A Total Spa Experience at MySpa Chicago!

I first visited MySpa Chicago a few years ago while attending a networking event.  During the event, each guest was treated to mini spa services and pampering.  After my mini massage, I knew I had to come back for the full spa experience. I immediately scheduled an appointment to receive a Swedish massage and enzyme facial.

Upon arrival, the attendant showed me to the changing lounge and handed me a lush spa robe and slippers. After changing, my therapist was ready and waiting when I entered the service area.  The ambience of the spa really set the tone for my experience. MySpa Chicago has a Zen-like appeal, with its uber-chic design, soft lighting in the entryways and amber-glow lighting in the service areas. To get things off on the right foot, I was greeted by warm and friendly MySpa staff members...I truly felt welcome.    

There was never any lag time between services, as each attendant waited and escorted me to each service room.  Over the years, I've had some great and not-so-great experiences when it comes to massages.  However, my personal litmus test for a great massage is me falling asleep on the table.  Yes, after only 20 minutes into my 60-minute service, I was sleeping like a baby.  I embarrassingly awakened to the sound of my own snoring. (smile)  What I enjoyed most was the slow, rhythmic, not overly intense movements up and down my back and problem areas.  I left the table feeling extremely relaxed and rejuvenated.

While MySpa is known for their award-winning customer service, each staff members goes to great lengths to make sure your personal spa experience is a memorable and pleasurable one.  What also impressed me was the hands-on approach taken by the general manager, who was readily available to answer questions with regard to individual and group services.  Side Note: If you're interested in hosting a special event, MySpa Chicago will create the ultimate spa experience for you and your guests.  Additionally, MySpa will assist you with any catering needs, which can be coordinated at the time of service booking.

At the conclusion of my service, I was treated to mimosas and small plates of sushi, phyllo shrimp purses, spanakopita, chocolate-dipped fruit and other tasty bite-sized treats. I should mention, all catering is provided by Aria Restaurant, located on the hotel's main level.  Aria is another favorite of mine, but I will share details in a separate blog post.

I am eager to return for my birthday to try the aromatherapy massage.  I was told the therapist  massages various essential oil into body, followed by warm and soothing body towel wraps.  How divine!  Did I mention MySpa's Couples Suite Soaks, which includes heavenly His & Hers massage tables and luxurious soaking tubs?  MySpa has created a relaxing and inviting environment just for couples. I often recommend this service to friends who are celebrating an anniversary or special event.

MySpa Chicago is located in the loop at 200 N. Columbus Drive, (between Lower South Wacker & Water Street), inside the Fairmont Hotel.  The hotel is accessible by car, taxi or public transportation.  However, if you decide to drive into the city, I suggest taking advantage of metered street parking on the lower concourse level, near the hotel's service entrance. 

MySpa Chicago receives two thumbs up!

Other Details: Nearest Transit Station Randolph/Wabash, Online Booking, Valet/Street/Garage Parking, Services by Appointment Only.

VISIT MYSPA CHICAGO

We're always looking for new places to visit!  Tell us about your favorite Chicago hot spot....we'll visit and blog all about our experience.  Email: ishopchicago@gmail.com. 

Garfield Park Conservatory: Chicago's Best Kept Secret Is Out

I was amazed to discover many Chicagoans  have never visited the Garfield Park Conservatory.  If this is you, let me give you three reasons to visit. To start, the Conservatory is only a 15-minute drive from downtown Chicago, the flora and fauna is absolutely breathtaking and best of all, admission is free!  Yep, FREE!  Still not convinced? Ok, let me share my personal experience.  I've known about the Conservatory for many years, but wasn't sure what to expect.  One day I said to my 13-year-old, "let's visit the Garfield Park Conservatory today".  He gave me the side-eye and reluctantly agreed. I packed a light lunch for us and headed to the venue.  When we arrived, I was very happy to know there was plenty of free parking available on Central Park Avenue and in the adjacent parking lot. 

Upon entering the indoor botanical garden, my mouth hit the floor - slight exaggeration, but you get my point.  My first thought - what has taken me so long to visit?  Not only had I deprived myself of this extraordinarily beautiful garden, but I've deprived my children as well.   My first reaction - I immediately felt a sense of peace and serenity in this lush, green and beautiful haven.

The temperature inside the gardens is a bit warm and humid, as it mimics the tropics. There are faux waterfalls, streams and walkways which guides you through the entire garden.  There are also benches placed throughout the garden which allows you to take in all of its beauty.  However, it doesn't stop there.  The Conservatory offers an outdoor public garden and Demonstration Garden, a beautiful city-lot-sized working garden, to learn about community and organic gardening in Chicago.

 

Additionally, if you're planning a social gathering or special event, you couldn't ask for a more scenic backdrop for entertaining and photo-taking.

If that's not enough, here's the biggest sell.  As you know, Chicago winters can be brutal and downright depressing. A planned visit to the Garfield Park Conservatory can help rid you and your family of wintertime blues. Convinced? I hope so.  Please return to this blog page and share your experience. I'd love to hear about it.

Click on the link below to discover the beauty and wonder of Garfield Park Conservatory.

Other Details: Café and Gift Shop on Site, Kids Play Area, Volunteer Opportunities

 

 

 

VISIT GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY

Swinging at Sully's - Sullivan's Steakhouse

Sullivan's Steakhouse Happy Hour at Sullivan's, 415 N. Dearborn St. (312) 527-3510
$6 Martinis, Wine and Half-Priced Bar Entrees, cigar selections and a Jumpin' Jazz Trio.
All night every Thursday & Sunday.

 

iShop Chicago is dedicated to shining a spotlight on Chicago's sometimes obscure, independent restaurants, shops and venues. Our private events offer iShop Chicago members on-location shopping opportunities. Our members enjoy socializing, networking and shopping with Chicago area retailers, private-label and national brands across several shopping categories. All private sales events are designed by iShop Chicago event planners to offer exclusive 1-day-only deals and discounts. Membership is Free, simply follow our blog.


Cheers!

Chicago...A Global Presence

While reading the article "Tourism And The City's Global Image" in Crain's Chicago (June 17, 2013), Mayor Rahm Emanuel shares his vision on expanding Chicago global tourism by focusing on one particular area - McCormick Place.  It seems an expansion is underway which is designed to increase tourism and drive revenue - an attempt to boost McCormick Place's recent sluggish convention business.

While I fully support the mayor's efforts, the City of Chicago should place it's focus on its neighborhoods, which houses smaller, independent retailers.  I agree with Stephanie Izard's (chef-proprietor, Girl & the Goat) assessment of commerce in the City of Chicago and the mayor's plan for increasing global awareness, "...We are so much more than Michigan Avenue.  There are countless neighborhoods with restaurants, vintage shops and markets all on their own."  I couldn't agree more.

This is why iShop Chicago is dedicated to shining a spotlight on Chicago's sometimes obscure, independent restaurants, shops and venues.  Our private events offer iShop Chicago members on-location shopping  opportunities. Our members enjoy socializing, networking and shopping with Chicago area retailers, private-label and national brands across several shopping categories. All private sales events are designed by iShop Chicago event planners to offer exclusive 1-day-only deals and discounts.

Member is FREE!  Just follow our iShop Chicago blog. 

SPOTLIGHT BUSINESS: Takara Boutique, Oak Park, IL > TAKARA