Self care anyone? This winter may have been mild by Iowa standards, but we’re still counting down to longer, sunnier days. Until then, why not treat yourself? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite ways to recharge and get through these last few weeks before spring arrives.


Last Updated: March 2025

Relax and Recharge at Pause

  • 7120 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Treat yourself to a spa day at this state-of-the art wellness studio offering a range of services designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. Pause is brand new to the Des Moines area, opening in February 2025, offering a uniquely private and luxurious feel to a wide array of services. The variety of treatment options such as cryotherapy, flotation, infrared sauna sessions, contrast therapy, LED light therapy, and IV vitamin drips offers something for everyone. A visit to Pause is designed to reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and performance, and boost immunity and physical recovery. Membership options are available, and for a limited time, Discovery Packages offer a chance to experience several of the most popular services at a reduced price.


Unique and Restorative Self-Care at Inner Space

  • 1251 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309

If you’re juggling a hectic work schedule, feeling the weight of seasonal blues, or simply craving a moment to reconnect with yourself, offerings at Inner Space might be just what you need. The Sound Lounge Exploration sessions are designed to gently guide your mind into relaxation and mental clarity using carefully curated sound frequencies. While the 60-minute Dry Float sessions provide a unique sanctuary, allowing you to disconnect from daily stresses and rejuvenate your body and spirit. Whether you’re a busy professional or someone seeking a mindful escape, these transformative experiences can help you restore balance and enhance overall well-being.

Enjoy this season of renewal with an exclusive 50% discount through June 1, 2025, on either a 60-minute Zero Body Dry Float or a Sound Lounge Exploration session, and discover how a little self-care can make all the difference.


Sweat it Out at Perspire Sauna

  • 140 Jordan Creek Pkwy Ste 155, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Turn up the heat and tune out the noise! Perspire Sauna studio in West Des Moines utilizes full spectrum infrared – and also includes medical grade red light therapy to create heat, warm up your body and get you sweating. Combining infrared sauna therapy (heat) with red light therapy has major advantages/health benefits and is unique to the Perspire experience. The private session is yours to use however you like: relax and listen to some soothing music, take advantage of the color light therapy to set your mood, or simply be still and enjoy the silence. When your forty-minutes in the sauna are up, step out and cool down with their chilled eucalyptus towel for a lovely refresh. Perspire Sauna offers both monthly memberships and session package pricing so there’s something available for everyone at any budget!

For DSMG readers only, use the promo code DSMGIRL for a free intro session or $20 off a single session item, valid at all three locations: West Des Moines, Waukee, and Ankeny. Use the code at the link below. The first session is normally $20 (for forty-minutes of self-care that’s already a steal)! 😉 The code expires March 31, 2025.


Facials and Massages at East Village Spa 

  • 601 E Locust St Suite 202, Des Moines, IA 50309

An East Village Institution since 2008, East Village Spa’s philosophy is “Every. Body. Welcome.” From the peaceful, zen waiting lounge to their helpful, kind employees, East Village Spa has created a space that is comforting and inviting to all. The spa offers a range of services including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and waxing. It’s easy to book appointments on their website or through the app! I personally loved their hot stone massage but whatever service you decide to go with, just know that you will be in very good hands!


Renewing Facials & Body Treatments at Eden Spa

  • 418 E 6th St, Des Moines, IA 50309

We have been loving the apothecary shop for years, and now there’s even more to love, with an expansion that includes custom spa treatments. The personalized treatments use Augustinus Bader, Monastery, and OSEA product lines to restore and refresh, and the thoughtful, minimalist design creates an atmosphere of effortless serenity. If you’ve been curious about the increasingly popular lymphatic drainage treatment Eden partners with CryoWellness to bring you Mindful Monday services including facial and whole-body sculpting.


Natural Beauty and Wellness at Capital Chiropractic

  • 900 42 St, Des Moines, IA 50312

Capital Chiropractic offers holistic care with a strong focus on functional health. Dedicated to staying at the forefront of treatments and technology, they provide services like hyperbaric oxygen therapy, dry needling, and acupuncture. Recently, their team expanded to include an aesthetician, offering facials, body contouring, and advanced treatments like EMFACE and EXION to naturally boost collagen production.


Rejuvenate with Customized Massage Therapy at Healing Hands Massage

  • 1239 73 St, Windsor Heights, IA 50324

Healing Hands uses “massage therapy to promote healing, wellness, and revitalization for all.” Options include thirty to ninety-minute massages, including deep tissue, stone, and bamboo. Owner Jassma’ray has curated different playlist options, from jazz to chill rap, to add an extra layer of relaxation and customization to your massage experience.


Get Yo’ Nails Done at These Fan Favorites

Photo by Chandra Oh on Unsplash

Get your nails ready for spring! We polled the fam on Instagram to get everyone’s favorite manicure spots! Here are the top submissions by neighborhood:

  • B Nails – Downtown – 520 SW 9th St UNIT 112, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Glamour Nails – Urbandale – 11881 Hickman Rd #500, Urbandale, IA 50323
  • Four Seasons – Windsor Heights – 6601 University Ave # 102, Windsor Heights, IA 50324
  • Stiletto – Waukee – 1014 Hickman Rd #200, Waukee, IA 50263
  • Oscar Nail Bar – West Des Moines – 160 Jordan Creek Pkwy Suite 140, West Des Moines, IA 50266
  • Salon Spa W– East Village – 400 E Locust St #2, Des Moines, IA 50310

Check them out and let us know what you think by sliding into our DMs.


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