The gift of a stress-free season

Shape, Dec, 2003 by Jenna McCarthy

RELATED ARTICLE: gifts of well-being

You've been a good girl all year. Why not stuff your own stocking with a spa gift certificate? Here, some of the best de-stressing treatments across the country.

If your feet are beat, try ... the Mint Soak and Foot Reflexology at Birdwing Spa in Litchfield, Minn. ($40 for 30 minutes; birdwingspa.com): An effervescent hot soak of rosemary and mint revitalizes tired tootsies. It's followed by an invigorating leg massage and reflexology session.

To knead away your worry lines, try ... the Deep Tissue Facial Treatment at the Bliss Spa in New York City ($120 for 60 minutes; 212-219-8970): A warm lavender and mint paraffin mask boosts circulation; a face, neck and shoulder deep-tissue massage melts muscles and furrows; and an essential-oil scalp rub completes the relaxation.

For an ultimate indulgence, try ... 100 Minutes of Pure Heaven at Origins Feel-Good Spa in Dallas ($195; 214-265-7116): A facial, an exfoliating body scrub and your choice of either a deep-tissue or hot-stone massage take care of every inch of your body. If you can't make it to the spa, try Origin's new bath and body collection, Calm to Your Senses ($21-$26; origins.com), which uses the aromas of lavender and vanilla; studies have shown the power of these scents to calm and relax.

To ease fatigued, achy muscles, try ... the Ache-Breaker Bath at Kinara Spa in Los Angeles ($50 for 20 minutes; kinaraspa.com): Sink into a blend of peppermint, juniper and eucalyptus oils in this state-of-the-art bathtub (128 air and water jets!). You'll emerge rejuvenated and ready to enjoy the season.

For your back, try ... Oh, My Aching Back at Anushka Spa & Sanctuary in Boca Raton and Palm Beach, Fla., and New York City ($85 for 60 minutes; anushkaspa.com): Anti-inflammatory Moor mud is applied to relieve tension; it's followed by an aromatherapy rubdown to loosen knotted muscles.

If you're feeling run-down, try ... the Balance & Harmony Transformation at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa in Farmington, Pa. ($65 for 25 minutes; nemacolin.com): This aromatherapy body scrub uses Chinese ginger to help fight fatigue, along with frankincense to calm nerves.

To regroup and rebalance, try ... the Twin Tigers Massage at the Spa Mystique in Los Angeles ($160 for 50 minutes; 310-551-3251): This massage, by two therapists at the same time, kneads away your stress.

To soothe tired eyes, try ... the Comforting Eye Treatment at Scott J: Aveda Lifestyle Salon & Spa in New York City and Bridgehampton, N.Y. ($40 for 25 minutes; 212-769-0107): Pressure-point therapy and a chilled hydrating mask make this the perfect quick fix for weary eyes.

Jenna McCarthy is a frequent contributor to Shape who's based in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Photography by Ondrea Barbe