Balian Springs: An Oasis of Calm in the DMV
Don’t be fooled by the drive to Balian Springs. Tucked away in the heart of Metro D.C., it’s a secret oasis that happens to be located in an industrial park in Alexandria. Balian Springs is not your typical spa – while you can still get your spa services like massages, scrubs and facials this co-ed facility is a chill space where you can kick back, relax, and let go of all stress in life while you soak in the pools, relax in the saunas and recharge on fresh food and juices.
With its laid-back vibes and wellness treatments, Balian Springs is where you go to recharge and take care of yourself. If you know me, I’m all about the self care; it’s essential for maintaining overall wellbeing including managing stress and fostering a positive relationship with myself. As someone that deals with chronic pain and anxiety, I’m always looking for ways to take care of myself and provide my body the attention and care that it needs.
The inspiration for Balian Springs came from a the Founder; Stephanie and Steve Chon’s trip to Bali, Indonesia where spirituality, rituals, and traditions harmoniously blend with the social and luxurious aspects of life.
– their mission –
Renewing Bodies. Invigorating Spirits. Awakening Minds.
Stephanie and Steve Chon
Once you check-in and get changed you’ll enter the spa, which is three floors featuring eight themed saunas of different temperatures, hydrotherapy & plunge pools with a jet system, seven therapy lounges including a meditation room, wellness workshops, a day spa featuring massages, facials and scrubs, eateries that have healthy and clean food, a fitness center and a rooftop infinity pool.
I’ve visited the spa twice – once in the summer and once in the winter. On my first visit I felt a lot of pressure to check out each and every single room. I didn’t want to leave a stone unturned! As a first timer it can feel very overwhelming, so I put together a brief overview of tips and tricks to help you maximize your time at Balian Springs:
Arrive Early
You can’t purchase daily passes ahead of time, so I suggest getting there early to avoid the crowds and to maximize your relaxation time. This gives you the chance to unwind in the calming atmosphere and make the most of the spa facilities especially since there is so much to see and do! The facility is open from 9:00am-9:30pm.
Book Your Service
Book your spa service at Lilikoi Day Spa ahead of time. The day spa offers massages, facials and scrubs. Need a mani/pedi? They have a nail bar too! The spa staff at Balian Springs are knowledgeable about their treatments and therapists. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Note: A spa service does not gain you entry to the facility. You’ll still need to do that upon arrival. Make sure you allow enough time to check-in and get settled before your service.
Pack Light
You don’t need to bring much to enjoy your day at Balian Springs. They will provide you with a locker, robe and sandals. The robes range from XS-3X for women and the sandals range from S-XL. The showers are stocked with shampoo, conditioner and body wash. The locker room provides Q-tips, mouthwash, handwash and body lotion.
I bring my own face care and someone even brought one of those hydrating sheet masks. Absolutely brilliant! I’ll definitely be doing that on my next trip since the time in the water really dries out your skin.
Silence Your Phone
Many areas ask for you to keep your phone away and don’t take photos. Respect the signage. Also, to fully immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance make sure to silence it or turn on “Do Not Disturb” mode.
Hydrate
Drink plenty of water throughout the day especially if you’re spending a lot of time in hot tubs and saunas. You can bring your own water bottle to take advantage of the water fountains placed throughout the facility. You can also visit the Garden Café for a vitamin boost via juice or smoothie or pick up an adaptogenic drink.
Grab A Bite
You can not bring in outside food. There are a few options to grab a bite. Niko Niko for sushi (my personal fave) and Kuta Kitchen – plus the Garden Café where you’ll find breakfast sandwiches, juices, smoothies and snacks. Want to feel like you’re indulging and luxuriating? Grab a drink at Tipsy Fish Bar by the pool and Hideout Bar on the third floor pool deck.
Note: Niko Niko was closed on my last visit. If you’re interested to know what’s available, I suggest calling ahead of time.
Take Your Time
There are so many saunas, lounges and pools to choose from. It’s okay if you don’t get to them all! Take your time and listen to your body. Try to pick what you think it needs without worrying about doing is all. Whether it’s a plunge in the cold pool, sitting in a hot sauna or steam room to breathing in aromatherapy in a lounge. My personal favorites are the small cutouts in the hydrotherapy pools that focus jets on different muscle groups. It’s exactly what my body needs to manage pain. I have to drag myself out of the pools internally kicking and screaming each time.
Pop into the Lounge
While the facility is co-ed, you’ll find a men’s and women’s lounge on the first floor. In this space, you’ll discover the traditional sauna and steam room you might have in a gym, a cold shower with a waterfall head, and three soaking pools at varying temperatures. This is where you’ll be able to relax comfortably, sans bathing suit, according to your comfort level. There is also no external music playing in this space adding some extra peace.
Go During the Week
The cost to get into Balian Spring is $130 during the week and $165 on the weekends (Friday-Sunday). Weekdays tend to be quieter and are less expensive. Go ahead. Take a day off from work and treat yourself. I did notice that the weekend crowd comes in with more of a “party” mentality and enjoying the bar up on the third floor. There are also big groups of friends rather than solo and couples on these days. It’s something to keep in mind depending on the vibe you are going for.
Take It Slow Afterward
Stop by the gratitude and cleansing tree before you leave. I also suggest ending your visit with a moment of peace in the meditation room. Both are located on the second floor. Do your best not to rush back into the hustle and bustle of life immediately. Plan for a slow evening and bask in the full night of sleep that’s inevitable from being in this relaxed state of mind.
After indulging in the serene retreat that is Balian Springs, it becomes abundantly clear that self-care is not just a luxury but an investment in our well-being. The tranquil ambiance, rejuvenating treatments, and the opportunity to unwind without distractions highlights how important it is to take care of ourselves. Balian Springs isn’t just a spa; it’s a gentle reminder that dedicating moments to self-care is a practice that resonates long after we leave.
The Artful Epicure 