Chicago Spotlight: 10 Top Spas That Will Blow You Away in the Windy City
Deep-dish pizza. The “Bean.” Oprah. Chicago is known for some seriously iconic stuff, so where better to start our series spotlighting top Chicago spas where you can use your SpaFinder® Gift Card? Whether you’ve been holding on to one for a while (they never expire!) or received one for the holidays, SpaFinder Wellness Gift Cards offer you tons of spa and wellness options near you or at more than 20,000 locations worldwide. While we could easily go around the world, let’s focus on Chi-town and all it has to offer!
Peninsula Chicago
108 East Superior Street
Why we love it: A delightful blend of “East meets West” sophistication with famous Midwestern warmth,The Peninsula Spa offers an ESPA holistic treatment menu and a sanctuary vibe. Guests will feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of the Magnificent Mile just below as they partake in innovative Spa Ceremonies, which combine Asian, Ayurvedic and European techniques.
The treatment to try: The Uplifting Mint Experience, unique to the Peninsula Chicago, begins with a tea ceremony and a fresh ginger foot scrub and is followed by ESPA’s most advanced massage. A great way to use your SpaFinder Wellness Gift Card!
Ruby Room Inn Spa Salon Shop
1743-1745 West Division Street
Why we love it: Located in the center of Chicago’s historic Wicker Park neighborhood, the shabby-chic, boho-inspired Ruby Room Inn, Spa, Salon and Shop infuses each treatment with energy healing. We’re obsessed with the apothecary, which is highlighted by a Chinese herbal-tonic elixir bar, flower essence bar and crystal bar to provide numerous healing options—shaken or stirred!
Exclusive deal: Try a complimentary 15-minute Infrared Amethyst Biomat session with any healing or colonic service. The biomat is said to remove toxins, reduce stress and anxiety, relieve pain and more!
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
401 North Wabash Avenue
Why we love it: Despite the fact that it’s the only spa menu in the Midwest to feature Kate Somerville facials, we love the fact that guests at this earthy spa can experience its signature Gemstone Spa Treatments, which use gem-infused oils rich in diamonds, rubies or sapphires—proving that diamonds are not the only best friend a girl can have!
Elysian Spa and Health Club at The Waldorf Astoria Chicago
11 E. Walton
Why we love it: The downtown Waldorf Astoria Chicago has created “a place where the Gods go to rest” with decor reflecting the spa’s Elysian Fields mythology concept. Soft cream tones complemented by glossy charcoal flooring and cascading water walls, provide guests an escape from city living.
The treatment to try: Use your SpaFinder Wellness Gift Card for the two-hour Elysian Cleanse: a combo of a full-body exfoliation, detox marine mud wrap, facial cleanse and healing massage, along with soothing hydrotherapy!
Joseph Michael’s Salon and Spa
1313 N Ritchie Court
Why we love it: An intimate 1,000-square-foot salon and spa bathed in rich, dark, earthy tones, stone floors and flickering candlelight. The three treatment rooms boast Pevonia Botanica European Facials, as well as hot stone massage, reflexology and chemical peels for top-notch skin.
The treatment to try: Joseph Michael’s exclusively offers Dr. Schrammek’s Herbal Green Peel, a medically developed, biologically based skin regeneration peel using only pure, natural ingredients. Use your SpaFinder Wellness Gift Card to tap into this fountain of youth.
Blueberry Moon
2108 N Halsted St.
Why we love it: An Aveda Lifestyle salon and spa, Blueberry Moon in Lincoln Park’s Halsted Shopping District gives locals and visitors alike a boutique-style salon/spa experience using naturally derived and cruelty-free products. The space features an eclectic blend of original pieces of Chicago architecture, along with eco-friendly raw materials mixed with rescued antiques.
The treatment to try: The menu offers Pea in a Pod™ services for mommies-to-be, making it the perfect destination for a babymoon!
Tiffani Kim Institute
310 West Superior Street
Why we love it: This 12,000-square-foot duplex medical and spa facility is one of the largest in all of Chicagoland, and guests can enjoy a myriad of treatments in its 14 treatment rooms. From Botox to body scrubs, there is something for everyone at Tiffani Kim. We love that each month the spa hosts seminars that encompass topics such as post-holiday cleanse (January 14 from 6-7 p.m.), infertility, anxiety and much more!
Exclusive deal: For a limited time, the spa is offering 20 percent off all nail services with Aide (the new Gelish “No Chip” nail technician!).
Sanavita Studio
1357 W. Grand Ave.
Why we love it: Meaning “healthy life” in Latin, Sanavita Studio’s mission is to provide guests with a welcoming and energizing atmosphere to work on physical, emotional and spiritual fitness. Teachers follow the Anatomy Trains theory, which relies on synergy, or the body as a whole instead of individual muscles.
The treatment to try: Use your SpaFinder Wellness Gift Card and join in the Pilates Reformer JumpBoard Class—a fast-paced Pilates class that puts coordination to the test. This 60-minute workout targets full body strengthening of the abs, legs, arms and butt.
GiGi’s Elite Spa
10924 South Western
Why we love it: This Chi-town spa works to offer its guests a chance to “unwind, revive and connect the mind, body and soul.” GiGi’s uses its very own all-natural GG’s Creations product line for its holistic services. Ingredients include emu oil, aloe butter, olive oil, grape seed, shea butter and vitamin E, as well as essential oils like chamomile, sandalwood and lavender for their aromatherapy benefits.
The treatment to try: When getting facials at GiGi’s you must add on a pineapple or pumpkin enzyme peel for $15. These enzymes help to remove surface cells and improve the skin’s texture and glow.
Lincoln Park Massage Spa
630 W Webster Avenue
Why we love it: Lincoln Park Massage bases its spa philosophy on the concept that, “Some places you go to be seen. Others you go to be.” This 1,800-square-foot spa is located in Lincoln Park’s residential section. Each of the five treatment rooms feature unique themes so each time you visit, you can end up with a totally new experience.
The treatment to try: Diversified Reflex Therapy, a treatment that activates the immune system through a technique created by Dr. Hall-Walker, co-founder of the spa. Points along the body are stimulated and awakened to promote the healing process.
Jackie Burns Brisman
About the author: Jackie Burns Brisman
Jackie has been a featured beauty expert at HBA Global and has appeared live on CBS New York, Good Day Baltimore, and more. Her work has appeared in Spafinder, Skincare.com, American Salon, L'Oreal Paris Beauty Magazine, Well-Rounded, Spa Professional Mexico, MTV News, and more. Prior to joining the Spafinder team she spent time at Women's Health Magazine.