Concierge Philippe Gills of the legendary Palmer House Hilton offers his picks for things to do in Chicago this weekend. From the new Blue Man Group and Italian spa treatments in the South Loop to a festival celebrating bikes, local brews and environmental awareness – it’s all here in this short video clip.
Tags: Blue Man Group, Briar Street Theatre, Chicago Events, Chicago Festivals, Chicago Spas, Concierge Vido Picks, Palmer House Hilton, Philippe Gills Concierge Picks
Just because you’re not sporting flip flops doesn’t mean your feet aren’t in the need of a little TLC. In fact, while your tootsies are hibernating in boots for three months, they are susceptible to calluses, chipped polish, and a few other things we’ll leave to your imagination. It’s time to pay a visit to one of these spots in town that offer a little bit more than just a shaping and polish to get your winter feet in spring break mode—even if there are still a couple of months to go.
The Pedi: Caribbean Pedicure at Asha – $65
The Details: A little respite in the heart of the busting Gold Coast dining and entertainment district, Asha is an Aveda Lifestyle facility, so you already know that any service—even a haircut—incorporates that little extra touch to ensure you leave feeling balanced and renewed. Banish the winter blues with a pedi utilizing nature’s bounty from the Caribbean, and pretend for a moment that you are soaking your feet in the sea—not a mineral rich foot bath. A self heating seaweed masque softens up even the toughest rough spots, while amyris and lime oils are used in a relaxing, hydrating foot and lower leg massage—somebody please pass the rum cocktail.
The Logistics: Asha Salon and Spa, 1135 N. State St., 312-664-1600, www.ashasalonspa.com
The Pedi: Reflexology Renewal Pedicure at the Tiffani Kim Institute – $85
The Details: With a health and wellness center upstairs, and results driven—some clinical—facial and body treatments on the service menu, we’re not surprised that there are a bevy of pedicures to choose from. But perfect for this time of year when the feet—and our psyche—take a beating, there’s a pedi that takes pampering to another level. If you’re not familiar with reflexology, let’s clear something up: it is not a traditional foot massage. There are actually very specific points on the feet that correspond with organs throughout body. Pressure is applied to those points not only to release tension, but to treat a wide range of stress related illnesses as well. Along with a whirlpool soak, exfoliation, and heated booties, this unique pedi incorporates 20-minutes of reflexology to help get you back on track after a stressful holiday season.
The Logistics: Tiffani Kim Institute, 310 W. Superior St., 312-260-9040, www.tiffanikiminstitute.com
The Pedi: Signature Pedicure at the Nail Bar – $48
The Details: We had to mention this one because you really get a bang for your buck—without having to be subjected to a shady one room “nail place” with a neon sign in the window. Chic and urban, the Nail Bar is even a great spot to keep in mind for throwing a BYOB nail party with your closest pals. But as for the Signature Pedicure, you’ll get everything that all the big boys on campus do, but for half the price: an essential oil based foot soak, exfoliating scrub, mask, foot and leg massage, and even a paraffin treatment. And they change up the oils in the soak on a seasonal basis too—but we’d still go back even if they didn’t.
The Logistics: The Nail Bar, 3444 N. Southport Ave., 773-348-7878, www.nailbarchicago.com
- Rebecca Taras
Tags: beauty, Chicago Shopping, Chicago Spas, manicure, pedicure
If the economy has you cutting back on trips to the spa, grab your calendar, settle in behind your computer and get ready for Spa Week 2010, taking place September 13-19 at some of Chicago’s favorite places to get buffed, brushed and rubbed. We’re letting you know about Spa Week a bit early because as the saying goes; you snooze, you lose.
We’re talking about $50 treatments that would normally cost close to $200 in some cases, so it’s the perfect opportunity to try out something new. “Based on the overwhelming demand from spas and consumers alike, we are excited to welcome hundreds of more spas in more cities into the Spa Week family for the upcoming Fall Event,” said Cheryl Reid, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Spa Week Media, LTD. “Since 2004, participating spas have experienced first-hand the power of the Spa Week brand. The expanded reach affords them the ability to acquire new and loyal customers and grow their business for the long term.”
Our plan of action? To try as many services as we can cram into seven days! With high-end offerings like the Peninsula Spa by ESPA, we have a feeling we know which appointments will be filing up first…..
For a list of participating spas, visit spaweek.com
Tags: Chicago Spa Week, Chicago Spas, Facials Chicago, Manicures Chicago, Massages Chicago, Spa Deals Chicago
Whether it’s the facial that promises to turn back the clock, or simply keeping your ends trimmed, maintaining your gorgeous self can get quite expensive. Sure, I love the weekends where the hair goes in a ponytail and my makeup routine starts and ends with mascara and lip balm, but I do have my pride–and roots are never an option.
Even if you don’t have a valentine lined up for February 14th, you can love yourself all month long thanks to the annual Chicago “Love You” event sponsored by Chicago Beauty.
For the entire month of February, you can visit participating spas and salons for select $59 services. You’ll be able to book everything from microdermabrasion at Channing’s in the Gold Coast (pictured, right) to sun-kissed highlights at one of your favorite Chicago salons.
Sign up on the ChicagoBeauty.com to view the entire list of participating Chicago salons and spas, including the suburbs. “Love You” $59 services book up quickly, so be sure to sign up soon for the best chance at getting your first picks!
Mario Tricoci never fails to amaze–and I keep coming back for more. Last week, it was for entirely new experience.
The new “Instant Radiance” facial treatment was designed to revitalize your complexion in just 30 minutes. What’s behind the radiance you ask? A light chemical peel made from salicylic and mandelic acids. The salicylic acid decongests pores, dissolves oil and stimulates collagen production.
It’s the mandelic acid that wins the prize though: the almond-based ingredient enables even penetration and prevents irritation, everyone’s biggest fear when getting a facial (let alone a heavy duty exfoliant).
Results are immediate (I met a pal for lunch afterward) and because there is no downtime, you can go back to the office or hit the Mag Mile for some more shopping without that blotchy, red complexion! Priced at only $60, it’s the spa-goers answer to a results-oriented treatment that’s friendly on the wallet.
And to keep up with your at-home treatments, Mario Tricoci is offering 20% off all retail products until the end of January! Stock up on fabulous skincare from Kinara and Skinceuticals, or get creative with a makeup artist at the custom blending bar. Of course, let’s not forget about the haircare products from brands like Pureology or, my personal fave, Rene Furterer.
Tags: Chicago Spa Deals, Chicago Spas, Facials in Chicago, Mario Tricoci, The 900 Shops
Ahh, yes. You know the phrase, “a moment on the lips, forever on the hips.” Well, it’s that time of year again folks and once we hit Thanksgiving, it will be one temptation after another. While regulating your holiday calorie intake may be a challenge, Mitchell Dental Spa in Chicago’s downtown Water Tower Place will give you another way to indulge – guilt free.
Throughout the entire month of November, you can receive the Pumpkin Yam Facial for 50% off the normal price. Not as cheap as a pumpkin pie, but we’re talking $55 for the 30-minute treatment and $95 for the 60-minute – and….zero for the calorie count.
After you’ve gotten the spa treatment, let us know about it! Reply to @CP_Chicago on Twitter or our Facebook Fan Page.
Tags: Chicago Shopping, Chicago Spa Deals, Chicago Spas, Downtown Chicago, Mitchell Dental Spa, Water Tower Place
The pirates may have sailed away from The Field Museum (tweeting @fieldmuseum), but a new exhibit makes a sparkling debut. “The Nature of Diamonds“ features nearly 800 exquisite objects that you won’t find on a trip to the local jeweler. While you’ll see some of the world’s most stunning gems, such as the 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond worn by Audrey Hepburn in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s, “The Nature of Diamonds” explores all aspects of the mineral from its geological origins, to its place in history, art adornment and uses in technology and research. 
One aspect that the exhibit doesn’t cover is the healing properties of gemstones, so after making tracks at The Field Museum, head on over to The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago to wind-down with an exclusive treatment. Offered Mon.-Thurs. through March 25, 2010, exhibit goers can enjoy the Spa’s 80-minute Crystalline Facial at the 50-minute price ($140 with your ticket stub), topped off with an effervescent glass of bubbly.
Giving literal meaning to the phrase, “you’re a gem,” the Crystalline Facial utilizes the energy of micronized gemstones blended with bentonite clay to create a healing, tightening and revitalizing masque that leaves you nothing less than radiant. Perfect any time, but we’ll probably be lined up for a little 911-rescue treatment during the holiday party season!
Tags: Chicago Shopping, Chicago Spas, Downtown Chicago, The Field Museum, The Four Seasons Chicago
It’s pretty easy to tear through $31 these days, whether it’s that trip to the grocery store to pick up “a few things,” or a detour to Walgreen’s on the way home from the office. While you can’t always justify these extraneous costs, you can feel good spending that same $31 on one of several spa or salon treatments offered at one of the several businesses participating in the 5th annual “Pretty in Pink” event, presented by PrettyCity.com.
$31 for 31 days of beauty – the entire month of October. We’re talking no chip manis, pedis, haircuts, facials, waxes, personal training sessions and more. Where does the pink come in? Each participating salon and spa pays a fee to participate, which is completely donated to bright pink, a national non-profit providing education and support to young women at risk for ovarian or breast cancer.
Sign up at Pretty City to see the full list of participating locations, but keep watching our blog to see our pick (or picks) of the week!
This Week: Spa Space
Heated towels, stones and aromatherapy enhance a luxuriously long 25-minute foot massage. Not valid with SpaFinder certificates. (normally $60)
Pumpkin-Yam Organic Facial Peel:
Banish summer damage using glycolic & lactic acid to remove dead cells and stimulate collagen production. Not valid with Spafinder certificates. (normally $60)
Real-Deal Brazilian Bikini Waxing:
Customized as-you-like it, our experts will remove ALL unwanted hair from the bikini region. Not valid with Spafinder certificates. (normally $60)
Tags: Chicago Salon Deals, Chicago Salons, Chicago Spa Deals, Chicago Spas, Pretty City Chicago, Pretty In Pink Chicago