Beyond the feel-good spa

A trip to the spa for a rejuvenating facial might temporarily perk up weary skin that's seen too many cocktails and late nights out, but perhaps it's time for a lifestyle makeover that promotes more lasting health benefits. Some spas now offer yoga and Pilates classes, and holistic results-oriented therapies that venture beyond traditional spa treatments. Here are a few to try in the new year.

Soul Ease Holistic Yoga Spa
Soul Ease in Kirkland is a beautifully decorated spa and yoga studio that combines Asian simplicity with the works of local artists. It offers a full menu of spa treatments and packages, acupuncture, yoga, Pilates, infrared sun sauna, naturopathic services and wellness programs. Porshah Dayton, co-owner and Wellness Consultant at the spa, is a walking testament to the services available — she's lithe and energetic, with bright eyes and clear, glowing skin. "Our goal is to educate first, then assist in recreating a health-promoting lifestyle that supports energy, balance, radiance, vitality and optimal health," says Dayton.

Some of the unique therapies offered include: Shiatsu, where therapists use hands, elbows, forearms, knees and bare feet for a deeper massage; Thai massage with assisted stretching, rocking and acupressure; foot rituals with massage, exotic foot baths and masks infused with organic milk, hot oil, green tea and lime or black Baltic mud; and a Zen acupressure skin treatment to release tension in the facial muscles, scalp and neck. Also available is an infrared sun sauna, an alternative to steamy hot saunas. Full spectrum light waves heat the body from the inside so you still sweat out all those nasty toxins.

The Asian theme at Soul Ease extends beyond the décor. The spa also offers Shiatsu massages, Zen acupressure treatments and more.

For a complete overhaul, consider the 30-Day Detoxification Program. The program is designed to rid the body of accumulated toxins from the environment, overindulgence in alcohol or caffeine, smoking, poor diet, stress and not enough exercise. If it sounds a bit like rehab, it is. The program includes two sessions with a naturopathic physician, toxin elimination diet, nutritional supplements, unlimited yoga and mat Pilates, detoxifying spa body treatments, and weekly seminars on toxicity, diet, exercise, physiology, stress reduction and other topics.

Dayton maintains that there are many factors that play a role in determining health and well-being in daily life. "It's a complicated web, with most of us feeling trapped somewhere in the middle," she says. The detox program serves as a great starting point to make healthy lifestyle changes. This "new you" can be had through a lot of self-discipline and $800. The program will be offered monthly with the next session starting on Jan. 15.

The Sanctuary Spa and Yoga
Known as one of Oprah's favorites, The Sanctuary is the new sister spa to Soul Ease, and it's about to be given a makeover. The spacious yoga studio and spa will be drenched in the rich colors of India such as royal blue, gold and orange, draped in sumptuous fabric accents and framed with decorative touches inspired by architectural elements of the Near East.

Most classes on the yoga schedule are conducted in a heated studio (90 degrees or above) or are Bikram-style "hot yoga," where the studio is 110 degrees. Both tend to relax muscles more quickly and aid in sweating out more of those toxins.

Co-owner Porshah Dayton plans to incorporate more of the spa treatments and wellness programs now offered at Soul Ease, including the 30-Day Detoxification Program.

Relax or shop before your spa treatment or Pilates class at Herban Therapies.

Herban Therapies Spa & Yoga Center
This Eastside spa moved into a larger space last summer and added more treatments, retail products and an intimate 20-student studio for yoga and mat Pilates. "We do a lot of massage, and clients seemed to need a little more," says owner Nicole Wright. "It made sense to offer yoga and Pilates. They're synergistic with massage and help to release, loosen and stretch the muscles."

Once inside the doors, you'll forget that this pretty spa decked out in dark blues and neutral shades is located in a strip mall. Relax by the faux fireplace while you wait for your treatment or browse the well-stocked retail space filled with bath and body goodies, lingerie, plush robes and skin-care products.

The services menu is extensive and includes a variety of massages, facials, body treatments, waxing, tinting and nail services. The spa is known for a fabulous Head to Toe Facial, where self-heating mud is applied to the spine while hands and feet are warmed with gloves, booties and a special moisturizing mask. The anti-aging facial includes plenty of stress-relieving facial massage and an eye treatment (1 hour 45 minutes, $125). Another signature treatment is the hot-stone pedicure ($65). You get a warm, relaxing soak and massage for stressed out tootsies and tired calves, and pretty painted toenails.

Wright has designed some enticing deals for clients. Get on the e-mail list to hear about specials and packages such as the Mommy-To-Be Treatment: a one-hour massage, balancing facial, bikini waxing, spa pedicure, lash tint and brow wax for $240 (regularly $265). Join the "Massage Club" and enjoy a one-hour massage once a month for $49.99, plus 10 percent off all other spa treatments and one free yoga or Pilates class a month. And there's more: Take advantage of daily discounts such as $10 off massages on Mondays, 10 percent off all waxing on Wednesdays, $45 spa pedicures on Thursdays and $10 off facials on Fridays.

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