9Tailors
Founder Samantha Shih is out to prove that custom suits (not to mention shirts and blazers) are an attainable—and necessary!—luxury for men and women of all shapes and sizes. It all starts with a painless one-hour consultation at 9Tailors’ Leather District studio or via video chat, during which time you’ll choose design details and materials ranging from rich velvet to Glen plaid. By the time your made-to-measure masterpiece arrives five to seven weeks later, you’re guaranteed to have come up with more than a few places to wear it. 132 Lincoln St. , Boston, MA 02111, 9tailors.com.
Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Slippers on, phone off, Zen ahead: Simply arriving at Boston’s grand dame of day spas is a treat for the soul. And once you’re checked in, your massage, body scrub, or facial is just the beginning: The facility’s peaceful thermal amenities, including a warm plunge pool and quartz-crystal steam room, are more than worth carving out a little extra time for. Still craving a few more hours (ahem, days) of pampering? Settle in for one of the hotel’s new three- or five-night wellness retreats with luxuries such as butlered bath service, yoga, daily organic meals, and, of course, plenty of spa time. 776 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02199, mandarinoriental.com/boston/back-bay/luxury-hotel.
Backworks
You can go to a luxurious, candlelit spa where they'll charge you a C-note to slather lavender ointment on your aching back, or you can go somewhere where licensed therapists will actually help get to the source of the problem. Enter Backworks, where serious muscle healing, soft-tissue tretament, and stress reduction are the foundation for easing a bona fide injury or soothing the aches that result from simple daily stress. After just one intense hour of deep-tissue massage, we left in a physical state we haven't known since childhood: utterly care-, stress-, and knot-free. 34 Batterymarch St., Boston, MA backworksinc.com.
Nine Zero
Hip enough for Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga, yet sophisticated enough to attract the likes of Bill Clinton, Nine Zero treats all its guests like celebrities—even the penguins en route to the San Diego Zoo that it accommodated in 2007. With daily wine hours, pet-friendly services, and charming themed suites (including the presidential Cloud Nine), we give Nine Zero a clear 10. Book the Skyline View rooms and your loaner iPad will come preloaded with tourist tips, a music library, even retail-therapy apps. 90 Tremont St., Boston, MA ninezero.com.
George's Island
This splendid island is part of the Massachusetts State Park System and its only residents are two knowledgeable park rangers. In addition to spectacular views of the inner and outer harbor, the Civil War-era Fort Warren on the island is full of charming and frightening history, told in great detail on guided tours. You can also lie on the grass, picnic on the rocks, or play frisbee on the beach if you want recreation rather than education. Summer ferry service runs hourly on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Maps and tourist information: MDC Reservations and Historic Sites, 98 Taylor Street, Dorchester, 727-5290. Bay State Cruise Company, 67 Long Wharf, Boston, MA .
Nathálie
Named for owner Haley Fortier’s grandmother, Nathálie’s focus on small-batch, natural, and woman-produced wines made it a unique proposition when it opened in the beer-soaked Fenway in 2018. Since then, though, it has evolved into simply a true-blue neighborhood wine bar, a place where actual Bostonians (not touristy home-game hordes) enjoy whiling away some patio-time hours over exciting pours — Las Jaras Wines’ spicy “nighttime rosé,” for instance — alongside the perfect cheese plate or chicken-liver mousse. 186 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, nathaliebar.com.
Kent Newton, Kent Newton Salon
The problem with getting an appointment at some vaunted salons isn't the star stylists themselves so much as the gate-keepers they have shooing away the unshampooed masses: "[Mr. Big Shot] isn't taking new clients at the moment," intoned multiple haughty receptionists during our research. We encountered no attitude, however, when we called Kent Newton Salon, and upon arrival we found chilled-out ambiance and meticulous craftsmanship. Partway through the session, the eponymous master — a former Mario Russo staffer — became so engrossed in precision-snipping one cowlick, we crossed our fingers that he didn't charge by the hour. (He doesn't.) For Kent himself, you will need to book a few weeks out, but it's the best cut we've had in years. And yes, he's taking new clients. 1315 Washington St., Boston, MA 2118, kentnewtonsalon.com.
Tinailery
Bedazzled with sparkly gemstones and pearls. Painted with watercolor vintage roses. Bespeckled with colorful polka dots. The fingernails-as-art trend continues at this sleek salon, which recently moved from downtown to a shiny new location in Brookline. Before your appointment, consult with your nail artist over text to collaborate and share ideas for your custom paint job — then sit back, relax, and watch her create 10 tiny gel masterpieces that last for more than four weeks. 1680 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02446, tinailery.com.
Yankee Clipper Inn
There are surprisingly few seaside inns within an hour of Boston. But when you've found this one— and can afford the upper-end price tag— who needs others? Many of the 26 rooms located in four diverse buildings of the inn's compound overlook the ocean. Many have fabulous sun decks or glassed-in porches with a view of waves directly below. Thick lawns and colorful gardens roll down to the water's edge. There's no sandy shore, but there is a pool and a gazebo. Plan ahead: The dining room is strictly BYOB, as Rockport is a dry town. 96 Granite St., Rockport, CT .
Kings
Bowling alleys don't traditionally offer Veuve Clicquot. But then, Kings is not your traditional bowling alley. It's part lounge, part pool hall, and all fun. Dimly lit nooks, red fluorescent running lights, and upbeat dance tunes pumping through the cavernous one-time movie theater help make Kings the hippest place we've ever bowled (tenpin of course—none of that candlepin stuff). While away the wait (it can take upwards of two hours on the weekends to snag one of the 16 lanes) chowing down at Jasper White's Summer Shack or de Ville Lounge, both right on the premises. 50 Dalton St., Boston, MA kingsbowlamerica.com/boston.
Roux
Owners Allison Baldwin and Ilene Mitnick (a.k.a. the "Roux Deux") call their restored 1870s Victorian in P-town's East End Gallery District a "French girl about to have a wonderful party," and she's a saucy lady indeed, with cheekily named rooms like "Not Your Mama's Rouge" (bright-pink walls, claw-foot tub) or "Blame It on Mozambique" (animal prints, tribal masks, shower for two). Mingle at a daily "happier hour" over savory snacks, and at dinners with visiting chefs, who cook with ingredients from Roux's on-site garden—or simply retreat to the mellow front porch for a cup of joe. 210 Bradford St., Provincetown, MA 02657, rouxprovincetown.com.
WanderLush
WanderLush’s boozy beverages seem too pretty to drink—until you taste them, that is. Founder Crystal Mills and her team create custom craft cocktails, sweetened with house-made syrups and punched up with liquor from local distilleries. Treat guests to an unexpectedly delicious combination of bourbon, green tea, peach purée, and lemon juice or sip on Palomas garnished with fresh grapefruit. Shaken or stirred to your heart’s desire, the picture-perfect drinks will have you dreaming of your tropical honeymoon. wanderlushboston.com.
Long's Jewelers
When it comes time to pop the question, the right ring can do a lot of the talking for you. The cases at Long's house some of the very best sparklers from designers like Ritani, Furrer-Jacot, Memoire, and Michael M at a variety of price points. Still can't find what you're looking for? Check out the store's one-of-a-kind estate finds, or sit down with an in-house designer for a custom piece as unique as your sweetheart. 100 Summer St., Boston, MA .
Repele of New England
No wine is too red, no mud too murky, no Superbowl salsa too gunky to be chased out of your rug by Repele. Call Terry, and he'll come and work his magic right in your house, or haul those soiled carpets away to be purified at the shop. You'll never know you had an oops moment. 352 Dedham St., Wrentham, MA .
Crane Estate
Your very own castle overlooking the sea. It's a reality at Ipswich's Crane Estate, a 2,100-acre tribute to natural beauty and manmade opulence that showcases water panoramas and one very regal Stuart-style manor. While several party spots are available, the showstopper is the Great House's rolling lawn leading to the Atlantic. 290 Argilla Rd., Ipswich, MA 01938, thetrustees.org/crane-estate.