Chicago Health & Beauty

As the name suggests, Chill is the place to come to escape. It’s a River North meditation studio that breaks the daunting task of quieting the mind into thirty-minute sessions, each designed to calm and reset a specific area of concern. “Breath” is focused on mental clarity and the elimination of brain fog. “Insight” is for the career-minded looking for work dilemma breakthroughs, while “Rest” is for those on a quest for better sleep. There’s even a course for kids, designed to train younger minds to de-stress and find stillness amid jam-packed schedules.

There are yoga studios that teach you to stretch and strengthen, and then there are yoga studios that seem to give you the tools to master mind and body. Lincoln Park’s Yogaview definitely falls into the latter. That’s due to thoughtfully-led classes taught by instructors who somehow manage plenty of individual attention, even in group classes, especially beginner sessions so newbies develop a strong foundation of basics. The expansive studio itself is a calming mix of exposed brick, high wood-beamed ceilings, and warm, soft lighting.

The metal cryotherapy tanks found at Lincoln Park’s CryoBar are as futuristic as it gets—and be warned: the thought of being surrounded in a subzero fold of icy fog is a little daunting. But many regulars describe the enveloping cold as a surprisingly pleasant experience, which is meant to release endorphins and produce an anti-inflammatory response that can reduce pain and increase your metabolism. It’s also said to encourage a great night’s sleep. It’s an easy, quick process: Step inside, remove your robe, and after three minutes, you emerge with a body that feels rested and recharged.

This British import, located inside the Soho House in Chicago's buzzy West Loop, offers extraordinarily comfy treatment chairs and farmhouse vibes. It's particularly popular for its indulgent manis and pedis (60 and 75 minutes, respectively): Each of the chairs features its own TV and freshly brewed tea served in a teapot is available upon request. There are only five treatment rooms, but they'll do everything from facials (some with SkinCeuticals products) to body wraps, scrubs, and deep tissue massages.

The spa is high up on the 19th and 20th floors of the hotel, and the treatments are beyond-pampering and impressively corrective. The Cryo 3R Facial uses chilled air to regenerate skin and support collagen (you look remarkably glowy immediately after), while the European Deep Cleansing Facial involves a revitalizing massage, thorough pore detoxification, and layer upon layer of nourishing serums and creams. There's a eucalyptus steam room, as well as a relaxation room where you can curl up next to a fireplace. The facials can absolutely stand alone, but if you're splurging, consider one of the famous half- or full-day spa journeys.

Half hard-core, high-intensity training gym, half holistic therapy center, Core Fitness offers a personalized program that intermingles the two. After an assessment, which includes measuring body fat, weight, and size, Core Fitness offers a custom workout and therapy recommendation, which could include anything from pilates, to cupping, infrared sauna sessions fascial stretch therapy, and more.

Allyu Spa 600 W. Chicago Ave., River North312.755.1313See websiteNEIGHBORHOOD: River NorthOpening Hours:Mon-Fri: 10am-8pmSat: 9am-8pmSun: 10am-6pm Price: $$$ Allyu (pronounced eye-you) is the Quechua word for community, and this Riverwalk-neighborhood spa’s commitment to community spreads far…

The Peninsula’s ESPA spa is perched high above the city on the 19th and 20th floors of the hotel, and as can be expected from ESPA, the products and services are top-notch. And, since it’s the Peninsula, you won’t be disappointed by the amenities either—there's a eucalyptus steam room and a relaxation room where you can curl up next to a working fireplace. The facials can absolutely stand alone (ask for Sunny), but if you're splurging, invest in one of the famous half- or full-day spa journeys.

Owner Cleise Gomes moved to Chicago from Brazil in 2000, and has been working to bring traditional Brazilian beauty techniques to the U.S. ever since. Gomes is famous for her waxing techniques, but it's her facials that are actually one of the city's best kept secrets. There are glycolic peels, oxygen and LED light therapy, and a face massage-focused session that includes a rousing, heavenly scalp treatment.

Mila has been taking care of many high-profile LA women for decades, all of whom swear by her skin and body treatments. More specifically, it's her European facials (tack on a dry contouring session for a bit of extra lift), "face-changing" line of skincare products, and discretion that keep everyone coming back. While the flagship spa on Sunset Boulevard is worth an in-person visit, you can also book treatments at Barneys New York outposts in most major cities (besides Chicago, also Los Angeles and New York).