Day Spa
The Urban Muse provides a serene oasis in the middle of busy Denville. Spa treatments range from facials to massages. Or you can opt for holistic treatments such as Reiki therapies and angel-card readings. Between treatments, customers browse locally crafted jewelry and other carefully curated items in the eclectic gift shop. The operation is owned by Kristin and Tracy Pamperin—a pair of aptly named sisters who take pampering seriously. (82 Broadway; 973-627-3455)
REGIONAL WINNERS: The Spa at Little River, South River; Aqua Vie Day Spa, Cape May
Fitness Club
Matthew Scarfo, owner of Full-Time Fitness in Morristown, takes the name of his business seriously. “I’m here almost every hour we’re open,” he says. That’s saying a lot, since FTF is a 24/7 facility. Members (you must be 21 or over) like the bright and comforting atmosphere, with potted plants interspersed among the treadmills and fitness machines. FTF offers various levels of memberships, including off-peak and weekends only. (17 Bank Street, 973-401-9000)
REGIONAL WINNERS: Somerset Hills YMCA, Basking Ridge
Hair Salon
Katrina Dimiele says she has spent half her life doing hair. Now 28, she opened Shear Glamour five years ago in Toms River, filling her shop with vintage dressers and chandeliers. “It’s very shabby chic,” she says. Regulars can chose from three tiers of membership. For example, silver membership allows unlimited blow-outs for $50 a month. All the stylists are as dedicated as their boss. “Everyone here loves what they do,” Dimiele says. (984 Highway 166; 732-504-7381)
REGIONAL WINNERS: DePasquale, Morris Plains; Salon Coco Bond, Little Silver
Medical Spa
Procedures at the Peer Group range from tummy tucks to Botox. At this Florham Park spa, beauty is in the eye of the professionals—highly qualified ones. “All our services are supervised by plastic surgeons,” says co-manager Melissa Candela. “They’re very involved in the care. It’s not just aestheticians.” That means clients are provided with peace of mind as well as a flatter midsection or wrinkle-free visage. (124 Columbia Turnpike; 973-822-2000)
Pilates Studio
Pro Pilates at Pro Physical Therapy is small but thinks big. “We can offer special attention to our clients,” says Jen Ungar, one of two instructors at the Randolph studio. Their philosopy is to approach fitness through healing and strengthening. The first class is free for new clients. (3 Emery Avenue, Suite 2; 973-895-9925)
REGIONAL WINNERS: Can Do Fitness, Princeton; CK Pilates Studio, Marmora
Yoga Studio
Trepta Yoga, meaning “thirst for knowledge,” in Far Hills goes beyond a typical yoga studio. Founded by Erica Jung after an inspiring trip to India, Trepta offers private and corporate sessions, guided detox programs, hot yoga, Reiki therapy, teacher training, athletic team training and even out-of-state group retreats, including recent trips to Stowe Mountain in Vermont and the Galapagos Islands. (27 US Route 202; 908-240-6978)
REGIONAL WINNERS: Shine Yoga Center, Cliffside Park