You relax as the chair warms and massages your back. Soothing colors surround you, and calming music fills your ears. No one can interrupt this 30 minutes just for you. No phone calls, no demands, no guilt about just being still and doing nothing—with your mouth wide open.

Smiling and giggling babies are a common sight at a Baby Boot Camp session in St. Louis. That’s because their moms are thrusting them into the air for shoulder presses, balancing them during yoga poses and swiftly pushing them in strollers through the park.

Perhaps Sitting Bull said it best: “Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love.”

Spring is here, and your best friend is sitting by the door, ready to play. We scoured the shops for the best toys to get you—and your pet—outdoors.

I’ve been putting off writing this story for some time—too many things to tell you about and too little space. Yes, San Diego has a brilliant blue ocean and blue skies most of the time, mild temperatures year-round, a strong Spanish/Mexican heritage that permeates most of its architecture and culture, a huge U.S. Navy presence, amazing beaches and golf courses, a wealth of public and private universities and a world-famous zoo. You knew all this already, didn’t you?

While it may not be swimming weather yet, the season of sunscreen and pool chairs is rapidly approaching. With a forecast of ‘90 and sunny’ undoubtedly on the horizon, pool owners need to take this last spell of cool weather to prepare their backyard oasis.

April

Salish Lodge and Spa is one of those places that the travel gods sometimes reward you with. Booked at the tail end of a driving tour of the Northwest, I wasn’t expecting much. Boy, was I surprised!

Eau Bistro could easily be overlooked by prospective diners, but that would be a shame because the atmosphere and food are well worth a look--and a taste.

Can’t decide where to go for lunch or wondering where to woo your special someone this weekend? Maybe you’ve been trying to find a new gym or spa, or perhaps your next hair stylist/confidante. Or it could be that you not only enjoy rediscovering old favorites, but also stumbling upon new ones.

You voted, we listened! Ladue News readers know what they like; and with this year's Platinum List, you've made your voices heard. This list compiles the best of St. Louis. 

For most of us, work is stressful. But for Avani Nayak, her job actually makes her more relaxed. “We have a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere; and it always smells wonderful in here,” she says of her Avani Day Spa in Frontenac. “And I love seeing the looks on people’s faces when they leave: They’re smiling and have more self-confidence, and they feel relaxed and invigorated.” We asked her about the rough and dirty business of getting the best care for your skin.

A creative pool can be the jewel of your backyard oasis. Here, area contractors showcase some of their most stunning pool projects.

When British Royal Navy officer Captain George Vancouver arrived in this slice of Canadian heaven in 1792, he was transfixed by what he saw.

Mention a transatlantic cruise and thoughts come to mind of Champagne and caviar, white-gloved service and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Through Thursday 14

Sometimes we just need a little pick-me-up. If your face is looking a bit dull, regaining a youthful glow can be as easy as an hour or so in the esthetician’s chair, and you’ll likely walk away feeling refreshed and relaxed all over.

Make your bathroom a luxurious and relaxing oasis with these fresh, clean and airy accents.

Caring for your skin is no easy task—especially when the cold winter winds hit. We turned to esthetician Alix Mancuso of the Four Seasons Spa for insight on the tools and tips to get the best skin of your life.

In mid-January the historic Southern California city of Pasadena and its 935 Tournament of Roses volunteers and staff are already well into preparations for the 2014 Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game.