1. Portland Spa and Boutique
It has a wonderful location downtown on the waterfront boardwalk and I encourage you to have a pedicure here, because the chairs face the river and bridges and foot traffic. It’s wonderful if you’re a people-watcher. The spa's offerings run the gamut from sports massage to organic airbrush tanning and Botox. My therapist, who works on Portland’s sports elite (when they’re not injured) knew just how to help me position a very stiff neck in order to maximize benefits from the treatment. Her wonderful hands found the shoulder and neck knots, smoothing them out with long, graceful strokes. A comfy lounge offers the typical amenities (tea, magazines, ubiquitous waterfall wall) and thankfully, no piped-in Enya music.
2. Spa Willamina
This day spa is lodged in an adorable 1920s classic bungalow, is as charming on the inside as it is one the out. If it feels like "home," that's because it IS the home of owner Willow Light, who oversees the operation and has even created her own delicious, natural skin-care line. Her intention is to offer a calming space that accommodates no more than 4 guests at a time. I experienced a personalized massage (which they all are, really) and had one of the most relaxing treatments I’ve ever had. And if you choose an aromatherapy treatment, you will benefit from Willow’s 21 years in the spa industry as she creates her own therapeutic essential oil blends. Delicious.
3. Aequis Spa
This unique day spa continuously garners raves. Guests will begin by experiencing a soothing foot soak, with an exfoliating scrub and moisturizing treatment that follows. Another signature treatment finishes most massages: the Sambara Scalp Treatment during which warm oil is poured through the hair and massaged into the scalp. Sounds like a variation of the Shirodhara, during which warm oil is drizzled onto the third eye.
4. Dosha Day Spa
Dosha day spa has three locations in Portland, one further east. Choose from treatments named “Bliss” to “Rejuvenation,” experience a rain shower massage, a full body treatment, facial and a gourmet lunch. While I haven’t personally checked this out, it has garnered much praise and attention
5. Rejuvenation Day Spa
Rejuvenation Day Spa aims to "rejuvenate physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.” Therapists use assorted natural herbs, plants and minerals in essential oil/aromatherapy treatments and the water on site is doubly purified and the air is circulated through the highest quality filters. From pregnancy massage to collagen dermal peels, this day spa covers the gamut. Special skin care includes treatment of Rosacea and other conditions.
6. The Dragontree Spa
Steeped in Ayurveda principles and modalities, this day spa intends to still the mind, mend the body and uplift the spirit. Top signature treatments include Abhyanga (2 or 4-handed Ayurvedic massage), Garsha, a body exfoliation using raw silk gloves and an assortment of skin care treatments.
7. Zenana Spa and wellness center
Zenana Spa and wellness center caters to a very special clientele: pregnant and parenting families. While open to the general population, this is Oregon’s first day spa and wellness center that focuses on this population. From numerous massage treatments and wellness services to counseling classes and playgroups, Zenana Spa takes its mission quite seriously and offers a unique place for mothers-to-be as well as post-partum.
