Be Well Studios
Wellness is about more than just breaking a sweat three times a week; it’s about taking care of your mind, body, and soul. This Zen retreat in Scituate lives by that mantra, tempering its approachable barre and cross-training classes with restorative treatments such as meditation, reiki, and massage (bonus points for therapies tailored especially to clients undergoing cancer treatments). A waterfront perch adds to the gloriously relaxing vibe. bewellstudios.net.
Violet Furxhi, Mario Russo
It’s a good bet any well-heeled lady in town boastfully swinging her locks around is rocking extensions from this talented stylist. Specializing in long-lasting Keratin bonds, Furxhi makes what can be a timely process enjoyable, interspersing lively conversation with details about where she’s placing your new tresses and why. 9 Newbury St., Boston, mariorusso.com.
Viola Lovely
Effortless and immaculate: Those are the adjectives we’d use to describe this South End boutique’s offerings—and, after a trip here, your everyday style. There’s the expert tailoring from Lemaire, whose designs are inspired by the streets of Paris. The soft, California-chic fabrics of Raquel Allegra. And Alumnae’s comfortable yet trendy slip-on leather mules. In fact, every last piece here feels practical enough for a run to the drugstore or a quick flight to Palm Beach, but lovely enough to take you anywhere in the world. 1409 Washington St., Boston, MA violalovely.com.
The Haven
In Boston’s sea of rowdy, singles-filled Irish bars, this rare Scottish gastropub stands out as unique, friendly, and approachable—just like the ideal date. As its name suggests, the restaurant is an intimate place to get cozy by candlelight with your Tinder match over an extensive, icebreaker-friendly scotch list organized by region, as well as hard-to-find specialties like haggis and Scotland-born deep-fried Mars bars. With so much to talk about, conversation will flow as easily as the Belhaven beer on draft 2 Perkins St., Jamaica Plain, MA thehavenjp.com.
Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
Spend one evening lounging around a fire pit on the water-view terrace with your family, and you just might decide to make a stay at this Brewster retreat, centered around a Victorian-style mansion, an annual tradition. And why wouldn’t you, when there are enough amenities here—a Nicklaus-designed golf course, bar-adjacent private beach, luxe day spa, and full-service tennis courts—to make it so you never have to leave? oceanedge.com.
Mandarin Oriental
Looking to rub elbows with your favorite A-listers? Chances are if they’re in town, they’ve snagged a room at the Mandarin Oriental. It’s no surprise when you consider the hotel’s dedication to discreet yet over-the-top service, helmed by charismatic GM Philip Knuepfer: Whether you’re dropping by the sprawling spa, the on-site restaurant, Bar Boulud, or the check-in counter, you’re bound to get the star treatment. 776 Boylston St., Boston, MA mandarinoriental.com.
LexRX
If you’re curious about next-level skin care but aren’t quite ready to make the leap to injectables, this new line of products has you covered. Created by the nurse practitioners who founded LexRX, a local cosmetic dermatology practice, the cleansers, serums, moisturizing creams, and detox masks are all packed with a proprietary combination of skin-boosting natural ingredients (activated charcoal, chamomile extract, lavender essential oil) and exfoliating acids to bring out your natural glow—no needles required. 121 Charles St., Boston, MA lexrx.co.
Lekker Home
You already know this South End boutique for its modern furnishings and home accessories. Now discover Lekker Home’s softer side, courtesy of a luxe linen collection with everything you need for a lifetime of pampering: Sasawashi scrub towels to keep your skin looking fresh, a super-soft Blacksaw throw for movie nights, and a crisp set of Area bed sheets to sink into later. 1313 Washington St., Boston, MA lekkerhome.com.
Faherty
Recycling has never looked better. Founded by twin brothers and self-professed beach bums Mike and Alex Faherty, this company is making waves by blending salvaged plastic into fabric to create quick-dry bikinis, reversible one-pieces, and custom-printed swim trunks. And unlike your post-vacation glow, these suits won’t fade, thanks to natural indigo dyes and a special finishing technique that protects against chlorine and saltwater. 115 Newbury St., Boston, MA fahertybrand.com.
Bark Place
The pro groomers at this cheerful canine emporium consult with customers to determine the right cut and style before brushing out, shampooing, conditioning, trimming, and drying each pooch to perfection—nail clipping and ear cleaning are included, but parents of truly pampered pups can opt for aromatherapy or massage add-ons. Bark Place also offers elevated DIY wash stations should your grass-rolling, dirt-digging pal need a bath between appointments. 1721 Washington St., Boston, MA 2118, barkplacesouthend.com.
Oona’s
If you lack the patience to sift through piles and paw through racks to find vintage gems, head to this Harvard Square institution, where staffers have done the treasure-hunting for you. Waiting to meet your closet: sweet Twiggy-era shift dresses, a sequined Valentino jacket, and baubles to satisfy every taste, all at not-that-outrageous prices. Guys can get in on the fun, too, with Hawaiian-print shirts, striped ties, and denim jackets. 1210 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, oonasboston.com.
State Road
It’s easy to stack your menu with local produce and meats and declare yourself a farm-to-table restaurant—but to rise above today’s sustainable pack, you have to present those expertly sourced fava beans and fresh fiddlehead ferns in different, exciting ways. This West Tisbury destination gets it deliciously right, with inventive preparations (pappardelle with octopus and roasted tomatoes; crisp-skinned duck with spelt risotto); a stylish, rustic atmosphere; and endlessly helpful servers, who don chic, custom-made aprons. 688 State Rd., West Tisbury, MA 2568, stateroadrestaurant.com.
The Handel and Haydn Society
The august ensemble approaches its bicentennial season in peak shape, with an artistic director, Harry Christophers, who understands that early music should be not just "authentic" but also, you know, musical. With excellent guest conductors like Scott Metcalfe and Richard Egarr—and programming that last year ranged from Purcell’s The Indian Queen to Beethoven’s Seventh to Christmas music by four different Bachs—it’s not only the oldest continuously performing arts group in America, it’s also one of the best. handelandhaydn.org.
Angela's Cafe
Owner Angela Atenco Lopez’s rich, complex mole poblano is one of the dishes you must try before you can claim your Boston food-geek merit badge. On second thought, actually, perhaps we meant Lopez’s citrusy, onion-studded guacamole. Or maybe the plate of chilaquiles, with its crisp tortilla chips, fresh tomatillo sauce, and toppings of crema and queso fresco. Erase any doubts by doing what we do: order them all. 131 Lexington St., East Boston, MA 2128, angelascafeboston.com.
Social Boston Sports
Want to show off your three-pointer, or revel in the schoolyard-era glories of dodgeball? Social Boston Sports has been helping Bostonians tap into their inner jock in nearly every neighborhood in the city since 2010. And don’t worry if you’re not a natural-born athlete: There’s always SBS’s cornhole league. socialbostonsports.com.