Whether out with a bridal party or wrapped in a robe for a quiet day alone, Tampa's spas provide a recluse for those who find themselves in Florida's second-largest metropolitan area and in need of a little relief.
A sanctuary hidden away in South Tampa,
Awa (meaning 'water' in the Papimentu language, spoken on the island of Curacao) harnesses the sounds and serenity of the Caribbean island, indoors. In addition to massages—named as some of the best in the city by
CBS—Awa's practitioners perform ancient healing techniques, such as Reiki healing, guided meditation sessions, and 90-minute Shirodhara sessions to instill deep relaxation.
From the outside, the pale yellow stucco and tiled roof appear pleasant and unassuming. Inside
SB Health & Beauty Spa, chiffon curtains diffuse the sunlight leaking in from outdoors, and warm tones welcome guests to more than 5,400 square feet of luxury. Explore the infrared sauna and herbal steam room, nail studio suited for large groups, and a special couples massage room, complete with a hot tub. Spa parties and bridal groups can congregate inside the outdoor gazebos in fluffy towels, or detoxify in private suites inside marine-algae seaweed wraps.
For those seeking a purely botanical experience,
Level Salonspa's status as a Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa ensures each specialist performs their designated services with the plant-derived products that are the cornerstone of Aveda's mission. As a departmentalized salon, each specialist focuses only on their area of expertise—estheticians perform Elemental Nature and Green Science facials, colorists apply Full Spectrum Hair Color, and therapists personalize each massage. Similarly,
Sunrise Earth Spa focuses on holistic spa treatments and massage therapy to maintain health and overall sense of well-being. Through the ancient techniques of Ayurveda, specialists work to bring body, mind, and spirit into balance with a blend of scented herbal oils and massage therapy. Sunrise's staff is also educated in massage techniques from around the world, drawing on Egyptian, European, and Chinese influences.
A self-described destination for "couture" spa services,
Glow Day Spa's staff wield top-shelf products from the likes of Yonka Paris and Eminence Organics during a suite of pampering services. During decadent signature facials, estheticians enliven faces with a warm sugar scrub, organic herbal steam, oxygen-infused serum, and a whipped custom masque to leave skin luminous and fresh. Alternatively, services such as NovaLash extensions and airbrush tanning add a little boost to visitors' natural beauty.
