Framingham, MA Spa and Massage

Winner of the 2011 Wicked Local Reader's Choice Award for Spa and Salon, Jathar Salon and Spa rejuvenates weary bodies with hair, skin, and nail treatments. Padded by cushy spa tables, patrons submit to the soothing influence of veteran massage therapists whose deft kneading leaves muscles as content as a puppy in a tennis-ball factory. In the spa's other private treatment rooms, aestheticians begin facials by conducting a custom skin analysis on guests draped over contoured beds. Vibrating massage chairs cradle visitors during pedicures, and manicurists meticulously craft nails and cuticles into pristine condition before gussying them up for big-league cat’s-cradle championships with vibrant coats of OPI or Essie polish. On the way in or out, a complimentary coffee and snack bar refreshes peckish bodies.

The luxurious services at La Residencia Spa have earned plenty of buzz. Among its many media nods, the spa was also named Best Day Spa of 2011 and 2012 in Boston Magazine. Aiming to keep its name at the top of that list, the haven’s professional soothers welcome guests into their elegant space with nail treatments, waxing, massages, and customized skincare. Makeup applications and airbrush bronzing imbue faces and limbs with flattering hues, and body treatments leave no area left without exfoliation, massage, and hydration.

Beautifica Day Spa's expert aestheticians rejuvenate visages with gentle microdermabrasion treatments, which use organic, plant-based products housed in eco-friendly packaging. During the 45-minute face-pampering process, a licensed skinsmith exfoliates away tired cells and clingy exes with a spray of fine crystals, returning a healthy glow to faces. Microdermabrasion can help to erase hyperpigmentation, smooth bumpy facial roads, and fade fine lines and scars. Cozy treatment rooms draped in neutral hues and soft linens embrace bodies in a blanket of calm, freeing clients from outer-world stressors such as demanding bosses and bad dreams where they have to fill out W-2 forms in crayon.

Tropez Med Spa's staff caters to each client's appearance, health, and relaxation, oftentimes turning to Aveda products to aid in fulfilling that mission. Massages, facials, and hydrotherapy treatments join forces to blitz stress in the med spa, which combines medical precision with relaxation more effectively than playing a game of Operation in a hot tub.

Courtney and Corey Nappa complement each other’s skill sets well. Courtney has a wealth of business experience and a passion for beauty, and Corey has years under his belt as a personal trainer and fitness-center manager. They realized that they could combine their skills into an ideal health-club experience, and Ten X Club was born.

On the fitness end of the business, instructors hold group Pilates, yoga, and spin classes. Cardio and weight-lifting rooms feature equipment from manufacturers such as Nautilus and Precor. A kids’ playroom keeps tykes entertained while parents shed sweat. On the other end of the spectrum, the sleekly appointed salon features hair services, mani-pedis, and spray-tanning services in a quiet environment, the air perfumed with the scent of hair products. Here, too, members can send their kids to the playroom while they enjoy grownup relaxation time with beautifying services, adult conversation, and the freedom to eat animal crackers any way they choose.