Untie the Knots

Our picks for the 15 best local massages, all of which are sure to bring a bit of bliss to your day. Plus: Spa treatments—on a budget.

The Vibe The uninspired waiting room feels more dentist office than spa, and the treatment rooms are bare-bones, but who cares when the treatments are this good?

The Treatment In what may have been the best massage we've encountered in years, the 90-minute trigger-point therapy (price depends on membership) with therapist Kimber Fournier cured (at least for a week to 10 days) the many, many pains associated with sitting too long in front of a computer screen. Trigger-point therapy is specifically designed to alleviate the sources of pain through cycles of isolated pressure and release—it's one of those hurts-so-good situations. Trust us.

Book It 201 Steele St., Unit 1-A, 303-962-8900, www.massageenvy.com

Product Pick-Me-Up Instead of ponying up for another bottle of cleanser, think about joining Massage Envy as a member. The paltry $39 sign-up fee seems like a deal considering you'll get one massage a month for just $49. If you require subsequent treatments, the prices go down from there.

The Vibe Hidden in a nondescript office building in Cherry Creek, Brian Fun's one-room massage shop certainly doesn't look like a place where you'll receive spa-quality care. But once inside the intimate space, which is replete with aromatherapy candles and soft music, your apprehension fades away.

The Treatment Fun's signature treatment is Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy (60 minutes, $75), a type of massage that combines elements of Thai massage, barefoot shiatsu from Japan, and Keralite massage from southern India. Fun uses wooden bars adhered to the ceiling to suspend himself above you, using the pressure from his feet to massage shoulder, neck, leg, and back muscles.

Book It 222 Milwaukee St., Suite 408C, 303-887-6577, www.brianfunmassage.com

The Vibe Even with the boutique and omnipresent aroma of body products, this day spa has a distinctly medical vibe. And that's no surprise considering Aspenfalls offers medical spa treatments such as Botox injections, photorejuvenation facials, and laser hair removal along with typical day spa services.

The Treatment There are few times when a woman's body needs more pampering than during pregnancy. After all, everything hurts—feet, legs, back, you name it. At Aspenfalls, certified pregnancy massage specialists provide the Motherhood massage (60 minutes, $85), a treatment created to care for the needs of a mother-to-be. Specially designed body cushions allow total relaxation and comfort—even late in pregnancy.

Book It 880 Happy Canyon Road, Suite 130, Castle Rock, 303-660-1511, or 5425 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village, 303-221-5995; www.aspenfallsspa.com

The Vibe It is, after all, a Ritz-Carlton, which means you get all the trappings of a top-notch spa, including attentive service at the front desk, sought-after amenities like comfy pedi chairs, and spot-on talent in the treatment rooms. What you also get is a central downtown location, a well-edited spa gift shop, and easy access to a yummy post-massage lunch at Elway's downstairs.

The Treatment If you're not gonna go big at the Ritz, you might as well go home. With that in mind, book the Four Hands massage (50 minutes, $230). Performed by two expert therapists at the same time, this massage has the added benefit of a working-in-unison style of therapy that gives your entire body a good rub-down in less time. Add the express facial (25 minutes, $75) if you have the time—and cash—to spare.

Book It 1881 Curtis St., 303-312-3800, www.ritzcarlton.com

The Vibe A resort-style spa with an indoor pool and hot tub, steam room, outdoor fireplace and hot tub, and locker rooms better stocked than your home bathroom, the Spa at the Inverness has an ambience that reminds you what vacation should feel like.

The Treatment Sign up for the Indulge day package ($190)—a two-hour pampering extravaganza that combines a 50-minute full-body Swedish massage with a 50-minute hydrating facial. After your treatment, snuggle up by the outdoor fireplace or relax in the hot tub—the Spa at the Inverness encourages spa-goers to stay and enjoy the amenities for as long as they want. (Don't forget to bring a swimsuit.)

Book It 200 Inverness Drive West, Englewood, 303-397-7808, www.invernessspa.com