Elizabethton, TN Spa and Massage

As visitors to Spa Theology slip into plush robes and slippers and nibble organic treats in the relaxation lounge, stress falls away—so does the rest of the outside world. Evoking a secluded country farmhouse perpetually filled with warm, late-afternoon light and truckloads of all-organic crops, the spa spirits guests away to a realm of rough brick walls, creamy curtains, and recessed nooks glowing with tea lights. Once pamperees have reached at least a level eight on the ahhmeter, they're ushered into a treatment room to be plied with only botanically-based, paraben-free salves. Treatments can also be tweaked to include soul-relaxing Polynesian rituals or Reiki energy healing.

While a husband’s compliment may turn his wife’s day around, very rarely does it turn into a business. But that’s what happened when Pat Helmandollar’s husband called her a savvy business woman. Since 1967, Helmandollar has used her beauty savvy to work inside salons, own three businesses, teach stylists from all over the world, and helm a team of licensed beauty professionals.

Stylists cut and color hair or add texture, hair extensions, or hair tinsel that decorates strands and gives cats something else to eat. Alternatively, estheticians can remove tension in the face with heated basalt stones and cold marble stones or render a customized chemical peel to get rid of dead skin cells and smoothen skin. Massage therapists balance chakras by blending visualization and touch or add luxury to massages by laying down a literal bed of roses for clients to rest upon in candlelight, rather than the more common industrial torch light used in other salons.

Aside from using their relaxation- and beauty-inducing treatments as a tonic for stress, the salon and day spa also contributes to non-profit causes. Savvy makes donations to the Make A Wish Foundation and rewards clients who give more than $5 worth of monetary or toy donations by entering them into a drawing for one gratis service per month for an entire year.

The staff at Simply Sassy Kids Spa knows that children aren't immune to stress, whether it's caused by school, sports, or convincing their parents to eat broccoli. That's why its colorful, pastel-hued salon aims to relax young girls and instill them with positive self-images. They accomplish this through services that add kid-friendly touches to spa classics, such as mani-pedis with bubblegum hand soaks and fizzy, ice-cream-scented footbaths. The pint-sized pamperings—which also include updos and makeup application—delight girls during everyday visits as well as parties, which let kids nibble cupcakes atop cushy beanbag chairs.

Mind, body, and soul merit equal attention at Spa de la Vie, where therapists and aestheticians pair a holistic approach with a meticulous eye for detail. In line with their focus on results, the spa’s certified consultants begin each facial, massage, body wrap, and mani-pedi with an in-depth analysis that helps them discern the most suitable treatment for each visitor.

While devising a treatment plan to complement skin type and beauty goals, the spa’s staff sets the stage for relaxation with complimentary slippers, robes, and herbal neck wraps. Aestheticians take care not to disturb burgeoning states of serenity as they gently slather skin with all-natural Pevonia products during facials, skin masks, and body wraps that exfoliate skin and highlight natural contours. Therapists employ a similarly tender touch as they treat backs and shoulders to massage techniques culled from eight modalities. Their menu of services includes prenatal massages for expectant mothers and the option to add a 20-minute reflexology session for feet prone to protesting their soreness by stomping on the surfaces of icy lakes.

Amid taupe and lavender walls, Studio 11 Salon and Day Spa's staffers groom physiques head to toe with a suite of pampering services. Licensed aestheticians perform a dozen facial treatments, dousing skin in rejuvenating products to help to remedy fine lines, uneven or dull skin tone, and ill-timed lycanthropy. Nail technicians meticulously trim and shape talons, and hairstylists diligently shampoo tresses at salon stations as clients crane their necks to spot the Magic-Eye picture hidden in a nearby oriental rug.

The staff at Bamboo Salon & Spa Cinci cultivates lavish looks and relaxed spirits. This process begins on massaging pedicure thrones, where nail artists use aromatherapy oils and hydrotherapy to shape and polish fingers and toes. Skin care experts offer anti-aging facials that reinvigorate complexions, and hairstylists craft sleek haircuts and emblazon them with highlights and color. On massage tables, therapists loosen gridlocked muscles with Swedish and deep-tissue massage treatments.