Rockwall, TX Spa and Massage

Apothecaries predate modern chemistry and pharmacology by hundreds of years, tracing their tradition of fashioning medicinal compounds from natural ingredients to Baghdad in the 8th century and Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. These skilled practitioners developed proven techniques to heal weary patients with organic balms and soothe hoards of barbarian Gauls with aromatic oils. Located near Lake Ray Hubbard, Affinity Wellness Salon & Spa mines these ancient techniques in its own apothecary, custom-making products and reinforcing their mission to guarantee each client "quality services with a personal touch." Winners of a 2010 Talk of the Town award, the staffers dote on every guest with spa and salon services that integrate oils, herbs, and teas to foster a relaxing, organic experience.

Judy Kurtz, the mother of a 5-year-old, knows the discomfort and stress that come along with pregnancy. That’s why she created La Bella Belly Spa, which is dedicated to the relaxation and wellness of moms. Whether they’re using 3-D ultrasounds snapped by a certified sonographer to reassure a client that her baby is healthy or pampering a client with a variety of spa services, such as pregnancy massages, glow-enhancing facials, and foot-soothing pedicures, the duo knows how to keep expectant mothers happy.

The spa also stocks various pregnancy products for sale and recently added an online maternity boutique. Though Kurtz caters to pregnant women, they also encourage women who aren't expecting and pregnant men to take advantage of La Bella Belly Spa.

How does one start a skincare business with no equipment, products, or money? Kim Evans found herself in that predicament when she started her business immediately after passing the state boards. With nothing but faith and a strong work ethic, she began tending to her clients' skin needs inside a rented room of a small spa. She worked 80 hours per week and became a licensed massage therapist to expand her business into what it is today: a wellness spa that enhances the beauty and health of skin and body through spa services and massage. Inside 2Gorjis Integrated Health & Wellness, three private treatment rooms house clients as two skin therapists cleanse surfaces during custom facials, or wrap bodies in aromatherapy herbal linens. The staff members bolster natural features with eyelash extensions, meticulous body waxing, and makeup artistry that includes exclamation points drawn next to eyebrows.

Holistic Touch's five massage therapists are all well-versed in Swedish and deep-tissue modalities, but they also each have their own specialties. Veronica, for example, mixes into her sessions such methods as meditation and the eastern healing practice known as reiki, and Cherricka even practices techniques designed specifically for treating carpal-tunnel syndrome. The therapists can also further customize massage sessions with add-ons including hot towels, essential oils, and hand or foot wraps. Because massage works best as part of a broader wellness regimen, Holistic Touch also rejuvenates clients with everything from salt-scrub treatments to holistic boot camps led by a talking tree.

Ku'uleilani Day Spa takes its musical name from its owner, an Oahu native who learned the art of Hawaiian lomi-lomi massage from her grandmother at a young age. At her spa, Ku'uleilani takes advantage of the nourishing powers of fruit and plants that grow naturally in Hawaii, as in the Kava body wrap or the green-papaya-enzyme facial. Waxing appointments also emphasize natural ingredients, uprooting hair with organic honey and beeswax. Since Ku’uleilani is also a licensed massage therapist, she can practice lomi-lomi and other massage styles without renting a speedboat and traveling to international waters.

At Another World Day Spa, a cast of beauty professionals and massage therapists collaborate to keep clients looking and feeling their very best. A slew of treatments for the face and body cleanse, rejuvenate, and soften skin to stage off everything from wrinkles and fine lines to acne and dry skin. Once renewed, skin can opt for further smoothing with waxing treatments for the brows, bikini area, and limbs. Licensed massage therapists tend to below-the-surface needs with half a dozen massage treatments, including Swedish, deep-tissue, and hot-stone sessions, as well 15 minutes of Fix It therapy, designed to quickly lessen pain or repair broken internal clocks.