Photo: Courtesy of Hoboken Wellness Spa
Pulling out your hair due to your budget? Seating chart giving you hives? Mother-in-law driving you cuckoo with her guest list adds? Then, girl, you’ve earned yourself a spa day. (Even if the only thing stressing you out is trying to organize your many, many Pinterest boards, then you still deserve one. It’s a bridal right.) Check out these northern New Jersey locales that provide the absolute best in pre-wedding relaxation — only a hop, skip, and a jump from NYC.
Massage Envy
With locales all throughout the state and appointments until late in the evening, Massage Envy has the convenient relaxation thing down pat. Though not necessarily conducive to an all day spa day, Massage Envy provides massages, reflexology and trigger point therapy at prices so affordable you can work them into your monthly routine. Relax and grab some water and a snack in any of the locales’ waiting areas to start your decompression early. Massage Envy’s quiet music and attentive staff will make sure that by the time you leave your spa session, you’ll hardly remember that you have 200 favor boxes to put together.
Hoboken Wellness Spa
For ladies looking for a more spiritual recovery, Hoboken Wellness Spa is the place for you. The salon, which offers traditional services like massages and facials, also provides Reiki sessions that are meant to rebalance energy. With minimal décor in a pleasing pastel color scheme and a focus on Ayurvedic philosophies, Hoboken Wellness Spa will ensure that mind, body and spirit are in tune before you walk out the door.
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Bliss
The beauty giant has been so successful for a reason: it knows what it’s doing. The company’s locations seem like the fun younger sister of stodgy, older spas — with a fun vibe that is still quiet enough to not be disruptive. Book an appointment to sit alongside your bestie for a mani-pedi before you go your separate ways for a massage or body treatment chosen off the company’s expansive services menu. (Seriously, there are dozens of options available!) Make sure to stop by Bliss’ massive store before check out to stock up on its proprietary line of beauty and personal care products so you can recreate the experience at home!
The Fountain Spa
The day spa is all about luxury — the company has boasted of providing a “resort spa experience close to home” for more than 20 years. The brides special day package includes some alone time in a private whirlpool bath before throwing on your complimentary slippers and robe and heading to a body scrub, a relaxing massage and a stress relieving pedicure. Wrap the day up with a bite at the spa’s Tranquility Room where you can nosh on complimentary cookies and snacks. (Want to share some relaxation time with your fiancé? The Fountain also offers couples packages that include a whirlpool bath for two and side by side massages.) The no-cell phones policy, quiet atmosphere and ubiquitous fountains all contribute to the feeling that you’re a million miles away. Read real brides’ reviews here!
Cortiva Institute
Need someone to work out the knots in your shoulders but don’t want to break the bank? If you’re just looking for a basic service without too much emphasis on ambiance, consider heading over to Cortiva’s massage therapy center in Hoboken, New Jersey. At the location, therapy students get the opportunity to work on clients at prices way below those of other spas. All the students have completed a good chunk of instruction already, and work under the supervision of a licensed massage practitioner, so you’re in good hands at nearly half the rate of a traditional health club.
