Once again a great experience at Absolute Wellness Healing Spa. The atmosphere there is so healing and restful that any stress you might have had when you walk in literally goes away. I had an amazing 90 minute massage with scented oils and hot rocks. Very professional. All the tightness in my shoulders is now gone ... Can't wait to go back in 3 weeks. read more

I went here once with a gift certif and was so impressed! the environment is clean and calm, I was very pleased with how intense and deep the therapist was able to go in my deep tissue massage. excited to go back! read more

Avoid this spa--total SCAM!!! I went in for a facial and massage. The massage was okay, but the facial was a huge disappointment. The esthetician asked if I wanted to add a mask for $35, and I agreed. After the treatment, I noticed she used a $4.99 mask from TJ Maxx. Completely unprofessional and dishonest. I feel ripped off and wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. read more

This is a wonderful spa--very peaceful and serene. The treatments I receive from Valentina are out of this world! She is strong, kind, and extremely thoughtful. If I were really smart, I'd do this every week!! Thanks for helping make my body and spirit feel so well-taken-care of!! read more

I've been seeing one of the providers regularly for waxing and facial services, and I've always felt comfortable and well cared for by this particular provider because we have established trust, so I always pre-book with her. At my recent appointment, a different provider was given to me without any prior notice or explanation. Given the vulnerability that certain waxing involves, I would've appreciated a heads-up or the option to reschedule. As it turns out, my chosen provider is no longer employed there yet she is still available for booking on their website. I understand that changes happen, but transparent communication is really important. She has many regular clients who might be affected by this. Why lie and still use her profile? This business cannot be trusted. Run! read more

My massage therapist, Veronica did a wonderful job. I was very comfortable from the beginning to the end for my prenatal appointment. They adjusted my original from 90 to 30 minutes because of my being pregnant. I appreciate her expertise and offer to be my doula! read more

We had a late start but Kasey (I think was her name? Sorry I'm horrible at remembering names!) did a great job with my therapeutic signature massage. It was a full body massage with light pressure using stress relieving techniques such as hot stones, hot herbal packs and aromatherapy. The ambience was soothing and I felt very relaxed. I could smell the essential oils everywhere. I had tightness in my neck and back which felt a little better after the massage and it was less painful. But I still feel muscle tension afterwards so it may need deep tissue massaging. If you want deep pressure they have a different deep muscle massage for that to make an appointment for. I wanted deeper pressure but there's limitation to the therapeutic signature massage so I didn't push for it. The therapeutic signature is perfect for a spa day relaxation and stress relief! But if you want tension release I would book the deep tissue/deep muscle massage. Call to book an appointment because their operating hours vary. read more

Absolute Wellness Healing Spa - Inside - Waxing Near Me - South Burlington, Vermont

Absolute Wellness is my #1 place to go for massage! It's peaceful, soothing and quaint atmosphere is soothing to my soul and their services are always top notch, professional and reliable. Would 100% recommend this place! read more

I had the deep pore facial and it was not great. I got there 20 minutes early, as asked, but It started late. the woman offered me a sauna to make up for being late, but it was 90 degrees outside, so not the best. In the description of the service it stated there is supposed to be extractions and a scalp massage at the end, neither of those things happened. The woman did give me a little neck and shoulder massage, but that left me with a crick in my neck, so not really the pampering experience I was hoping for. All in all, I would not recommend it. read more

First time experience was less than ideal. I had confirmed my appointment via phone and also received an email and text confirmation. I was told to arrive 15 minutes early for my appointment. I arrived 15 minutes early, and there was no one at the front desk, just a sign on the door that said to have a seat in the lounge. While I was reading the sign an employee walked in past me and right to the back without even making eye contact. I was hoping this was not my massage therapist. I waited 15 minutes, no one came out. 10 more minutes passed (10 minutes past my appointment time, 25 minutes past when I was told to arrive). I called the phone number that was on the front desk sign. I spoke with the owner who informed me she accidentally must have rescheduled my appointment instead of someone else's. I let her know I had a confirmation and she said it must have been an error with the scheduling software. After waiting on hold while she talked to a massage therapist who was at the facility, I was told I could be squeezed in for an hour massage (I had scheduled 90 minutes) and that it would she would "make it up to me." I let her know that I was a little upset and wouldn't be able to relax for the massage now. She apologized and said she would call me later that week to reschedule and that they would make it up to me. I said okay and asked that they cancel the day they moved my appointment to (two weeks from my actual appointment). The owner said she would cancel my appointment. I reiterated that it was important the appointment gets cancelled because I did not want to be charged for it and because I am not available that day. She said that she will be sure the appointment gets cancelled. Fast forward two weeks...I never received a follow up call, but I do get an appointment confirmation for the appointment I was told would be cancelled. I called and the owner cancelled the appointment. Now I'm just waiting for my credit card to be charged for an appointment I never had and never will have. Unprofessional from the start. I am very disappointed with my experience. Nothing was ever "made up" to me and there was never any follow up. Needless to say, there are some great massage therapists out there but I would steer clear of this place! read more

On a recent visit to Burlington I found Absolute Wellness Healing Spa and booked the infrared sauna and massage online - super easy!. FANTASTIC! So relaxing! Beautiful, clean facility and a very attentive staff. They also now offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy which can help so may health issues like Lyme disease. 5 's!! I'll be back!! read more

Where do I begin! Fantastic experience all around. Incredible staff (big shoutout to Colleen) and the therapists were extremely professional and talented. After a weekend of hiking, this was truly delightful. read more

I cannot recommend this location enough for massage services! I moved from CA a few months ago, and suffered a shoulder injury just about as soon as I arrived. My massage therapist was Steve, and I explained to him where I was injured and was trying to work on breaking up some of the muscle tightness around the area to increase blood flow, flexibility, etc. The full body massage with an emphasis on my injured shoulder was the perfect blend of therapeutic healing and relaxing. Thank you so much Steve and Absolute Wellness, I will be back soon! read more

I thoroughly enjoyed my sauna and facial. Michelle was very knowledgeable and personable. My skin feels fantastic- now I know why people love facials... read more

Very late to write this but great massage, they were very receptive to feedback and the atmosphere itself was very relaxing. I believe I had Colleen and she was truly amazing! Would book again. read more

They accommodate last minute appointments, very welcoming atmosphere. Staff is great and very knowledgeable and prices aren't bad.

I can't comment on the services, because I wasn't able to get in for my wax, but I can say their customer service is some of the worst I've ever had. I scheduled my appointment for 3PM on the app, got my conformation text and was all set to go. Two hours before I was scheduled I got a call that I missed my appointment. They had apparently tried to call and reschedule me because they triple booked my appointment, and when I didn't answer the call they decided to just change my appointment to 1PM. With no conformation, nothing. Ok, fine, mistakes happen. They then scheduled me for 4:30. I show up at 4:15, and no one is in this spa. I sit in their waiting room until 5PM and see no one. The esthetician finally shows up at 5, says I wasn't in the schedule, and that she's booked for the rest of the night. Then they had the audacity to charge me for this ordeal. If they can't get the basics of scheduling down, I doubt that the services are worth it. Won't be trying again for another service. read more

I have good and bad to write about this place, but unfortunately, more bad which compels me to write this review - as I feel that any future clientele should know how this place operates. First - the good: *Was able to make 2 same day & same time massage appointments for my boyfriend and myself. *Received high quality massages. According to my boyfriend, the best he's ever had. And for myself, one of the better ones I've received (and I've gotten a lot over the years). And the unfortunate bad: *Their payment system. This experience quite literally BLEW ME AWAY. It went like this: -We walked in and was greeted by a lady - presumably the owner/manager- who was typing away on a little laptop on top of the front desk. She confirmed who we were, and asked how we were going to pay- if it was going to be on the same card as the one to confirm the appointment or not - reasonable question. However, now that I think back, was a strange request upon just walking in. Anyway - we say no, it'll be a different card, and my boyfriend handed her his card and jetted off the the bathroom. -She then TYPED IN THE CREDIT CARD NUMBER ON HER LAPTOP. Again, at the moment, it didn't alarm me too much, but it did seem strange. (Later I thought, she could be typing it into Microsoft Word for all we know, it was odd). -Then the following line of questioning ensued: Woman: "Would you like to add gratuity to the card?" Me: (confused because I thought this question was pretty premature) "Um, I don't know, it's not my card. Can we just pay cash?" Because obviously we don't know how much gratuity we'd be leaving yet, because we haven't received the service. And yeah, it's not my card. Woman: "Well it doesn't matter how you pay, we still have to report it to the IRS" Me (SUPER confused where that response came from, or how it even related to what I said.) : "Well, I don't know how much we want to leave yet." Woman: "Well the standard is at least 20%" Me (now shocked at the persistence of her to get the gratuity paid up front, and needed to get clear with this woman, but stay polite): "No no, thats not why I don't know, it's because I haven't received the service yet." Woman: "Well, resorts normally automatically add gratuity to services" Me (Baffled at this point at the unrelenting push to pay gratuity up front): "Ok, I don't go to resorts, and this isn't a resort either.." (Again, confused by the irrelevance of her statements) Woman: "Well we have a lot of regulars and they pay it up front" Me (getting irritated now): "Well I'm not a regular customer, you can see that in your system. I'm really not sure why this is so difficult" Things got a little tense, she flustered at this point, and apologized obligingly; forfeiting the attempt to collect gratuity up front - like it was a special exception, she would "leave it open until after we received our massages". I couldn't believe it, I said, "I've gotten massages many many times over the years, and I NEVER paid the gratuity up front." In fact, I'm pretty sure I share this experience and expectation with the REST OF THE COUNTRY when it comes to gratuity practices - thats why its GRATUITY. It took me a while to process the interaction that happened. In my head, I was like "WTF is going on??" *To add insult in injury, we never were offered a receipt before we left! (After we paid our MUCH sought after gratuity). AND my boyfriend was never asked to sign for the transaction that his credit card was used for! A few minor criticism of my massage: *My massage therapist was very sweet, and did great work. However, she went to get started, and I had to ask her for a bolster under my ankles. Which made me feel a little uncomfortable, because every massage I've ever had, they put it there automatically, or at least ASK if I want one. *The bolster was just a rolled / scrunched up blanket, which ultimately didn't do much, and wasn't moved when I flipped over. It was so crushed down by then, it didn't give me any relief under my knees (like a real bolster would) and put a little strain on my lower back for the 2nd half of my massage. *I had to ask to have the heating element in the table turned down / off because I was starting to really get too hot and sweat. Again, I was waiting for her to ask, but that question if I was comfortable never came. *After the initial 'warm up of the back' she placed this hot heavy heating pad on my butt and left it there for about 20 minutes while she went to work massaging my back. Without wanting to disrupt her, i let it go, resulting in lying there with nice swamp ass, which was disappointing *Right next to airport - planes are LOUD when taking off / landing. *AWFUL signage. Took us 10 minutes of circling the area/building before we saw a tiny sign in the BACK of the building. So buyer beware. Great massages, but I would never return or recommend. read more

I have gone back and forth about writing a review for almost two months.. ultimately, I have decided that I have to in order to prevent someone else from having the same experience I had and wasting upwards of $400. Let me first say that while my experience was beyond abysmal, the aesthetician who performed my facial, lashes and massage - yes, they had an aesthetician perform my massage, she was sweet, attentive and professional. I would recommend you see her for facial services. However. My experience with the owner left me nearly in tears. When booking my appointment on the phone she was scattered and unclear, she also had to call me twice to tell me the 'real time' of the appointment. We booked a 90 min massage and a facial- she told me I had the option to book "add on services" when I got there. She did not seem confident or knowledgeable about the services she offered. This day was a gift from my husband, after I spend a year basically in isolation from having my baby at the beginning of covid- this day was something I had been looking forward to and desperately needed. When I arrived she she reviewed my services that I had booked saying that I had booked a 90 minute massage a facial a derma plane and a lash curl and Tint, however I did not book the derma plane or a lash curl or a tint. when I told her this she freaked out telling me that I couldn't just book things and then change my mind that I was wasting her time and money and that I couldn't just do that I was booked for it so I had to get it. I stood there in shock and so did the aesthetician I couldn't believe that I was being treated this way it wasn't like "oh we had a misunderstanding" she was literally chastising meAnd making me feel guilty for her mistake. Then she informs me that the aesthetician will be the one giving me my massage. When we get in the room I asked the girl where she did her training she informs me that she just barely graduated from aesthetician school that you don't have to be licensed to give massages in the state of Vermont only supervised by a masseuse. The owner than bursting through the room to inform me that I need to get undressed because I already won't be receiving my full 90 minute massage due to the time we spent discussing everything. Needless to say the massage was absolutely awful, not for any lack of the girl but she is not a masseuse she is an aesthetician and should not be performing massages, this owner charged me $200 for a massage that That was absolutely awful. Then being pressured into getting a lash girl I then got this I ended up leaving having spent $400 being treated awful having an awful massage there was not a single part of this day that I have felt relaxed and pampered. All this being said I feel badly for the aesthetician as she was sweet and clearly had a passion for skin wellness. However do not go to this place, the owner sent me an email after my appointment asking me what they could do to improve their services, I was floored. I understand that with Covid everyone has been very stressed, and businesses have really taken a hard-hit, however this is not a way to get clients in the door have them come back or have them recommend there is noThat I would recommend anyone going to this place. There also seems to be a lot of turnover, which cannot be a good thing. read more

I was vacationing in Burlington, VT from Brooklyn, NY and went to Absolute Wellness for a nice massage after spending several days in the summer heat. This place was amazing, exactly what I was looking for, and is one of the many reasons I'm bummed I don't live in Vermont. I went with my mother and our therapists were Erin and Sarah-Anne. They were both amazing at their jobs, applied the perfect amount of pressure, and were personable and professional. I also loved the mint water they had waiting for you after the treatment. This was also my mom's first massage and now she is hooked. Absolute Wellness is a perfect day spa without the resort prices and I will go back whenever I'm in Burlington. read more

I found this spa by picking up a Localvore Today voucher for a waxing service. I booked a wax and followed with a facial. I absolutely LOVED this spa. They were helpful, professional & talented. I saw Jackie for the wax and she was great and made the process fast, easy and not awkward at all. I had Samantha for my facial and she was wonderful. It was so relaxing and an excellent choice to follow up the first procedure. The spa is clean and has a relaxing atmosphere. Their prices are also super competitive. I will be going back! read more

My partner and I honestly had the best massage experience at Absolute Wellness. The attention to relaxing detail is unsurpassed: the comfortable, heated tables are amazing; the touch of essential oils in the head cradle; and best of all, the massage therapists. Hillary gave me the most extraordinary relaxing massage: I walked out of the room lightheaded and completely at peace. Laura did a fantastic job on my partner, Bob: her deep-tissue bodywork left him more relaxed and happier than I have seen him in as long as I can remember. (I'm writing this review the next day, and he's STILL in that happy mood.) We're considering one of their memberships for that experience alone. I HIGHLY recommend the Absolute Wellness experience to anyone, whatever their massage therapy needs. read more

My daughter gave me a gift certificate for my birthday 6 months ago. I finally used it for a massage with Amy yesterday. Amy was awesome. It was the best massage I've had! Amy started with a consult to be sure she knew what I wanted. During the massage, she softly checked in to make sure I was comfortable. The atmosphere was relaxing, peaceful, and enjoyable. There was a pleasant aroma (I chose lavender), there was an ocean sound with gentle, breezy, calm music. The table was perfect and the sheets felt velvety soft. I enjoyed the heated towels, used on my back and feet. Amy's massage was confident, caring, wonderful! I felt relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated when she finished. The challenges mentioned by other reviews on checking out were present in my experience as well. Hopefully they can take care of it since everything else was an absolute pleasure! read more

I love this spa so much. Coming from Los Angeles, I always had a lot of options to choose from for beauty and spas businesses. This place compares to the best. I have tried awful places in Burlington and Los Angeles, and this place really knows how to make their guests feel welcome, comfortable, and relaxed, and on top of it they provide amazing services for a good price. you might be be thinking it is out of your price range... its not, because you will be satisfied with your service 100%. Also, I have very sensitive skin, and I am able to get a Brazilian wax here without irritation during or afterwards. Jackie provides a honey wax service that is completely worth it, so if you are thinking about different waxing places, I recommend Absolute Wellness Healing Spa as #1 in the area. read more

I had a 90-minute massage with Laura, and it was one of the best I've ever had. I'm no expert on massage therapy but based on ones I've had in the past, her technique was impeccable. The environment was extremely relaxing and the table very comfortable. I left AW feeling extremely relaxed and happy. The only negative part of my experience was afterwards when I asked to use the shower in the dressing room. I got a very weird, uncomfortable vibe from the owner, and there seemed to be some tension between her and my massage therapist. It's a spa, and there is a shower in the customer dressing room, so I'm not quite sure why it was so unusual for me to ask to use it. Call me crazy, but unless I'm going straight home, personally I don't like going back out into the world with a mix of essential oils and sweat all over my body. Sorry if that's TMI, just trying to make a point. I will definitely return for future massages, but will not ask to use the shower again! read more

Horrible service by massage therapist Lindsay !!! She was rude and curt in her demeanor . I came to relax and she stressed me out even more . Although the one hour massage .. was pretty good ... she was hurrying me to get undressed and start and her tone of voice was of annoyance and hurried rather than friendly . Then afterwards , she asked "what are you gonna do for gratuity ?" Out loud ... it was so awkward to have that asked out loud . Would not recommend going here esp w/ Lindsay 's service !! read more

Jessica's knowledge and experience are exceptional. She's a healer! I get all my massages at AWHS. The space is gorgeous and the therapists are top notch. read more

Absolutely can't say better things about this establishment. Professional,clean, accommodating, and affordable. With 4 boys, a spa is my escape..... and they are the best of the best. I would prefer to go here and receive incredible service than to any large spa resort that over promises and under delivers. If you haven't gone- you need to! read more

Amazing, amazing, amazing experience. My wife and I went in for a couple's massage for her birthday and were wowed from the moment we walked in. Beautiful ambiance, aromatherapy, and complimentary tea upon arrival set the perfect tone for our massages with Erin and Chelsea. My wife asked for attention to her shoulders and I requested work on my sciatica and legs from running and I basically melted into the table. Very clean, warm, and relaxing. I can't wait to go again. If you are a runner, athlete, or spend a lot of time on your feet, make an appointment today. Trust me. Did you make an appointment yet? Dude. Come on. Do it. read more

Omg, EXCEPTIONAL service. The place is absolutely gorgeous and I felt relaxed as soon as I walked in. There was an air of calm and happiness there, like nothing could go wrong here. Which is exactly how spas should feel. And nothing did go wrong. Best Brazilians ever. So quick, clean, and (relatively) painless. Their eyebrow waxing is top notch as well. Also, when I mentioned to the receptionist I got there by bus when it was raining, she offered to drive me back to campus on her way out. SO SWEET, where else do you find someone like that I ask you? I found out later she was also the owner, Colleen. What a doll. Really, you owe it to yourself to check out this place! read more

I am bumping my rating up to 5 stars after a number of wonderful visits with Laura at this hidden gem of a spa. Colleen of Absolute Wellness has successfully transformed the space into an Oasis. When you walk in, you are immediately greeted by the spa's comforting decor and natural light, and the scent of oils transports you to a calm state of mind. The massage therapists are easy to talk to and make it clear that their main objective is to help you relax and de-stress. Before you are directed to your room, they will ask you what scents and sounds you prefer, as well as the level of heat you would like on the massage table. I am looking forward to the juice and light snack bar Colleen is constructing. I will definitely be back. read more

This place is awesome. I went for a 2-hour deep tissue massage with Sarah and it was fantastic. I've had lots of massages in my life, both good and bad, and Sarah definitely knew what she was doing. The whole place has a very relaxing vibe and the staff were super friendly. It can be hard to find, but they email you directions on where to go and where to park, and they were super easy to follow. This place is like a hidden oasis in a random building. Delicious lemon mint water in the waiting area, soothing music, magazines, and they let you pick your own essential oil blend for massages. I'm looking forward to experiencing other services here, too. Highly recommended. read more

I wanted to treat my husband to a couple's massage so I called a few places to ask about availability. When I called Absolute Wellness to ask what a couple's massage costs she said it was $125.00 for an hour, but for $10 more we could do 90 minutes. I was sold. I have only had 2 massages in my life and thought this was a great deal. I did not ask for a receipt at the time of the transaction because the person cashing me out confirmed the $135 rate and I saw the added $20 tip on the Apple Square. When I checked my credit card a week later, I saw a charge of $310. I called Absolute Wellness to have them refund the overcharged portion (believing they had made an honest mistake and charged me double). The owner they claimed that I misunderstood the rate quote and that "in 17 years of business, they have never had this problem," and added condescendingly, "there is no such thing as a $60 massage." The owner asked what I wanted her to do and I told her that I wanted $155 returned. She said she could not do that and refunded $40, which was the double charged tip amount. I was then told that Absolute Wellness doesn't actually have a "couple's massage", but that two people could be in the suite at the same time. I do not understand this logic. I never would have booked a massage for this amount of money. To that end, this "spa" was in a strip mall behind a mattress store and the parking area was next to a trash pile. Some massages may cost that much, but Absolute Wellness should not have the gall to charge that much. read more

This place is wonderful. Super relaxing ambience from the second you walk in the door. Lovely lounge area with tasty tea, and mint water. Large selection of essential oils to pick from, whichever you chose is used for aromatherapy during your treatment. I had a wonderful massage with Alexa, aside from being awesome in general, she did a great job releasing a knot in my back that had been bugging me for weeks! I definitely hope to see her again next time I'm in town. read more

Overall, I had a satisfying and comfortable experience at this place: a one-hour Deep Signature Massage with Stephen, that helped my neck and shoulders so much. He definitely knows what he's doing. read more

It was one of the most amazing massages I have ever received. Cheryl did an amazing job, what a difference from when I came in to when I left. Thank you! read more

I got a gift certificate about three years ago, from my sister in law, who doesn't even live here and found this place on the internet. I have been a loyal client ever since. The massage therapists are REALLY good. However, I have had the joy of working with Alexa for the past two or three massages, and wow. She is a truly gifted professional. NB: I never do reviews online but am compelled to write a review at last, for her... even at the risk that she will become so sought-after that I won't be able to get in to see her when I need to! She is that good. I had to go in about two weeks ago for a massage because I had strained my neck picking up my kids or lifting weights or something. It was in bad shape. She worked it out with a good amount of pressure but with only an hour-long massage there just wasn't enough time to get it all the way fixed and take care of the rest of my body. I felt great though. As I was leaving I asked what else she'd recommend. She said I should come back in a couple weeks just to get my neck really resolved and then I can come more infrequently, once I had made enough progress with my neck. After this first massage it felt way better but still wasn't completely fixed. I didn't have full range of motion and was limited in what strength training I could do, because it still felt pretty tight and gnarly. I knew I had to go back for more professional help! Got booked at the spa for a 90 minute deep tissue massage last night. Colleen greeted me with a spa treat (something covered in powdered sugar), and peach cider tea. Delightful. The spa waiting room is so relaxing and really sets the tone for wellness self care as soon as you walk in the door. Then Alexa got to work. She was able to get through all the crunchy tension, got the knots completely worked out, even stretched my neck and shoulders and arms with more range than I'd been able to experience in weeks. It was incredible and I feel like a new person now. I seriously had not been able to sleep well for weeks, and sometimes just a simple movement of my arms or head and neck, resulted in sharp sudden pain so bad I gasped. (Yes, I work in front of a computer at a stressful job, it's true!) All the wicked muscle pain and solid rock-like tension that had built up is now gone, thanks to Alexa. I don't think I can ever see another massage therapist as long as I know she is still in practice! Wish I could get a massage every week with her, but I will certainly be back once a month for maintenance. Thanks for taking care of me, Alexa and absolute wellness! read more

My boyfriend and I came here for our anniversary and had a deep tissue couples massage done by Alexa and Robin. It was such a relaxing experience from beginning to end. Everything was perfect. I would definitely come back often! read more

This is my second, updated review, first one was in 2014 - here is what I'll say, do not go anywhere else for spa services! Incredible! Thank you Alexa, so much. My daughter had an equally excellent massage with Amanda. Awesome hospitality Colleen. Ahhhh, relaxation. read more

I decided to take an impromptu trip to Burlington last weekend to visit some friends, and felt like pampering myself with a massage. I found Absolute Wellness with a simple Yelp search for "highest rated massage" in town, and I was not disappointed! Booking the massage appointment was easy-- the receptionist who I spoke with on the phone (I don't remember her name, unfortunately) was very informative and friendly. I called on a Wednesday and they could accommodate me on Saturday afternoon (unlike the franchise Massage Envy, who I'd called the day before and was coldly told they were "booked solid unless you had a membership.") The receptionist even told me clear and detailed directions to the business, because apparently GPS devices have some difficulty finding the place, which I really appreciated-- there is nothing more counterproductive to a relaxing massage than being frustrated and late because your GPS brought you there via "the scenic route!" I arrived on Saturday 15 minutes early and met the founder herself, Colleen, at the desk. Colleen treated me to some freshly brewed raspberry lemon tea (yum!) while we chatted about the spa. I'm looking to move back to the area, so I was curious about membership options. She explained the spa's current services (inversion tables, sonic vibration fitness machines, facials, waxing, massage) and what new additions they plan to offer in the next year or so (health consultation, an in-house cafe for pre- or post- massage enjoyment, wellness retreats.) While we talked, I took in the sights. Light hardwood floors, gigantic windows providing spectacular views of the Green Mountains and lots of natural light, muted paint colors, interesting artwork, and plenty of comfy chairs and sofas to lounge in. It was truly gorgeous-- much more inviting and beautiful than any other massage business or spa that I've been to in Boston, let alone Burlington (and I've been to a few up here.) When it was time for my "Signature massage" with Cheryl, I was allowed to pick out my aromatherapy scent (pink grapefruit!) from a large selection, and brought to a toasty warm room to disrobe. My initial reaction when laying down on the table was "why don't all massage therapists have this?!" -- there was some kind of super-comfortable, fluffy mattress topper that I just sunk into and didn't want to leave. The massage was phenomenal -- aromatherapy, hot stone, and she really took her time working on my problem areas (neck and shoulders). It was so good I almost fell asleep-- but I willed myself to stay awake for maximum enjoyment. Seriously, one of the best massages I've had in years, and very reasonably priced (and I had a membership for 3 years at a top-rated establishment outside Boston, so that's really saying something!) After the massage, I was given some refreshing mint-infused water and lounged in one of the comfy chairs for a few minutes before settling up. It was hard to drag myself away and go back out into the polar-vortex cold of Burlington! I would recommend Absolute Wellness to anyone who is looking for a bit of pampering during a vacation, and even more so for anyone who is lucky enough to live in the area and become a member. I can't wait to move back up there so I can sample more of the services they offer! read more