Washington, DC

Paris Alexander's Day Spa
DESCRIPTION: located in downtown, owner Paris has been beautifying clients since 1994; currently searching for a larger new location; expect to be warmly welcomed when you arrive; facials come complete with an education on your skin type and what you should be using to improve your glow; other services include exfoliations & peelscellulite treatment, massages, body wraps, aromatherapy, waxing, reflexology, acu-pressure, facials, manicures, pedicures, paraffin hand/foot treatments, and of course, spa packages
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Fri 10a-7p, Sat 9a-5p
ADDRESS: 2000 M Street, NW, lower level in Lillian Laurence Ltd.  MAP
PARKING: on street and nearby garage
TRANSIT: from DuPont Circle Metro Station walk 2 blocks south on 20th to New Hampshire Ave
PHONE: 202-466-8827
WEBSITE: http://www.parisalexander.com

Akwaaba Inn
DESCRIPTION: Monique Greenwood, former Editor-in-Chief of Essence magazine opened this inn in 2004, which is more like a retreat for Black writers and book lovers; Akwaaba means "Welcome" in a language of Ghana; an original hardwood front door welcomes you into the 1890s brownstone of eight guest rooms, each with a private bath; get cozy in the grand parlor, make new friends in the formal dining room, and four themed suites named after authors: Langston Hughes, Toni Morrison, Walter Mosley and Zora Neale Hurston and each room is accented with antique treasures mindful of the spirit of each author; other suites are named after literary genres: Romance, Poetry, Science Fiction and Inspiration; works by many other authors are showcased on the Romance Suite bookshelf; and artwork of several Black authors adorns the walls; each guest room is stocked with modern amenities that include private baths, TVs with DVD, clock radios with CD players, wireless Internet, mini refrigerators and more. Get cozy by the fireplace in the grand parlor, start your day with a home-cooked hearty breakfast in the formal dining room and make new friends at the innkeeper's happy hour each eveningit is part of Monique's upscale collection of B&Bs in DC, Brooklyn, Cape May, NJ, and New Orleans
ADDRESS: 1708 16th Street, NW  MAP
PARKING: on street
TRANSIT: 2 blocks northeast of DuPont Circle Metro Station via New Hampshire Avenue, then east two blocks
PHONE: 202-332-4100
WEBSITE: http://www.akwaaba.com

DC Guesthouse
DESCRIPTION: Owned by two brothers, it features six guest rooms filled with lush appointments, artwork and rare pieces from all over the world; each suite is a unique sanctuary featuring large beds, satellite TV, DVD players, wireless Internet access and privacy
ADDRESS: 1337 Tenth Street, NW  MAP
PARKING: on street
TRANSIT: 1 blocks north of Mt. Vernon Square-Convention Center Metro Station via 7th Street, then east two long blocks west on N Street
PHONE: 202-332-2502
WEBSITE: http://www.dcguesthouse.com

Skin Savvy Spa
DESCRIPTION: Services include Deep Cleansing Facial, Enzyme Peel, Euro Stone Facial, Honey Pat, Hot Stone Massage, Rejuvenation Facelift; a variety of Manicures and Pedicures, Triple Fruit Acid Resurfacing and Vita-Infusion Organic Skin Peel; also hosts special events and Pamper Parties
DAYS & HOURS: Wed appt only, Thu-Fri 1p–9p, Sat 9a-6p, Sun 11a-6p
ADDRESS: 1730 Connecticut Ave, NW  MAP
PARKING: on street
TRANSIT: 3 blocks northwest of DuPont Circle Metro Station via Connecticut Avenue
PHONE: 202-319-1231
WEBSITE: http://www.skinsavvyspa.com

Soul Day Spa
DESCRIPTION: An upscale spa with a soulful theme that features the typical range of services: massages, body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, spa packages, waxing, hair treatments; free parking nearby
DAYS & HOURS: Sun-Mon by appt, Tue-Fri 10a-7p, Sat 9a-7p
ADDRESS: 25 Florida Ave, NW  MAP
PARKING: on street
TRANSIT: 1 blocks south of Shaw-Howard University Metro Station via 7th Street, then Avenue, then ~6 blocks east on Q Street to intersect with Florida Ave
PHONE: 202-986-7685
WEBSITE: http://www.souldayspa.com

Anu Day Spa
DESCRIPTION: Although not a big spa, the staff reportedly made a sistah feel like a queen; offers men’s services, spa parties and many other services; recently moved to this location
DAYS & HOURS: appt only
ADDRESS: 1009 E Street, SE, 2nd Floor  MAP
PARKING: on street
TRANSIT: 2 blocks southwest of Eastern Market Metro Station via Pennsylvania Avenue, then half a block south
PHONE: 202-544-8268
WEBSITE: http://www.anudayspa.com

Bowie, MD

Special Care Retreat Spa
DESCRIPTION: An award-winning spa located on 4-acres in a private wooded setting to heal and nurture your mind, body and spirit in serenity; founded in 1988 by Marilyn Dawson, RN, Master Esthetician to provide clients with a retreat from daily stress and chaos Facials for skin sensitive to allergies, mechanical deep cleansing, moist heat, steam and removal of blackheads, Egyptian facial w/ hand & massage treatment, Aromatherapy, Fresh Fruit Facial; Oxygen/Vitamin C Facial and Teen Facial; a variety of cleansers, and moisturizers with professional spa services; set on the deck and watch the sky before or after your appointment; Need a total stress break -- seminars and workshops are available
DAYS & HOURS: Tue & Thu 10:30a-5p, Wed & Fri 10:30a-7p, Sat 9a-6p
ADDRESS: 13902 Mount Oak Court  MAP
PARKING: on premises
TRANSIT: not an option
PHONE: 301-430-7138
WEBSITE:  http://www.specialcarespa.com

bnatural salon & day spa
DESCRIPTION: Angela Black opened this spa in 2001; newly remodeled with a great location and first class the service to meet your every spa need; select from an extensive range of pedicures, manicures, nail care, body care, waxing, massage therapy, hydrotherapy, and body care services; full-day, half-day, baby shower and bridal packages are available
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Fri 10a-9p, Sat 9a-5p, Sun 10a-6p
ADDRESS: 15420 Emerald Way  MAP
PARKING: on premises
TRANSIT: not an option
PHONE: 301-809-9855
WEBSITE: http://www.bnaturalvillage.com

Silver Spring, MD

M&M Wellness Center
DESCRIPTION: Pedicures, wellness body therapy, men’s grooming, acupressure massage, & zone therapy are on the menu
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Wed
 10a-6p, Thu-Fri 10a-7p, Sat 7a-5p, Sun Noon-4p
ADDRESS: 1107 Spring Street, Suite A1  MAP
PARKING: on premises
TRANSIT: 4 blocks northwest of Silver Spring Metro Station via Colesville Road, then 1.5 blocks north on Spring Street
PHONE: 301-585-4770
WEBSITE: http://www.nailandwell.com