Ari Neuman, Sway Aveda Spa
If you’re paying someone to pour hot wax on a (ahem) sensitive body part, wouldn’t it be great if that person had medical experience in addition to beauty expertise? Ari Neuman not only knows a ton about skin care, but she also used to work as a surgical assistant in the OBGYN department at Beth Israel—she has the bedside manner and attention to detail of a medical professional, too, making a typically awkward experience more bearable and—dare we say?—almost relaxing. 485 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215, swayspa.com.
Island Kitchen
A year-round locals’ favorite, Island Kitchen expanded in 2017, adding a patio bar and a counter serving house-made ice cream and doughnuts in varieties such as maple bacon and Mexican chocolate. But you may have to forgo the sweet stuff after feasting on chef-owner Patrick Ridge’s inspired breakfast and brunch fare: panko-crusted eggs Benedict, apple-bacon-blue-cheese omelets, turkey hash, and fine finnan haddie, preferably washed down by mimosas made with always-fresh-squeezed OJ. One Chin’s Way, Nantucket, MA 02554, nantucketislandkitchen.com.
Maricruz Hairstyles
Entrusting someone with the most photographed hairstyle of your life is no small decision—unless, of course, that someone is Maricruz Polito. With years of experience behind every tendril she curls, pins, or spritzes into place, the savvy stylist doesn’t just create memorable ’dos for clients preparing to walk down the aisle. Polito—who recently debuted a shiny new studio in Waltham—brings peace of mind to brides looking for a stress-free (and decidedly elegant) wedding day. 681 Main St., Waltham, MA 02451, maricruzhairstyles.com.
North Beach Island
There’s definitely a desert-island vibe on this remote stretch of sand, reachable only by boat: Depending on the day or time, you might have the beach to yourself. At other times, expect pockets of locals staking their claim on the shoreline with colorful umbrellas, coolers, and portable grills and playing seaside games like horseshoes or beach bocce. Don’t have a vessel of your own to ferry you there? Beach shuttles are available through Outermost Harbor Marine.
<em>Black Soap</em> by SuperSmashBroz
Roxbury natives Muyi Fre$co and Noma Nomz live by the mantra “get your vibes right” — and that’s exactly what the DJ/producer duo have accomplished with their latest project, which celebrates the diversity of the city with feel-good rhythms and soulful Caribbean melodies infused with mesmeric Afrobeats. Cameos from other Boston artists are the proverbial cherry on top. supersmashbroz.com.
Verde Salon
Verde’s gorgeous cuts, highlights, and extensions aren’t just good-looking — they’re good for the environment, too. As a zero-waste, certified sustainable salon, this beloved Braintree coiffeur recycles, repurposes, or composts hair clippings; turns salon waste into clean energy; and uses eco-friendly products. The space itself is a natural beauty, too, with enough blond wood and greenery to turn your hair appointment into an unexpected escape. 89 Hancock Street, Suite 103, Braintree, MA 02184, verdesalon.org.
Saks Fifth Avenue
In a town with so few places to find stylish footwear, praise be to Saks, temple of the almighty shoe. Hunting down a chic sneaker? Choose among Jimmy Choo, Gucci, and Adidas by Stella McCartney. In the market for a Cinderella-worthy stiletto? Try on a pair from Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, Chanel, or Fendi. With more than 100 designers to choose from, it’s safe to say you (and your feet) will never get bored. 800 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02199, saks.com.
Ten Percent Happier
If the thought of contorting your body into yoga sleep pose or sitting still for extended periods of time seems anything but relaxing, do yourself a favor and download Ten Percent Happier, the Boston-based spinoff of journalist Dan Harris’s self-help book. Dubbed a “meditation app for fidgety skeptics,” the program helps newbies and Zen masters alike regularly practice mindfulness with 500-plus guided sessions. And with plenty of shorter clips, it ensures you can get in the right headspace just about anywhere (really). tenpercent.com.
Julie Michaud, Prettyology
The perfect brows finish your face — so it’s a good thing this beauty expert, who’s worked with celebs and top models, knows how to transform even the wildest ones into full and natural arches with the flick of a tweezer. She also has an arsenal of special effects on hand to help the brow-challenged achieve their fullest potential, including customized tints and a keratin infusion for extra va-va voom. 18 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, prettyology.com.
Encore Boston Harbor
Even if you’re not a gambler, odds are good you’ll have a memorable night at Massachusetts’ very own Vegas-style resort. How could you not, with a 19,000-square-foot mega-spa, nearly a dozen dining options, and a bumping nightclub from the Grand team right at your fingertips? And we haven’t even mentioned the luxe rooms and suites with voice-activated controls (keep the curtains closed until checkout time, please!). One Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, encorebostonharbor.com.
Dew Luxe
An Hermès scarf for $350? A Burberry trench for $500? This isn't the end-of-season sale at Barneys, just the everyday deals found at Michaela Bavis's twee luxury consignment shop in South Boston. The sleek repository of new and lightly used high-end designer pieces includes suits, cocktail dresses, handbags, and heels from the likes of Chanel, Valentino, and Louboutin. Don't skip over the accessories display case, either; those oversize Bulgari sunglasses might finally be within your grasp. 36 A St., South Boston, MA 02127, dewluxe.com.
Exhale Battery Wharf
Whether prepping for a big race or recovering post-CrossFit, the sports massage at Exhale Battery Wharf is a workout-regimen must. After a pre-massage consultation identifying trouble spots, let your 30-, 60-, or 90-minute treatment melt away tension, then enjoy luxurious amenities like the hammam—a steamless Turkish sauna that melts away stress. First pain, then gain. 2 Battery Wharf, Boston, MA 02109, exhalespa.com.
Alden & Harlow
Chef Michael Scelfo's first solo outing was an instant success thanks to its vegetable-forward fare and ungodly rich, smoky burger. But Scelfo also deserves a pat on the back for his staffing skills. In particular, bar manager Seth Freidus has assembled a cocktail list that rivals the dinner menu in creativity and ambition, with drinks incorporating vegetables like squash; a house-made amaro on draft; and, come winter, a boozy take on hot chocolate topped with absinthe-and-orange whipped cream. 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 02138, aldenharlow.com.
Uni
Ken Oringer's swanky sushi den is known for its artistic, stop-you-in-your-tracks renditions of raw fish, but there's so much more to love. During dinner service, sansho-pepper-dusted karaage fried chicken, petite nubs of rock-shrimp tempura, and octopus dumplings known as takoyaki help absorb the sticker shock—and the stomach space—left behind by the pricey sashimi. The late-night weekend menu has its own identity, highlighted by steaming bowls of ramen. 370 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215, unisashimibar.com.
Dwelltime
What's one way to maintain control over your coffee and espresso? Own a supply chain—which is how this Cambridge shop, from local roaster Barismo, became such a well-oiled machine. Beyond pulling expert cortados and offering cold brew on draft, Dwelltime also boasts superior digs, with a copper bar and lots of pickled, baked, and sandwiched snacks for nibbling. 364 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139, dwelltimecambridge.com.