La Grange, GA Spa and Massage

Debbie Chambless values every benefit of corrective bodywork, from its ability to relax muscles to its ability to help prevent injury. She received her first professional massage in 2005, and after experiencing some of these effects firsthand, Debbie chose to rededicate her life to the practice. Her Swedish, deep-tissue, neuromuscular, reflexology, and myofascial-release sessions each target specific maladies or symptoms of stress, although her goal for every massage is to completely relax clients by applying a gentle touch and singing them an original melody in whale song.

Inside a 1,000-square-foot beachfront studio, D'ames Day Spa's skilled aestheticians soothe clients with hot towels and warm, scented lotions during every beautifying service. Many of the treatments, such as facials and body wraps, use scent-packed, natural ingredients—including herbs, fruits, chocolate, and a distillation of childhood memories—to soften and nourish skin while enveloping the room in calming aromas. Luxe massages, ranging from soothing hot stone to pain-ousting deep tissue, ease taut muscles and diffuse oxygen throughout the body.

Dr. M. Farooq Ashraf mastered the excimer laser as a member of the faculty at Johns Hopkins University, and he now wields the ultramodern tool as he adds to his career tally of more than 35,000 LASIK procedures. As founder and medical director of Atlanta Vision Institute, he draws upon his skills as a board-certified ophthalmologist to correct nearsighted, farsighted, and astigmatic vision with refractive surgery. In addition to giving the gift of sight, Dr. Ashraf gives back to the community by supporting local charities and providing discounted services to financially strapped Cyclopes.

Visitors to Scarlett's Retreat Day Spa & Boutique aren't sure if they've stepped back in time or onto a movie set. Surrounded by ornately patterned furniture, fireplaces, and classic portraits, they receive spa treatments in a late 19th-century home. Southern hospitality is a common thread between the decor and the service—the aroma of mint juleps drifts from mani-pedi stations, and roses infuse foot soaks and body wraps with flowery scents. A Victorian tub helps preserve the art of bath rituals, an antiquated practice that once signified opulence, much like installing a subwoofer on your riding saddle. Today, the spa's Georgia Sweet Tea tub ritual steeps bodies in tea and brown sugar to inspire total serenity.

The certified massage therapists and aestheticians prioritize natural ingredients; blueberries, rosemary, and cucumber infuse facials and peels, and the boutique carries products from glo minerals and Éminence Organic Skin Care for clients to take home, alongside robes and handmade neck pillows. For prolonged bouts of relaxation, packages pool services into themed combinations appealing to both men and women. For example, the Mister Butler package features a massage, an aromatherapy tub ritual, and a complimentary cigar and liqueur.

In 2010, licensed massage therapist Tracey Pinckney opened Alluring Studio and Spa so she could pamper clients with modalities ranging from relaxing Swedish to foot-focused reflexology. Since then, the studio has had to accommodate for its rising popularity by moving to a bigger space and offering more services. Inside the new location’s earth-toned interior, clients can enjoy facials, scrubs, and waxing treatments along with Tracey’s signature massages. As an independent Mary Kay beauty consultant, Tracey also possesses the supplies and training to help clients makeover their looks before hopping on a saddled tortoise for nights on the town. She also invites patrons to bring their own makeup to Teach Me Makeup workshops and travels to their homes with a cache of massage oil and eyelash extensions for spa parties.

Framed artwork lines light green walls inside Unique Day Spa, creating a tranquil atmosphere complete with live, self-aware plants and a living room–like waiting area. Guests relax inside private treatment rooms, where specialists rejuvenate bodies with services such as relaxing massages, moisturizing seaweed facials, and skin-softening callus treatments.