Allure Salon & Day Spa

Allure Salon & Day Spa located in South Lakeland. Full service hair salon & day spa. Facials, skin care treatments, massages, hair extensions, 4800 sq. ft. luxurious facility.

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Wax Poetic Salon

By: Kris Marvin Hughes

For those valley-dwellers who are obsessive about being able to multi-task even when out of work, you will be in love with Wax Poetic Salon in Burbank. Where else can you get your hair done, your back massaged, and your bikini-line waxed all while taking in an art show and downing a complimentary cocktail. Well, thanks to Wax Poetic Salon, it’s possible. While initially the idea of a salon being connected to an art gallery may confuse you, from the moment you step in to the salon you see exactly why this works. The lobby is essentially the art gallery which includes a wonderfully stocked bar with alcohol and E-lix-r Tonics. I mean, come on, how many times can you read a Cosmo while waiting to be waxed? It’s so much more fun to be drinking a free glass of Stella on tap while perusing the modern art from local artists. And when it’s time to get the hair ripped from your eyebrows, you’re a little more relaxed and feel as though you got in a little culture in the process. They carry a large array of products which artfully line the walls in the front lobby and have multiple hair stations and a few very clean rooms for waxing and massage. Not only is the space incredibly warm and inviting, but the staff at Wax Poetic are extremely friendly and really fantastic at what they do. My hair and brows have never looked better. And, even though they shower you with free drinks, the prices are really competitive. But, don’t take my word for it - rev up the Hybrid and scoot your butt over there.

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Russian Haven: Okeanos Spa

Not your typical spa, the Russian-flavored Okeanos has a regular clientele of ballerinas, athletes and celebrities. Its signature “platza” treatment is very common in Russia, but it is transformed into a more luxurious version in this spa. You are in a sauna, face down, for about ten minutes, and your skin is brushed with oak and birch leaves. After which you stand under an ice cold shower and repeat the process – face up.

The platza treatment opens pores and helps with circulation. Athletes love it, and for the layman – consider it your bottle of Echinacea, since it builds the immune system. Other signature treatments like the Caviar Wrap, Exfoliating Back Sea Scrub and Siberian Hot Stone massage complete the Cossack experience. And the lovely little café offers free vodka shots (compliments of ZYR) and sumptuous blinis. Geared towards men, Okeanos also has a cigar room.

I go to Okeanos because it’s so unusual, and for the exotic menu offerings. The staff is so friendly, and the co-owner, Andre Izrailov, will help you understand how you can make the most of your experience. It’s nice to come in not only for the standard platza, but also for the other treatments like the classic Russian Sports massage.

A word of advice: read about the treatments before you take one. Consult a staff member and have them completely explain what the process is. When I first took the platza I felt so hot initially – and the ice cold shower woke me up better than the best alarm clock.

Okeanos Spa
www.okeanosclubspa.com
211 East 51st Street (3rd Avenue)
New York, NY 10022
P: 212 223 6773

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