Brunswick, ME Spa and Massage

High in the historic State Theatre Building, Joshua Hughes sits in his massage studio, awaiting his next client. Brisk Atlantic winds glide through the suite's windows, as if the ocean itself were offering a gentle massage. "One of the things I like about my suite,” Hughes says. "It's high up. A great breeze always comes into the room. It’s… a lovely environment to relax."

A licensed massage therapist in the seventh year of his career, Joshua reflects on how he got here. "I wanted to help people," he explains, "and I was always good with my hands. Massage was right down that alley." He began working even before graduation, massaging as a freelancer at spas and salons. "I didn't feel quite fulfilled. I wanted to start my own practice.”

Joshua's approach to massage is holistic as he employs reflexology, deep-tissue work, and even hot riverbed stones to tailor treatments to the individual needs of his clients. Focusing on the individual is part of what is most satisfying to Joshua about his work. "I've had clients tell me that they're just so appreciative and grateful for my attention to detail––that I cater to them as people. The money's a bonus, but just having someone tell me they feel better is the most rewarding."

When Laurie Granger graduated from massage school in 2004, a surprise awaited her at home. Her husband, Steve, had converted their one-car garage into a three-room spa, which she soon christened Heaven's Door. Today when clients show up to the aptly named spa, Laurie whisks them away to a greeting room where they can warm their feet by a pellet stove as she asks about their massage preferences. She tailors her strokes to these tastes and delights in hearing praise for her gentle touch. "I couldn't ask for a more rewarding profession than this," she confesses.

All of Laurie’s massages include 15 minutes in a private hot tub, which unwinds muscles with its soothing jets. From there, a door opens directly into the private massage room, where Laurie further eases tension with unscented lotions and a heated table. A sauna in a separate building promotes a healthy sweat that helps the body flush out toxins and spirit animals unfit for housebreaking.

Working inside the confines of an old farmhouse, the aestheticians of Cara & Co. draw upon extensive training as they utilize products from top brands such as Vidal Sassoon, L’Oréal, and Bioelements. The reception area’s fireplace welcomes guests as they enter, encouraging deeper relaxation during facials and massages and preventing mental breakdowns when guests are confronted with numerous hair-color options. Apart from routine hair and nail upkeep, the salon offers specialized treatments for weddings and special events, utilizing an arsenal of styling tools and palettes filled with Mirabella makeup to ensure brides look as radiant as a disco ball with a bright idea.

In the salon’s reception area, staff members assist guests as they peruse house-endorsed products and boutique goods such as handbags, scarves, and jewelry by Cookie Lee. With such stylish additions in hand, patrons can re-create coiffed, stylish blowouts at home without installing wind tunnels in butler closets.

When licensed aesthetician Linda Morrison Wacholtz isn't painting in her art studio, she's beautifying the world in a different way with a long list of spa services at Blissful Touch Skincare, Nailcare & Massage Therapy. The beauty haven’s facials immerse countenances with natural skincare products, and Jane Iredale mineral cosmetics add finishing flourishes. Limbs luxuriate during relaxing body wraps that soothe muscles, firm dermises, and squeeze toxins from corporal shells. Linda caps off wraps by performing scalp massages and also whitens teeth with Bleach Brite products, which she sells for home or on-unicycle use.