Soothe Your Soul

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, May 21st, 2009

And your aching wallet, with these budget-friendly spa services

By Jamie Rich and McLean Robbins / Photography by Jonathan Timmes

“The spa gives you permission to pause,” says Lynn McNees, president of the International Spa Association. Pausing is something we’d all like to do, particularly if that mini-stop means a hold on the free-falling economy.

When times are tough, even the most frugal among us feel a need for stress relief and relaxation. It’s all about prioritizing, says Mary Powell, owner of Bella Donna Spa in Alexandria. Clients might choose shorter services instead of full spa days, but many are foregoing daily Starbucks or extravagant vacations and opting instead to treat themselves with a massage, she says.

“We found this after Sept. 11 as well,” McNees says. “People see spas as a safe experience, and when they’re stressed, they go to the spa.”

In this month’s package, we’ve explored 20 local spas—many with multiple locations—where you can escape and savor budget-conscious treatments.

Mini-Service Magicians
McNees says that a top trend among spas is a return to the basics—massages, particularly Swedish, are the top seller nationwide. Spas are now offering mini-services, 30-minute pick-me-ups like chair massages and express facials, which cater to both limited wallets and stressed-out spa goers who can’t afford a whole day of pampering.

And therapists agree that even short services can offer great relaxation benefits.

Sesen
111 Church St., Vienna; 703-281-0822; www.sesen.com

If you can’t consider splurging on a massage or facial, why not pamper your most visible asset—your hands—with a luxurious manicure?

Even a strip mall mani-pedi combo averages between $30 and $40 for a combined service package, often with long waits and little to no attention to detail. At best, you emerge with prettily polished hands and feet, and at worst, you walk away with a nasty infection.

Vienna’s Sesen Spa is known nationwide for its commitment to both economy and quality. Owner Lisa Tep has even been profiled by “The Today Show” for her staunch commitment to keeping client’s hands and feet sanitary and stylish at the same time.

Consider treating yourself to this spa’s signature service selection—their menu of mani-pedis runs only slightly higher than your average strip mall location, but it includes such luxe varieties as “Chocoholic,” with chocolate-scented lotions and oils, ($24 per manicure, $36 per pedicure) or “Foot Fetish” reflexology ($38), a perfect treatment for any heel-weary feet in need of pampering.

Yvonne Salon
8643 Richmond Highway, Alexandria; 703-799-3708 and 4170 Dale Blvd., Woodbridge; 703-680-2525; www.yvonnesalon.com

For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, head to Alexandria’s Yvonne Salon  for a “Dr. Fish” pedicure ($35- $50).

The now-famous Dr. Fish pedicure, which has made waves in the national press, works with tiny fish that nibble dead skin off your feet as a pre-pedicure exfoliation treatment. It’s surprisingly relaxing, and the nibbles don’t hurt a bit—they feel like someone lightly scratching or tickling your feet.

In May, loyal Dr. Fish customers or curious first-timers get a break on the unusual treatment. Yvonne’s “Something Fishy” package ($125) includes Dr. Fish manicure and pedicure, plus a massage of choice (no fish involved in the massage). For the men, Yvonne offers a gentlemen’s package ($130) with a massage of choice, facial and sport manicure (also sans fish).

Spa Noa
1638 Plaza America Drive, Reston; 703-318-3223; www.spanoa.com

If you’re still craving more than a polish change, consider putting off that next dinner with your girlfriends in favor of Spa Noa’s “Express Menu,” where all treatments run under an hour—and under $100. The Reston spa offers treatments like a 45-minute Express facial ($70) or a 30-minute peel ($60). Pop in for a 45-minute massage ($75) or a shorter 30-minute session ($60). For a real quickie, try a 15-minute head, neck and shoulders massage ($30) or a 15-minute mini manicure ($30).

Le Papillon
650 Cedar Creek Grade, Suite 100, Winchester; 540-722-0722; www.lepapillondayresort.com

Winchester’s Le Papillon Day Spa also offers an “Express Service” menu, where all treatments are under $30. Enjoy all the benefits of this new 10,000-square-foot day resort, but spend just a fraction of the price of a longer treatment when you book treatments like the Neem and Gotu Kola Hydrating Hair Treatment ($40) or treat that crick in your neck with spot-treatment deep tissue ($50).

Comfort & Joy
9514A Main St., Fairfax; 703-425-8800; www.comfortjoy.com

Mini services are the “least expensive way to spa,” says Julie Smalfelt, owner of Fairfax’s Comfort & Joy Wellness Spa.

If you’re looking for a physical effect as well as a mental one, consider packaging several of these mini services for a benefit at the cost of just one treatment at a more expensive spa.  The Comfort & Joy Spa Sampler  ($130) features a 20-minute seated massage, followed by a 30-minute Organic Wellness facial, and finishes with a Classic Healthy Hands manicure.

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Massages for the Money-Tight
McNees says the most popular spa service by far is a basic Swedish massage. No wonder it’s something you just can’t do for yourself!

Massage Envy
Locations in Arlington, Burke, Dumfries, Frederick, Herndon/Reston and Sterling; www.massageenvy.com

If you’re a true massage devotee—or someone with chronic pain—consider making a monthly rubdown part of your routine. The physical benefits are numerous, including increased blood flow, more limber muscles, and of course, reduced stress. At Massage Envy, with locations throughout the Northern Virginia area, clients can purchase by-the-month massage services for a reasonable fee (as little as $49 per month).

Spa-goers can choose from a menu of sports, Swedish or deep tissue therapies, with each one-hour session customized to their individual needs. Treatments are still conducted in a quiet, spa-like environment, and additional services beyond the monthly minimum are added on for a discounted membership rate.

It’s also an ideal spot for working professionals. Open seven days per week, the spa often opens as early as 8 a.m. and closes as late as 10 p.m.

Rejuvenations
297 Herndon Parkway, Suite 302, Herndon; 703-437-9059; www.rejuvenationsmassagetherapy.com

Other spas choose to offer periodic discounts on their special services as an incentive for new clients. At Rejuvenations Massage Therapy expectant mothers are invited to take $20 off any prenatal massage (in honor of Mother’s Day). Specially trained in prenatal massage, Rejuvenations’ massage therapists promise to expel the discomforts of pregnancy for days or weeks after your treatment.

Rejuvenations’ rewards program also relieves financial stress with a 10-percent discount on services for those who join. And clients who plan ahead save $5 on their next massage if booked before leaving the spa.

Tres Bella
426 N. Royal Ave., Front Royal; 540-635-2255; www.tresbellaspa.com

At Front Royal’s Tres Bella Spa, clients can experience a menu of massages and other treatments that rival the offerings at most restaurants. All hour-long massages are under $100 (except the four-hands massage, which features two therapists), including treatments like the Ayurvedic Indian Head Massage (30 min., $50/60 min., $80), a scalp massage that lasts the whole hour. The treatment, which combines a moisturizing scalp massage with neck and shoulder treatment, is said to reduce the occurrence of migraines.

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Perfect Packages
Powell of Bella Donna Spa in Alexandria says that while she hasn’t seen a decrease in overall traffic, she has noticed that some clients are cutting back in their own way. Instead of planning a luxe vacation, they’re spending a few hours on a top-quality spa treatment or unwinding with a really great massage or facial.

Consider booking half- or full-day packages, or at least doubling up on services, where you can often save $10 to $15 per visit, and at times upward of 10 percent. Some spas change their offerings each month, while others have regular combinations.

Bella Donna
7025-H Manchester Blvd., Alexandria; 703-313-7945; www.belladonnspa.net

Celebrate the warm weather by getting your tootsies in tip-top shape at Bella Donna in the month of May. The “Spring in Your Step” package features a Spa Paraffin Pedicure and Hydrating Paraffin Manicure, plus hydrating foot-care cream to take home as a gift. Available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in May for $65, regularly $95.

Don’t forget to sign up for email alerts, which often include special limited run coupons and occasionally a free service for the first respondent.

Dansk Day Spa
12A Commerce St., Occoquan; 703-492-1991; www.danskdayspa.com

Want the full-on robe and relaxation room experience?

If you’re craving a European getaway but transcontinental airfare has you down, consider a slice of Europe at Occoquan’s Dansk Day Spa.

Birgit Campana, the spa’s half-Scandinavian owner, strives for European authenticity with her treatment menu. This month, Dansk offers a head-to-toe recharge package that includes a one-hour Swedish massage, classic facial and spa pedicure for $205. Sip a glass of wine or nibble on decadent chocolates to complete your Euro-inspired spa day.

Eclips
6643 Old Dominion Drive, McLean; 703-821-0022
44110 Ashburn Village, Ashburn; 703-858-7555; www.eclipshair.com

Even if you’re not headed south of the border for a pre-Memorial Day jaunt, swimsuit season is fast approaching. Calm your anxieties at Eclips this month with either Endermology and General Physiotherapy G5 cellulite reduction treatments, both 20 percent off (the $120 price tag is typically set at $150).

If skin discoloration or unwanted hair has kept you covered up, get bikini-ready with an entire 25 percent off of the Harmony Light treatment, a spa service that zaps irregular skin pigmentation, as well as any hair and wrinkles (prices vary by body part).

For those who love spa luxury but hate looking like a wreck when it’s over, Eclips offers a complimentary blow-dry after all massages, facials and body treatments and a free makeup touch-up with spa packages.

Reveal Med Spa
Locations in Tysons Corner, Fairfax Corner, Pentagon Row and Springfield; www.reveal.com

Reveal Med Spa is offering a similar get-fit package for the spring. In celebration of the season, take 30 percent off all packages of ALASE hair removal, SMOOTHEFFECTS cellulite treatment, FRACTIONALRX and FOTORENU skin rejuvenation for the entire month (total prices vary by body part and client).

These treatments, conducted under the supervision of a licensed physician, aren’t always the most relaxing, but they issue noticeable and generally long-lasting results in as little as one or two sessions.

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Relaxing Referrals
Often the best referrals come from word of mouth, and many spas reward those that have big ones—mouths, that is, not wallets.

Sisters3
2729 Wilson Blvd., Clarendon; 703-525-3333; www.shopsisters3.com

Clarendon’s Sisters3 offers the best deal we’ve found in the area. Run by (you guessed it) three sisters, Arlie, Abby and Alex know the value of a good referral, as most all of their business is based on recommendation. They also know the value of sisterly love. For every two clients you refer, a free service comes your way.

PR at Partners
Various locations; www.pratpartners.com/locations

But if you’re unwilling to strip to your skivvies for a free treatment, consider heading to local chain PR at Partners, where clients can get $10 referral discounts as well as a $10 first-time client discount on both spa (select locations) and hair services.

But if you really are in need of a little hair-today-gone-tomorrow therapy, for the first two weeks in May, PR at Partners is also offering an unlimited hair-removal package, good for one month from date of purchase. For $100, clients can use as many sugaring services as they would like, which means that your bikini, lip, underarms, legs, and yes, even those hairy backs can be smooth in time for Memorial Day.

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Spa More, Save More
Much like Costco, spas often offer discounts to those clients willing to buy in bulk. (Speaking of Costco—purchase $100 SpaFinder gift certificates, good for many spas mentioned in this article, for just $80 at this warehouse behemoth.)

Amenity Day Spa
44365 Premier Plaza, Suite 102, Ashburn; 703-726-8100; www.amenitydayspa.com

Some spas offer membership clubs, like Ashburn’s Amenity Day Spa, where owner Patty Wolpe designed the unique Crystalline Club, where a $50 yearly membership offers bonus points toward free rewards treatments, plus a permanent 10-percent discount on all spa services and products. Added perks include referral bonuses, added discounts for trying new services, and complimentary upgrades to the spa’s larger treatment rooms when available.

Spa Minerale
44050 Woodridge Parkway, Lansdowne; 703-729-4036; www.spaminerale.com

Similarly, Lansdowne Resort’s ultra-posh Spa Minerale, offers a new Spa Minerale Rewards Club, where spa-goers gain one point for every dollar spent. For every 1,000 points earned (it’s faster than one would think—with bonuses for referrals, featured treatments and booking before leaving the spa), you receive a $50 card.

Valon
5708 Pickwick Road, Centreville; 703-266-7660; www.valonsalon.com

Others offer a more simple mentality— the more you visit, the more you save. At Centreville’s Valon, owner Valary Brown prides herself on the fact that most of her clients are repeat customers, and that many are also referrals from satisfied clients. An industry veteran, Brown says that friendly service and top-quality treatments keep her clients coming back. She recently even invested in a microdermabrasion machine (and got certified to use it) at the request of her regular customers. As a reward for frequent customers, book 10 treatments and receive the 11th free.

Tranquility
10360 Portsmouth Road, Manassas; 703-257-7200
15125 Washington St., Suite 304, Haymarket; 571-248-4150; www.tranquilitydayspa.com

Tranquility Day Spa and Salon’s Manassas and Haymarket locations , gives newcomers purchasing any three spa services nets a gratis fourth. Those looking to get into bathing suit shape might consider using the free treatment for a “bacial” or back facial, which uses mineral salts to smooth the skin and a toning masque ($70).

Red Door Spa
Locations in Fairfax Corner, Pentagon Row, Reston and Tysons Corner; www.reddoorspas.com

In light of the dismal-looking economy, even previously expensive spas have gotten in on the discount action. The famed Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa is offering three levels of preferential pricing. Buy six treatments, and save 10 percent. Buy eight, get one service free. If you upgrade to 12 treatments, you’ll receive two free services. At upward of $100 for many treatments, these freebies are essentially cash back in your wallet. Complimentary makeup touchups are also available after each treatment.

Finally, no matter what type of treatment you prefer to seek out, just remember that the chance to achieve total relaxation is priceless.

VALUE FIND
Massage Schools

Those truly looking for a massage discount should also consider booking an appointment through a nearby massage school. Although not as posh as a day spa, these treatments are conducted by advanced students at a fraction of the cost of a spa treatment. Prices for less advanced students are cheaper, but often allow permission for other students to watch through a glass wall as therapists work. It’s a completely professional environment, however. Visit Northern Virginia School of Massage, and Virginia School of Massage for more details.

Northern Virginia School of Massage www.nvschoolofmassage.com
Virginia School of Massage www.vasom.com

(May 2009)

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Chef Jose Andres Talks Budget-Friendly Recipes on NPR

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

Yesterday on NPR’s “All Things Considered,” Chef Jose Andres, the Spanish mastermind behind Café Atlantico and Jaleo, shared his recipe for a thrifty yet fabulous meal — a garlic and saffron-infused Morrocan-style chickpea and spinach stew — that feeds four people for under $10.

Chef Andres, who the Washingtonian credits with introducing the small plates concept to the area, first tasted the stew when his then-new wife prepared it for him — with less than economical results. It wasn’t the pinch of saffron that broke the budget; it was the long distance call she made to her mother to walk her through the recipe from start to finish:

Andres tells NPR’s Michele Norris. “I remember how good it was, how affordable it was. But the telephone bill is something I will remember forever.”

To bring down the cost of this dish, skip the staggering long distance bill by checking out the recipe here, and use dried chickpeas instead of canned. The trick to cooking dried chickpeas, according to the Chef Andres, is to 1) soak them overnight with a pinch of baking soda and 2) learn the language of peas so that you, like a skilled lover, can tell when they are supple, willing and ready:

“You’re going to look at them, talk to them,” he says. “What if you’re not fluent? I’m talking to them, touching them, and with a little pressure in your fingers, you see they are very soft thing. The chickpeas is telling me, ‘I am ready.’

Those are some lucky garbanzos beans.

Do you have an arsenal of cost-effective recipes that will tide you through the recession? Share them with NPR’s “How Low Can You Go” challenge by May 1, and your recipe might be mentioned on air. Or you can just skim the 60+ recipes that have already been submitted to find something to make for dinner tonight.

– Christina Lee

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