We’re all deserving of some self-care at a spa. But alas, relaxing can be difficult while simultaneously worrying about the bill being racked up in the name of rejuvenation. And as luxurious as spa experiences at places like Michelin-approved DC Hotels may be, visiting these institutions is a bit out of our budgets.
Luckily, there are a wide range of accessible, affordable, and oh-so-fabulous DC spas that are just waiting to be explored. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite venues in the city to recharge without breaking the bank. So whether you’re looking for hydrotherapy, a facial, or some hot stone treatment, here’s how to check out the best Washington DC spas on a deal.
Facial spas in DC
Dupont Circle, Navy Yard, Penn Quarter
Sometimes, the ultimate in relaxation is letting a phenomenal esthetician work their magic. And that’s exactly what you’ll get at Silver Mirror, one of the first facial bars that opened its doors in 2016. Designed both for efficiency and pampering, the 30- and 50-minute sessions are catered to specific skin goals and needs. The 30-minute Signature facial is a nine-step process that helps to resurface and renourish without interfering with your busy day, all for $99. Or, join as a Silver Mirror member for a monthly 30-minute facial at $79.
How to book: Website
14th Street, Bethesda Row
Designed for those who take their skincare and their skincare routines seriously, Heyday is the ultimate in facial pampering. Their sleek, minimalist waiting rooms are filled with cleaners, toners, exfoliants, and masks that you’ll find in treatment rooms, and services start at 50 minutes to ensure that your face receives the care it deserves. First-timers get their first facials for $114, which is the same monthly price afforded to members (though if you get more than one facial a month as a member, each subsequent facial drops to $85). Plus, plenty of facial enhancements are available—including Gua Sha, light therapy, and nano infusion—with members receiving 50% off.
How to book: Website
Massage spas in DC
Columbia Heights
This popular spa in northern DC has been in operation for more than 6 years, and is known for its premium services and non-premium prices. Their signature massage employs Swedish massage techniques, and promises to be ideal for relaxation, stress relief, and pain alleviation. They frequently offer seasonal specials on massages, facials, and other treatments, all of which offer significant savings. You’ll also get 15% off list prices if you purchase a package of six massages of any kind (including deep tissue, sports, prenatal, reflexology, hot stones, Thai, and trigger point).
How to book: Website
Burke, VA
Located about 20 miles outside of DC, Serendipity Wellness looks to offer a holistic wellness experience that reduces stress from start to finish. New clients who book a session for 60 minutes or longer can save 10%, and now, the spa is also offering 5% off any non-discounted service if you pay by cash or check. In addition to the custom massage offering, there are 8 additional massage services available (including table Thai stretch and isometric muscle balancing). The spa also offers a loyalty program, whereby customers earn points for each service, product purchase, or referral, which can then be redeemed for discounts on future services.
How to book: Website
Various locations
While there are a number of Aura Spa locations throughout DC, our best-loved is the Logan Circle branch, which offers massages, facials, and waxing services, as well as a sauna, steam room, and fuel bar (featuring RD-approved smoothie options) for long days of relaxation. Aura offers special pricing on packages of six sessions; for example, a six-pack of 75-minute therapeutic massage costs $140 per session (or opt for 90 minutes at $175 per session).
How to book: Website
Dupont Circle
For decades, Deluca has been a destination for massage in DC (in fact, it claims to be the longest-established massage and bodywork facility in the nation’s capital). With over a dozen treatment rooms as well as a spacious relaxation lounge, the spot is a prime destination for all things relaxation. Customers have the option of adding massage enhancements to their treatment, including aromatherapy, cupping, scrubs, and hot stones. Deluca has midweek specials, offering up to $10 off when you book an appointment on Tuesday or Wednesday between 10 am and 10pm. Just be sure to mention the code RELAX* when booking, check-in, or check-out.
How to book: Meevo
Adams Morgan
Wat Massage in northwest DC has been in operation since 2011, and is often voted among the best spa experiences in the city. That’s largely due to the personalized approach it takes with its massage treatments—therapists are trained in a range of international techniques (including Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Ashiatsu, and Thai Herbal massage). On top of that, they take individual customer needs into consideration when designing their therapies. Monthly specials are always offering unique discounts—for example, right now, you can get a 90-minute massage for $135. Otherwise, 60 minutes start at $115.
How to book: Website
Georgetown, Navy Yard, and Adams Morgan
With three locations, Unwind Wellness has been a DC institution for nearly three decades, and is frequently voted the best spa in the city. Whether you’re looking for a massage, a body wrap, acupuncture services, or a beauty ritual, Unwind has something to offer. Plus, promos abound at this spa—for example, if you purchase a series package of 10 sessions, you’ll get 10% off (or, purchase a series of 5 sessions for 5% off). Otherwise, the Signature massage starts at $70 for 30 minutes.
How to book: Website
Bethesda
The Now Massage has recently opened a location in Bethesda, much to the delight of DMV denizens. The neighborhood massage therapist is frequently running specials (for example, save $20 with every $100 gift card purchase in advance of Mother’s Day), and members also save on their monthly massages ($80 for 50 minutes, or $115 for 80 minutes). Enhancements to services include gliding cupping, herbal heat therapy, scalp renewal, and prenatal glow to ensure that you’re feeling your best no matter your season.
How to book: Website
Hydrotherapy spas in DC
Alexandria, VA
The expansive wellness facility at Balian Springs in Alexandria is a fabulous place to spend a couple hours or a whole day in a series of plunge pools, saunas, and lounges. You can access the wellness club either by purchasing a membership, or for a simple daily fee; on weekdays, admission is $130, whereas weekend pricing stands at $165. This price includes access to the spa’s hydrotherapy pool, plunge pools, and a wide range of saunas (like the gold sauna and loose clay sauna) and therapy rooms (including infrared therapy and chromotherapy). If lounging in the many bodies of water isn’t quite enough for you, the spa also offers massage and beauty services priced a la carte.
How to book: Mindbody
Downtown
For a next-generation approach to relaxation, check out Soulex in downtown DC, where your spa experience will include an individual pod where you can, quite literally, float your worries away. Floatation therapy is meant to address pain and injury recovery, and aims to mimic the effects of meditation or deep sleep. Floaters (aka clients) are each welcomed into their private floating pod that’s complete with a shower to enjoy the entire experience entirely on your own. And during off-peak hours (Thursdays from 10 am until 4 pm), you can book an hour of floating for $89, which includes earplugs, mineral jelly, and natural shampoo, body wash, and conditioner. You could also join Soulex as a member, in which case you’ll always get one session for $89, or two session for $165.
How to book: Website
