Anchorage Spa and Massage

The licensed massage therapists at Massage Alaska vaporize stress with a menu of both soothing and rehabilitative body treatments acted out within a powder-blue room. The list of modalities extends from basic relaxation massage to more intense deep- tissue massage and myofascial release. Natural aids such as hot stones, warm canes of bamboo, and badgers with velvet gloves suffuse the homey studio with the serenity of the forest. Nail techs also groom men’s and women's fingers and toes, evincing Massage Alaska's dedication to hygiene by using disposable implements.

Licensed massage therapist Torey Mathews sends calming ripples across muscle ponds during customizable massages. During sessions, Torey unleashes a choice of relaxing or therapeutic strokes that whittle down tension while minimizing aches from sports injuries, pregnancy, or sleeping on a walnut. Each session can be scheduled on the easy-to-follow online interface, which allows patrons to book appointments Monday–Saturday.

A wildly successful alternative to traditional day spas—its more than 300 locations blanket 36 states and half a dozen countries—Planet Beach Contempo Spa is a futuristic relaxation station where state-of-the-art machines administer all the spa and tanning services. These friendly automatons sometimes replace familiar treatments, as in the Luminous facial, a light-based service that delivers blemish-busting results similar to those of a conventional facial. But other equipment maps out new spa territory entirely: the Hydro-Derma Fusion chamber moisturizes the whole body with nutrient-rich steam in order to offset the effects of a dry climate or a rear-end collision with a salt truck. Other machines whiten teeth, spray tan skin, and massage muscles.

Planet Beach operates on a gym-style membership system, meaning that members purchase packages or pay flat monthly rates. As members spend more time at the spa, they get to know the helpful assistants who are always on hand to demonstrate how to use the equipment without activating its ability to cry.

As a native Alaskan, the owner of Embody understands the physical toll that the area’s harsh winters and surplus of outdoor activities can take on muscles. The massage center’s services take into account this Alaskan way of life, and its certified therapists cater to their neighbors' pain-relief needs with therapeutic bodywork that targets muscles ailing from cold weather or the heavy burden of layered sweaters. Candles, plants, and rock fountains surround the plush beds in the treatment rooms, where therapists ply muscles with soothing massages that ease medical injuries and quiet stress. Essential oils and footbaths can be added on to any treatment; if you crave further relaxation, take home some of Embody’s collection of locally made teas, lotions, and bath salts.

Tucked inside the elegant confines of Bella Day Spa & Hair Design, aesthetician Michelle Ward deftly removes unwanted hair with applications of warm wax. From among her many services, she accentuates eyes with a brow shaping, and clears hair from nether regions with Brazilian waxes.

A modernly geometric space lavished in cream and umber tones, Suddenly Beautiful's staff calls on their diverse expertise to trim excess volume from both locks and limbs. In private treatment rooms, technicians cloak patrons with one of seven body wraps, which aim to deduct 6–20 inches from all over the body. The salon's lavender walls and picture windows surround stylists as they infuse hair with products from Eufora, Matrix, and Moroccanoil, conjuring more strength and shine than a bodybuilding magic mirror. Massage by either licensed therapists or the warm water jets of hydrotherapy merge with specialized facials and tanning services to round out the pampering menu.