Treatment we had: Custom Spa Facial (determined by your skin), $91.
What we loved: Facialist Toni Flora had a lovely touch, and her fluid motions practically put me to sleep. She also kept me well informed about what she was doing and why and about products she was using, all from Bioelements, a line with no artificial dyes or perfumes. Steam, extractions, and an icy mask were part of the experience. So was exfoliation with a slightly grainy scrub made from pulverized pumice, which Flora says doesn’t damage the skin the way larger particles do. My facial was geared toward addressing winter dryness; when it was all over, my skin looked brighter, clearer, and dewier.
What you should know: The original Congressional Plaza outpost in Rockville is smaller and generally busier than the newer Perez Salon & Day Spa in Chevy Chase—and not as sleek. A glass door separates spa from salon, and there’s a very small but cozy lounge area with plush chairs and an earthy brown-and-taupe palette. Rooms are a bit cramped—the treatment table filled most of the room I was in. Though they weren’t pushed, add-ons are available and will up the price.
Bottom line: This is a friendly place that’s more salon than spa, but it’s ideal if you’re after a one-stop shop for hair and a bit of pampering. Despite its size, there’s a vast menu of facials, massage, waxing, makeup, and nail options along with the usual hair services in the salon.
Perez Salon & Spa, Congressional Plaza, 1677 Rockville Pike, Rockville; 301-881-5052; perezsalonandspa.com.
