Escape for an hour with a relaxing facial. Make it a day—or more—of luxurious pampering. Discover the healing benefits of Eastern Medicine or consult with a western-style physician. The spa scene in Connecticut has never been stronger; the services never more varied. Travel with us to 10 of them, and you might just zero in a Zen zone that’s right for you.

Where else can clients choose to melt away tension with a deep tissue massage or stress-reducing hypnotherapy session? Progressive therapies by director and certified Oriental medical doctor Sal Amadeo set The Amadeus Center apart.

With two unique guest houses near Yale University, the center celebrates its metropolitan locale. Try its "City Spa" services and inviting, four-season outdoor gazebo, where a fireplace adds to the ambience of an indulgent couple’s massage with healing stones on heated tables.

Clients come not only for a luxuriating Swedish massage or aesthetician’s rejuvenating facial, but for the touch and knowledge supplied by Amadeo, who has built a reputation as a healer and master of therapy and has practiced in New Haven since 1989. Amadeo will often combine disciplines to enhance and multiply therapeutic effect. At the Amadeus Center, clients embrace the ancient art of acupuncture, enjoy healing massages and spirit-awakening chakra balancing and energy work.

"Eastern Medicine grew up in a long period," explains Amadeo. "There’s been 5,000 years of evolution of the medicine, and it’s still evolving today. It came up in the agricultural age, and seeks to mediate harmony in the body, as you mediate harmony in the garden."

In a 19^th-century Victorian mansion, By the Sea Inn & Spa is a retreat within walking distance of pedestrian-friendly Branford town center. Overnight guests of the upper level bed and breakfast drift off on beds piled with pillows, in serene rooms trimmed with lace curtains. Come for single services, spa packages, or "girlfriend getaways"—By the Sea offers plenty of treatment choices, say co-owners Marilyn Acquarulo and Mary Ellen Julian.

Try the signature facial, where aestheticians apply organic products from Hungary and a luxurious peeling treatment that "…leaves skin like glass," says Julian.

The spa’s services bring results that have clients coming back, again and again, Acquarulo reports.

"I think more and more people are incorporating it into their schedules. They see they feel better after a massage or facial…and they want to carve out time for it," she says.

By the Sea has nine treatment rooms and an airy sun porch for ultra-hygienic manicures and pedicures, including the popular Couple’s Pedicure. Couple’s massages are another spa favorite, says Julian, noting both male and female clients tune in easily to the "warmth" of the spa.

"We’re not your typical day spa…We’ve brought together the latest technology with the most talent treatment professionals, under the medical direction of Dr. Henley," says Wilson.

Twelve treatment rooms, a state-of-the art computerized skin analysis room, and a full service nail treatment area help make for "… utmost results and comfort," Wilson says. The medical aesthetics center’s anti-aging and corrective treatments mean this is the place to relax while undergoing elimination of acne and age spots or non-surgical skin tightening, Botox, dermal fillers, body-shaping, laser treatments, and more.

Rituals’ signature day spa treatments feature nourishing body wraps, wellness and couples massages, and organic facials.

Rituals, which opened three years ago, draws clients from across the shoreline and around the world, according to Wilson.

"Many of our clients come from Guilford, Branford, and Madison, but this area’s got people who travel all over the world and they’re our clients, too, and they really tell us we’re the best in the world."

La Spiaggia may mean "the beach," in Italian, but in Madison, it means a place that’s built a reputation as a day spa where clients can relax and revive. Owner Rose Mary Marchese blends pampering with medically-supervised treatments that bring results.

"They don’t only come here just to relax. They also come to see results," says Marchese.

With more than 15 years of skin treatment experience, Marchese’s gentle, full-service spa services combined with La Spiaggia’s medical spa offerings, from Botox to microdermabrasion to laser hair removal, allows clients to see those results and "enjoy a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere; in a relaxed, spa-like setting."

The spa’s medical treatments are conducted under the supervision of Dr. Sam Hahn of Hamden and nurse practitioner Alicia Burr. La Spiaggia’s state-of-the art laser hair removal machine treats all skin types.

La Spiaggia’s signature day spa package will put guests in touch with several luxurious head-to-toe services, and dips into carefully selected clinical and organic product lines. The spa experience begins with a European deep cleansing facial with therapeutic marine stones, followed by a rejuvenating face, neck, and shoulder massage, finishing masque, Vichy Shower, and salt glow body polish treatment. Muscles are then unwound with a hot stone massage therapy session. Savor a light lunch and finish with a manicure, pedicure, and makeup session.

Whatever service a client selects, "It’s a full-service spa with luxury pampering at La Spiaggia," says Marchese.

The name "Water’s Edge" evokes the ocean, and this resort’s spa services do the same. The restorative properties of marine therapies and sea-derived ingredients have clients slipping away for an hour, day, weekend, or more to enjoy this destination resort and spa on Long Island Sound.

"We have a great advantage in that we’re directly on the ocean. We have the beauty of the sea out there, and we use it in our treatments," says spa director Suzanne Doyle.

Services with products from Pavonia, an international pioneer in specialty treatment lines, and world-class Biotone, with botanicals including Dead Sea salts, help to make the difference.

Hydrating facials—featuring nothing less than the essence of caviar—and hot sea-stone massages are two of the spa’s most-requested services.

Guests of the sprawling inn will find the spa is just one of several on-site experiences. Resort shops, fine dining, and entertainment on weekends make its overnight Spa Bed and Breakfast Package truly worth the trip. The deal includes discounts on spa services.

All of the spa’s soothing services are about to be enhanced with medical spa offerings, located just a marine stone’s throw away at the resort’s upscale shopping area.

"We’re going to be joining forces with a medical spa, Enhance, arriving here from Guilford," Doyle says. "It’s going to be a good combination of the two types of spa services for our guests."

In the quintessential New England coastal village of Essex, a quiet, wooded setting envelops The Spa of Essex. Clients know they’ll find relaxation here whether they sneak away for a single service or unwind for hours.

"People walk in the door and say, ‘aaahh,’’ says Juliet Cavanaugh, spa manager. "Our spa is a very peaceful, serene, quiet spa. We are not a huge facility, but once people come, they come back."

Even clients who go in for a quick manicure are welcome to lounge at their leisure in the deep, dark, quiet of the spa’s relaxation room. Those with a bit more time to spare can select lavish spa services like the Four-Handed Massage.

The Spa of Essex also offers Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy, where lithe therapists, supported by ceiling-bound wooden bars, apply therapeutic foot strokes along the body. The experience surpasses typical massages, according to Cavanaugh, who notes, "People say it’s just incredible. They’ve heard of Swedish massage or sports massage, but once they have Ashiatsu, they tell us, ‘I will never get another massage.’"

Clients also keep returning for the spa’s Age-Defying Facial. In a candlelit room, the spa’s signature masque is applied to the face, while hands and feet luxuriate in heated mitts and booties.

"It’s not the most expensive service, but it is best facial experience, done with dynamite products. Your skin glows and you see the benefits for days after," says Cavanaugh.

Two eponymous spas, named for founder and ultra-successful salon stylist Rob Rivers, have become great escapes for area residents, says aesthetician Danielle Welch.

"With people’s lives being as busy as they are, our clients know it’s really important for them to take the time to turn off cell phone and put down laptop."

Clients love the signature Rob Rivers Retreat package, which combines professional salon and spa services, she adds.

"They get to experience the spa and salon—they get to see a bit of everything," says Welch. "The facial, manicure, pedicure, and aromatherapy scalp massage are done by aestheticians, and then they’ll see one of our hairstylists."

Both spas offer a full line of beauty treatments, from deep cleansing facials to customized makeup application, and body treatments—try an exfoliating Aromatic Back and Shoulder Glow or Energizing Desert Heat Body Wrap.

A member of the beauty industry for more than 20 years, Welch says Rob Rivers’ clients are making a beeline for its full Jane Iredale makeup line.

"It’s the only mineral makeup approved by the FDA—there’s no talc, no starch, no fillers. It has a natural SPF of 20 and its water soluble, so it’s great for athletes."

At both locations, helping clients without hurry or worry is key, Welch adds.

"The term ‘spa’ has been overused in recent years. Originally, it was created as an escape. Relaxation is all about the space your aesthetician creates for you—it’s just kind of that breath you take when you come in; whether it’s for half an hour or a whole day."

Nestled on the grounds of its historic inn, the Spa at Norwich Inn is a slice of paradise. The inn has been operating since 1930, but the spa first came into being 1980s when a new owner from California brought a bit of the West Coast to the East Coast.

"He built a free-standing spa on the grounds, at a time when spas were virtually unheard of on the East Coast," explains Peggie Ford Cosgrove, public relations representative.

The gamble paid off, with word spreading to draw a spa-loving celebrity clientele including Barbra Streisand and Joan Rivers. Add a $15 million renovation that wrapped up in 2002, and you’ll see why Norwich Inn is home to one of the state’s top destination spas, with 50 spa villas.

In the spa building, guests will find hydrotherapy rooms, massage rooms, rooms for scrubs, and body-delighting Vichy showers. With more than 100 people on staff, The Spa at Norwich Inn runs seven days a week, 365 days a year. The spa carries more than 80 private label products, including its skin-nourishing signature Apricot Harvest Collection. Indigenous area treatments, such as the Norwich Native Flower Wrap, blend with ever-updated service choices. Two of the newest are coffee treatments developed on-site. Both the coffee scrub and coffee wrap feature Arabica beans mixed with moisturizing lotions.

Whether you arrive for a single service or vacation-length stay, a spa admission fee opens all amenities to guests. Enjoy the exercise pool and fitness room or daily tea and scones and complimentary late afternoon wine tastings.

"Sometimes, guests fall asleep during a treatment," Cosgrove says. "When they wake up, they’re a bit embarrassed, but our therapists take it as a compliment."

The deep red awning spans a very special separate entrance at the Mystic Marriott Hotel—a famed Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa.

"Red Door Spas are spread across the U.S. and London. If you come back for the same service you had in London, you can have it here," says Megan Martino, marketing director.

That includes The Red Door’s Signature facial: a deep cleansing followed by a custom masque, acupressure facial massage, and an application of Prevage anti-aging treatments from Elizabeth Arden and Allergan Dermatology.

The Red Door’s signature massage incorporates a Swedish technique, with long, soothing strokes to the body and an application of skin-lavishing warm shea butter to finish.

The spa has 10 treatment rooms, with four dedicated to facials and six for body treatments, energy work, baths, and massages. A new couple’s room, with side-by-side massage tables, is fast-becoming a popular hit, according to Marino.

Clients can also use the heated indoor pool or Jacuzzi, fitness area, and steam room. And don’t forget to slip in to something more comfortable—lockers come stocked with a plush robe, slippers, and exclusive body and hair care products.

As Martino says, at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, "…’pampered from head to toe is our motto.’"

At the Bellissimo Grande Hotel, Spa’Radise owner Tracy Ricafranca is all about bringing spa services down to earth. That’s why she’s coined her twist on a traditional hot stone massage, the "Rock Your Body" treatment and offers a potent Vitamin C and seaweed formulation that’s "not your mother’s facial."

A spa director for more than 15 years before opening her streamlined hotel spa last summer, Ricafranca says she’s made a point of bringing in a talented team and keeping it simple for her clients, while offering spa services both traditional and trendy.

"I don’t care how many pillars or waterfalls you have, when you get on the table, you’re there for the treatment. I took that into consideration when I put my team together."

A candlelit couple’s massage is among the most popular services at Spa’Radise and makes for a memorable part of a romantic weekend getaway. But the twin-tabled massage room has also become a popular retreat for girlfriends looking to reconnect and talk.

Because she finds people are "less and less investing in themselves," Ricafranca knows they also appreciate a good deal, which is why Spa’Radise offers monthly specials. The offers may have enticed new clients into thinking about caring more for themselves, which will make all the difference for them in the future, says Ricafranca.

Like her hand-selected staff, Ricafranca chose the name Spa’Radise for a reason.

"I want people to feel like they’re taking a vacation for a few hours. Spa services aren’t just for the rich and famous, they are something for everyone to enjoy."

By Pam Johnson, élan writer

"We’re not your typical day spa…We’ve brought together the latest technology with the most talent treatment professionals, under the medical direction of Dr. Henley," says Wilson.

Twelve treatment rooms, a state-of-the art computerized skin analysis room, and a full service nail treatment area help make for "… utmost results and comfort," Wilson says. The medical aesthetics center’s anti-aging and corrective treatments mean this is the place to relax while undergoing elimination of acne and age spots or non-surgical skin tightening, Botox, dermal fillers, body-shaping, laser treatments, and more.

Rituals’ signature day spa treatments feature nourishing body wraps, wellness and couples massages, and organic facials.

Rituals, which opened three years ago, draws clients from across the shoreline and around the world, according to Wilson.

"Many of our clients come from Guilford, Branford, and Madison, but this area’s got people who travel all over the world and they’re our clients, too, and they really tell us we’re the best in the world."

La Spiaggia may mean "the beach," in Italian, but in Madison, it means a place that’s built a reputation as a day spa where clients can relax and revive. Owner Rose Mary Marchese blends pampering with medically-supervised treatments that bring results.

"They don’t only come here just to relax. They also come to see results," says Marchese.

With more than 15 years of skin treatment experience, Marchese’s gentle, full-service spa services combined with La Spiaggia’s medical spa offerings, from Botox to microdermabrasion to laser hair removal, allows clients to see those results and "enjoy a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere; in a relaxed, spa-like setting."

The spa’s medical treatments are conducted under the supervision of Dr. Sam Hahn of Hamden and nurse practitioner Alicia Burr. La Spiaggia’s state-of-the art laser hair removal machine treats all skin types.

La Spiaggia’s signature day spa package will put guests in touch with several luxurious head-to-toe services, and dips into carefully selected clinical and organic product lines. The spa experience begins with a European deep cleansing facial with therapeutic marine stones, followed by a rejuvenating face, neck, and shoulder massage, finishing masque, Vichy Shower, and salt glow body polish treatment. Muscles are then unwound with a hot stone massage therapy session. Savor a light lunch and finish with a manicure, pedicure, and makeup session.

Whatever service a client selects, "It’s a full-service spa with luxury pampering at La Spiaggia," says Marchese.

The name "Water’s Edge" evokes the ocean, and this resort’s spa services do the same. The restorative properties of marine therapies and sea-derived ingredients have clients slipping away for an hour, day, weekend, or more to enjoy this destination resort and spa on Long Island Sound.

"We have a great advantage in that we’re directly on the ocean. We have the beauty of the sea out there, and we use it in our treatments," says spa director Suzanne Doyle.

Services with products from Pavonia, an international pioneer in specialty treatment lines, and world-class Biotone, with botanicals including Dead Sea salts, help to make the difference.

Hydrating facials—featuring nothing less than the essence of caviar—and hot sea-stone massages are two of the spa’s most-requested services.

Guests of the sprawling inn will find the spa is just one of several on-site experiences. Resort shops, fine dining, and entertainment on weekends make its overnight Spa Bed and Breakfast Package truly worth the trip. The deal includes discounts on spa services.

All of the spa’s soothing services are about to be enhanced with medical spa offerings, located just a marine stone’s throw away at the resort’s upscale shopping area.

"We’re going to be joining forces with a medical spa, Enhance, arriving here from Guilford," Doyle says. "It’s going to be a good combination of the two types of spa services for our guests."

In the quintessential New England coastal village of Essex, a quiet, wooded setting envelops The Spa of Essex. Clients know they’ll find relaxation here whether they sneak away for a single service or unwind for hours.

"People walk in the door and say, ‘aaahh,’’ says Juliet Cavanaugh, spa manager. "Our spa is a very peaceful, serene, quiet spa. We are not a huge facility, but once people come, they come back."

Even clients who go in for a quick manicure are welcome to lounge at their leisure in the deep, dark, quiet of the spa’s relaxation room. Those with a bit more time to spare can select lavish spa services like the Four-Handed Massage.

The Spa of Essex also offers Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy, where lithe therapists, supported by ceiling-bound wooden bars, apply therapeutic foot strokes along the body. The experience surpasses typical massages, according to Cavanaugh, who notes, "People say it’s just incredible. They’ve heard of Swedish massage or sports massage, but once they have Ashiatsu, they tell us, ‘I will never get another massage.’"

Clients also keep returning for the spa’s Age-Defying Facial. In a candlelit room, the spa’s signature masque is applied to the face, while hands and feet luxuriate in heated mitts and booties.

"It’s not the most expensive service, but it is best facial experience, done with dynamite products. Your skin glows and you see the benefits for days after," says Cavanaugh.

Two eponymous spas, named for founder and ultra-successful salon stylist Rob Rivers, have become great escapes for area residents, says aesthetician Danielle Welch.

"With people’s lives being as busy as they are, our clients know it’s really important for them to take the time to turn off cell phone and put down laptop."

Clients love the signature Rob Rivers Retreat package, which combines professional salon and spa services, she adds.

"They get to experience the spa and salon—they get to see a bit of everything," says Welch. "The facial, manicure, pedicure, and aromatherapy scalp massage are done by aestheticians, and then they’ll see one of our hairstylists."

Both spas offer a full line of beauty treatments, from deep cleansing facials to customized makeup application, and body treatments—try an exfoliating Aromatic Back and Shoulder Glow or Energizing Desert Heat Body Wrap.

A member of the beauty industry for more than 20 years, Welch says Rob Rivers’ clients are making a beeline for its full Jane Iredale makeup line.

"It’s the only mineral makeup approved by the FDA—there’s no talc, no starch, no fillers. It has a natural SPF of 20 and its water soluble, so it’s great for athletes."

At both locations, helping clients without hurry or worry is key, Welch adds.

"The term ‘spa’ has been overused in recent years. Originally, it was created as an escape. Relaxation is all about the space your aesthetician creates for you—it’s just kind of that breath you take when you come in; whether it’s for half an hour or a whole day."

Nestled on the grounds of its historic inn, the Spa at Norwich Inn is a slice of paradise. The inn has been operating since 1930, but the spa first came into being 1980s when a new owner from California brought a bit of the West Coast to the East Coast.

"He built a free-standing spa on the grounds, at a time when spas were virtually unheard of on the East Coast," explains Peggie Ford Cosgrove, public relations representative.

The gamble paid off, with word spreading to draw a spa-loving celebrity clientele including Barbra Streisand and Joan Rivers. Add a $15 million renovation that wrapped up in 2002, and you’ll see why Norwich Inn is home to one of the state’s top destination spas, with 50 spa villas.

In the spa building, guests will find hydrotherapy rooms, massage rooms, rooms for scrubs, and body-delighting Vichy showers. With more than 100 people on staff, The Spa at Norwich Inn runs seven days a week, 365 days a year. The spa carries more than 80 private label products, including its skin-nourishing signature Apricot Harvest Collection. Indigenous area treatments, such as the Norwich Native Flower Wrap, blend with ever-updated service choices. Two of the newest are coffee treatments developed on-site. Both the coffee scrub and coffee wrap feature Arabica beans mixed with moisturizing lotions.

Whether you arrive for a single service or vacation-length stay, a spa admission fee opens all amenities to guests. Enjoy the exercise pool and fitness room or daily tea and scones and complimentary late afternoon wine tastings.

"Sometimes, guests fall asleep during a treatment," Cosgrove says. "When they wake up, they’re a bit embarrassed, but our therapists take it as a compliment."

The deep red awning spans a very special separate entrance at the Mystic Marriott Hotel—a famed Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa.

"Red Door Spas are spread across the U.S. and London. If you come back for the same service you had in London, you can have it here," says Megan Martino, marketing director.

That includes The Red Door’s Signature facial: a deep cleansing followed by a custom masque, acupressure facial massage, and an application of Prevage anti-aging treatments from Elizabeth Arden and Allergan Dermatology.

The Red Door’s signature massage incorporates a Swedish technique, with long, soothing strokes to the body and an application of skin-lavishing warm shea butter to finish.

The spa has 10 treatment rooms, with four dedicated to facials and six for body treatments, energy work, baths, and massages. A new couple’s room, with side-by-side massage tables, is fast-becoming a popular hit, according to Marino.

Clients can also use the heated indoor pool or Jacuzzi, fitness area, and steam room. And don’t forget to slip in to something more comfortable—lockers come stocked with a plush robe, slippers, and exclusive body and hair care products.

As Martino says, at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, "…’pampered from head to toe is our motto.’"

At the Bellissimo Grande Hotel, Spa’Radise owner Tracy Ricafranca is all about bringing spa services down to earth. That’s why she’s coined her twist on a traditional hot stone massage, the "Rock Your Body" treatment and offers a potent Vitamin C and seaweed formulation that’s "not your mother’s facial."

A spa director for more than 15 years before opening her streamlined hotel spa last summer, Ricafranca says she’s made a point of bringing in a talented team and keeping it simple for her clients, while offering spa services both traditional and trendy.

"I don’t care how many pillars or waterfalls you have, when you get on the table, you’re there for the treatment. I took that into consideration when I put my team together."

A candlelit couple’s massage is among the most popular services at Spa’Radise and makes for a memorable part of a romantic weekend getaway. But the twin-tabled massage room has also become a popular retreat for girlfriends looking to reconnect and talk.

Because she finds people are "less and less investing in themselves," Ricafranca knows they also appreciate a good deal, which is why Spa’Radise offers monthly specials. The offers may have enticed new clients into thinking about caring more for themselves, which will make all the difference for them in the future, says Ricafranca.

Like her hand-selected staff, Ricafranca chose the name Spa’Radise for a reason.

"I want people to feel like they’re taking a vacation for a few hours. Spa services aren’t just for the rich and famous, they are something for everyone to enjoy."