Seven spalicious places to renew, reflect & reconnect

Are the routines of daily life wearing you down? You know the ones: the crazy commute. The workday shuffle. Dinner roulette. The housework and the homework.It’s time for a change of pace.The Bradenton Area is where people come to relax and disconnect from it all. And there’s little surprise why. Just look around. These calming turquoise waters can lower anyone’s blood pressure. Every sunset is a salve to the senses. Our unspoiled, natural beauty seems to stretch into infinity. Yet no matter where you are, you’re never far from the ultimate in self-care and wellness.Whatever your soul is searching for, we’ve got it: luxury skin care, magical massages (right on the beach), yoga over land or on the water, even retail therapy. To save you the stress of finding the right one, we’ve picked seven of our favorite places where you can be pampered from head to toe.

Double luxury at Salon Salon

When it comes full-body indulgence, Salon Salon, a full-service hair salon and spa, has you covered. Services run from the expected (hair and nails) to a number of surprising spa options (like the Mermaid Glow full body treatment). Choose from a host of massages, including aroma therapy, couples, sports and even mother-to-be. There are of course facial therapies, such as advanced anti-aging, brightening and clarifying, but also other enhancements—including a Firming Eye Mask, lash and brow tinting or eyelash extensions—and wedding services. With two convenient locations on Anna Maria Island, you’re never far from the indulgence you seek.

Seven spalicious places to renew, reflect & reconnect

Ancient healing traditions

Aluna Wellness Center & Spa ties together authentic ancient healing traditions from around the world and connects them to contemporary spa therapies that nurture your whole being. Located on Anna Maria Island, Aluna wellness is an eco-friendly holistic center offering world-class massage, acupuncture, wellness treatments and organic skin care. They also offer yoga and meditation instruction, beach yoga, pain relief programs, body scrubs and organic facials. The center has five treatment rooms, rooms for relaxation and mediation and a Zen garden located directly across from the beach.

Stretch your stress away

North River Body Therapies is located in a charming mid-century home in beautiful Palmetto. The original hardwood floors are full of character, as are the original casement windows that look out to a lush backyard shaded by a century old Yellow Poinciana Tree. It’s the perfect setting to indulge in a wide range of services to refresh and revitalize your body and mind. Services include Infrared saunas, massage therapy, skin care, acupuncture and many more.

Massage by the sea

Anyone can schedule a relaxing massage, but only at Sea-renity Beach Spa & Bou-tiki can you experience authentic island-style relaxation in your own private tiki hut right on the beach. Let waves of relaxation wash over you just feet from the water’s edge. This one-of-a-kind spa in the heart of Anna Maria Island takes spa-style serenity to the next level. Led by Amanda Escobio, a native Floridian with more than 20 years of massage therapy experience, Sea-renity offers more than outstanding spa services. You can also shop the Bou-tiki for jewelry, all-natural clothing, wellness items and gulf-coast inspired gifts and jewelry from local artists.

Your “OM” away from home

Island Yoga Space, located at the north end of Anna Maria Island, offers daily classes and creative workshops in a unique, tranquil setting. But what really sets them apart is their SUP yoga, which combines yoga poses with a variation of stand-up paddleboard surfing. A 90-minute session which includes an introduction to paddleboarding, a short paddle journey, and an hour of guided yoga on the boards. It’s an immersive experience in nature that connects mind and body, water and sky. If the idea of doing yoga and paddleboarding feels above your abilities, don’t underestimate yourself. SUP yoga can be done by people of all ages. The boards are very stable, and most people are surprised at how easy it is to stand up and balance.

An oasis of relaxation in the heart of competition

IMG Academy is more than a training center for tomorrow’s sports superstars. But for us mere mortals seeking more relaxation than recreation, there’s the Wellness Spa at IMG Academy—a full-service salon and spa located inside the Legacy hotel in the heart of campus. Their expert staff are on top of their games, so you’ll be at the top of yours. Services include hair styling, massages, nail treatments, and more. With every detail covered in modern luxury, you’ll feel like an MVP from start to finish.