2025 Best of Rhode Island Editors’ Picks
See where we wined, dined, played and shopped this year.
INDEX
FOOD & DRINK | SHOPPING | ARTS & CULTURE | HEALTH & BEAUTY
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
Self-care treatments and fitness regimens to keep us sane in trying times.
Place to Dink and Drink
Newport Pickleball Club
Paddles, prosciutto and prickly pear margaritas — your new favorite version of “friendly competition” just launched at Newport Pickleball Club. With eleven state-of-the-art indoor courts and a lively social scene at The Kitchen Table, a restaurant run by the much-loved executive chef at the former Fifth Element, athletic acumen doesn’t have to be your greatest strength here. Drop in to take a whack at it, become a regular, or for serious picklers, membership offers added perks like priority court reservations. 866 W. Main Rd., Middletown, 324-5672, newportpickleball.com
Facial
Alayne White
There’s something about Alayne White that makes you instantly check your worries at the door. Maybe it’s the serene environment with a garden out back where you’re encouraged to unwind with a cup of tea and a good book. Maybe it’s the calming background music and soothing scents. But we think it has a lot to do with owner Alayne and team members who know just how to treat guests at the spa. The facial is simply divine. Not only will it leave your skin glowing, but the head, neck and shoulder massage (included) will put you on another planet. 11 Constitution St., Bristol, 254-1772, alaynewhite.com
Spray Tan
Glow by Gaya
We’ve never felt so comfortable in our birthday suit. If you have to strip down for a spray tan, Glow by Gaya is the way to go. Book an appointment through the website, and you’ll soon be on your way to the tropics sans sun damage. Organic spray tan technicians make what could be an awkward situation seem like an everyday beauty task like a simple trip to the nail salon or brow bar. No embarrassing moments ever. Just a great, natural-looking tan. 150r Broadway, Providence, 255-8756, glowbygayari.com
Local Body Products
Herbs and Mylk
We never realized how many chemicals are in body products we once bought at mainstream stores. One look at the labels for this local business made us do a gut check. Plant oils infused with herbs are blended with organic butters, clay and local milk. Lotions and soaps are naturally hydrating with intoxicating scents like rosemary, eucalyptus and orange and lemon, lavender and mint. Products are even topped with dehydrated citrus, herbs and flowers for that added link to nature. 650 Ten Rod Rd., Suite 129A, North Kingstown, herbsandmylk.com
Personal Trainer
Liz Cruso at Elite Gym
Sometimes training is tough medicine. After lifting on our own at home and the gym for over two decades, it turns out we had to unlearn some bad habits and our form needed correcting. From properly aligning knees with ankles during lunges to keeping elbows in check during military presses, even one session with Liz Cruso or one of Elite’s certified personal trainers can change your life forever and leave you looking snatched. Sign up for weekly sessions or go for unlimited group fitness classes. Elite Gym, 27 Manton Ave., Providence, 578-0938, elitegym.fitness
Loose Leaf Teas
Schasteâ
Paired perfectly with a sweet or savory gourmet crepe (and a good book), Schasteâ’s expansive selection of teas are perfect for when you need a pick-me-up or moment of relaxation. Opt for the tangy and aromatic hibiscus tea or the energizing lychee peach tea. Plus, options can be purchased in bulk to enjoy at home. 300 Broadway, Providence, 432-7202, schastea.com
Seasonal Skin Care
Citron Spa
Take a break from your weekly skincare routine with a facial or body Zen session led by the estheticians at Citron Spa. The boutique spa practices a holistic approach to esthetics while educating clients about health, wellness and the connection between looking and feeling good. One of Citron’s most popular services is its seasonal facial with herbs that are beneficial to the senses and skin. A detoxifying infrared sauna session, included in the facial package, is a nice added perk. 225 Wayland Ave., Providence, 861-0908, spacitron.com
Colorful Salon
Hauscall
Color, color and more color. That’s the secret to Hauscall salon in East Providence, which specializes in vivid color and edgy haircuts. If you’d like blonde highlights, they do that too! The salon opened in 2025, allowing clients of all genders the opportunity to express themselves through their hair. Nails are a constant offering as well, with tooth gems, flash tattoos and even Botox available on certain occasions. 136 Taunton Ave., East Providence, 603-4287, hauscall.glossgenius.com
Escape in the City
Revival Massage & Bodyworks
From the looks of the outside, you’d never know what exists inside Revival, a relaxing sanctuary steps away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Providence. Masterful massages get out all the kinks — whether you prefer a lighter touch or full-on deep tissue. Facials have all the bells and whistles from masks and extractions to high-frequency skin care tools, while incorporating natural Blissoma Ecosystem products. 177 N. Main St., Providence, 270-5077, revivalmassageri.com
Altaer Sauna.
Portable Sauna
Altaer Sauna
Altaer Sauna has swooped in to save us from winter’s hypothermia. The outdoor sauna is planted along the sand at South Shore Beach in Little Compton, providing instant dry warmth after an icy cold plunge into the ocean. No matter the temperature outside or in the water, the Altaer Sauna is there to help detoxify and cleanse your body. instagram.com/altaersauna
Altaer Sauna.
Pilates Class
Miss Petite Pilates
If this studio is a sexy secret weapon for the (alleged) “Real Housewives of Rhode Island,” then we’re loading up. If your goal is a sleek and slender, toned appearance, put in the work at this boutique studio with an instructor certified in Balanced Body Reformer training. The personalized approach will get you well on your way to rocking a hot bod so you’re ready to cash-in on that five minutes of fame. misspetitepilates.com
Functional Fitness
212 Health & Performance
People from all ages and stages of life turn to Kerry Taylor and the team at 212 Health & Performance to get them back into fighting condition. It’s a place where, like good old “Cheers” used to say, everbody knows your name. The coaches teach functional fitness methods in their one-on-one and group training sessions and challenging — but fun — strength-based and conditioning classes, which always have kicking playlists. There are no fad methods here — just friendly faces using barbells, bands, kettlebells and boxing gloves to get you in the best shape of your life. 20 Newman Ave., Rumford, 383-5959, 212healthandperformance.com
Thirty Years of Community
All That Matters Yoga + Wellness
Our first introduction to yoga — way back in the late ’90s — was at an introduction to yoga class at All That Matters Yoga + Wellness. Since then, we’ve been chasing the Zen we felt when the teacher placed lavender-scented pillows over our eyes to lead us through a soul-soothing savasana. The yoga and wellness studio has blossomed over three decades, becoming a nonprofit, offering more than fifty classes each week, leading teacher trainings and workshops, and adding wellness services like massage and reiki to its roster. Sign up for a class this summer — we suggest a yoga on the beach session at South Kingstown Town Beach — and discover your inner Zen. 315 Main St., Wakefield, 409-2121, allthatmatterswellness.org
Body & Soul Massage
Lunar Studio Spa
You can find bliss inside an old Lonsdale Company mill building in Lincoln. But unlike workers past, who wove cotton into fine umbrella cloth, Jocelyn Coia uses her hands to sooth stubborn, stressed-out muscles and minds. The massage therapist and energy healer offers Swedish, deep tissue and hot-stone massages, but for ninety minutes of pure relaxation, sign up for the Body & Soul package, a masterful blend of tailored massage and reiki that will make any worries melt away. Coia shares the space with esthetician Samantha Johnson, who offers a wide array of facial services as well as eyelash and eyebrow tinting. A salon that caters to the body, mind and soul — we love to see it! 39 Carrington St., Suite 102, Lincoln, lunarstudiospa.glossgenius.com
Head Spa
Salt of the Earth Salon
You know the feeling you got when you were little and someone played with your hair? You can experience that again, 100 times over, at Salt of the Earth Salon’s mini head spa. While you’re cocooned in a fluffy blanket, a talented technician will pamper, steam, exfoliate and massage your scalp while you’re surrounded by soothing music, soft lighting and customized aromatherapy. Or upgrade to the signature head spa, which adds scalp analysis and deep conditioning. 486 Main St., Warren, 252-4192, saltoftheearthsalon.com
Pole Fitness and Dance Classes
RI Pole Space
Sure, getting up on a pole can be daunting. Maybe you have a preconceived notion, or maybe you don’t think you have the core strength or inherent sense of rhythm. Well, RI Pole Space will help strip you of any and all inhibitions (we stand by the pun). The Lincoln studio welcomes and encourages all ages, backgrounds and skill levels. Whether you sign up for a fitness-forward class or a choreographed dance routine, you’re guaranteed to leave feeling stronger and empowered … and perhaps even a bit sexier. 15 Moshassuck Rd., #3D, Lincoln, 305-0753, ripolespace.com
Inclusive Coffee Shop
LIFE Cafe
With accessible yoga classes, affordable and market-rate apartments, and an art studio for people with developmental disabilities, Shri’s transformation of a former office building in Pawtucket’s Conant Thread District was already a home run. Last year, the property added another initiative to its inclusivity portfolio: LIFE Cafe, a coffee shop that doubles as a job training site for people with disabilities. Operated by Bristol-based LIFE Inc., the cafe offers espresso drinks, snacks and breakfast sandwiches in a comfortable environment where all are welcome. Plus, it transformed a blighted former garage into a hip coffee counter in a quickly revitalizing neighborhood. Talk about a win-win. 390 Pine St., Pawtucket
Holistic Boutique
Anchored Soul
Visitors looking for some tranquility on their summer vacay need look no further than Anchored Soul, Wickford Village’s newly relocated holistic boutique. Alana Almonte incorporates her background as a reiki practitioner and mixed media artist into the shop, stocking the shelves with art, jewelry, skincare, crystals and more using found materials and soothing coastal shades. For those looking for a little more than retail therapy, Almonte offers tarot card readings, integrated energy therapy and reiki, plus group workshops and guided meditations. Stop in, leave your cares behind at the door, and say “Ohm.” 2 Main St., North Kingstown, 316-6401, anchoredsoulri.com
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