Go Ahead, Indulge
Sweet spa treats: Serious beauty from unexpected ingredients
We’re a few months into summer and, while you may be at your melting point, the heat won’t be letting up anytime soon. If lounging poolside is starting to lose it’s luster, why not try taking an afternoon vacation with one of Austin’s tastiest spa services? From rich cocoa beans to refreshing citrus, these concoctions contain mouthwatering ingredients that’ll give you a healthy, summery glow.
Jasmine Java Treatment
A three-part pampering session, this treatment begins with a caffeinated body scrub of citrus oil and espresso, a bean known for its antioxidant benefits. Next, strengthen your skin’s defenses with wild orchid extract, an essential oil that helps block harmful free radicals. Finally, enjoy a massage with coffee, cocoa and shea butters infused with jasmine and ylang-ylang; it’s a relaxing indulgence that will leave your skin smooth and Barton Springs-ready.
110 minutes for $315
Mexican Chocolate Cayenne Scrub
If you’ve ever tasted a Mexican hot chocolate, you know the combination of cocoa, cayenne and a subtle pinch of vanilla is out of this world good. A finely ground mix of the three doubles as a gentle exfoliant, with the pepper powder promoting oxygenation and stimulating blood flow (it’s also an ancient holistic pain remedy, and is said to soothe sore skin – perfect for summer sunburns). Topped off with vanilla body butter, you’ll leave refreshed and smelling sweet.
50 minutes for $145
Hill Country Wine Grapeseed Scrub
Heading out to happy hour? Before you reap the cardiovascular and antioxidant benefits of that wine you’ll be having, let your skin in on the polyphenol-rich, anti-aging power of grapeseed. A wine scrub (yes, wine scrub) is followed by a massage with rose petal lotion, leaving you richly perfumed and ready to fend off damaging summer sun and haze.
50 minutes for $145
Ancient Purification
With more fragrant extracts than your favorite herbal tea, Travaasa’s signature Ancient Purification treatment gives your body a boost of essential minerals. After a toxin-targeting sugar scrub, enjoy a salve of Dead Sea mud, chamomile, flower essences (including Vitamin K-rich dandelion) and oils. Eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary will soothe your skin and help transport you to your dream summer destination while you enjoy a relaxing full body massage.
80 minutes for $180
Parsley and Cucumber Oxygenation Facial
Mid-summer dull skin can be impossible to deal with; when you’re worried about looking like an oil slick under the hot sun, it’s hard to get a dewy glow. Blossom Spa’s brightening blend of parsley, cucumber, honey and lemon keeps your face fresh and clean without heavy moisture, making it perfect for combination or oily skin.
30 minutes for $45; 60 minutes for $75; 90 minutes for $105
Sweetest Add-Ons:
Signature Clay Masks
This East Austin spa specializes in organic and holistic treatments (from Reiki sessions to vegan manicures), so it’s no surprise they’ve got a range of facial masks that sound good enough to eat. Choose from Papaya Enzyme, Vitamin C with Coconut and Honey, Cocoa Noir with Papaya Enzyme or a Licorice Root Skin Brightener.
$20 with a facial