North Branford, CT Spa and Massage

Cara Bartkus is never in a rush. Long before opening her own spa, she first attended the Institute of Aesthetic Arts & Sciences, then became a certified aesthetician, and later worked at several spas to gather all the experience necessary to become a well-rounded aesthetician. Though hurting her 40-meter dash times, this level of patience and diligence translates to her massage, facial, hand and arm, and facial waxing treatments, during which she takes the time to make sure each client feels pampered. She also augments her treatments by laying candles throughout the small spa space and by using Eve Taylor products made with organic essential oils.

B Spa & Salon likes to party. The beauty hub opened in 2010 with a gala event attended by industry insiders and Real Housewives of New York City star Ramona Singer, and since then its representatives have frequented events such as the F. A. B. philanthropic party. But while the spa maintains a high profile, its primary concern isn't its own image, but those of its clients. That's why its aestheticians rely on more than 10 facial cocktails and advanced facial treatments, such as microcurrent therapy and LED lights, to promote healthy complexions. It's also why the aestheticians perform both organic sugaring and traditional waxing to deplete the body’s hair supply. Like a daytime TV judge, the salon is good at straightening things out; stylists tame unruly strands with keratin treatments from Coppola and Brazilian Blowout.

Bare Skin and Laser’s licensed medical aestheticians and certified laser technicians whisk away the fuzz and blemishes that obscure exteriors, revealing their clients’ underlying beauty. With the Palomar StarLux laser system, they permanently banish leg hair and liberate moustaches for mailing to Charlie Chaplin impersonators. Zeroing in on the skin itself, the technicians renew visages with treatments such as IPL skin rejuvenation and chemical peels that incorporate blueberry extracts and antioxidants as they improve skin’s appearance. In addition to refreshing epidermises, the center can also shade them with Bronze Biologic spray tans, imbuing a coppery glow that distracts from one’s extra bellybutton at the beach.

Atop a table in a soothing white massage room, clients unwind with calming massages administered by the adroit hands at Red Wine Spa. Here, visitors can take comfort in the fragrant bliss of aromatherapy and the welcome heat of hot-stone massages; alternatively, they can relish the human companionship of a couples massage, which makes it easier to believe that there are no monsters lurking under the massage table. Other ameliorative treatments include ear-candle therapy and traditional foot reflexology.

After a year of living in the corporate-communications world, Sabita knew she needed to change paths. Like a baseball player who runs to first every time he swings, she felt herself becoming too aggressive. In order to reconnect with her inner empathy and sense of place in the world, she decided to commit herself to taking care of others. With that desire in mind, she became a massage therapist and holistic-health counselor and opened the Sabita Holistic Center in 2003 to surround herself with like-minded professionals.

Celebrating their 10th year of business, Sabita and her staff heal guests of all ages and needs with holistic techniques, such as guided meditation, massages specifically tailored to elderly guests, and self-esteem workshops. In addition to leading the classes and workshops, doctors meet with guests to prescribe holistic treatment plans that incorporate Western and Eastern methods. The center even purveys its own beverage: Sabita Tea. It's a kosher-certified organic line that comes in varieties such as peppermint white tea, nutmeg white, and anise—which comes from the eponymous seed-producing plant.