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Best Spa Treatments in Chicago: Make Time to Pamper Yourself

By Lisa Davis, About.com Guide

After a long, cold winter, Chicago turns into one of the most electrifying and exciting places, with outdoor street festivals, boating on Lake Michigan, and, of course, Cubs baseball at Wrigley Field. The bragging rights don’t stop there. Many world-class spas are now calling Chicago home. Should you find yourself wanting some pampering, be sure to make time for some primo indulgence at these Chicago spas and try what we believe are their signature treatments.

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1. The Spa by ASHA

Suggested treatment: Aqua Massage – Start off relaxing with a heated neck pillow and a cup of tea followed by a Dead Sea salt body polish,canopy steam, and full-body massage with reflexology. Location: The James Chicago; 55 East Ontario; 312-337-1000

2. The Spa at Dana

Suggested treatment: Dana’s Nourishing Organics Body Scrub – A gentle exfoliation begins the treatment, which includes a wrap made with Comfort Zone organic products such as pumpkin, tomato, artichoke and beet that firm and tone your skin. Location: Dana Hotel and Spa; 660 North State St.; 888-301-7952

3. mySpa at the Fairmont Chicago

Suggested treatment: Aroma-Harmony Massage – Oils designed for the body’s seven charka points are first smelled and then massaged into specific points on your body, feet, hands and scalp relieving tension and increasing circulation. (Tip: Pamper your health and check out Whole Foods Market Lincoln Park's new Wellness Club that includes yoga and fitness classes, nutrition seminars, healthy cooking classes, and more.) Location: Location: The Fairmont Chicago; 200 North Columbus Dr.; 312-946-8945

4. The Peninsula Spa by ESPA

Suggested treatment: Chakra Balancing with Volcanic Stones – This personalized treatment includes a foot bath while you choose scented salts and oils for a body exfoliation and hot-stone massage. An express facial is also included while hot stones are placed on key energy points. Location: The Peninsula Chicago; 108 East Superior; 312-573-6860

5. The Spa at the Trump Hotel

Suggested treatment: Ultimate Kate Facial – Your skin will literally glow and fine lines will disappear after this facial designed by celebrity esthetician Kate Somerville, which uses medical-grade light therapy. Location: Trump International Hotel & Tower; 401 North Wabash; 312-588-8020

6. Bonus Tip: How to Enjoy Your Spa Experience

If you are a first-time spa goer, don't be afraid. Learn how to "spa" properly and get the most out of your spa experience, whether it is a resort spa, a medical spa, a day spa in a city, or a luxury spa.

Be sure and ask for a tour of the spa before you book an appointment. It helps to know where things are before your actual service.

Don't be afraid to ask questions especially about which service is best for you. I also like to ask the spa what their signature service is and if they have any therapists they would recommend based on my needs: deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, etc. And if during your service your therapist is using the wrong pressure during a massage, for exampple, or is just in a bad mood (it happens), don't feel bad saying something. One time my therapist was really grouchy. I simply asked to have another therapist or if I could come in another time when the therapist may be in better spirits. In the end, I don't want to waste my money on a bad spa treatment or experience, and life happens - people have bad days.

Also, When booking your spa treatment, tell them if you have a preference for a male or female therapist. And when you book for your treatment, be sure and tell the spa it is your first time, or if you are a spa veteran but it is your first time visiting that spa. Enjoy!