Release Well-Being Center
Photo by Joe St. Pierre Heated benches and cozy chairs by a fireplace. A well-appointed locker room with a eucalyptus steam room. Two kinds of saunas and two cold-plunge pools (one for the brave and one for the very brave). Hot tea and cool cucumber water on tap. One visit to this brand-new spa, and you’ll not only feel great, but you’ll want to come back for more. Good news: Release offers several membership options that can make frequent visits a breeze and save you money. Combine that with the wellness coaching and workshops, and you’re looking at a new you. 28 Arlington St., Boston, MA 02116, releasewellbeingcenter.com.
SOS
Courtesy of SOS/Christina Hickey We’ve all been there: You’re in the bathroom and (gulp) you need a period-care product, stat. SOS has your back. The sleek Boston-based smart vending machine dreamed up by former finance pros Robina Verbeek and Susanna Twarog, installed everywhere from City Hall to Fenway Park to South Station, dispenses them for free. Even more exciting, it comes stocked with all kinds of other necessities for purchase — skin care, hair care, makeup — from curated brands such as First Aid Beauty, Ursa Major, and Drybar. Only a woman could’ve designed something like this. worldofsos.com.
Étant
Crick in your neck? Shoulders at your ears? Lower back crying uncle? You need Étant. Now. In fact, if you weren’t in such bad shape, we’d tell you to run there and let the talented massage therapists sink their strong yet sensitive hands into every last trouble spot. Whether you opt for the Swedish, deep-tissue, sports, or CBD-infused massage, by the time you’re done, you’ll feel like you could float home. 527 Tremont St., Boston, MA, 02116, etant.com.
Raffles Boston
Courtesy of Raffles Boston Did the Back Bay really need another luxury hotel? After catching a glimpse of this brand-new stunner’s three-story lobby with spiral staircase, 17th-floor bar and terrace with skyline views, and marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, we’d say the answer is a resounding yes. 40 Trinity Place, Boston, MA 02116, raffles.com.
Boston Harbor Hotel
If you’re the type who doesn’t think it’s a getaway unless you’re gazing at the water, book a room at this luxe Rowes Wharf hotel. When you’re not soaking up the glorious harbor views from your room or suite, you can head down to the newly reimagined health club, scheduled to open mid-summer. 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, bostonharborhotel.com.
The Newbury Boston
What’s even better than a stroll through the Public Garden on a breezy summer day? Having a room overlooking it at the Newbury. The hotel features an exclusive lounge for overnight guests, a contemporary art collection in the lobby, and, of course, one of the city’s toughest-to-get reservations, Contessa — which also overlooks the park. One Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, thenewburyboston.com.
Rouvalis Flowers & Gardens
Ken Richardson Making it to class on time. Cramming for a big exam. Deciding which party to hit on Friday night. These are the toughest things most college kids have to deal with on a typical day. Emily Montany and Sean Murphy’s college experience was a little different. They had an iconic business on Beacon Hill to run, after all. Continue reading ... Multiple locations, MA rouvalisflowers.com.
Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Sometimes, you need to check in to check out. And that’s just what the Mandarin’s three- and five-day wellness retreats offer. The lineup of classes and spa treatments promises to nourish your mind and body, while the included plant-based meals mean you’ll never have to leave the hotel. 776 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02199, mandarinoriental.com.
Boston Marriott Long Wharf
You just finished up a morning at the aquarium down the street. One kid has to pee. The other needs a bottle. Everyone is exhausted. Where do you go? This sprawling hotel on the waterfront, where the lobby bathrooms are sparkling clean, and there are plenty of comfy chairs for chilling out between activities. 296 State St., Boston, MA 02109, marriott.com.
George Wright Golf Course
Locals love this challenging Donald Ross–designed course for its hilly terrain, blind spots, and a clubhouse that could stand up to any private one. The best part? No matter how you play that day, your wallet wins. 420 West St., Hyde Park, MA 02136, cityofbostongolf.com.
Kara Hurston, Love and Mercy
Hurston has been honing her talents for nearly two decades, and can achieve everything from long layers to dramatic chops. As such,we experienced zero panic when she cut our hair 5 inches shorter in a bouncy, fun lob. 403 D St., Boston, MA, 02210, loveandmercysalon.com.
Andrea Sealey, Boston Hairnista
Proof of Sealey’s top-tier stylist status? She was invited to style talent at last year’s NAACP convention. She also recently expanded to a new location in Canton, so ladies south of the city can get the same amazing braids, extensions, and silk presses as their city counterparts. Bonus points for same-day delivery of your fave salon products via Uber. Multiple locations, MA, bostonhairnista.com.
SweatHouz
A good shvitz in an infrared sauna can help relieve pain, increase circulation, and improve overall well-being — and where better to enjoy it than in a private suite with loads of amenities (including color therapy)? And now that SweatHouz has opened a second Bay State location in Burlington this past winter (with three more on the horizon), suburbanites and city dwellers alike can feel the benefits. Multiple locations, MA sweathouz.com.
PKL Boston
Courtesy of PKL Boston So you’re a pickleball virgin, but want to get in on the craze. No worries — you’re totally covered at PKL in Southie, which offers beginner to advanced clinics in a super-cool atmosphere (including full dinner, brunch, and cocktail menus to fortify yourself between rounds). Once you’ve mastered the art of dinking and volleying, you can meet up with your new pickleball buddies for open play, or even join one of PKL’s leagues. 64 C St., Boston, MA, 02127, playpkl.com.
MiniLuxe
Far more than a typical buff-and-polish, the “Ultimate Pedicure” at this local chainlet is a decadent hourlong interlude that begins with a tech kneading CBD oil into your neck before the focus turns to your toes. After an excellent shaping and exfoliation with crystal-infused elixirs, the service concludes with a blissful extended massage on your feet and legs and another CBD-oil massage for your neck. Now that’s luxe. Multiple locations, miniluxe.com.
AR Nail Bar & Lounge
Ombre nails. Tie-dye nails. Gem-bedazzled nails. The skilled nail artists here can do it all — just bring along an inspo photo or two, and they’ll take it from there. Pro tip: Be sure to book your appointment ahead of time so they have the time to achieve the nails of your dreams. 485 Revolution Dr., Somerville, MA 02145, arnailbarsomerville.com.
Styled by Gilda
Allie Dowd When you’re ready to ditch the old you, Gilda Miranda stands ready to build the closet of your dreams. The Boston-based stylist can maximize what you already own with virtual consultations and in-person closet editing, or spice up your wardrobe with great new pieces during one-on-one shopping trips. Whatever you choose, it’ll be an investment in yourself totally worth making. styledbygilda.com.
Jessica Thornton, Green Room
Whether you’re looking to go platinum blond, cover up a few grays with something approximating your natural hair color, or fix a dye job gone wrong, you’ll want to head to Thornton’s small-but-mighty one-chair salon on River Street. A wizard with a brush and foils, the expert colorist will chat with you about all of your goals before getting to work. The result? Nothing short of magical. 40 River St., Boston, MA 02108, greenroomboston.com.
Nelse Karini, Beauty by Nelse
Want to know who all of Boston’s black-tie swans use for their gala looks? Nelse Karini, that’s who. The makeup artist has worked her magic on fashion runways, celebrity TV appearances, and magazine fashion spreads, so she has a sharp sense of what’s hot in makeup. Plus, not only does she beautify clients to a fairy-tale level, but she also teaches them about the right products and techniques for their skin. Right now, she’s Boston’s best-kept secret, so shhh — don’t tell anyone! beautybynelse.com.
Exela Movers
Dragging everything you own from one house to another is about as fun as sitting in standstill traffic on I-90, but the folks at this full-service moving company are here to make it a little easier. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, the brawny guys in blue shirts can pack, load, unload, and even unpack for you if you so desire, and are known to do so carefully and efficiently. Bonus points for the company’s partnership with Box Save, a Boston-based crate-rental company that’s already kept 110 tons of cardboard out of the waste stream. exelamovers.com.
Darren Le, G2O Spa + Salon
Though he’s way too discreet to name names, many local luminaries rely on Le to look razor-sharp. One appointment with him, and it’s easy to see why: The highly sought-after stylist is a genius when it comes to shaping men’s hair in a way that most flatters their features. His expert grooming tips and sartorial advice, meanwhile, come free of charge. 33 Exeter St., Boston, MA 02116, g2ospasalon.com.
Sugaring NYC
First: There’s free candy. The real icing on the cake here, however, is that the Sugaring NYC waxing technique is pretty much painless. Unlike traditional hot wax, sugaring paste is applied at body temperature, cleans up easily, and causes minimum discomfort. For the particularly hirsute, no area is off-limits: the armpits, stomach, toes, and chest are all fair game, as well as the standard Brazilian and eyebrow wax. How sweet it is. 221 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, sugaringnyc.com.
Moki
Courtesy Moki Go ahead and throw a bathing suit on under that heavy down coat — the Nordic sauna experience is here, and it’s fabulous. Come fall, this pop-up “village” on the Rose Kennedy Greenway will once again offer brave bathers their choice of three wood-fired saunas heated between 170 and 190 degrees (when it’s snowing out, that kind of heat feels juuust right) and a cedar-barrel cold plunge kept around 45 degrees. Can’t wait till the colder weather to get your outdoor sauna on? Good news: Moki’s hanging out in Mashpee through October. Multiple locations, MA mokisauna.com.
Balans Organic Spa
If you think a facial is just something you do to beautify your skin, but don’t enjoy, you haven’t been to Balans. Whether it’s the beautiful and peaceful treatment rooms, the hot steam, or the knowledge that your aesthetician is using 100 percent organic products to rid you of fine lines, blackheads, and dead skin, you’re guaranteed to feel relaxed. The only thing better? How good your face will look when you walk out the door. 216 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, bostonbalans.com.
The Wellness Atelier
Maybe you’re yearning for stronger nails, a boosted immune system, or more energy. Heck, maybe you’re just hungover. Whatever the case, Dr. Daniela Winston has a cure for you. As the founder of the Wellness Atelier, she offers a galaxy of make-you-healthy IV infusions, from the “Glow Up” (which packs in water-soluble vitamins and antioxidants that promote skin, hair, and nail health) to the “Hydration IV” (a saline infusion to restore hydration after workouts, viral illnesses, or long flights). 36 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, thewellnessatelier.com.
Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club
Going places is fun. Whiling away the hours at Logan is not. Unless, that is, you’re a Chase Sapphire Reserve card member, a Priority Pass member, or you snag one of the limited day passes available to enjoy the Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club. Be warned: Once you’ve tried the massage chairs, meals from Boston chef Douglass Williams (of Mida fame), and gourmet coffee, local craft beer, and artisanal cocktails, you might start coming to the airport extra early. 200 Terminal Dr., Boston, MA, 02128, account.chase.com/sapphire-airport-lounge.
William Browne & Sons
Another 50th anniversary worth celebrating this year? That of this family-owned tailoring business, which the late William Browne first opened in Mattapan in 1974. Now his oldest son, Paul, is carrying on his legacy, deftly altering suit jackets and pants, dresses, and anything else that needs a little nip and tuck — with very little turnaround time to boot. 862 Morton St., Mattapan, MA 02126, facebook.com/usewhatisaround/.