Why do you live in a place where the air hurts your face? It’s the same story every year. Chicago is fun and exciting and magical—a great place to live—and then winter comes along and ruins everything. Your muscles tense. Your toes stay perpetually frozen. Your skin turns into sandpaper. And it’s so much harder to be the chic, glamorous rockstar of a mom that you are when you have frozen toes and sandpaper skin. Winter in Chicago is the worst kind of first-world torture, but Chiberia is no match for these fabulous spas and their rejuvenating, revitalizing super powers.
If you want some ‘me’ time: Allyu Spa
In this riverwalk storefront, you’ll be greeted by a sweet bird named Nina and the goodness of Nag Champa and Ginger Fig aromatherapy the moment you walk through the door. Down the hallway lined with Wisconsin river stones, you’ll find the Relaxation Tent. As you await each treatment, sip lemon water and bask in the peace of this electronics-free, spirit-grounding oasis.
Sign up for the Infrared Sauna, which is like being hugged by your own personal sun, for insta-detoxification and stress alleviation. And whatever you do, do not forget the Hot Stone Massage because nothing—and we mean nothing—feels better after walking around in subzero temps than 90 euphoric minutes of a magnificent massage via basalt stones. After your treatments, enjoy private showers and changing spaces, ensuring that every experience is intimate and personal.
If you want a girlfriend getaway: Kohler Waters Spa
Trust us—you need to spend a weekend shopping, wining, dining and pampering with your mom squad in Burr Ridge. The main headliner of your mini vacay? Definitely a de-stressing afternoon at Kohler. This rehydration station has so many treatments that are absolutely necessary to book, like the Elemental Journey Massage, which includes heated Himalayan and basalt stones and energy-supportive gem stones. But the real star of the show is the Urban Detoxifying Wrap, a head-to-toe Dead Sea moor mud and remineralizing sea salt exfoliation and warm stone moisture application, that will make your entire body silky smooth and dazzling for weeks. In between services, take a dip in the Circle of Tranquility hot tubs for the ultimate dose of serenity. So shed your puffer coat and 35 layers of knitted scarfs, hats and who knows what else, and embrace the simple bliss of hydration.
If you’re feeling fancy: The Peninsula Spa
If there’s anything that takes a beating in a Chicago winter, it’s your skin. Oh hello, dryness. That’s why we are thanking the heavens that The Peninsula Chicago nabbed the world-class skin care miracle known as Biologique Recherche. With the 60-minute Healthy Glow Facial, you’ll feel rejuvenated and refreshed in a glorious way that will make winter a faint memory. The best part is that each treatment is completely customized to your skin, so the products used are purely perfect to make your face radiant (although we are pretty sure every Chicago lady will get addicted to the P50 lotion and the Cremé Masque Vernix). Even better for busy mamas – unlike some facials that leave your skin red and irritated for half a day, which absolutely nobody has time for, the Healthy Glow Facial will have you red carpet (or carpool) ready the very same day.
If you’re pregnant: The Spa at the Palmer House Hilton
Located in one of the most gorgeous hotels in Chicago, this spa is the absolute perfect indulgence for pregnant mamas. Run by physicians, the Palmer House lets you call ahead to get recommendations on which treatments and services will best heal whatever is bothering you, from aches and pains to skin issues, and once there, the knowledgeable therapists will treat you in the healthiest and most holistic manner possible. Because prenatal massage is their specialty, the adjustable tables are designed to be comfy no matter what trimester you’re in. Pregnant self-care has never felt so safe. Not to mention, the spa’s brand new oxygenating facial treatment will totally erase the winter woes from your skin, leaving you with a healthy glow that has nothing to do with your baby and everything to do with how beautiful you are.
