It doesn’t needs to be spelled out – again – that moms are losing their s%I&t thanks to two years of a pandemic with no end in sight, confusing rules surrounding quarantine and mask mandates, and an inordinate amount of time in the house with their kids … during which many have also been trying to hold down a job. While many of us used to dream of lavish week-long vacations with the sand between our toes, cocktail in hand, and kids nowhere to be seen, now, we literally dream of an hour of child-free time outside our homes. If you’re like me (or your mom is) the next best thing is a spa day. If you’d like to book an appointment for yourself, your mom, or someone else who deserves it, take a look at these local spas in great day-trip locations, offering deals this May and beyond that not only a mother could love.

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. This May, they’re offering a special facial which will gently peel and renew the skin, getting it spring-time glow worthy ready, as well as two new body treatments: a body contour wrap which includes full body exfoliation with a dry body brush, followed by a comforting body wrap using a warmed body mask to remove toxins; and a salt glow with warm soothing oils massaged into the skin, followed by a Himalayan salt and plant essence therapy exfoliation, designed to relieve stress and fatigue while gently stimulating the body’s circulation. 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 (+ Lahaska)

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. Bonus: The Lahaska location in Peddler’s Village is across the street from Giggleberry Fair play space, so the family can drop you off, tire out your LO, and pick you up with a tuckered-out kiddo.

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.

Spa Terme di Aroma

Old City
If you’ve ever walked down Third Street in Old City you’ve likely smelled a lovely fragrance that made you want to follow it to the source. That would be a great idea because, in this case, the source is Spa Terme di Aroma, a highly-trafficked and sought-after spa oasis in the middle of the city. Self-described as a holistic spa and sanctuary, it truly transports you out of traffic and into relaxation. With plenty of treatment rooms for you and a group of friends, you and mom go together, or book the private room for up to four people (Tuesday to Thursday only) and enjoy plush surroundings between appointments with teas, infused waters, and Italian cookies. The therapists will ask what kind of aromatherapy you want before your service, which enhances the truly experts massages, facials, and body treatments (think lemongrass, lavender, or mint). Use code May25 to get 25% off 60-minute massages when booked with a facial or check out the monthly specials. Perfectly situated in the shopping and dining destination of Old City, mom won’t have to go far to shop –or sip—til she drops. Note: Spa Terme is closed Sundays and Mondays.

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. The Underground has a special offer in May featuring a 50-minute relaxation massage and a 50-minute facial with Moroccan Oil scalp massage. 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, full body massages, and, for the mother’s day special, aromatherapy, hand scrub, red light therapy session, and more. 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. Coming soon: a Main Line location.

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