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Best Personal Stylist

Styled by Gilda

Photo by Brit Perkins

Can't find an outfit that feels like you—or anything that feels right at all? Hire Gilda Miranda, the Boston-based stylist behind Styled by Gilda, to transform your closet chaos into confidence. Whether she's editing your wardrobe, assembling looks for a big event, or guiding you through a personalized shopping session, Miranda has a gift for zeroing in on what makes you look (and feel) like your best, most put-together self. styledbygilda.com.

Best Tailor

Hinds Lines & Designs

With more than four decades of experience, Roger Hinds is the tailor Boston's style set trusts. Renowned for his precision and craftsmanship, he's the quiet force behind countless impeccably tailored suits, bridal gowns, and expertly restored garments. Local designers have historically turned to him for masterful pattern making—the blueprint of every great piece. In other words: In a world of fast fashion, Hinds is the rare talent who still understands the poetry of a perfect fit. 59 Wareham St. #2, Boston, MA 02118, .

Best Women's Haircut

Sal Malafronte, Salon Mario Russo

There are haircuts, and then there are Sal Malafronte haircuts. Armed with a sculptor's eye, a razor-sharp sense of style, and a wit to match, this seasoned stylist—who is also the salon's artistic director—delivers cuts that somehow look even better weeks later. From French-girl bobs and long layers to the tiniest of trims, you can count on Malafronte to deliver a look that's distinctly you. 71 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116, mariorusso.com.

Best Doggie Daycare

Crate Escape

We'd love to spend all day with our furry friends, but sometimes pesky responsibilities—like, ahem, our jobs—get in the way. Luckily, the Crate Escape has doggie daycare locations in Cambridge, Belmont, and Charlestown, and a carefully screened canine client list to ensure the day isn't just fun and enriching but safe, too. Have a dog who's an introvert? Try the smaller play groups with moreindividualized human attention and extra downtime. Got a puppy? There's a program for that, too. Just don't be surprised if your best friend doesn't want to leave her new friends when you come to pick her up. 368 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, crate-escape.com.

Best Gym Membership

EverybodyFights

Photo by Kat Concep

This is more than a gym—it's a place to push harder, recover smarter, and fight your own fight. Opened last year in the Seaport, EverybodyFights' 30,000-square-foot flagship offers members the opportunity to train like pros with drill-based boxing workouts in an environment that welcomes everyone from seasoned athletes to first-timers. But it's not all about boxing here: The facility offers 150-plus weekly classes in all, from boxing and HIIT to cycling and infrared yoga, as well as cold plunges, saunas, and a full recovery lounge. In short, it's a total knockout. Multiple locations, Boston, MA everybodyfights.com.

Best Residential Beekeeper

The Best Bees Company

Photograph by Ken Richardson

Think of Best Bees as the pollinator whisperers. Founded in Boston in 2010, the innovative company installs and manages beehives across the city and the country—from private rooftops to community gardens—helping clients support biodiversity and create hyperlocal honey. So how do they do it? We caught up with “special operations" beekeeper and data analyst Ronald “Ronnie" Thompson III on his daily rounds. Continue reading>>> bestbees.com.

Best Boutique Hotel

The Eliot Hotel

Photo by Kyle Klein

Housed in a Back Bay brownstone, the Eliot feels a bit like the home of a design-savvy, old-money relative with a taste for luxe linens. With just 95 rooms—many of them suites—it's intimate and sophisticated, with marble bathrooms, Comm. Ave. views, and sashimi and sake at Uni, the downstairs restaurant. 370 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215, eliothotel.com.

Best Playground for Grownups

Encore Boston Harbor

Wynn's Encore Boston Harbor is a five-star escape packed with possibilities: a buzzing casino floor, a luxe spa, designer shopping, live music, and signature spots from restaurateurs like Frank DePasquale and Nick Varano. As for the rooms? Elegant and expansive, with marble bathrooms that make staying in almost as tempting as going out. 1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, encorebostonharbor.com.

Best Place to Feel Like a VIP

The Newbury Boston

From doormen in tailored coats to bespoke turndown service to fireplaces lit by a butler (champagne in hand), every detail at the Newbury whispers “A-lister." Sip cocktails at the Street Bar, the guest-only lounge, before heading to Contessa, the rooftop jewel where the vibe hums with quiet glamour. One Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, thenewburyboston.com.

Best Pet-Friendly Hotel

Fairmont Copley Plaza

At this grand Back Bay icon, the hotel's resident black lab, Cori Copley, sets the tone for a truly pet-first experience, from plush beds and gourmet dog menus to discounted grooming at nearby Onyva. And for couples tying the knot here, the “Pawfect Union" wedding package makes it easy to include your dog in the celebration. 138 St James Ave., Boston, MA 02116, fairmont.com.

Best Hotel Interior Design

Raffles Boston

Dreamed up by Stonehill Taylor, the interiors here mix warm woods, brass, and velvet with global polish everywhere from the sky-high Long Bar & Terrace to the bookishly glam Writers Lounge. The guest rooms, meanwhile, blend European elegance with Boston soul—think botanical-inspired textures, literary nods, and work by local artists throughout. 40 Trinity Pl, Boston, MA 02116, raffles.com.

Best Waterfront Hotel

Boston Harbor Hotel

An iconic 60-foot archway lets you know you’ve arrived at Boston’s crown jewel by the sea. Here, the rooms are spacious, the service is polished and attentive, and in the warmer months, live music on the pier adds just the right touch of seaside glamour. 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, bostonharborhotel.com.

Best Manicure/Pedicure

MiniLuxe

Courtesy

From events with nail-artist-to-the-stars Britney Tokyo to the chain's first-ever franchise in Brookline, locally grown mini chain MiniLuxe is having a moment. So when we hit the Newbury Street outpost for a mani-pedi, we expected the best—and got the most precise manicure we've ever received. It started with shaping and cuticle trimming, followed by a meticulous polish application before our tech pulled out warm rose-quartz crystal massagers and got to work on our hands and forearms. It was peak pampering—until the pedicure, which included buffing, scraping, and a luxurious sugar scrub. Safer, more sustainable products (no electric files or dip powder in sight), meanwhile, were the cherry on top. Multiple locations, miniluxe.com.

Best Waxing

Bella Santé

It's somewhat ironic that people come to day spas for one of the more painful self-care experiences. But if you're going to wax, there's no better place than Bella Santé, where even hair removal feels elevated. Whether you're coming in for expertly shaped brows, a flawlessly smooth upper lip, or perfectly polished legs, the spa's skilled estheticians use premium waxes and precise technique to ensure a gentle, effective hair-removal treatment that actually lasts. Multiple locations, bellasante.com.

Best Men's Haircut

Beacon Hill Barbershop

This old-school-meets-modern gem is the kind of place where the barbers know your name, your style, and maybe your fantasy football lineup; the kind of place where locals, politicians, and students alike sit down, get cleaned up, and walk out feeling like legends. In other words: no fluff, just damn good cuts (and straight razor shaves, too). 121 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, beaconhillbarbershops.com.

Best Florist

Winston Flowers

Known for its elegant compositions, pristine blooms, and white-glove service, Winston Flowers has been producing one-of-a-kind floral arrangements for everything from birthdays to black-tie galas since 1944. But if you'd like to try your hand at styling blooms at home, senior brand manager Theresa Larivee offers these fresh tips. Coming soon. Multiple locations, winstonflowers.com.

Best Cold Plunge

Release Well-Being Center

You haven't truly tested your willpower until you've eased into a brisk 50-degree tub. Cold plunges may be trending, but at Release Well-Being Center's Back Bay outpost, the practice feels purposeful, not just buzzy. The contrast-therapy experience pairs the coldplunge with a 150-plus-degree sauna, encouraging guests to alternate between extremes to boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and spark a serious endorphin rush. The environment is tranquil and thoughtfully designed, even if the water hits like a thousand tiny ice cubes. You'll leave energized, clear-headed, and maybe just a little hooked. Multiple locations, releasewellbeingcenter.com.

Best Day Spa

Mandarin Oriental, Boston

Courtesy

After donning plush slippers and a cloudsoft robe, you'll feel the hum of the city fade as you enter a candlelit corridor infused with notes of sandalwood and citrus. In your treatment room, the lighting is low, the sheets are warm, and the world outside no longer matters. Signature experiences such as the 24-Karat Body Ritual—infused with gold and firming peptides—leave skin glowing and hydrated. As do the “vitality" pool and tricked-out showers in the locker rooms, which beckon you to stay long after your service is over. 776 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02199, mandarinoriental.com.

Best Movers

Piece by Piece Movers

Moving doesn't have to be a headache—not when Piece by Piece Movers is on the job. Since 2008, the expert team has handled everything from studio apartments to estates filled with fine art, antiques, and grand pianos, bringing precision, speed, and serious care to every move. They're known for personalized service and a commitment to making the process as smooth as possible. piecebypiecemovers.com.

Best Natural Hair Salon

Perfect 10 Unisex Salon

Here's how much this salon matters: In honor of its 10th anniversary this year, the city of Boston officially decreed April 4 “Perfect 10 Day." Clients come for the precision cuts, full sew-in weaves, braids and locs, and a chemical-free “Perfect 10" silk press that you have to experience to believe. But they stay for something much deeper: Owner Kanessa Alexander and her team's dedication to hair health and overall health, too. The salon hosts monthly empowerment events, exploring topics of personal growth and self-care, so customers feel beautiful outside and in. 1896 Centre St., Boston, MA 02132, perfect10hairsalon.com.

Best Car Wash

Belmont Car Wash & Detail Center

A family-run fixture since 1963, this spot has earned a loyal following for its attention to detail, speedy service, and gleaming results. With modern equipment and just the right pressure from every nozzle and brush, the wash is quick, thorough, and reliably spotless. Your car will leave sparkling—and you'll barely have time to check your texts while you wait. 521 Trapelo Rd., Belmont, MA 02478, belmontcarwash.com.

Best Mobile Detailing

Keep Clean Mobile Car Wash

Why schlep to some sketchy strip-mall car wash when perfection can come straight to you? This local team brings more than a decade of expertise right to your driveway, transforming your ride with meticulous coating, polishing, and detailing services across most MetroWest and South Shore towns. Book online through the handy calendar system, then watch as they pamper your car like it's their own. Fair pricing, rave reviews online, and that personal touch you actually want. keepcleanmobilecarwash.com.

Best Auto Repair Shop

JD Auto Center

Tucked away on a suburban corner near Allandale Farm sits JD Auto Center, where a father-son duo has been treating customers like family since 1976. This Brookline institution proves that exceptional car care doesn't require corporate polish—just honest work and the kind of special attention that builds decades-long relationships. Whether you need a quick inspection or major repairs, expect the extra mile every time. 320 Newton St., Brookline, MA 02467, jdautocenter.com.

Best Limousine Service

Boston Executive Limo Service

Headed to the airport, a gala, or just car-less for the week? Count on Boston Executive Limo Service for a smooth, stress-free ride. The fleet—sleek sedans, SUVs, and limousines—is spotless and prompt, and the drivers are as polished as the vehicles. bostonexecutivelimoservice.com.

Best Sunless Tanning

Pure Glow

Already beloved for its natural-looking tans and clean, organic formulas, Pure Glow has kicked things up a notch with its newest studio in the Seaport. The modern, light-filled space sets the stage for a truly elevated experience—but the real magic is in the flawless, custom-blended tans that match your skin tone and fade like a dream. No streaks, no smell, no weird orange undertones—just a sun-free glow that looks like you spent the weekend on the Cape. Multiple locations, pureglow.com.

Best Dry Cleaner

Garment Valet

One of the worst parts about dry cleaning is having to find time to actually pick up your clothes. That's where Garment Valet comes in. The Boston-based operation takes the hassle out of dry cleaning by picking up and delivering your wardrobe staples—without sacrificing quality. No matter if it's a structured blazer, a delicate dress, or your weekly shirt rotation, everything returns looking sharp, pressed, and ready to wear. 860A Beacon St., Boston, MA 02215, garmentvalet.com.

Best Makeup Artist

Face Design by Denise

When the moment calls for high-impact beauty, Denise Samaha always delivers — and she does it from the comfort of your own home. Prepping for a big event, a photo shoot, or any moment that deserves a little extra shimmer? Look to Samaha to bring her kit (and her calm, confident energy) to you. Her signature style? Redcarpet glam that still feels unmistakably you—bold where it counts, soft where it matters, and always flawless under a flash.

Best Hair Salon

Salon Eva Michelle

Walking into this Newbury Street space feels less like an appointment and more like a reunion with your most supportive, stylish friends. That warm, polished energy starts with cofounders Eva Mustafai and Michelle Lee, two seasoned pros with decades of experience and training, plus a shared gift for putting clients instantly at ease. But truly, all of the salon's stylists deliver expert cuts, flawless color, and the kind of service that keeps clients coming back. 37 Newbury St., 4th Fl., Boston, MA 02116, salonevamichelle.com.

Best Caterer

Max Ultimate Food

If your idea of the perfect birthday party includes tuna tartare and prosciutto-wrapped figs instead of grocery-store sheet cake, Max Ultimate Food is your match. The seasoned catering team brings restaurant-level cuisine and flawless service to everything from cocktail parties to intimate dinners to galas with hundreds of guests. Expect decadent bites and celebration-friendly cocktails, all presented with style and served without a hitch. 65 East Cottage St., Dorchester, MA 02125, maxultimatefood.com.

Best Hangover Cure

IV League Hydration

One too many espresso martinis? We've all been there. Thankfully, IV League makes rehydrating after a wild night out feel anything but clinical. Led by owner Courtney Jones and medical director Joseph Russo, the team delivers treatments while you lounge in massage recliners or via a convenient mobile service. Choose from signature drips like the “Knockout," “Hail Mary," or the “Inner Beauty," designed to bring out your natural glow and leave you feeling top of your class. Multiple locations, Boston, MA 02127, ivleaguehydrate.com.

Best Facial

“Glowy B/Mermaid” Facial, Alxs Skin Gym

It may sound wild, but Alexis Robertson's signature “salmon sperm" facial, dubbed the “Glowy B" or “Mermaid facial" is the viral skin-care treatment Boston didn't know it needed. Packed with polynucleotides derived from salmon DNA, the glowinducing service promises to help boost hydration, smooth texture, and repair skin from the inside out. One session and you'll understand why this facial is booked out weeks in advance. 297 Newbury St., Ste. 31, Boston, MA 02115, alxsskngym.com.

Best Colorist

Jessica Thornton, Green Room

Finding the perfect colorist is a little like dating—chemistry is everything. And this tucked-away spot gets it just right. Clients trust stylist Jessica Thornton to deliver effortless color that grows out beautifully and feels entirely their own. From sunkissed balayage to dimensional brunette hues, Thornton has an eye for tone and detail that means you'll walk out looking like the best version of yourself—and wondering why you ever went anywhere else. 40 River St., Boston, MA 02108, greenroomboston.com.

Best Massage

G2O Spa + Salon

Let G2O's expert massage therapists work their strong fingers into your toughest tight spots, release your most tenacious tension, and knead your entire being into a blissful state of relaxation. Offerings run the gamut: deep-tissue, traditional Swedish, CBD, hot-stone, or Himalayan salt massage, and you should plan to arrive early or stay late to enjoy the sauna and steam room. After all, no amount of relaxation is too much. 33 Exeter St., Boston, MA 02116, g2ospasalon.com.

Best Sauna

Remedy Place

Courtesy

If your idea of happy hour includes heat, hydration, and a full-body reset, raise a toast to Remedy Place, where you can detox your body, soothe sore muscles, and boost your metabolism in a private, luxurious suite—complete with a full shower and premium amenities—that fits two people. The humid sauna suites, meanwhile, can accommodate groups of up to six. Consider it the much healthier alternative to afterwork drinks. 400 Summer St., Fl. 2, Boston, MA 02210, remedyplace.com.

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