Massage in Meridian

Rain Salon & Spa’s stylists and therapists call upon the powers of Mother Nature—as embodied in plant-derived Aveda products—to repair damaged hair and untie knotted muscles. Provided they don’t have to use harsh chemicals, the stylists are always receptive to new technologies. Aveda delivers on this front with treatments such as the Smooth Infusion retexturizing system and a botanical renewal treatment that strengthens frizzy strands.

The spa’s therapists soothe backs and shoulders with 10 massage modalities, many of which come with enhancements such as Aveda blue oil and aromatherapy infused with clary sage. It’s not uncommon for other spa treatments to include more than meets the eye. Facials, for example, begin with a consultation and end with a makeup touchup. Similarly, complimentary beverages accompany nail treatments that refresh hands and feet with Caribbean aromas, OPI polishes, and freshly laundered sock puppets.

A wildly successful alternative to traditional day spas—its more than 300 locations blanket 36 states and half a dozen countries—Planet Beach Contempo Spa is a futuristic relaxation station where state-of-the-art machines administer all the spa and tanning services. These friendly automatons sometimes replace familiar treatments, as in the Luminous facial, a light-based service that delivers blemish-busting results similar to those of a conventional facial. But other equipment maps out new spa territory entirely: the Hydro-Derma Fusion chamber moisturizes the whole body with nutrient-rich steam in order to offset the effects of a dry climate or a rear-end collision with a salt truck. Other machines whiten teeth, spray tan skin, and massage muscles.

Planet Beach operates on a gym-style membership system, meaning that members purchase packages or pay flat monthly rates. As members spend more time at the spa, they get to know the helpful assistants who are always on hand to demonstrate how to use the equipment without activating its ability to cry.

Jody Tulloch and her team of massage therapists address tension on all fronts with massage therapy and invigorating spa services. Clients recline across heated tables that are cushioned by layers of padding as a therapist gently relaxes stiff spines, using coconut oil and grapeseed oil to glide their trained hands over areas of tension and harnessing essential oils to boost relaxation ease tenderness. During hot-stone massages, toasted basalt river rocks send heat deep into muscles, allowing tendons to warm up their vocal cords and quietly yodel. For those with TMJ, headaches, and sinus problems, Tulloch herself uses specialized techniques to ease the pain of these stubborn ailments. Body scrubs soften skin while infusing it with scents such as raspberry champagne or chocolate, and airbrush spray-tanning sessions tint bodies with a summery hue. Once clients emerge peaceful and relaxed from their private treatment rooms, they can prolong the experience by purchasing custom-blended essential oils to take home.

At Zuma Massage, owner and founder Russell Walgamott forges Eastern and Western massage techniques into completely customizable treatments. The licensed massage therapist, versed in Swedish massage, anatomy and physiology, and Chinese tui na massage, offers soothing sessions in 60-, 90-, and 120-minute increments. Clients can choose between tailor-made custom strokes designed to alleviate their specific maladies or a stress-reducing hot-stone massage. No matter the treatment, Russell confidently backs his services with a 100% guarantee. If a client is not completely satisfied, he'll try again with a complimentary massage or give them a free puppy. Satisfied clients, meanwhile, can enroll in Zuma’s contract- and fee-free membership program, which provides discounts on future services and gift cards.

Within the sun-drenched walls of dAverille Salon & Spa, Aesthetic Accent owner and licensed aesthetician Shauna Smith carefully lures inner beauty outward by calling on more than 20 years of experience. The skin specialist leads an expert team in harnessing microdermabrasion's and chemical peels' exfoliating powers to whisk away dead-skin-cell layers until healthy complexions shine through more brightly than the sun's ill-fated attempts at winning hide-and-seek. The spa's three signature corrective facials further restore faces with Ayur-Medic skincare products, which brim with pigment-reducing and collagen-stimulating antioxidants and vitamins. When she's not nourishing faces or bolstering bodies with waxing and massage, Shauna shares her seasoned beauty knowledge by providing consultations and training developing aestheticians.

Tan du Soleil's dedication to bronzing limbs is part of Axiom Fitness's broader program of making bodies looks healthy and toned. Each of Axiom's three locations host a shop that effectively serves as the sun's kissing booth, primarily filled with Ergoline UV beds that colour skin on four levels. Mystic Tan spray booths sidestep UV rays entirely in favour of gentle bronzer, and a stock of premium-brand lotions deepen and sustain a golden glow begot by a variety of methods, excepting Midas's touch.