Services

Health Club

Editors' Choice

Pura Vida Fitness & Spa

We fell in love with the place when it first opened a couple of years ago, and we still can't deny it: Having a membership here is like having the keys to a secret kingdom. Walking through the Zenlike hallways of this four-story club, past the organic fruit bowls and tea/coffee station, you might actually forget that you're here for a workout. Until you walk into one of the state-of-the-art studios—yoga, indoor rowing, spinning—for your complimentary fitness class (included with membership). Sleek locker rooms and private showers the size of most bedrooms make prepping for the real world a refreshing experience. 2955 E. First Ave., 303-321-7872, www.puravidaclub.com

Readers' Choice

Denver Athletic Club

Our readers are smitten with the DAC's country club feel—in fact, the only thing missing is a golf course. But who cares when you've got a restaurant, bar, ballroom, reading room, billiards, shoe shining, and even WiFi for those of you who like to sweat on your laptops (we've seen it happen). Oh yeah, and you can work out here, too. 1325 Glenarm Place, 303-534-1211, www.denverathleticclub.cc

Facial

Editors' Choice

Eden II Spa

It may not look like much from outside, but the warm, Grecian atmosphere and rustic decor pay tribute to a sense of bodily mindfulness here. And Rachel Hatch, our favorite aesthetician, delivers. Her skilled hands gently scrub, soothe, and knead your skin into willing submission while a steamer works its magic. After she applies two separate masks for your skin type, you get your choice of two mini massages—hand, foot, shoulder, or neck—while the masks set in. Make sure to check the website for specials: We found a deal for a full facial and massage, one hour each and fully customized, for $99. 94 W. 11th Ave., 303-820-3336, www.edentwo.com

Readers' Choice

Studio Urban Wax

This sleek, efficient, South Broadway spot has the market cornered on all things countenance-related. In just two years, the modern studio has made waves for its highly specialized focus on skin care. Noted for consistent service and great value, Studio Urban is a fun, easy place to get your pamper on and leave with a glowing expression. 40 S. Broadway, 303-325-3479, www.studiourbanwax.com

Eyebrow Wax

Editors' Choice

Brows on Upper 15th

Michelle and David Dinsmore named their full-service salon "Brows" for a reason: That one word says it all. Eyebrow shaping is Michelle's passion, and no one does it better than she does. In addition to providing a nearly painless wax and a sexy-yet-subtle shape, this self-described "brow guru" gave us tips (that actually worked!) for regrowing hair in over-tweezed spots we thought we'd have to pencil in for life. 2540 15th St., 720-855-3021, www.browsonupper15th.com

Readers' Choice

Studio Urban Wax

Choose from three different pricing tiers that correspond to aesthetician experience and track record (master aesthetician Rebekah Birk has a client list that ranges from members of the Denver Nuggets dance team to a Project Runway model). And the no-tipping policy means you can thank them in more budget-friendly ways, such as referrals. 40 S. Broadway, 303-325-3479, www.studiourbanwax.com

Bikini Wax

Editors' Choice

Nouveau Wax

In an effort to "try something different," we went the extra mile on this one with the full Brazilian. We're not going to lie. It hurt. A lot. But the professionalism with which Krista Staggs (a veteran of both Studio Urban Wax and Waxing the City) performed this, um, intimate procedure made us seriously consider undergoing the pain again in the future. Staggs, along with two partners, opened the tiny, three-room spot just five months ago; they're hoping their combined 19 years of waxing experience will eventually garner enough success to warrant hipper quarters. 2222 S. Albion St., Suite 270, 303-758-9883, www.nouveauwax.com

Readers' Choice

Studio Urban Wax

Beyond the brow work our readers covet, Studio Urban offers everything you want when it comes to removing the hair "down there." With three different bikini waxing services (the French, the Brazilian, and the Playboy), an easy-to-use online booking system that's a godsend for discreetness, and no tip required, you'll (almost) look forward to your next appointment. 40 S. Broadway, 303-325-3479, www.studiourbanwax.com

Massage

Editors' Choice

Sea of Qi Movements

They call it "Lazy Man's Yoga"—which was enough to sell us on the Thai yoga massage. Now that we've actually gotten one from Sea of Qi, we're not sure we'll ever go back to the Swedish variety. It's an interactive healing technique that originated in southeast Asia, in Buddha's era. Over time, it made its way west—to the CorePower Studio on Grant Street, in fact. You stretch out on a comfy mat, fully clothed in yoga attire, and make like a rag doll. The Sea of Qi therapist, who also wears yoga gear, uses her arms, hands, feet, and legs to stretch and press your body until your muscles release and elongate. She incorporates warm, Thai herbal compresses into the bodywork for extra lemongrass-y soothing. It's yoga, aromatherapy, and sheer laziness all at once. 333 E. 13th Ave., 720-308-2376, www.seaofqimovements.com

Readers' Choice

Massage Envy

What's better than a massage therapist who knows your every want, need, and hotspot? Not much—which explains why this cheerful massage clinic is a favorite. Envy has your profile on file to reference for a custom-tailored rubdown every single time. If you become a Massage Envy member, you can pay your dues on a monthly payment plan and enjoy the benefits of regular visits. (Psssst: Your introductory appointment is only $39 for 50 minutes.) Brownie points for staying open till 10 p.m. on weekdays to work around your schedule. Multiple locations, www.massageenvy.com

Flower Shop

Editors' Choice

Babylon Floral Design

Designer and owner Arthur Williams is a genius—a very genuine, unpretentious genius who greets you when you walk in the door, never scoffs at a conservative price range, and creates masterful, sculptural arrangements every time. And although he brings in fresh blooms daily (don't miss the orchids or tropical flowers), he can usually fill special requests within 24 hours. We love the new, roomier digs at Uptown's newly renovated EZE Mop building. 1223 E. 17th Ave., 303-830-6855, www.babylonfloral.com

Readers' Choice

The Perfect Petal

We wish this Highland staple—13 years and running—could bottle its intoxicating scent. Step in the door and the bright, earthy smell of spring blooms hits you, hinting at the beyond-gorgeous arrangements being crafted in the back. The aroma alone is enough to hook you on these pretty bouquets for life. 3600 W. 32nd Ave., 303-480-0966, www.theperfectpetal.com

Manicure/Pedicure

Editors' and Readers' Choice

Tootsies, the Nail Shoppe

From pressed tin walls to piles of glam-filled magazines, the aesthetic in each branch of this local chain screams "girlfriend getaway." So much so that you've picked it as the Mile High's best for four straight years. Not ones to ignore a perfect streak, we figured it was about time to revisit an old favorite. Thank goodness we did. With three locations (Highland, Wash Park, South Pearl) this polish shop is quick to find you a reservation—even at the last minute. We especially appreciate the obsessive attention to detail, like purse hooks conveniently located next to nail stations and nail technicians who'll carefully slip sandals on your feet during a pedicure (yes, we all need a Cinderella fix now and then). Bonus: Our latest pedicure lasted five weeks. Now that's staying power we can all get behind. Multiple locations, www.tootsiesnailshoppe.com

Salon

Editors' Choice

Zumo Hair Studio

When we finally caved and decided to color our hair, we took a friend's recommendation, booked a spot in Amy King's chair, and crossed our fingers. We shouldn't have been nervous. From the complimentary brownies to the calm-your-nerves mimosa (make sure to book for a Saturday), we barely noticed the clock during our nearly two-hour appointment. With a view of the street (who wants to look at herself for hours on end?), we relaxed while King worked her magic and created subtle highlights that lasted well past six weeks. 4688 Broadway, Unit A3, Boulder, 303-440-0868, www.zumohairsalon.com

Readers' Choice

Bang Salon

From colorings to cuts, this salon is your go-to spot for a little me-time. The trustworthy stylists, well-edited list of products (we've stocked our own vanity with the Bumble and Bumble thickening serum), and airy locations keep you coming back. And moms love that their little tykes can now get trimmed at Little b's, a Bang salon just for kids, right next door to the grown-up location in Park Hill. 1207 E. Alameda Ave., 303-282-5444; 2200 Kearney St., 720-241-0355, www.bangsalon.net

Kids' Haircut

Editors' Choice

The New Image Salon

This northwest Denver spot may not be a kids-only haircut joint, but it's more than kid-friendly with its toy basket, kid-centric capes, and blocks that allow your little ones to sit in the grown-up chairs. (What's better than feeling like you're one of the big kids when you're a toddler?) Our little guy didn't miss the fact that there was no fire truck chair because he was so enthralled by the gigantic mirror while having his locks trimmed. The actual haircuts are pretty great, too—and they're only $10! Note to parents: New Image is cash- or check-only. 2337 W. 44th Ave., 303-645-4777, www.thenewimagesalondenver.com

Readers' Choice

Little b's Salon

A kids' salon that does mani-pedis? No wonder you picked Little b's (the little sister to Bang Salon) for your kids' haircuts—and all of their styling needs. Shampoo, trim, blow-dry, and, yes, manicures and pedicures, assuming you can get your little lady to sit still long enough. Plus, Little b's happens to be right next to Bang in Park Hill, for convenience's sake. 6107 E. 22nd Ave., 303-333-1378, www.littlebssalon.com

Dog Groomer

Editors' Choice

The Pooch Mobile

You won't find froufrou styling goodies or doggie manis and pedis here. What you will find is a groomer who—wait for it—drives to your house in a "Pooch Mobile." No more carting your excitable pup across town and leaving him on a table for hours. But worry not: Your bathroom/deck/garage will remain dry. The dog washers get it done with a mobile hydrobath—a doggie shower stall, complete with a real shower head—that stays on the truck. The pooch hops in and gets a pressurized, warm-water massage with an environmentally friendly solution that gets right to the skin and leaves the coat squeaky clean and smelling fresh. And these pups get fluffed with a hand-dryer on the spot—which, conveniently, is right at home. 303-770-5111, www.thepoochmobile.com

Readers' Choice

PetSmart

Our readers flock to this pet store goliath for its seven-days-a-week-with-evening-hours convenience and its extensive array of services. Choose from hygiene essentials such as paw pad-shaving and the FURminator Shed-Less Treatment, or spa health remedies like the exfoliating fruit scrub and an oatmeal-honey shampoo for itchy skin. Check the website for grooming package specials. Multiple locations, www.petsmart.com

Doggie Daycare

Editors' Choice

Out & About Hounds

This is no run-of-the-mill, drop-'em-while-you-work daycare. Anthony Esparza, a former pet scoop waste tech, aka professional pooper scooper, spent enough time playing with his clients' dogs to realize the pooches needed more positive, personal interaction during the day. So for $39, he'll pick up Spot in his truck in the morning and drop him off in the afternoon. In between, he'll take the pooches—he limits group size to five—out to his private, tree-lined, two-acre Larkspur property for some hiking, ball-throwing, and summer swimming nearby. Each outing comes with professional photographs of your hound's outdoor adventure. 303-514-3114, www.outandabouthounds.com

Readers' Choice

City Bark

It's a doggy-dog world at City Bark, where the climate-controlled rooms and an outdoor park with swimming holes and climbing tunnels make a home away from home for your pup, complete with midday snack and nap. Crunched for time in the morning? City Bark has partnered with Wag-n-Wheels to provide transportation and make your mornings a little easier. Worried parents can check up on their little (or big) guys with the online puppy-cam. Multiple locations, www.citybark.com

Bike Shop

Editors' Choice

Salvagetti Bicycle Workshop

Don't let the hipster bike mechanics at Salvagetti concern you—all the guys and girls who work here know bikes, from budget commuter bicycles up through high-end mountain rides. (And besides, there's a fantastic in-shop espresso machine—"Happy Coffee"—for your weekend caffeine fix.) Not sure what you want? Hand over your ID and a credit card, and you can take any bike in the shop for a spin on the Platte River Trail, which is just across the street from the shop; if you buy, you'll get a year's free service on your ride. 1611 Platte St., 303-691-5595, www.salvagetti.com

Readers' Choice

Wheat Ridge Cyclery

The grandpappy of all bike shops in Denver, Wheat Ridge has been around for more than 35 years, simply because it's reliable, knowledgeable, and has an enormous inventory of just about every kind of bike you could possibly want. Cruiser? Roadie? Mountain wheels? Take your pick from the mother ship. 7085 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge, 303-424-3221, www.ridewrc.com

Customer Service

Editors' Choice

Divino Wine & Spirits

This South Broadway wine, beer, and spirits shop has a cheerful, funny, unpretentious, and patient staff that gladly educates you on a wine's "nose" without ever looking down their own at you. And let's face it, that's tricky to pull off. More than once, we've relied on the spot-on advice of the sales staff to save our hides on the way to a dinner party. They're as well versed in high-end labels as they are in more moderately priced stuff—they've been known to stage tastings of even the most affordable blends (and cheap beers, too)—and you'll invariably leave the store feeling a little smarter. 1240 S. Broadway, 303-778-1800, www.divinowine.com

Readers' Choice

Nordstrom

Consistently hailed for its stalwart attention to the needs of its customers—we once had a salesclerk call three different stores, after hours, for a likely-sold-out item we were coveting—and for its affinity for details, Nordstrom is basically royalty in your book. Scoring big in all sections of its stores, it rarely fails to satisfy its not-so-easily-satisfied devotees with spot-on, conciergelike service. Multiple locations, www.nordstrom.com

New Spa

Editors' Choice

Mélange Medical Spa & Salon

This chichi Bonnie Brae medical spa isn't brand-spanking new, and it's also not your quintessential day spa. Although it's comfortable and inviting, the space is more geared toward full-body maintenance—think acute deep-tissue massages for muscle repair, Fotofacials, laser hair removal, and injectable wrinkle treatments—than dreamy, aromatherapeutic relaxation. In fact, Mélange also houses a dentistry practice that includes beauty upgrades like Invisalign and teeth whitening. What we loved most, though, was the customer service: When Mélange had to cancel an appointment at the last minute, it offered to discount the same service when we rescheduled. 763 S. University Blvd., 303-777-7523, www.melangespa.com

Readers' Choice

Salon Tobie Urban Spa

Apparently our readers are seriously on top of the spa scene: After a brief closure, Salon Tobie reopened in late 2009 with a new look and a new feel. That feel, that vibe, is what you might call "easy." And sometimes that's exactly what you want: easy atmosphere, easy-to-understand services, easy-on-the-wallet prices, easy location. From beginner facials for teenagers to gray-blending treatments for the guys, this salon does it all in a breezy, comfortable fashion. Bonus points: The salon even recycles felled locks to Matter of Trust, an organization that collects hair to soak up oil spills. 200 Quebec St., 500-115, 303-366-4247, www.salontobie.com