Between getting the kids back to school and the hectic holiday season ahead, October is the month we get to catch our breath. Give your body and soul a break this fall with some well-deserved self-care. As flight attendants remind us, you should always put on your oxygen mask before helping others.
Our Top Greenwich Spas
1. SPA AT DELAMAR
500 Steamboat Springs, Greenwich
delamar.com
Overlooking Greenwich Harbor, the Spa at Delamar may be steps away from Greenwich Avenue, but it feels like a vacation destination. Massages, exfoliating foot treatments, targeted hot stones, LED light therapy and collagen face masks are just a few of the treatments offered to make your visit feel like a holiday. Or make a daytrip of it and visit the other Connecticut locations in Southport and West Hartford.
2. J HOUSE SPA
1114 E. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich
jhousespa.com
In addition to a wide range of massages and facials, J House Spa offers unique services like cupping, mud wraps, reiki and IV hydration. The spa menu is extensive. Sometimes it’s difficult to find services for new moms and moms-to-be, but J House has a wealth of pre- and postnatal massage and treatment options.
3. NOELLE SALON AND SPA
1100 High Ridge Road, Stamford
noelle.com
For decades, Noelle Salon and Spa in Stamford has been a go-to relaxation destination and a highly coveted Mother’s Day gift certificate. Beyond the bustling hair salon in front, there’s an oasis of calm in the back, where massages and facials are offered. Special services include teen treatments as well as prenatal massages for moms-to-be.
4. THE WELL+ COMPANY
177 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich
thewellgreenwich.com
The Well+ Company provides busy women the opportunity to take a break from their schedules to focus on physical and mental wellness with its holistic and modern services. Red-light treatments, infrared sauna, normative compression, a sunlight sauna and Balancer Pro are just a few of the offerings. Try a three-day introduction tour. Membership options are available to make your well-being a wise priority.
5. PERFORMANCE OPTIMAL HEALTH
35 River Road, Cos Cob
performanceoptimalhealth.com
From infrared saunas to cryotherapy, Performance Optimal Health caters to heat lovers and cold fans alike. You may know this spot for its excellent physical therapists, but it also focuses on nutrition, exercise and recovery services. Whether you’re looking at athletic recovery or to support active longevity, there are massages, compression therapy and customized wellness programs that fit the bill. Monthly packages are available. You can also check them out in Darien, Westport, New Canaan, Manhattan and Naples, Florida.
Spas for Your Soul
They say the best doctors are air and nature. The same goes for relaxation. And we have great “spas” right outside our doors—the lovely parks throughout Fairfield County. Consider exploring the road less traveled at these off-the-beaten-path parks.
6. COS COB PARK
22 Sound Shore, Cos Cob
The 9/11 Memorial at the harbor features a contemplative spot on the water and walking paths with sweeping views. A playground, picnic area, soccer field and small amphitheater border this accessible park for peace along the waterfront.
7. CONVENT OF ST. BIRGITTA
4 Runkenhague Road, Darien
bridgettines-usa.org
Tucked away in the hidden inlets of the Long Island Sound in nearby Darien, sits the Convent of St. Birgitta. The sisters of the convent welcome all faiths who desire to rest and walk their tranquil ten-acre property on the water. Enjoy the peaceful natural setting or sit inside for quiet prayer. Daily mass, morning and night prayer times are on the website.
Greenwich Yoga Studios
Yoga is a staple on the scene, and there is no shortage of studios in our area. Here are two of our favs.
8. THE STUDIO GREENWICH
701 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich
thestudiogreenwich.com
The Studio Greenwich is a serene spot to practice yoga and meditation. Features include an infrared sauna, yoga and medication as well as unique classes like gentle candlelight sound healing. Classes from hot to restorative to Vinyasa to Bikram provide a range of options for your yoga journey. Private sessions are available or add on a few friends for a custom class.
9. YOGA BY DANIT
6 Lewis Street, Greenwich
yogabydanit.com
Yoga by Danit has been voted Best of Greenwich for good reason. Beyond an impressive array of yoga courses, there are guided meditations. From Vinyasa to restorative, body and mind balance is the goal. Offerings include mindfulness and breathing exercises. Special classes include anxiety management, yoga at the barre and baby and me yoga. The Yoga by Danit Method strvies to give clients empowement tools to improve their daily lives.
Treatment Translator
TODAY’S WELLNESS JOURNEY IS ADVANCING DAILY. HERE IS A QUICK RUNDOWN ON WHAT MANY OF THE AREA SPAS OFFER.
Infrared Sauna
A spin on the traditional sauna, instead of heating the air around the body, infrared saunas use infrared light to penetrate the body and boost increased circulation, detoxification and pain relief. These units are smaller, typically seating only one to two people, and can even be installed in your home.
Light Treatment
Phototherapy is used to treat a variety of issues from seasonal depression to easing skin conditions such as eczema. LED (light emitting diode) therapy typically ranges from blue to red lights or a combination targeted to address specific skin or physical issues.
Compression Therapy
Whether you’re eyeing the Therabody RecoverAir Boots or looking to try Normatec compression therapy, the principle is the same. The treatments use air to act as a massage to increase circulation and recovery. A favorite of athletes, this style of treatment consists of a compression device surrounding your legs or arms that pulsates to encourage rehabilitation and muscle recovery.
Body Wraps
Spa body wraps literally cocoon the body in a material and salve as a means to promote detoxification, weight loss or hydration.
Balancer Pro
This lymphatic drainage therapy provides a gentle massage to initially drain the lymph nodes and more intense compression to flush the lymphatic system. Users lay in a compression unit, and the spa customizes the treatment to individual needs.