Q. This summer we are not taking a vacation away from home. I would like to use the spa as a way to enjoy some personal time instead. I think of it as an escape. What services would you consider fun for the summer?

A. This is a trend across the country, people staying home and taking mini escapes instead of spending money on a huge vacation. The practice has even been named…
stay-cations. Some people opt for one full spa day as a major event during their
stay-cation. Others like to enjoy multiple spa days over the course of the summer, making them feel like the spa is part of the fun summer at home experience. If you’re looking for a full spa day you should call the spa and ask what packages they have on their menu of services. Most have full and part day packages at special prices. If you don’t find a package that has all the bells and whistles you are looking for ask if you can customize a spa day package. Most large spas will accommodate you in this way. My personal preference would be to break up the services and enjoy many great days in the spa over the course of the summer months. Start your season off right with a great pedicure. Nothing says summer like a freshly painted set of toes in some new sandals. I’d next opt for a day in the salon getting some fun hair highlights. Sun-kissed pieces of blond mixed in to your current color will give you an instant lift. Don’t forget about sunless spray tanning. You’ll feel like you’ve been on vacation but your skin will thank you for avoiding the damaging UV rays of the beach. In your question you asked me what services I would consider fun for the summer. If I were making the choices I’d definitely go for a facial and even a back facial. Your skin can take a beating in the summer. Weekends at the ballpark, or out in the yard… a facial will help you keep a healthy glow. A back facial will get your ready to show off in your summer clothes and bathing suits. Speaking about weekends at the ballpark and doing yard work, massage is a great way to ease the stress of extra physical activity that goes along with longer days. You might like to opt for the more exotic and try a combo service of body exfoliation or polish and massage. You’ll feel smooth and relaxed. Finally, if you want to really glow this summer go for teeth whitening. Whatever services you choose you are smart to set aside the time early and get them scheduled and written in your calendar. Its easy if to get trapped at home doing busy work and the summer can fly by. Don’t let that happen, think about using the spa as an escape and a personal treat this year.