5 Top Spas in Providence, Rhode Island

When the air outside gets brisk and there are no Dell's lemonade stands to help you enjoy your day, fear not Rhode Island residents and guests. The capital of the smallest state in the union provides plenty of places to relax with topnotch spas located not far from wherever you find yourself. Providence, Rhode Island just keeps getting better.

There is the Alayne White Spa and Body Boutique (149 Elmgrove Ave, Providence). Alayne White Spa and Body Boutique focuses on making you feel comfortable. On her website, Alayne White posts a blurb quoting herself in Vogue Magazine saying, "The average woman is discovering it's not a luxury to feel better about herself." That's a wonderful attitude to have for a spa owner. It is not over-the-top, but it prides itself on being small and intimate. So if you are looking to really relax and get away from the stress of too much shopping or too much work or too many people, scale down and chill out at Alayne White Spa. You can prepay for five visits and then the sixth one is free. This is specially a great place for vacationers to go, because the staff will help you make reservations at restaurants and other places that you might be interested in checking out.

Chesnuts Salon and Day Spa (10 Davol Square) is located in downtown Providence and is a hip place for the young and restless. With exposed brick, leather chairs and a loft-like feel, it brings an energy that can be a great boost when you feel bored or lethargic. It is also a comfortable place for male clients, so if you or one of your male friends secretly wants the spa treatment but feels a little shy or embarrassed, this is the place to go. Call ahead for treatment; it has a lot of fans. There is also valet parking available Wednesday through Friday (it is closed on Sundays and Mondays).

Providence's Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa (Providence Biltmore, 11 Dorrance St) is one of about 30 spas run by the company throughout the US (and London). This is where you go if you want to feel like a superstar. You will have to pay for valet parking and a 20% gratuity is included for all services, but it delivers a lot for your money. Reserve your appointment online and get there early so that you can enjoy a coffee, biscotti and juice provided while you wait. In the winter, there is skating nearby, so plan to go get some fresh air and exercise and then warm up and relax inside the two story luxurious spa.

If you are someone that feels more comfortable going out with your significant other, then try Spadyssey Day Spa's (75 Dorrance St) "two's company massage" ($160/1hr). Its décor is generally described as comfortable, but the spas regulars talk much more about the great massages from the staff than anything else. If you're on vacation, this is a special place to go because of the custom concierge getaway packages that include hotel accommodations, dinner reservations and other attractions and services. It is open every day of the week and offers free parking. Spadyssey offers gift certificates that you can print online.

The Spa at Providence Place (1 Providence Place, first floor) has perhaps the most convenient spa location in Providence. Everyone, resident and tourist alike, ends up at the mall for one thing or another, so it can always be fit into a trip when you're going to be out there anyway (two birds, one stone). And, spa treatment is almost always welcome after a day of shopping. Do not feel put off by the mall, because once you go past the entrance, you're in a serene world with soothing music, and tranquil lighting. Take comfort in the fact that the clientele is quite diverse and not pretentious, so you do not need to dress up and look great just to relax. If you are happy with your treatment, then book another one for 5% off before you leave.

I hope that these five suggestions result in an extra relaxing day for you and that you return home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Providence, Rhode Island is a city that gives more than it takes.