Indulge in calming treatments at stylish spas, get inspired with a new look from expert stylists and engage in mood-boosting exercise in Alexandria, Virginia, minutes from Washington, D.C. With a robust wellness scene in Old Town, Del Ray and beyond, plus acres of parks and 18 miles of waterfront trails, Alexandria is a health and self-care destination. Whether you’re looking to slow your breathing or pump up your heartrate, explore this guide to the city’s spas, salons and fitness spots.
Have a Spa Day
Treat yourself to a pampering experience at one of these made-for-relaxing oases:
Fountains Day Spa: Fountains Day Spa, set in a sunny, centuries-old townhouse, offers the best in skin and body therapies, from couples massages to specialized hand and feet treatments like reflexology.
King Street Spa at Archer Hotel: Alexandria’s only hotel spa is an urban retreat that soothes away stress with treatments like the “Ultimate Zen Body Experience” and “Rose Quartz Massage,” quick pick-me-ups like the “Instant Glow Facial” and perk-filled monthly memberships.
Salon Kate & Spa: In Old Town North, Salon Kate & Spa offers an extensive list of services plus personalized beauty packages that allow clients the flexibility to create an a la carte day of beauty.
Sugar House Day Spa and Salon: Located in a 19th-century sugar refinery, Sugar House Day Spa and Salon offers an opulent selection of treatments, from organic facials to aromatherapy massages to extra-sweet packages like the “Slice of Heaven.”
Get Inspired at Hair and Makeup Studios
Add some extra pep to your step with anything from a new signature lip color to a stunning blowout after a visit to one of these Alexandria hair and makeup salons:
Bellacara: Schedule a makeup session at Bellacara, Alexandria’s premier beauty boutique offering high-end cosmetic, skin and hair care products, including brands like Westman Atelier, Bumble & Bumble, Skinceuticals, Dermalogica and more.
Cualtzin Salon: Named after the Aztec word for “gorgeous,” Cualtzin Salon is a sustainable beauty destination on King Street with an eco-friendly approach to helping you look your best.
Envy Us Beauty Supply: Find all your beauty needs at Envy Us Beauty Supply, owner Aesha Ray’s S. Van Dorn St. shop specializing in hair care, skin care, cosmetics, hair extensions and accessories with a large selection of Black-owned beauty brands.
Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop: Stop into Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop, a nurse-founded, one-of-a-kind, period-positive boutique for all your intimate health needs, from menstruation to menopause.
Salon deZEN: Salon deZEN’s artsy, inclusive atmosphere will put you at ease as their skilled stylists help your identity shine through on the outside, offering classic cuts as well as unique application services like fluid hair painting.
Salon Monte: Head to the waterfront for haircare from Salon Monte, owned by Monte Durham, fashion director of TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta.”
Boost Your Workout with Fitness Studios, Rentals and Tours
From cycling to yoga, here’s where to get an endorphin boost in Alexandria:
Local Motion Project: Explore a new form of dance at Local Motion Project, offering classes for adults and youth in contemporary, creative movement, ballet, belly dance, aerial hammock and more.
Pacers Running: Pacers Running’s flagship Old Town location provides everything from top-notch shoes to daily social runs.
Pedego Electric Bikes: Pedego Electric Bikes lets riders of wide-ranging abilities cruise through the city and surrounding area on 2- to 3-hour guided tours. Take the Old Town at Night tour for sweeping views of the city lights while crossing the Woodrow Wilson Bridge or head into D.C. for views of our nation’s capital.
PIES Fitness Yoga Studio: PIES Fitness Yoga Studio is an all-inclusive health and wellness anchor, offering more 80 fitness and yoga classes each week for all levels and intensities from beginners to advanced practitioners, plus offerings in Zumba, belly dancing and more.
Strictly E-Bikes: Rent (or purchase) an electric bike from Strictly E-Bikes for a breezy jaunt around the city in the fresh air.
The St. James:The St. James is the leading performance, wellness, and entertainment platform in the country. The flagship location in Springfield, just outside of Alexandria, offers a premium fitness gym, a massive sports complex, and lifestyle and active entertainment amenities for the whole family.
Unlimited Biking: Start an active adventure at Unlimited Biking and explore the city on two wheels. For the ultimate Alexandria experience, rent an electric or regular bike for the seasonal Mount Vernon by Bike & Boat package.
From yoga studios to waterfront paths, there are plenty of other ways to stay healthy in Alexandria. Learn more.
Header Image: PIES Fitness Yoga Studio; Credit: Olot; @theolotparkinglot