When was the last time you treated yourself? If it’s been a while, why not indulge in some much-needed pampering? (And with Mother’s Day on the horizon, consider taking Mom along, too.)

In north Texas, get your relax on by visiting a real treasure, soothingly located outside the bustling downtown metroplex, in scenic Rockwall.

Your day of rejuvenation lies just beyond the lavish, wooden doors of Belfiore Salon and Day Spa. Entering this family-founded and managed establishment, you’re ushered into a cozy foyer, then greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne or a sunny mimosa. Guests are also welcome to pre-order lunches during their stay — artisanal salads or scrumptious sandwiches from La Madeleine.

Pamperings on offer range from massages and facials to cosmetic treatments and more. Arrive early to take a gander at various in-house products, or to take advantage of their steam showers (robe and slippers provided).

During your massage, preference is asked for on firmness, before sore muscles are stretched and kneaded. Extra TLC is given to stealthy knots, and tension detected beneath nimble, trained hands. Finer details are also accounted for, including ones not provided at every massage studio, such as wrapping a terry-cloth towel over longer hair to keep locks oil-free and receiving your choice of essential oil to take home.

Conversation was easy and unforced during my massage, and included the answers to a slew of questions, such as: What exactly is a muscle knot? What are those popping sounds we hear when we crack our knuckles?

As if gliding on a cloud, muscles buttery and soothed, you may make your way to another appointment, like a decadent pedicure executed by the nurturing hands of nail technician, Yerina Emanuel, a Belfiore veteran and seasoned professional of over 45 years. A sumptuous foot and calf rub are incorporated into the service, in addition to more reparative and preventative advice to optimize health for our essential, though often neglected, feet as we walk through life.

Following a thorough, restorative treatment leaving feet oiled and nails glinting with pops of polish, you may then have the pleasure of being ushered down the hall to hair stylist Edgar Martinez, Jr. “It’s an honor to have people sit in my chair,” Martinez says. “It’s an opportunity to make them smile, lift their spirits…make them feel good about themselves.”

Again, the service itself is not only invigorating, but enlightening as personalized suggestions are shared. “Every head of hair is a canvas,” Martinez says.

Surpassing expectations, Belfiore is a versatile getaway. Here, you can luxuriate yet still feel welcomed and at home. Indeed, many current members are guests who’ve retuned regularly since its opening in 2006. “We feel like they are our family,” says co-owner and manager Adrienne Mull.

If you’re not local, consider a mini break. Visit the shimmering waters of Lake Ray Hubbard, engage in a stroll amongst one of its many parks, then indulge yourself with a heavenly treat at Belfiore. Replete your senses and revitalize your spirit in a therapeutic escape that allows you to kindly partake in much needed self-care and rest!

Cover photo by Alex Block on Unsplash

N.L.Thi-Hamrick, devoted to all things that bring joy: good food, writing freely, lots of smiles and pursuing things that make you feel worthwhile.