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Guide relax the right touch FROM HEATED MARBLE TO LOCAL GEMSTONES, WE SOURCED THE BEST IN MASSAGE. by jessica laniewski Ardan Medspa + Salon W ork out the kinks with a 90-minute hot stone massage at Ardan. The heat from the basalt stones gently warms tight muscles to increase blood flow and reduce tension. 72 Central St., Wellesley, 781-235-7788; ardanspa.com Chuan Body + Soul F ind yourself restored with the cupping massage at Chuan Body + Soul at The Langham. This ancient Chinese practice entails applying a heated cup to the skin; the pressure buildup inside the cup has a therapeutic effect similar to a deep-tissue massage as the practitioner moves it back and forth over problem areas. 250 Franklin St., 617-451-1900; chuanbodyandsoul.com Clarins Skin Spa D issolve under the skilled hands of specially trained beauty therapists during the Melting Honey Hot Stones massage. The treatment uses heated marble and slate stones, designed to fit to different parts of your body, and the Pro Honey Gels slowly melt during the treatment. Bloomingdale's, The Mall at Chestnut Hill, 617-630-6772; clarinsusa.com Dolce Med Spa & Boutique T he Signature Dolce Massage starts with the Dolce Ritual, a 30-minute foot soak and leg massage in a copper bowl with 134 bostoncommon-magazine.com essential oils and hot stones, followed by an hour-long massage. 2001B Washington St., Hanover, 781-792-0919; dolcemed.com Exhale Mind Body Spa T ake a nontraditional approach with Thai stretching at Exhale. You'll work one-on-one with a therapist who performs a series of yoga-like moves that massage your body and relieve tightness. The treatment is done without oils or lotions while you are wearing loose-fitting clothing. 28 Arlington St., 617-532-7000; 2 Battery Wharf, 617-603-3100; 45 Province St., 617-532-7000; exhalespa.com The Spa at The Mandarin Oriental T he new Gemstone Vitality treatment uses garnet and tourmaline from Maine, smoky quartz from New Hampshire, and amethyst from Wrentham. The experience begins with a foot ritual, followed by a scrub of ground calendula seed combined with one of the hotel's signature oils, then a full-body massage. 776 Boylston St., 617-535-8820; mandarinoriental.com/boston OMBE Integrative Health Center T he products used during your deep tissue massage at OMBE are 100 percent organic, unscented, and free of parabens. Massage therapists apply a blend of rosehip, pomegranate, seabuck- thorn, jojoba, and extra-virgin olive oils created by the New Hampshire company Badger. 551 Boylston St., 617-447-2222; ombecenter.com Solstice Day Spa M elt under the expert hands of not one but two massage thera- pists during the popular Solstice Bliss treatment. You will be divided "north and south," with your legs and shoulders being massaged at the same time to create a balanced feeling. 408 Main St., Hyannis, 508-775- 7400; solsticedayspa.com The Spa at The Sports Club/LA R ing in spring with the Pure Renewal treatment at The Spa at The Sports Club/LA. Reflexology is used first to open up circulation channels, followed by a full-body massage to relax the lymphatic system. Guests begin their treatment with a calming cinnamon orange detox tea. 4 Avery St., 617-375-8580; thesportsclubla.com Windham Hill Inn A mong its many luxury amenities is the cozy one-room spa housed in the Windham Hill Inn's renovated historic barn. During the hot stone massage your muscles are heated with warm basalt and then kneaded. It's the perfect way to relax after a hike in the Green Mountains. 311 Lawrence Dr., West Townshend, VT, 802-874-4080; windhamhill.com BC What makes the Signature Dolce Massage unique? it starts with a full 30 minutes concentrated on your feet before moving to a one-hour full-body massage. Is there a different approach to men's and women's massages? the signature massage is for both men and women. lemongrass is used for men because of its fresh, clean scent, and the sweeter grape collection from a vineyard in california is used for the women. Slip away at the Skin Bar at Dolce Med Spa & Boutique. in good hands dolce med spa & boutique owner tracey lively is changing the way we relax. The hot stone massage at OMBE Integrative Health Center uses only organic oils. photography by sandra krupa photography (dolce)