Moms navigate through challenging times, balancing work and spending time at home with their kids. Many of us used to dream of long vacations on sandy beaches with a cocktail in hand, away from the kids. Now, even an hour of child-free time outside our homes sounds like a luxury. If you’re looking to treat yourself or someone deserving to a spa day, check out these local spas in perfect day-trip destinations. 

Cure de Repos

Chestnut Hill

This small-but-mighty spa in the heart of Chestnut Hill has location, location, location. It is not only close to great shopping and dining, but has a lounge and a garden perfect for relaxing pre- or post-treatment. With five treatment rooms for facials, massages, or body treatments, you and a few friends can book the space, bring in or order food and beverage, and enjoy the serene surroundings, while shopping for high-end, organic and vegan beauty products. Or go with a traditional, year-round offering, like the signature massage which is 60 instead of the typical 50 minutes – you’ll be glad you did!

David J. Witchell 

Newtown 

In the quaint area of Newtown, you’ll find unique shops, independent restaurants, and this luxurious spa. David J. Witchell is a full service hair salon with nail services upstairs, and full spa downstairs. Walk down as if into a wine cellar to this quiet, cave-like spa with multiple treatment rooms perfect for a group. There are about 10 types of massages to choose from, ranging from more traditional deep tissue to treatments using bamboo or Thai massage on a mat. Same with facials – they have a range based on whether you need more of a relaxing, cleansing, moisturizing, or one help with problem skin. Or opt for bronzing or a body wraps before washing off in a large steam shower bigger than many downtown bathrooms. 

Nurture Spa

New Hope

In the heart of New Hope is this bright-and-airy spa with a rooftop terrace with great sights and sounds of birds, water, and the bustling artsy town of New Hope. The 10,000-square foot historic building features a lounge on each floor, and treatment rooms for massages, body treatments, facials, waxing, and medical treatments in a quiet, relaxing environment sure to cure what ails you. You can also shop products, clothes, jewelry, and some things for the mom-to-be in their boutique. Give your mom the gift of a silver or gold membership, which includes your choice of one or two massages or facials each month, based on the level you purchase. Situated off Main Street, you walk down the canal path or any street to find a bevy of dining, drinking, shopping, and wandering options in New Hope, or just across the bridge in historic Lambertville, NJ.

 

The Underground Spa

Center City/Logan Square

At the luxurious Logan Hotel on the Parkway, the Underground Spa has all the makings of a relaxing retreat: a quiet location under the hotel shielded from city noise, a small pool for spa guests, a large relaxation room, all coupled with top-notch treatments to relax and renew. After your appointment, you’ll be offered a whiskey or wine in the spa’s relaxation room, or head up to Assembly, the rooftop lounge for mixed drinks and snacks featuring fire pits and spectacular views of the city. Of course, if you leave the Logan – though why would you? – you’re in the middle of city with dining, drinking, shopping, and museum options for any type of mom.

 

iBeach Club

Manayunk

This soon-to-be chain-let is a different experience than you’ll find anywhere else in the city – the point is to transport you to a fun beach party for your friends only. Currently, the location in Manayunk features five zero-gravity chairs in which you and your party ONLY will be treated to a full body massage, while enjoying your choice of treatments, including a scalp massage, facial mask, among others. Add on to the basic package use of the private sauna or jacuzzi and full body massages. Each guest is offered complimentary sangria, espresso or cucumber water, and you can BYO to make it more bubbly. If you want to keep the alcohol – or caffeine coming – wander down the hill and enjoy shopping, walking, and dining on Main Street. 

Lead photo shot at Essent Spa (learn more about them in this story on Main Line Parent) by Carolyn Clement Photography.

Article updated by Sarah Heyman.