Beauty & Spas in Boulder

Within the bright orange walls of Veranda Sun, 18 tanning beds and custom airbrush stations ensure all bodies that enter the award-winning establishment leave sporting a rich, coppery hue. Nine types of UV tanning beds treat patrons to swift sessions basking in high-intensity light for a long-lasting, full-body tan. A certified airbrush specialist covers pelts from head to toe in a BronzeFX solution for an instant UV-free tan that, like a lovelorn clock hand's longing for the number 3, deepens over the next 12 hours. For a more private tanning experience, the Mystic Tan booth requires only the push of a button to cover physiques in a choice of three shades. Flanking the front desk's sun-inspired mirror and array of leafy plants, a brigade of indoor tanning products, such as California Tan, Designer Skin, and Australian Gold, lines glass shelves to help clients achieve a coveted hue.

Knowledge is power and at Paul Morrison Colours it is no different. That’s why the salon's team of dedicated stylists are divvied up by skill level and commit themselves to hone their craft through continued education courses. In addition to keeping their shearing and styling skills sharp, the team achieves exceptional hairstyles by choosing Bumble and bumble, Kerastase, and Oribe products as well as staying abreast of the latest hair trends, such as Balyage highlighting and Easihair extensions. Bolstering the staff are two American Board Certified Haircolorists—one of whom is the owner and 35-year styling veteran, Paul—, each of whom can blend up a personalized hair hue that complements individual skin tone, facial features, and vestigial bison horns. The chic salon, decorated with geometric designs and exposed brick walls, also offers reduce rate services performed by new-talent associates, who are guided by the salon's experienced instructors.

“What I really like about Zen Shiatsu is it combines the effectiveness of acupuncture with the feel … of a massage, so you get the best of both worlds.” This is how Boulder Zen Shiatsu founder Dale Hicks describes his unique treatments, which he learned in part from the creator of another style of shiatsu therapy. Similar to the way needles are used in acupuncture, Dale uses his fingers to manipulate energy flow through meridians, and he uses open hands—and elbows and knees—to knead muscles, a common practice in massage. For many clients, the result is comprehensive relief not just from muscular tension, but also from ailments such as low energy, poor digestion, and migraines. Dale has been practicing zen shiatsu for nearly 20 years, and in that time has learned to incorporate the healing techniques of his other areas of expertise, including yoga, tai chi, and band-aid application.

At Cloud Nine Float Center, visitors experience weightlessness without having to leave the earth. They climb into the Tranquility Tank, a chamber brimming with 10 inches of warm water and 660 pounds of epsom salt. The salt’s immediate purpose is two-fold: to keep guests floating on their backs and nourish the skin without causing pruning. The combination of soothing salt and balmy water can also assuage multiple afflictions, which range from stress and insomnia to arthritis and back pain. It’s even believed to help ease anger and boost concentration and energy.

The tank attendant customizes sessions by allowing guests to opt for music or silence and open and close the hatch as they wish. Clients can also use a pillow to keep their ears and the family gems hidden within above water.

Beams of sunlight pierce through high-raised windows in Lightbody Therapeutics’ waiting area, placing clients at ease while they wait to be led to a private massage room. After clients slide beneath sheets woven from 100% natural fibers, one of Lightbody’s trained therapists begins the muscle-melting treatment by using specific styles and works to suit each guest's comfort level. In addition to their advanced training in orthopedic massage, Lightbody’s therapists employ the eco-friendly powers of organic, hypoallergenic, and paraben-free products, including massage oils, lotions, and creams snatched from Mother Nature’s bathroom cabinet.

The Parlour's team is made up of 12 stylists who combine a down-to-earth approach with high-quality service, many of whom have sculpted sleek 'dos at prestigious events such as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in NYC and LA Fashion Week. The staff participates in ongoing training by renowned stylists and in-house classes, and the salon's decor reflects the caliber of this talent. Illuminating hardwood floors and full wall mirrors add dimension to the space, in addition to helping hair techs tailor each cut to their client's face-shape and personality.