I anticipate Spa Week like Christmas — one filled with hot towels, essential oils, and visions of massage therapists dancing in my head. The concept is simple: full-service treatments that normally cost anywhere from $100 to $200 and up for only $50 each. (I think I just spent that at Walgreens picking up random odds and ends). Having previously worked as an esthetician at the illustrious Peninsula Hotel Spa, you could say I'm a bit of a critic when it comes to the overall spa experience. At only fifty bucks a pop, I may as well execute due diligence, and test out a few of the latest treatments — and so should you.

 

  • Ruby Room (1743-45 W. Division St., 773-235-2323, pictured) is more than a spa. Think of it as a healing sanctuary, complete with a salon, extensive retail boutique, and overnight guest rooms — just in case you want to get away from someone in your life who is giving you a good dose of bad energy. In addition, they have unique offerings such as Sunday meditation classes, chakra energy healing, and (no joke) pet healing. Ruby Room is offering services you may not think of receiving every day, like enerssage with flower and gem essences (massage meets detox), acupuncture with a signature healing ritual (I'm intrigued), and detoxifying colon hydrotherapy — talk about Spring cleaning!
  • It has been said that the eyes are the window of the soul, so you better make sure those peepers aren't framed by wiry, old-man brows. Flutter Lash Studio (1627 N. Clybourn Ave., 312-265-1563) in Lincoln Park is known for providing killer eyelash extensions, but it really handles all things eyes, which in my baby blues, makes it an expert. I love the fact that its Spa Week eyebrow shaping comes with a lash and brow tint, and its lash perm offer means I can throw that crazy metal contraption — the one that always ends up pinching my lids — in a drawer.
  • Yes, I worked there, but The Peninsula Spa by ESPA (108 E. Superior St, 20th Floor, 312-573-6860) is the only five-star, five-diamond property on the Spa Week list — who wouldn't want to check that out? The facilities are gorgeous (check out the pool with the killer view of the Chicago skyline as seen in the pic), the therapists top-notch (I still know many of them), and it will probably be the best (and most luxurious) nourishing manicure and/or detoxifying pedicure you've ever had.