In ten years the number of US spas has quadrupled, to more than 12,000

What are your Chicago favorites?

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Mrs Sweet Willie likes Mario Tricoci http://www.tricoci.com/

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From the April 2006 issue of Conde Nast Magazine, two Chicago Hotels earned the #1 and #4 spot in the Urban Hotel Spas category:

#1 was the Peninsula Spa http://chicago.peninsula.com/pch/fac.html
A description of the Peninsula Spa from City Search:
The Scene
Located on the 20th floor of the Peninsula Hotel, the elegant spa is a welcome retreat from the hurried scene on Michigan Avenue. Divided between two floors, the spa is open and airy, decorated with soft, natural colors and striking flower arrangements. Immaculate changing rooms are downstairs at pool level. Upstairs, the uncluttered waiting lounge overlooks the pool with impressive city views through towering windows.
The Services
The level of service and expertise are what you'd expect from a hotel of this caliber. Opt for a 60- or 90-minute Swedish massage--perfect for overall relaxation--or go for one of the signature treatments: The Thai massage is a 90-minute, clothes-on procedure that incorporates gentle rocking, acupressure and assisted stretching.
The Details
Whirlpool (co-ed, fee), steam rooms, pool (co-ed, fee), exercise equipment (co-ed, fee), Pilates (co-ed, fee), fitness classes (co-ed, fee), yoga (co-ed, fee). Massage, body treatments, wet treatments, facials, hair removal, manicure/pedicure.

#4 was the Four Seasons Spa http://www.fourseasons.com/chicagofs/spa.html

A description of the Four Seasons Spa from City Search:
The Scene
The eighth floor of the Four Seasons Hotel boasts 8,000 square feet of pampering heaven. Treatment rooms are soundproofed for privacy, and the gracious staff makes you feel welcome at every turn. Wrap yourself in a thick, silky robe and you'll never want to take it off. Prepare for your treatment by relaxing in the lavish spa lounge: The stresses of the outside world melt away as you begin to unwind with fresh fruit, minted water or herb tea.
The Services
Signature treatments include the invigorating crushed pearl and lavender body polish and the Four Seasons aroma blend massage. The nail salon features two whirlpool pedicure chairs with built in heated massage and two manicure stations. Expert massages are available in several styles including Swedish, sports, stone and couples massage.
The Details
Massage, body treatments, wet treatments, facials, sunless tanning, manicure/pedicure.

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Mrs Sweet Willie and I have visited the Peninsula Spa. 90 minute massages followed by 30 minute reflexology. YUM !!! ^

As a semi-regular guest there, I'll toss in a vote for the spa at the Pen ^^^
Note that they're currently undergoing some renovation/construction in the usual treatment area and the check-in has been moved from the 20th floor to 19 (elevator button for 20 defaults to 19) for the duration. However, during the renovation, they are using regular guestrooms (with adjustments re removal of furniture to make room for the spa beds, etc) for treatment rooms.

Favorite Day spa in the city?

http://www.tiffanikiminstitute.com/

Tiffani Kim Institute Spa
Cosmetic & Image Enhancement Center
312-260-9000 (main line) or 312-260-9020 (center)
310 W. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60610

or


Tiffani Kim Institute ~ On the Park
312-239-4036
Park Hyatt Hotel
800 N. Michigan Ave., 7th floor, Chicago, IL 6061

In the suburbs?

Heavenly massage several locations in the NW suburbs and you can't beat the prices for excellent services.

http://www.heavenlymassage.com/

Another vote for the Pen.

For haircuts and "basic" stuff -- American Male is a great 'guys' place.

Mrs Sweet Willie and I went to Spa Soak http://www.spasoakchicago.com/ located at 1733 N Milwaukee Avenue (2 blocks north of North Ave).

Really nice personnel in an older building.

We both had the Honey & Oats Moisturizing Vitamin Body treatment, lasts 60 minutes, supposed to clean and remove dead skin with a Papaya and Pineapple Enzyme Gel. Then Honey & Oats Hydrating Mask is applied all over. Finish with Milk & Honey Moisturizer, followed by 60 minute massages.

This was my first wrap treatment, I wasn�t really a fan, I�ll stick to massages.

The only negative aspect of this spa was that there were no showers/locker rooms to freshen up after receiving a treatment/massage. They said they are building some but don�t have any as of yet.

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In Bloomingdale, I love Platinum Salon & Spa.

www.platinumsalon-spa.com

Great massages, pedicures, manicures, and facials.
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Construction's done ^ Treatment rooms haven't been changed too drastically except for the addition of two new rooms, but a nice update. Completely different look for the reception and waiting areas. Still the same great Pen treatment ^^

anyone have a new favorite? Mrs Sweet Willie & I have decided that we are in need of some spa pampering

Not a spa per se, but I have a great clinical facial person who has an office in the Hancock. It's not really pampering, but she makes sure all your pores are oozed out!

I'm still a Pen fan & regular.

When we stayed at the Pen, their spa was booked for the weekend. We had a couples massage at the Lincoln Ave Spa. It was OK. Nice people, but not a world class massage.

I think you need something on North Avenue where they beat you with branches.

Any new recommendations? A day of Xmas shopping and I'm dragging...