Ronnie Brissete, The Yoga Studio
Teaching in a beautiful home studio, this yoga expert has a loyal following—and an unbounded passion for her discipline. Individual and group classes are taught with precision, kindness, and humor. Her specialty, the Iyengar style of yoga, results in the mind-blowing sensation of a rigorous physical workout mixed with a soothing mental escape. 57 Waverly St., Brookline, MA .
Oasis Day Spa
There are long-awaited, I-deserve-this massages, and there are last-minute, I-had-a-bad-day massages. In either case, hightail it to Oasis. It's as sophisticated as a downtown destination, but not so much a hot spot that you can't book a same-day appointment. And the rubdowns? Strong, soothing, and utterly reviving. 108 Pleasant St., South Weymouth, MA 2190, relaxatoasis.com.
Roslindale Farmers’ Market
The market boasts a full bar, live music, and an army of booths that showcase locally made goodies including cheese, coffee, honey, and pasta—plus every vegetable under the sun. Our only complaint: It’s not open year round. Adams Park, Boston, MA 02131, roslindale.net/farmersmarket.
The Druid
The good folks of Cambridge have been keeping a secret: a food-focused Irish pub with soul-soothing shepherd's pie and a spiced burger that lands someplace between meatloaf and heaven. The Druid even has prices that can turn the area's artists into regulars. 1357 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 2139, druidpub.com.
Lisa Hughes, WBZ
The girl next door with gravitas, Lisa Hughes has been a reassuring on-air presence since taking over the 5, 6, and 11 p.m. anchor duties at Channel 4 two decades ago. Perhaps her no-nonsense yet soothing delivery can be traced to her wholesome upbringing in Moscow, Idaho—whatever the reason, even the grimmest COVID numbers somehow seem less scary when Hughes is quoting them. boston.cbslocal.com/personality/lisa-hughes.
EverybodyFights
At the end of a long day, there’s nothing better than strapping on a pair of gloves and hitting something. Hard. You can do that—and any other workout tangentially related to boxing—at EverybodyFights. Build your strength with circuit training and punching bags, work on your technique with competitive pro and amateur boxers, and soothe muscles inside the locker room’s rain showers when the gloves come off. Multiple locations. 15 Channel Center, Boston, MA 02110, everybodyfights.com.
Zona
If the soothing Aveda products and complimentary herbal tea aren’t enough to invoke tranquility, the lengthy shampooing and blissful scalp massage certainly will. This South Shore salon has been in the Zona family for generations, so whether you’re looking for a quick trim or a complete hair overhaul, you can rest assured that your locks will be in seasoned hands. 65 South St., Hingham; and other locations, zonaprofessional.com.
AZ Studio
Changing stylists right after you've been butchered presents a classic rebound scenario: No matter how well you're treated, there are nagging trust issues. That is, unless you drag your sorry 'do to AZ Studio, which has both veterans (some have been here 10 years or more) and next-generation snippers adept at soothing frizzed, scraggly, and otherwise badly ruffled feathers. Still feeling a bit heartsick? A shopping spree in the amply stocked salon boutique will make it all better. Derby Street Shoppes, Hingham, MA 2043, azstudio-derby.com.
Blue
Blue proves that the term suburban cool need not be an oxymoron. The space's beautiful and sleek trimmings hint at the industrial, but still manage to welcome and soothe. That balance is echoed by the employees, all of whom share a worldly knowledge of cutting and coloring but maintain a small-town, down-to-earth friendliness. Owner Paula Donovan works meticulous miracles with color, from rich, sultry reds to subtle, finely blended blonds. 10 Muzzey St., Lexington, MA blueacompletehairsalon.com.
Washington Square Tavern
Here's a tavern in the truest—and best—sense of the world: a homey magnet for folks from many walks of life, with good comfort food and plenty of drink. The Washington Square hits all the right marks on all the scales: high on quality and atmosphere, but low on pretense. Hang at the long wooden bar or the communal tables to chat with everyone from pierced college kids to nuclear families, or slide into one of the dark corner booths with your better half for a dinner for two. 714 Washington St., Washington Square, Brookline, MA washingtonsquaretavern.com.
Eastern Standard
At this spacious, boisterous Kenmore Square brasserie, groups can reserve a round table, slide into a cushy leather booth, or pull together a few tall tables at the bar to enjoy a casual feast. Brisk service, a well-stocked raw bar, and a varied menu filled with small plates that range from salt cod fritters to fried calamari makes for easy sharing—whether you're with simpatico diners or fussy friends who don't share your enlightened palate. 528 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, easternstandardboston.com.
Frank Roop
Just as fashionistas favor couture over ready-to-wear, design aficionados prefer unique interior to chain-store décor. That's why those in the know turn to Frank Roop. Roop works with combinations of vintage treasures, elegant fabrics, his own custom furniture creations, and one-of-a-kind pieces collected during his frequent world travels. They all come together into living spaces that are very soothing, vibrant, and sophisticated. 129 Newbury St., Boston, MA frankroop.com.
Bella Santé Day Spa
Some suburban day spas, catering as they often do to busy moms, have entirely missed the point of an escape: A noisy cut and blow-dry during a massage is not relaxing. But the Lexington outpost of Bella Santé gets the pampering thing down perfectly with imported teas, soothing music, and peaceful treatment rooms. And, of course, one-at-a-time services that are stress free. 76 Bedford St., Lexington, MA bellasante.com.
Balans Organic Spa
There’s nothing worse than sitting back for a relaxing facial only to have your aesthetician slather on products that smell vaguely like petrochemicals. That’ll never happen at Balans, where facialists use only 100 percent organic products in conjunction with expert analysis of your skin — sans the very annoying upselling attempts common at so many spas — hot steam, thorough extractions, and a lovely, soothing environment. 216 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, bostonbalans.com.
Franklin Cafe
No need to consult with a wardrobe stylist when prepping for a classy date night at the Franklin. Just come as you are, slide into a black leather booth, and let the low lighting, art-covered walls, and excellent wine list loosen you up. From there, the food—spicy marinated cucumbers, cornmeal-crusted catfish, and smoky spareribs—will put anyone in the mood. 278 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA franklincafe.com.