Maine Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Portland
Portland, Maine. [Photo credit: Karson]
Nicknamed the “Pine Tree State,” Maine’s most populated city is Portland, which is home to plenty of aquatic attractions including romantic boat rides at sunset and tours of coastal lighthouses. It’s filled with picturesque cobblestone streets, a scenic waterfront, beautiful beaches, shops and boutiques, and an assortment of culinary attractions.
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Portland is also home to a selection of world-class spas including several that cater to spiritual well-being through unique treatments such as reflexology, reiki, and energy cleansing, among others. Whether you’re look for a relaxing massage, a nourishing facial or a rejuvenating body treatment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
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Check out our Maine spa guide to discover the best spas in Portland when planning your next trip. Discover the best flights deals to Portland when booking yourvacation to Indy.
Akari Salon & Spa
193 Middle Street, Portland, ME 04101; (207) 772-9060
Located in Maine’s historic Old Port, where you’ll find cobblestone streets and quaint boutiques, Akari Salon & Spa has been in business since 1987. Though it used to only offer cuts and color, Akari has expanded to provide nail care, massages, dermaplaning, facials, microdermabrasion, tinting, peels, and waxing.
If you find yourself at this Portland spa and really want to treat yourself, we highly recommend booking the Signature Spa Day. It begins with a 60-minute, full-body massage followed by a customized facial. It also includes a complimentary lunch accompanied by a glass of wine, in addition to a manicure and pedicure. The experience concludes with a blow-out at the salon.
You can make your appointment at Akari online or by calling the number listed above. The spa is closed on Sundays. Business hours are Monday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Thursday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Arcana
81 Market Street, Portland, ME 04101; (207) 773-7801
When you visit Arcana’s website, you’re greeted with three concepts: healing arts, local craft, and soulful yoga. The menu features energy work as well as tarot and psychic readings. You’ll also find services like reflexology, shiatsu, yoga, and herbal consults., among others.
To fully reap the benefits of Arcana, we recommend the Energy-Balancing Massage. The 60-minute treatment costs $115 and is meant to cleanse you of negative energy. If you want something more basic, opt for the Integrated Massage. It’s a blend of Swedish and deep tissue modalities that has a wide array of add-ons available.
This Portland spa is open daily. You can visit Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call the number above to set your appointment or visit Arcana’s booking page.
Malai Thai Spa
891 Brighton Avenue, Suite 1, Portland, ME 04102; (207) 413-9711
As a Thai spa, the main offerings at Malai That Spa are a variety of different massages. Their most popular option is the Thai Signature Combination Massage, which combines Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, acupressure, and Thai stretching techniques.
An alternative therapy treatment that stands out is the Thai Herbal Ball Hot Compress Massage. In addition to relieving stress, it helps to improve sleep, general well-being, and blood circulation. It also stimulates the lymphatic system to flush out toxins from the body.
To book your massage, visit Malai’s booking page or call the number above. The spa is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nine Stones Spa
185 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101; (207) 772-8480
Nine Stones Spa offers massages, body treatments, skin care, nail services, tinting, and waxing. One of the treatments we recommend is the Nine Stones Signature Facial, which is great for all skin types. Before starting the facial, you’ll have a consultation with an esthetician. The practitioner will then tailor a facial to your specific concerns. Whether you’re battling acne or sun damage, the signature facial is sure to address it.
The menu also offers alternative therapies including reiki and detoxes. The muscle release therapy is worth trying as it helps move energy around while also addressing pain. If you opt for this treatment, the spa recommends getting the 75-minute version. This way, the therapist has enough time to get your history and still give you an hour-long treatment.
Unlike other spas on this list, Nine Stones Spa doesn’t have traditional business hours. Instead, the wellness center functions on an appointment-only basis. To book your treatment at Nine Stones, call (207) 772-8480 or visit the spa’s appointment booking page.
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
20 Milk Street, Portland, ME 04101; (207) 871-7054
This world-class spa is nestled inside one of Portland’s oldest and most iconic hotels. At Portland Regency Hotel & Spa, you can take your pick from massages, facials, body treatments, and even host spa parties.
Our suggestion? Choose the SeaWeed Body Wrap for 60 minutes of bliss. During that hour, the practitioner applies warm sea mud to your skin, which will exfoliate, detoxify, and revitalize. Ingredients include clay, avocado and peach oils, and seaweed.
The spa at Portland Regency is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can reserve your treatment by calling the number above or by visiting the spa’s booking page.
[Photos courtesy of spas and resorts]
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Natalie Arroyo Camacho is a beauty, lifestyle, and well-being writer with more than five years of experience. She's indulged in self-care at 50 spas nationally and internationally—including locations in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Mexico, Morocco, and France. Keep up with her best life on Instagram: @personatalieeee.