Glendale in the Spa-tlight

Don't ask me why I ended up at a bridal show recently but if you must know, it's not because I'm pining away for my premarital days. No, I was there to spread the SpaGirl word. Besides chatting with, oh, about a thousand brides about where they should go to get primped and pampered for their wedding day, I was also there as a curious observer. I love to watch people's faces at events like this. Bright-eyed and determined to utterly confused (yes, a few grooms-to-be braved the crowd). The highlight of the day had to be during the fashion show when the DJ popped on Jordin Spark's rendition of "Wishin' on a Star." It was obvious that everyone in the room is still beaming with pride over our hometown winner of American Idol. Not only does Jordin's sweet voice and personality make us as proud as peacocks but she put her hometown of Glendale, Ariz. on the map.

So where in the wide, wide world is Glendale and what other treasures does it hide? Well lemme tell ya.... Encompassing the west side of the sprawling Phoenix Valley area, Glendale is not only host of the 2008 Super Bowl but also hides an impressive handful of beauty and relaxation destinations. Among my favorites is Sibonné Day Spa in Glendale's Arrowhead neighborhood. Not only are the owners among the most gracious people I've had the pleasure of meeting, but they really know what they're doing when it comes to finding top-notch spa professionals and creating a boutique resort spa atmosphere. Another hot spot is Monogram Salon Suites, which houses nearly 40 independent, feel-good professionals in a Tuscan-style beauty mall. Each suite reflects the tastes of its owner, like DermaTherapy's charming skin and makeup studio with soft lighting and homey accents or Pure Harmony Nail & Foot Spa's vibrant orange walls and east-west vibe. New on the map is Ageless Aesthetics, where the owner has spun a warm, uncluttered space for corrective skincare and expert waxing. For med spa services like laser hair removal and cellulite treatments, look for top-notch service inside the new contemporary digs of LaserRX at Union Hills Square. Finally, I recently stumbled upon a spanking new beauty studio suite with a friendly vibe and a separate day spa suite for skin and massage services. Among them are Massage-ology, a massage and bodycare studio, and SkinOvations, a fastidiously clean and tastefully decorated studio where the owner works her skincare and waxing magic. For more spas and salons in Glendale, visit our Find page and choose it from the city list.
Photo: Skincare services at Sibonne Day Spa.