Relax and Recharge

No time for a vacation to relax and take your mind off of life’s everyday pressures? Why not head to a spa for a treatment instead? These local day spas offer rest and rejuvenation, whether you only have time for a quick visit or can indulge yourself for several hours.

Evie’s Treats Brittle

Jennifer Anderson, owner of The Spa at Tuscan Square in Temple, explains her business philosophy. “Women professionals are busy people. If they don’t feel good or are in pain, they’re not going to be productive. Our massage treatments get them back in the game by focusing on where they hurt and then alleviate the pain.” If you’re short on time, try a 15-minute Aqua Therapy session, combining the benefits of heat and pulsating water (although you stay perfectly dry), for post-workout relaxation or a quick coffee-break de-stressor. JenniferAnderson.MassageTherapy.com, 5297 S. 31st St., Temple, 254-410-7407

Looking to reward your team for a job well done? Ironclad Bodywork offers Mobile Chair Massage Events—they travel to your office with massage therapists, armed with specialized chairs, to work out the kinks for your whole group. IroncladBodyWork.com, 403 E. Stan Schlueter Loop, Killeen, 254-290-9406

If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Whole Body Cryotherapy Treatment at Royal Oasis Spa, which uses liquid nitrogen to hyper-cool the entire body for three minutes. The process is similar to using an ice bath to heal a sprain or soothe a sore muscle. Reported benefits of cryotherapy include alleviation of migraines, insomnia, anxiety, fibromyalgia, arthritis or pain from sports injuries. RoyalOasisSpa.com, 6080 W. Adams Ave., Temple, 254-654-1880

Happy Hippy

Invisions Day Spa offers treatments for women in search of a “mojo” reset. Set your email to auto-reply and book the “Day of Invisions,” their two-and-a-half-hour uber massage package. Start with a steamy aromatherapy bath, then unwind with a Swedish massage, face-and-scalp massage and, finally, a 60-minute facial. InvisionsDaySpa.com, 3411 Market Loop, Temple, 254-242-3835

In a busy world filled with technology, kids’ soccer games and stressful work deadlines, sleep is considered a luxury experience. If counting sheep isn’t working for you, try the Woodhouse Day Spa’s Deep Sleep Treatment to prime you for much-needed rest. “You receive a 60-minute upper-body deep massage,” spa coordinator Rayleen Lomeli explains, “while you experience soothing lavender aromatherapy. Then you enjoy a cup of tea while you recline on a heated herbal compress to increase relaxation of your head and neck muscles. After that, take 20 minutes to rest during a reflexology massage for your feet.” WoodhouseSpas.com, 219 S. East St., Belton, 254-933-2275

Licensed massage therapist McKenzie Reeve offers a unique treatment to help clients with everything from anxiety and headaches to chronic pain. She employs crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, tuning forks and other sound-healing instruments to relieve tension and restore wellness. Her two-hour Deep Relaxation Session incorporates both sound and massage and takes place in a private gazebo overlooking Salado Creek, an oasis away from the day’s tensions.
Facebook.com/SaladoCreekHealing, 209 S. Main St., Salado, 254-308-0242

After a long day in your gorgeous high heels, stop by EcoBlu Spa & Salon for a Hot Stone Foot Treatment to soothe your aching feet. EcoBluSpa.com, 201 E. Central Texas Expy., Harker Heights, 254-699-0019

Prior to your next important business meeting, try a facial treatment to boost circulation and relax muscles in your face and neck. The Salon & Spa at Greenbriar offers its Signature Hydro-Facial, designed to hydrate the skin and achieve an attractive glow. SalonSpaGreenbriar.com, 217 E. Central Ave., Belton, 254-939-3700

Bee Zen Lip Balm

Having a rough week? Sneak out for a “Royal Get Away” at Shelley’s Day Spa & Salon. This three-hour package includes a one-hour massage, a deep-cleansing Platinum Facial and a Platinum Pedicure, complete with a glass of tea or wine. ShelleysHairAndSpa.com, 4605 Trimmier Rd., Killeen, 254-628-8856 or 127 Lake Rd., Belton, 254-939-7722

Pamper Yourself with Locally Made Treats

Take a sumptuous soak with a bar of Zella Jo Soaps’ “Little Black Dress.” The handmade soap has notes of white carnation, blood orange, sandalwood, black rose, smoky wood, a kiss of patchouli and the tiniest touch of Egyptian musk. It’s a best seller at Thingaderas in Salado. 5 oz. bar, $6.95. Thingaderas.com, 112 Royal St., 254-947-4787

Pucker up with Bee Zen Lip Balms, made with natural, organic ingredients and locally produced in Georgetown. Therapeutic-grade essential oils moisturize and nourish your lips. Choose from seven unique blends, including a new creation—Lavender Lemonade. Pack of 3 tubes, $10. BeeZenBalm.com, 512-876-4025

A little dessert never hurt—or so goes the slogan at Evie’s Treats & Sweets in Killeen. Indulge in a box of Chunky Pretzel Toffee Brittle with White Chocolate as a reward at the end of a long day (or try one of their coffeecake squares to perk up your morning java). Brittle: 6 pieces in a 5 oz. box, $10; Coffeecake: 4 squares in a 36 oz. box, $12.
EviesTreats.com, 619-459-1448

Harness the healing power of aroma with essential oils from Bell Soap & Candle in Belton. A few drops of “Happy Hippy,” a special custom blend of patchouli and mint, in a diffuser can reduce your perception of stress and increase your sense of contentment. BellSoapAndCandle.com, 111 N. East St., Belton, 254-613-4866