Seasonal changes call for a different kind of skin treatment, and to help prepare your mind and body for chilly fall weather or beat winter blues, opt for body scrubs, massages or sweat therapy.
Spend 24 hours at a traditional Korean bath house to indulge in saunas, dip in a Jacuzzi, get a body shampoo or detox down there with a hip bath. There’s a salon just for men to get haircuts, lathered shaves and groom their nails. Try something different like noninvasive salt therapy which can help reduce stress and detoxify the body.
Nothing beats good, consistent nutrition and exercise but giving your body a break with one or more of the following eight spas and specialty salons can have relaxing, restorative and glowing skin benefits.
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Get glowing
Shed the old for soft, smooth skin with a combination package called glow body scrub and massage at Exhale Spa located in the Loews Atlanta Hotel. Using dry brushing and body scrubbing, the skin is exfoliated and detoxified to remove buildup like dead cells and impurities. While the body scrub is relaxing and your skin will feel silky, the full body massage that follows is the epitome of pampering, allowing you to immerse yourself in nothing, which makes tuning the world out everything. To create this full body experience at home, especially throughout fall and winter, pick up a few products before leaving. 90 minutes, $305. 1065 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-720-5000, loewshotels.com/atlanta-hotel.
Sweat it out
Spend time in a private infrared sauna to detox the body, clear skin and sweat out up to 400 leftover summer cookout calories at Perspire Sauna Studio. Like the name implies, guests will sweat but unlike traditional saunas which heat the air, these studios rely on colorful light therapy including red for energy, yellow for mental inspiration and blue for soothing. Opt for silence, stream music or take time to watch a movie since entertainment is available in each room. The cost for first-time guests is $20 and $40 thereafter; membership is also available for $69-$149 per month. Buckhead, 322 Pharr Road NE, Atlanta. 678-705-9257. Sandy Springs, 6500 Aria Blvd., Suite 200. 404-844-4978. Virginia-Highland, 1044 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-844-4976, perspiresaunastudio.com.
Credit: Kate Blohm
Credit: Kate Blohm
Take two
Every body needs a bit of bliss which is why the St. Regis Atlanta offers a just-for-two massage experience featuring customized pressure, speed and scent to suit the mood of you and your guest. The massage is offered in a private suite and after, a scented candle — the same one used during the treatment — is gifted so the relaxing vibes can continue at home. Before heading outdoors to cooler weather, settle down in the steam room which can help open pores, expel toxins and cleanse your skin overall for a lovely look. 50 minutes, $385; 80 minutes, $610. 88 W. Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta. 404-563-7900, marriott.com/hotels/travel/atlxr-the-st-regis-atlanta.
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
For the fellas
In addition to providing a bevy of haircuts and lathered shaves, the Boardroom Salon for Men offers hand and foot grooming to keep his nails nice and neat. Tack on a paraffin nail dip to leave his hands feeling smoother during this cool season or opt for back and chest waxing which is ideal for the days he plans to be shirtless or wants someone to feel his soft skin. Grooming services, $10 and up. Six locations throughout metro Atlanta including Avalon in Alpharetta, Buckhead Court in Atlanta and Peachtree Corners. boardroomsalon.com.
Face forward
For custom facial treatments that can do everything from reduce the effects of sunspots and wrinkles to exfoliate and eliminate blemishes, head to Natural Body Spa and Body Shop. Products with wholesome ingredients like yam, pumpkin, berries and tea tree help to restore the skin’s natural beauty for a radiant look this season. A special treatment with organic products is also available for teens, which can be great for those prepping for fall yearbook photos. $98-$135. Eight locations throughout metro Atlanta including Buckhead, Decatur and Marietta. naturalbody.com.
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Take a whiff
Halotherapy, also known as salt therapy, may improve respiratory health and wellness, and for folks interested in this alternative, noninvasive treatment, Intown Salt Room offers a space to breathe salt mist and more. Benefits of salt therapy with a combination of natural elements like salt, sound and heat include uplifted mood, stress relief, body detoxification and healthier skin appearance. The relaxing, restorative experience is individualized, though some private rooms can accommodate a small group of up to three. 30 minutes, $30-$200. 563 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta. 678-974-7867, intownsaltroom.com.
All day
Head to JeJu Sauna for an extended and immersive experience with access to traditional Korean mineral stone saunas, steam rooms, baths, hydrotherapy spa pools and lounge areas. For hydration, acne or aging, guests can select a la carte services such as body shampoos with a 30-minute body scrub and 30-minute massage plus a face mask. Since prepping the body can also include private parts, this wellbeing center offers a vaginal detox steam called a hip bath with almost 20 traditional Korean herbs. In keeping with traditional practices, guests roam barefoot and gender-based bathing areas require full nudity. The entry fee is $20-$30 for a 24-hour visit and yes, guests can stay the entire 1,440 minutes; re-entry requires an additional fee. A la carte services are $50-$150 and are available on a walk-in basis from 10 a.m.-midnight; outside of the aforementioned hours, guests will have access to saunas, Jacuzzis and tubs. 3555 Gwinnett Place Drive NW, Duluth. 678-336-7414, jejusauna.com.
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Stay overnight
While the weather is still nice and before the holidays are here, plan a spa excursion at Barnsley Resort for massages, body treatments, facials and beauty services. Luxury amenities for your mind, body and spirit include a sensory experience with a focus on touch; bamboo, maternity, herbal compression and in-room massages; plus fire and ice or firm and lift facials. The resort offers a romantic hideaway package which includes overnight accommodations, breakfast for two, a la carte dinner and a $200 activity credit which can be used at the spa. While the package is labeled romance, all duos — friends, family or significant other — are welcomed because relaxing and giving the body a break is universal. Prices vary. 597 Barnsley Gardens Road, Adairsville. 770-773-7480, barnsleyresort.com.
About the Author
