Everyone can use a little pampering this time of year. Between the crunch at work to finish everything before vacation, traveling for the holidays and shopping for, wrapping and shipping presents, we're all a little wiped.
Enter Balans Organic Spa.
Balans opened at 216 Newbury Street earlier this month. They are nestled on the second floor of a classic Back Bay brownstone.
You can spot the front door by the sandwich board out on the sidewalk advertising the list of decadent services.
When you step into the building and through the door to Balans, something amazing happens. Even though you're just a few feet from the front door, you can no longer hear the hustle and bustle of Newbury Street. It's immediate tranquility.
You take your coat and shoes off on the ground floor, then walk up a plush carpeted staircase to the main level. How beautiful is the light fixture twinkling over the stairs?
When I reached the landing at the top of the steps, the space took my breath away. It's open, serene and bathed in natural sunlight.
Balans is decorated simply, but beautifully.
There were a few elements that were just so Molly. For example, this white tufted ottoman, dotted with crystals.
Or this silver, tiered product display. I could so easily see this on my dining room table showcasing candles or dare I say . . . cupcakes!
The highlight of the Balans space is definitely their location. Not only do they have a killer view of Newbury Street, one of Boston's most iconic areas, but those same windows flood the space with light.
What makes Balans truly unique is their product line. They exclusively use MARIA AKERBERG products which are 100 percent organic, made in Sweden. When they say "organic" they really mean it. For example, if a product uses water, even that water is purified.
When I was trying to decide what treatment to get, I kept thinking, if I'm going to have my body covered in something, I definitely feel comforted knowing those lotions and potions are organic.
Inspired by their commitment to clean products, I scheduled a body treatment. For those who aren't familiar, a body treatment typically consists of full body exfoliation, a hot shower, a massage and the application of a body balm or lotion. And yes, you have to be totally naked.
Balans offers a variety of different body treatments. I went for the most over the top option available, the dark chocolate body treatment. The Balans website describes that treatment as:
"Loaded with antioxidants, this full body treatment promotes healing and anti-aging. Deep cleansing and exfoliation with our organic dark chocolate scrub, followed by an application of our organic chocolate leave-on treatment. Raw cacao is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that bring essential nourishment to your skin. We will also serve you a piece of organic chocolate to complete the full experience."
I had arrived a few minutes early, so I was poking around the makeup display waiting to be called. I already want to come back to have my makeup done.
I was introduced to the woman who would be working on me, Andrea. She was bubbly and friendly and made me feel at ease immediately.
The treatment started with a full body exfoliation using a dark chocolate scrub. As soon as she twisted the top off the scrub the room smelled like a bakery. It was intoxicating.
When the exfoliation was complete, Andrea asked me to stand up and handed me a fluffy robe. Wrapped in the robe, I headed into a steaming hot shower to rinse off the scrub. I looked like I had rolled around in a brownie pan!
While I was in the shower I was thinking, "Wow, I look kind of tan." Nope, just hadn't washed all the chocolate off yet. Whoops.
As I was rinsing away the scrub, I could tell instantly how smooth my skin was. Like butter!
Post-shower I headed back into the treatment room. Back on the table, Andrea gave me the most blissful back and shoulder massage.
The final stage of the treatment involved being coated in chocolate scented body balm. Andrea used the white chocolate balm, which I was worried would smell too sickeningly sweet, but turned out to be very subtle.
When the treatment was complete, Andrea encouraged me to take a few deep breaths and then stand up and start to get dressed. When she stepped out of the room, I fell asleep! I was so embarrassed. She had to come back and wake me up. What can I say? Balans is so peaceful and those massage tables are outrageously comfortable. It was easy to relax and let go.
Once I was dressed and came back out into the lobby, Andrea offered me a small glass of carrot juice and two pieces of Taza chocolate.
I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed my afternoon at Balans. The space is gorgeous, the staff is incredibly kind and welcoming, the treatments are super luxurious and you can feel great knowing every single thing touching your skin is organic.
As I walked out back onto Newbury Street I was already plotting when I'd return. Could I convince the next bachelorette party I'm in? Suggest it to my mom and sister for their visit in January? Offer to go with someone for some birthday relaxation? I think . . . all of the above.
Now for the best part. The very generous team at Balans is offering a discount exclusively for Pop.Bop.Shop. readers.
Use code POPBOPBALANS20 to receive 20% off any skincare service (facial, body treatment or massage) booked between now and January 13, 2016. You can schedule your service for later, but you have to make the reservation by the 13th.
Learn more about Balans (and pick out your treatment!) on their website, Facebook or Twitter.
*Though my treatment at Balans Organic Spa was complimentary, all opinions are 100 percent my own.
