The world's first day-spa owner invited clients to "experience the healing powers of this here tar pit," which was bad news for their clientele but invaluable for modern-day archaeologists. Preserve well-being without becoming permanently preserved with today's Groupon: for $65, you get a Swedish massage, hydrotherapy tub soak, and mani-pedi at the Garden Spa, located inside the Memorial Hermann Wellness Center (a $130 value).

Garden Spa destresses scrunched musculoskeletal systems and prettifies paltry body parts with a flock of relaxing beauty services. The expansive 5,200-square-foot facility implements herbal care inspired by the traditions of Father Sebastian Kneipp. During a half-hour Swedish massage (a $40 value), a therapist executes vigorous yet placid pressure, unknotting tense muscles like laces on a shoe made of muscles. In the hydrotherapy tub, more than 140 jets throb against achy bodies for 20–30 minutes as eye organs and olfactory zones are enveloped in aroma, stamped with color therapy, and shipped off to a zone of relaxation (a $35 value). As a denouement, fingers and toes are snipped, shaped, and pigmented for dazzling digit accents (a $55 value).

Reviews

Three Citysearchers give the Garden Spa five stars:

• Good atmosphere and kind staff. They obviously care about their work and reputation. – elisess
• I had such a wonderful experience at the Garden Spa! It was super relaxing and such an organized facility! The staff was very professional and inviting. – courand