Washington, D. C. Beauty And Spa Guide

Washington, DC is home to scores of foreign embassies, so it’s only natural that the city’s spas feature a host of internationally inspired beauty treatments, from European facials to Thai massages. Just a short walk from the 16th Street embassies, TuSuva specializes in the latter. The spa’s soothing Thai massages incorporate stretching, muscle compressions, and acupressure to balance the body’s energy channels. Up in the appropriately named Friendship Heights district, the staff at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa have no trouble making friends with a service menu that includes Swedish massages and swift Brazilian waxes. The Swedish-inspired Hela Spa feels right at home amidst the embassies in Georgetown, one of which actually belongs to Sweden. The spa’s multifaceted approach to beauty includes injectables and laser vein therapies along with holistic approaches such as acupuncture. Behind a quaint brick storefront on the opposite side of the Potomac, Circe of Alexandria’s team calls forth smooth skin with naturally derived Aveda products. The spa’s signature Caribbean Therapy body treatment intrigues and relaxes the senses with its warm seaweed exfoliants and mango-and-lime body cream. Washington’s ambassadors don’t always hail from foreign countries. Take Michael Canale of  Violet Salon, the city’s resident emissary of Beverly Hills fashion. Canele spends most of his time in California, where he’s been the trusted stylist of Jennifer Aniston since her days on Friends. Once a month, he comes to this DC spa to share his styling prowess with those lucky enough to snag an appointment. DC’s urban layout lends itself to more intimate day spas, but locals and visitors alike can also indulge their senses at some of the city’s luxurious hotels. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental is home to an expansive, 10,050-square-foot space awash in a sea of blues. Cerulean water murals flow across the back wall of the whirlpool area, and turquoise waters ripple in the two-lane swimming pool. True to its name, the spa looks to Chinese doctors to formulate its Eastern-influenced therapies.

What others are saying

K
30, Sep
General Admission for One - Valid Any Day
Relaxing experience that gives you time to unwind and think. The sound of the water really takes you to another world. The jets feel outstanding on sore muscles.
Indulge in Total Relaxation at Spa World (Up to 30% Off)
Candace
27, Sep
60 Min Swedish Massage with Deep Pore Cleansing Facial & Dermaplane
Amazing customer service! Perfect place to go for a self-care day
Pampering Package - Massage with Sauna/Facial
Faye
17, Sep
Six Laser Hair-Removal Sessions on One Small Area - Valid Only at Chevy Chase
I had my first visit ever to laser a small area. Check-in was friendly, efficient, and fast (if you complete the medical forms electronically before arrival), and fast. I was called back 30 seconds after check-in. My nurse practioner was professional, friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and asked pertinent questions. She also explained everything in detail so I had no questions. I highly recommend SEV, Bethesda.
Six Laser Hair Removal at SEV Laser, a Celebrity-Favorite Salon
Scott
28, Sep
Two-Hour Spa Package: 20-Minute Sauna, 40-Minute Full Body Scrub and 60-Minute Deep-Tissue Massage
Very good job, very accommodating, very relaxing.
60 or 90-Min Couples Massage + Hot Stones with or without 25-Min Sauna
Nadia
12, Sep
One Hydrafacial - New Customers Only
Nilou is a G! Shes professional, shes personable and she is skilled! I cant wait to go back to see her! She has gained a new customer. The place was clean parking was copious and I like how relatble Nilou is. She you next time!
Choose from Deluxe, Hydrafacial or Oxygen Facial for New Customers
Ghazaleh
28, Sep
Women's Haircut with Blowout
Rachel is beyond amazing! She spent a lot of time to make sure my haircut and blow dry look amazing!
Pamper Your Hands and Feet: Manicure and Pedicure