Would like to get a lot of bang for the buck. I know a couple of people who really deserve the whole nine yards for Christmas, but I can't afford too too much. So can I get suggestions on NICE spas, salons, nail places, etc around here that have the best deals on gift cards this time of year?
It will really depend on how much you want to spend. For some of your high end spas, they don't really offer "deals" per say, but rather put together package "specials" geared toward de-stressing during the holidays and year end. The risk you run here is that often time the certificate has to be used when these specials are being offered-so a dollar amount might be the way to go. Just make sure to ask. I can tell you that I frequent Skin Sense in Cary and love the ambiance and just relaxing setup. There's a lounge and eucalyptus steam room you can use for as long as you want after your services. Locker rooms are fully stocked and you get robes, slippers, neck wraps-the whole shabang. Again it depends on what you want to spend and here for a couple you're probably looking at $300 and up for anything worth the time. For the 40/42 area, Radiance Salon in the building behind the jiffy lube place right there at Food Lion has some wonderful technicians and hubby will lots of times get me a certificate for a special package around Christmas time. They have a really good massage therapist named Amanda and a sort of new esthetician(I forget her name) who is equally as impressive with facials, waxing and manicure/pedicures. You don't get that whole ambiance of a "real" spa like Skin Sense becuase you have to get dressed again between services becuase you switch rooms rather than getting a robe and they don't have a lounge, but it is close, a little cheaper and as I said the technicians are wonderful. Usually this time of year they offer a holiday package for a massage and mini-facial for around $85 I want to say(don't quote me though). I'm sure you could make your own package too! I've had massages, facials, manis and pedis, waxing and my hair stylist is there and I love them all! The number for Radiance is 772-0000. I think this is a wonderful gift idea that lots of folks just won't spend the money for to treat themselves. Be sure to think about whether or not you want to include gratuity when you pay for the certificates or if you want your friends to be responsible. I always tip my technicians 15-20% which is customary and if they aren't used to getting spa treatments, they might not know to do so. Plus, it can add up to an extra 20-40 bucks so when buying as gifts, I usually try to cover it. Just make sure it is noted on the gift certificate "gratuity has been included" or something so as not to put your friends in an awkward position come checkout time. Some spas can do it, others can't. Just a thought. Hope this helps!
You might want to check this out, Pampering on a Budget: http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/troubleshooter&id=6477438 'A half-hour massage, just 20 bucks. A full hour, 30 bucks. Facials start as low as 15 bucks, microdermabrasions and chemical peels up to 50 bucks. That's less than half what you'd pay at most spas!'
I have been to Miller-Motte for massages and facials - they're awesome! I also think you can get some of these services at the JCC annex, beside the old school. But I would use these places more for myself, as opposed to giving a gift certificate to someone.
Clayton's Spa Neo Day Spa On Monday and Tuesday nights at Spa Neo Day Spa (aka Chiropractic Partners, 501 Gateway Drive, Clayton) on Hwy 70 between Kids-R-Kids and Growing Child Pediatrics & across from ABC Store), you can enjoy 2 hours of sheer indulgence for only $85! 30 min full body massage 30 minute custom facial 30 minute hot paraffin treatment 30 minute "detox" foot bath ~~~ all this with hors doeuvres too! ~~~ Here is how it works... You and 3 friends make an appt. to come in and pamper yourselves with $170 worth of the above spa and massage services for only $85 per person (a 50% savings!) Spa Neo staff will spoil you and feed you and treat you like royalty. Interested? Call 550-9355 for more details.
