Merry Little Meltdown

Knead away holiday leftovers with a massage

It came upon a midnight clear. A knot the size of the North Pole at the nape of your neck. Unwind from the holiday season with a merry little meltdown at one of these Valley massage spots.

Beyond Massage Therapy, Phoenix
Body walking may not be your typical massage but then again, deep aches call for deep measures. The body walking practitioner balances his weight on two parallel bars to gently but effectively release muscles. The 90-minute session starts with 30 to 45 minute of body walking depending on your needs and finishes with a table massage ($130). Ask for the first-timer's discount.

Dolce Salon & Spa, Chandler, Scottsdale and Peoria
With the latest addition of their Arrowhead location, Dolce has the Valley's well-being covered. An hour-long Swedish Massage starts at $75. Add a $15 booster shot of coconut oil for moisture-parched skin or a dry brush exfoliation to stimulate circulation.

Fuchsia, Mesa
Practice the fine art of multitasking with a trip to the Village Square at Dana Park where you can shop 'til you drop then plop down at Fuchsia spa. Try the 50-minute Aromatherapy Massage and choose from champagne, citrus, mint or lavender scents ($59 members/$75 non-members). Ask about introductory pricing for Fuchsia newbies.

Glow Skin & Body Studio, Phoenix
Stress dare not tread inside the ultra warm, contemporary digs of Glow Sin & Body Studio in Ahwatukee. Pair up a Therapeutic Massage ($75) with a Stone Crop Body Treatment ($135) for a blissful afterglow (each treatment is 60 minutes).

La Bonne Vie Day Spa, Scottsdale
You can't help but relax in the charming, cottage hideaway vibe of Old Town Scottsdale's La Bonne Vie Day Spa. Make it quick with a 30-minute upper body Tension Buster Massage ($55) or stay awhile with their signature 80-minute Healing Stone Energy Massage ($135).

Lavender's, Litchfield Park and Surprise
The West Valley's call for tranquility is answered by Lavender's two day spa locations. Try the Stress Knot package, which kicks stress to the curb with a 60-minute Deep Tissue Massage plus a 30-minute Reflexology Aroma Therapy combo for $90.

Sea Spa Skincare, Scottsdale
Don't let the name fool you, Sea Spa Skincare at the Scottsdale Fashion Square offers more than just one terrific facial. Stop by the ocean-inspired boutique and spa for a 60-minute massage ($85) and for an extra $20, kick up the pressure to deep tissue.

Sibonne Day Spa, Glendale
Good things come in threes, or at least they do at Sibonne where their Massage Medley treatment de-stress from head to toe. The 90-minute treatment includes 30 minutes of Swedish massage, 30 minutes of Warm Stone massage, 15 minutes of foot Reflexology (pressure point work on the feet), 15 minutes of scalp and facial massage and a paraffin foot treatment ($115 but mention Arizona SpaGirls and save $25 through January).

Rustic Sage Massage Therapy, Scottsdale
Chuck the muck with a visit to Rustic Sage Massage Therapy, hidden among downtown Scottsdale's party central district. Go for the Custom Massage ($70) and let the healing hands there take you where your body kneads to go (excuse the pun, we couldn't help it).

The Spa at Gainey Village, Scottsdale
So you say that you couldn't possibly fit a workout into your jammed-packed schedule? Use your time wisely with a rubdown at the Spa at Gainey Village. A 60-minute Weekend Warrior Deep Tissue Massage ($105) comes with a no-excuses, full-day access to fitness classes and equipment.

VH Spa for Vitality + Health at Hotel Valley Ho, Scottsdale
It's called Tibetan Yoginic Bodywork and it's quite possible that it could change your life. Based on Tibetan medicinal practices of using weight and acupressure to unclog bottle-necked tension, the 90-minute massage is performed masterfully by a former Tibetan Buddhist monk ($185).

XS Salon & Spa, Gilbert
Time seems to come to a grinding halt once inside this indoor-outdoor beauty and wellness complex. For a deep muscle release, try the 60-minute Anara Massage ($95), which incorporates a geranium and sage massage cream to intensify healing and balance.

Zethina Cosmetics & Skin Care, Glendale
Zethina may be our local go-to gal for flawless, camera-ready makeup but she also hides a secret weapon to inner beauty: A talented massage therapy staff. Follow a Cupping session or Therapeutic Massage ($90 each for an hour) with a complimentary makeup consultation.