Best of New Jersey: Health and Beauty

New Jersey is replete with day spas, salons, health and beauty shops, exercise studios, fitness clubs, and biking trails. But which ones do our readers favor? You'll find the answers here.

Posted March 14, 2011

Devotion Yoga in downtown Hoboken is our readers’ pick for best yoga studio. Devotion also has studios in Ship Bottom and uptown Hoboken.

Courtesy of Devotion Yoga.

Photos.com.

Day Spa
At the Urban Muse in Denville, sisters Kristin and Tracy Pamperin provide personalized service and value. “The Urban Muse is warm and inviting, the staff is wonderful,” writes reader Rosemarie Lynch of Boonton. “They offer specials all the time, the gift shop is unique and the massages are fantastic!” (82 Broadway; 973-627-3455; theurbanmuse.com)
Runners-Up: DePasquale Spa, Morris Plains; the Fountain Spa, Hackensack, Ramsey; Milagro Spa, Manasquan, Red Bank; Cape May Day Spa

Fitness Club/Gym
“It’s not so much what we do, but how we do it,” says owner Frank Pucher of the popularity of Fitness 121 in Roseland. Specifically, he and his team, including wife Francesca, know how to make fitness fun. In addition to personal training, they offer Pilates and will introduce a yoga program in the spring. “Movement makes you live a better life,” says Pucher. (5 Becker Farm Rd; 973-535-1177; fitness121online.com)
RUNNERS-UP: Atlantic Club, Manasquan, Red Bank; Workout World, 10 NJ locations; Future Fitness, 4 NJ locations; Lifetime Fitness, Berkeley Heights, Florham Park

Hair Salon
“I have never seen a salon so educated in the new and in-style, with cuts as well as products,” writes reader Kristen Headley of Jackson. Mission accomplished, then, for Salon Pure in Princeton, which co-owner Amy Kaczowski opened four years ago to be cutting edge, no pun intended. In addition to standard hair treatments, Salon Pure offers nail, make-up and epilation services and bridal packages. (31 A Hulfish St; 609-683-8384, salonpureprinceton.com)
RUNNERS-UP: Greg David Salon, Orange; David Michael Hair Studio, Paramus; La Luz, Bay Head; Red Sails Salon, Surf City

Medical Spa
Anara Medspa & Cosmetic Laser Center in Piscataway combines the services of a medical spa, a day spa and a laser center. Emphasizing comfort, attention to detail, personalized service and state-of-the-art equipment, Anara performs comprehensive skin analysis, face and whole-body waxing, chemical peels, laser hair reduction, medical microdermabrasion and Slimdome, a body-slimming treatment. (1140 Stelton Rd, Suite 102; 732-777-9577; anaramedspa.com)
RUNNERS-UP: Cosmetic Laser MD, Livingston; Reflections Center for Skin and Body, Livingston, Bridgewater/Martinsville; Garden State Spine & Pain Institute, Oakhurst; Mecca Integrated Medical Center, Fairfield

Pilates Studio
PRO Physical Therapy in Randolph is half physical-therapy and orthopedic facility and half Pilates center. Amy Hendricks, the Pilates instructor, limits classes to eight people for a more personal experience. Also offered: Chair Pilates, Rockin’ Pilates for teens, and special classes tailored to the needs of skiers and golfers. (2 Emery Ave; 973-895-9925; proptnj.com)
RUNNERS-UP: Core Mind & Body, Maplewood; Six Degrees of Wellness, Denville; Pilates By The Bay, Toms River

Yoga Studio
Liza Bertini wanted to share with others the positive effects yoga had on her life, so in 2003 she opened Devotion Yoga in downtown Hoboken. “I wanted to create a community that would support and inspire others to live conscious, healthy, full and authentic lives,” Bertini says. Four years later she opened a studio in Ship Bottom on Long Beach Island, and in 2009 an uptown Hoboken location. “Devotion Yoga,” writes Hoboken reader Rachel Chibnik, “encourages community and provides endless programs, workshops and events.” (72 Hudson St, Suite LL 103; 201-610-9642; devotionyoga.com)
RUNNERS-UP: Baker Street Yoga, Maplewood; Mia Yoga, Montclair; Satsang, Westfield; Yoga Basin, Asbury Park