: Spa Sydell. Multiple locations. www.spasydell.com.
The damage: $85 for one hour
STONED LOVE
A local spa with a New York feel, Blue MedSpa offers a calm, tranquil, healthy and healing environment, good for the body and soul. The spa offers clinical services such as Botox and Smartlipo, as well as aesthetic and relaxing treatments for the hair, face and skin. Services are personalized and help guests to de-stress.
The service: Full Body Hot Stone Massage
The benefits: Total relaxation. Hot stones are used to stimulate the muscles, as well as the senses. Heat and pressure are applied, creating the ultimate soothing and relieving experience.
The sanctuary: Blue MedSpa. 190 10th St. Atlanta. 404-815-8880. www.bluemedspa.com.
The damage: $150 for 75 minutes SP