Spa Road Trip: Where to Spa in DC, Bethesda, and Arlington

The red door symbol of Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa is as iconic to the spa world as say, the White House is to the presidency—and it makes sense the spa brand offers locations in D.C., as both it and the nation’s capital present storied histories. There are two Red Door Spa establishments in D.C. (Wisconsin Avenue and the Willard InterContinental), along with spas in Bethesda and Arlington, offering an all-encompassing spa menu complete with award-winning signature services and beauty and wellness recommendations amidst the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital.

Image courtesy of Red Door Spa

Another power player in D.C., The Spa at Mandarin Oriental is a Forbes Four Star recipient set in the opulent downtown Mandarin Oriental, overlooking the Jefferson Memorial. Spa interiors express a sense of Zen, harmonized by amethyst crystal steam rooms, vitality pools, chic relaxation areas, and an ice fountain. Following a day of hectic meetings or sightseeing, melt into one of the spa’s holistic rituals sourced from around the world, whether it be a signature service combining Traditional Chinese Medicine and aromatherapy, a bamboo massage, or a CACI non-invasive firming facial.

Learn more about Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C.

Image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C.

What the boutique-style Petite Spa at The Jefferson lacks in size it gains in originality. Its menu features a special vinotherapy ritual—the Le Vin Antioxidant Wine Therapy (60 mins)—that pays homage to Thomas Jefferson’s love of wine, and select custom spa treatments showcase herbs and botanicals grown in Monticello’s gardens.

Learn more about Petite Spa at The Jefferson.

Image courtesy of Petite Spa at The Jefferson

Cheers to our first amendment right to express freedom of speech so we can share with you info about Park Hyatt Washington DC’s intimate, Tony Chi-designed Spa Room. It’s filled with an aromatherapy steam shower, mani/pedi station, bath, treatment bed, and lounging bench—allowing you the utmost in privacy while you partake in Suite Spa treatments such as the City Detox (2 hrs; $400). This head-to-toe body ritual combines a 60-minute deep pore cleansing facial, 30-minute herbal body wrap, and 30-minute neck, back, shoulders and feet treatment using pressure-point techniques.

Learn more about Suite Spa – Park Hyatt Washington DC.

Image courtesy of Park Hyatt Washington DC

DC may be about the power of politics, but the power of plant life takes precedence at Aveda salon and spa in nearby Bethesda. Signature Aveda treatments and products are high-performance, botanically based in nature, highlighting naturally derived ingredients designed to keep everything from your skin to your strands luscious and radiant. The Perfecting Plant Peel ($50 alone or $25 with a facial) and the Chakra Balancing Body Massage (90 mins; $152) are just some of the many services that command attention.

Image courtesy of Aveda Bethesda Salon and Spa

We’re all for lobbying on Capitol Hill to make spa-ing a constitutional right, especially if it means we could visit the Spa at Four Seasons Hotel, Washington DC on a, say, daily basis. Spa services fuse luxury (think Amala, Carita, and Kate Somerville facials) with clever (the Capitol Hill Scrub is on the menu); for the ultimate indulgence, the Night Spa package for two is available and includes two 80-minute massage services, exclusive use of the hotel’s pool level between 10:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m., and a Michael Mina dining experience ($1,800 per couple).

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel, Washington DC

There’s no law that says you have to love spa-ing, but The Boutique Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, a hotel housed in a Historic Landmark, makes it easy. There are just four treatment rooms here, befitting of its name and embodying an intimate, private vibe; the spa also has a steam room and fitness center, but our guess is that its signature treatments from Eminence Organic and Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare also keep guests coming back.

Image courtesy of Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C.

The freedom to get healthy is alive and well at Soma Spa at Balance Gym in upper Georgetown, where the only agenda is to rejuvenate body and mind. Choose from a comprehensive menu that ranges from skin-care and body to waxing and beauty services—plus, enjoy complimentary access to the spa’s gym and sauna on the same day as your spa visit.

Learn more about Soma Spa at Balance Gym.

Images courtesy of Soma Spa at Balance Gym

At the tri-level Bliss Spa, the concern is “balancing complexions instead of the budget,” and the “hot topic [is] waxes, not taxes.” Here you’ll find trademark Bliss touches like jazz/blues tunes, a sleek nail lounge, and brownie buffet that mingle with subtle accents familiar to the region such as textured cherry blossom wall coverings. You have the freedom to unwind in either the men’s or women’s locker rooms and relaxation lounges—complete with grass-tiled steam showers and sinkside soap sampling—before partaking in services like the Ginger Rub™ (105/135 mins; $220/$280).

Image courtesy of Bliss Spa at W Washington D.C.

Urban hideaway-slash-medical spa Hela offers “overworked cosmopolitans” a variety of spa, beauty, and medical esthetic services. Brush aside the city stress and relax at this spa in the heart of historic Georgetown, whether seeking a hot stone massage (50/80 mins; $145/$190), a Vitalize Peel ($250), or a full set of eyelash extensions ($300). Medical spa treatments include injections, laser hair removal, laser vein therapies, photorejuvenation, and VISIA™ Digital Skin Analysis.

Learn more about Hela Spa Georgetown.

Image courtesy of Hela Spa Georgetown