2024 Best of Rhode Island Editors’ Picks

INDEX

FOOD & DRINK | SHOPPING | GO PLAY | WELLNESS | READERS’ POLL

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WELLNESS

Where to look and feel better, stat.

Couples/Personal Retreat

The Retreat Suite

Sometimes we all just need a playful retreat. Sometimes we need real soul healing and restoration. But either way, we may need to disconnect completely to find peace and that mindset reset. Founder and transformational soul coach Elle Hawks helps you — and a partner if you want to bring one — do just that. With her, you leave the rush of the world behind for an afternoon, a weekend or a week, and talk, move and search your way to healing. Newport, 388-0883, theretreatsuitenewport.com

East Bay Color Specialists

Indigo Hair Studio

You know that friend who offers tea and sympathy after a bad day? That’s what Indigo Hair Studio feels like: a hygge haven with stylists who have your back. Thorough consults ensure nothing gets lost in translation while they collaborate to tailor a cut or color that meets client goals. The color palette spans vivid rainbow shades to (nearly) natural blonde and Indigo happily teaches technique so you can recreate that good hair day. 210 Warren Ave., East Providence, 484-7573, indigopvd.glossgenius.com

Skincare Boutique

Artistry Beauty Collective

In what could be described as an Instagram dream, aesthetician Kimberly Parent’s Artistry Beauty Collective ticks all the boxes when it comes to a picture-perfect “skincare boutique.” Focusing on advanced skincare treatments, waxing services and exquisite brow artistry (the perfect arch does exist), Parent is laser-focused on giving clients the confidence they need to be their best selves with her time, talent and technology. 32 Franklin St., Newport, 417-4849, artistrynewport.com

Wellness Works Wonders

Whether you need an all-out spa day or a quick post-workday yoga class, wellness is something we all try to incorporate into our daily lives. If you’re looking for some inspiration to zhuzh up your wellness routine, Rhode Island is home to some creative and inspiring studios that’ll have you feeling Zen.

At Raffa Yoga and Urban Sweat, you get a one-stop-shop for total relaxation. Stretch your muscles in a yoga class (or flip upside down with aerial yoga!), or treat yourself to a massage, facial or reiki session with the studio’s spa services. Plus, as an added relaxation offering, the studio also houses an “Urban Sweat” area, complete with six styles of saunas and steam rooms, like the Himalayan salt grotto, the black charcoal sauna, the yellow turmeric sauna and more. Be sure to test them all out and absorb the healing effects.

Yoga teachers at Wonderland Yoga. from back, CLockwise from Left to right: Shanell Lavery, Brittanny Taylor, Sandra Orr, Alyssa Karam, Jeffrey Soares, Shireena El Gallal, Melissa Clark, Abbe Ciulla, Taylor Ewing and Ryane Currie.

While spa days and rest are important for our health, so is play! Why let the kids have all the fun? Get back in touch with your inner child at Wonderland Yoga, a new yoga studio in Providence that prioritizes play. With the studio’s vibrant colors and funky decor and with classes ranging in style from “feel goods” to “sweat sessions,” no matter your mood or energy levels, you’ll come out feeling rejuvenated.

And when it comes to wellness, all are invited. Shri, based out of Pawtucket and led by WJAR NBC 10 news anchor Alison Bologna, puts inclusivity at the forefront with its yoga classes and wellness efforts. Founded in 2010 and serving more than 8,500 students from diverse backgrounds like adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, incarcerated youth and veterans and active military personnel, Shri makes movement and wellness accessible to all.

Raffa Yoga and Urban Sweat, 19 Sharpe Dr., Cranston, 463-3335, raffalife.com; Wonderland Yoga, 129 Wayland Ave., Providence, wonderlandyogastudio.com; Shri, 390 Pine St., Pawtucket, shriyoga.org

Community-Driven Workout Space

BarreCoast

A visit to BarreCoast, even if it’s your first time, feels like a hangout with old friends. The studio’s owner, Kristen Ullrich, radiates positivity and strives to make the studio a positive and inclusive space to foster community. Working out doesn’t have to be a chore at this seaside studio in Westerly. Plus, you can even get some puppy snuggles with Bear, the studio’s fluffy golden retriever mascot. 55 Beach St., Westerly, 596-1066, barrecoast.com

Brow and Lash Studio

Pretty Things

Pretty Things cosmetic studio might be named for a David Bowie tune, but it specializes in everything to make you … well … prettier. Brow and lash technicians use various techniques for making eyes pop, whether it’s brow microblading or lamination, lash lifts, tints or extensions, or even permanent makeup to avoid eyeliner every day. The salon does so much more, but we’ll start with the brows and lashes and work our way down to waxing, and maybe get a little tattoo, too. 375 Washington St., Providence, 415-7123, prettythingspvd.com

Nutrition-Packed Fun

In the Pink

The term “in the pink” refers to a state of good health and, when you enter this acai and smoothie shop, the positive ambience transports you to that state in every way. Come for the delicious Coconut Crunch smoothie bowl or Mint To Be cold-pressed juice; stay for the pink and retro dining area with a view of bustling Thayer Street. 213 Thayer St., Providence, 414-7710, inthepinkri.com

Worry-Free Food Shopping

May’s Gluten-Free Market

What makes a one-stop shop even better? When shoppers get to select local and global quality products from carefully curated shelves. Walk through the market guilt- and stress-free as your grocery selection is bound to have your favorite snacks made healthier. Don’t forget to treat yourself to some ready-to-eat goodies from the rotating menu. 7 Forbes St., Riverside, 410-7475, maysglutenfreemarket.com

West African Boutique

Sunu Body

This online boutique carries authentic West African skincare and beauty products including waist beads, net sponges and African black soap. Founded by high school student Zainabou Thiam, the business contracts with artisans in Senegal to source products. Thiam, whose parents hail from the West African nation, saw an opportunity when friends and fellow members of the diaspora expressed interest in purchasing waist beads online. “As a first generation, I’ve even felt that yearning for home. So these products are really able to connect with a piece of ourselves,” she says. sunubody.com

Holistic Skincare

Rising Tides Apothecary

Rising Tides channels a holistic approach to skincare, addressing mind and body needs below the surface, first and foremost. The shop offers natural ways to aid sleep, boost mindfulness and improve skin. Try a seven-day detox or go for the next big thing, LED light therapy, to improve skin’s appearance. Feeling a mental crash coming on? Owner Katie Frank is also an expert in functional mushrooms — find out what makes fungus so fabulous at her shop. 141 Water St., Warren, 835-8191, risingtidesapothecary.com

Mindful Bodywork

Little Bird Wellbeing

With nearly a decade of experience, massage therapist Sarah Shoen has built more than just a successful practice in the City by the Sea — she’s built a community. Over the course of the five years Little Bird Wellbeing has been in business, Shoen has accrued a ride-or-die following that seeks out her holistic approach to deep-tissue massage, acupressure, Thai yoga massage, lymphatic drainage, craniosacral therapy and more extraordinary mind-body experiences to harmonize one’s physical and mental well-being. 27 Second St., Newport, 835-1257, littlebirdwellbeing.com

Peruvian Superfoods

Qhali Kitchen

Take in every detail of your order at Qhali; the kitchen spearheaded by chef Vanessa Saldana whips up innovative Peruvian dishes like hearty soups, cheesy empanadas and nutritious wraps. Spicy elements and healthy superfoods allow guests to indulge in vibrant flavors created with fresh and delicious ingredients. 34 Gooding Ave., Bristol, 253-1294, facebook.com/qhalibristol

Master Color Expert and Stylist

Jamie Millmather

Stylist Jamie Millmather created a customized color to highlight model Kasey Johnson’s (above) hair.

Jamie Millmather has twenty years of hairstyling experience behind her shears. She runs three salons and operates her business, mūse haus of beauty, which specializes in hair of all shapes, sizes and textures while also empowering stylists through advanced and continuing education in color, cutting, styling and extension work. Millmather also travels to New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week and participates in local runway shows and photo shoots to help curate looks for designers and makeup artists. jamiemillmather.com

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INDEX

FOOD & DRINK | SHOPPING | GO PLAY | WELLNESS | READERS’ POLL