Norristown Patch Picks: Five Great Spas

Now that the sun is starting to peek out from behind those dark clouds, and folks are breaking out their spring wardrobes, it's time think about getting some other things ready for the warmer weather—your extremities.

Take a look at those dry hands, those split ends, those gnarled feet ... on second thought, put those feet away. You need help.

Luckily, you have a friend in Norristown Patch, and we (and some of our associates) have compiled a list of our favorite five spas to get yourself back in shape for sandal wearing and sun worshiping.

; 1201 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell; 610-277-4247

Perkiomen Valley Patch editor turned us on to Citrus. It's a full day spa with all the usual offerings—facials, hair and nails, massage, wax and wraps— for both men and women.

"I would definitely try the facial," said Cornell. "That was my favorite!"

, 2605 DeKalb Pike, Norristown; 610-292-8895

Our soon-to-launch Ambler Patch editor Leann Pettit recommends Paula A. Minnick for the messages.

"My boyfriend and I got massages there," said Pettit. "They have a warming bed and a very warm room. (The massage therapist) was very helpful and very nice. It was my boyfriend's frst time (at a spa), so he was a little nervous," she laughed.

Paula A. Minnick has all of the usual offerings and even air brush tanning. Its site also lists quite a few specials running for the month.

(Note: Ambler Patch launches next Thursday, March 31. Tell your friends in Ambler!)

Francesco & Giovanni Salon & Spa, 72 S. Trooper Road, Eagleville; 610-539-2887

While she's never actually been there, Patch Regional Editor and mom columnist has stared longingly at Francesco & Giovanni Salon & Spa, mere minutes from her home.

It offers all the traditional spa treatments for ladies and gents, and even has a special "Treat Yourself Tuesday," where you can save 20 percent off all Dermalogica products from the salon store.

111 Waynewood Road, Wayne; 610-995-2631

OK, this one is a little off the beaten path for most Norristownians, but this is one of my all-time favorite spas. This little gem tucked behind the Wayne train station and hidden off of Lancaster Avenue offers top-notch spa service in an incredibly relaxing atmosphere.

My recommnedation—the Milk & Honey Manicure. I get it for special occasions like weddings, bar mitzvahs and slow Thursdays. After a milk soak, a clipping, a buff and a scrub, a technician wraps your hands in warm honey and gives you a quick massage. Your hands will look and feel awesome, and they'll smell good too!

, 2939 W. Germantown Pike, Norristown; 610-277-2800

While we've never been, the buzz around La Vita Bella is pretty good, and we have every intention of availing ourselves of its services, especially the Tea Time program.

La Vita Bella believes in the healing power of tea (and we think it tastes good), so the spa has incorprated it into its services. According to La Vita Bella, some of the benefits include:

• Reducing the physical signs of aging of the skin
• Reducing the risk of heart attack
• Improving the immune system
• Lowering bad LDL cholesterol
• Aiding weight loss and fat burning, and more

Those are our recommendations. Have one of your own? Tell us about it in the Comment section.