Val The Spa Gal Wellness One Step at a Time

It’s back to school. A new year. Maybe even a new grade. Unfamiliar faces. Homework. Stress. No worries! Kid and teen spa treatments are here to help.

Spas are getting hip to the idea that teens might want to experience the benefits of spa treatments. They might be going through a period of acne and could use a facial to help diminish imperfections. Perhaps they are involved in sports and could use a massage to ease muscle soreness. My little sister (from Big Brothers/Big Sisters) is 12 and going through a serious nail-design addiction.

Spas that offer teen and kid treatments tend to focus on hair, manicures and pedicures, makeup application, and short massages. Prices are typically lower than adult spa rates and are generally between $25 and $80 a treatment. If you’re ready to help your teen de-stress with a spa treatment (or you are a teen yourself), here’s a list of spas that are ready to indulge the younger sect:

The Agua Serena Spa offers treatments for “The Little Spa Goer.” This sprawling sanctuary is located in the Hyatt Regency in Indian Wells, California (Palm Springs area) and boasts one of the most extensive spa menus I’ve ever seen. Their youth treatments are designed for youngsters ages 10 to 15 and include “Happy Feet/Happy Hands,” a 30- or 60-minute mani-pedi, a “Mini Duet,” which is a 30- or 60-minute massage with a same-gender therapist, alongside a parent or adult, and a 30-minute“Elementary Skincare” session, which introduces young ones to proper skin care. 760-341-1000

The Top-Notch Resort & Spa in Stowe, Vermont pampers teens of all ages with a “Total Teen Facial,” a 50-minute indulgence that includes cleansing, toning, steam, mask, and facial massage. Other teen pleasures include a 25-minute “Super Sugar Scrub” or “Fitness Massage.” Teenagers can receive a 50-minute one-on-one session with a certified personal trainer in the “Teen Tune-Up.” 800-451-8686

From nose to toes, kids are spoiled at the Scooops Kid Spa at the Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City, Michigan. Their sizable menu includes a la carte luxuries such as a chocolate facial and a vanilla or strawberry mani-pedi, but they also feature teen/tween packages such as a “Single Scooop,” a delicacy that includes an ice cream flavored manicure, a Scooops plush robe, and a swag bag, all for $79.99. 866-478-9653. UPDATE: Sorry, but they are currently closed.

At Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key, Florida, guests ages 4 to 17 can not only wallow in the “Jazzy Island Manicure and Pedicure,” chill with a Swedish massage (performed with a bathing suit on), learn French braid styling, and enjoy makeup lessons, they can also swim with the bottelnose dolphins that grace the turquoise waters of the Keys. 1-888-395-5539

Kids four years old and up can revel in the sumptuous choices at Isabelle’s European Day Spa in San Antonio, Texas. The little ones (ages 4-12) are treated to facials, pedicures, and haircuts, while the 13-17-year-olds can relax with a French manicure, waxing, facial, and more. 1-210-493-5544

Today’s Tip

Check with each spa on their policies regarding children and teens. Ask what ages they serve, what treatments they offer, and whether gender preferences are guaranteed. Some spas require a parent or other adult to be present during the treatment. Make sure your kid wants to partake in the spa treatment before booking it. Most websites offer descriptions and prices of their offerings. If not, call and ask.