T he world today is buzzing with chaotic energy, and the need for relaxation and self-care has never been more critical. As life becomes increasingly busy and demanding, people are turning to spas and wellness centers for treatments to restore balance to their minds, bodies, and spirits.
Many of us choose to live in the Northern Wilds because the great forests and lakes provide a unique escape from the stresses of modern living. It’s no surprise that our area features many quality spas, wellness centers, and professionals who can help guide you on your wellness journey.
“A spa is a sanctuary for relaxation and renewal, where individuals can escape stress and reconnect with their well-being,” explains Teri Chilefone, owner of LutZen Massage Studios located in Lutsen and Grand Marais. “It is a place to quiet the mind and body through massage and wellness treatments that reduce stress, relieve muscle tension, improve circulation and sleep, and promote overall health.”
With over 20 years of experience in the wellness industry, Chilefone incorporates modalities and techniques from around the world into her practice. After an inspiring and “life-changing” solo backpacking trip abroad followed by further study, she opened LutZen Massage Studios in 2012.
Chilefone was drawn to the natural beauty of the North Shore and knew she wanted to settle near Lake Superior after her travels. “I feel incredibly grateful to be part of a region that values wellness, connection, community, and the healing power of nature,” she says.
Massage therapy is the most well-known and widely practiced spa treatment. Originating in ancient civilizations, it has evolved over centuries to become a cornerstone of modern wellness practices.
LutZen Massage Studios offers several massage options, plus facials and other body treatments. Plush, heated massage tables, warm towels, and the calming scent of essential oils create a soothing and inviting atmosphere.
“We specialize in our signature myofascial massage method, which blends Eastern and Western styles of bodywork,” Chilefone mentions. “Compressions, stretching, energy, angle, and pressure, combined with connected, fluid strokes, create a deeply restorative and unique experience.”
Hot stone massage is another popular specialty. This technique uses heated, wave-worn basalt stones from Lake Superior to promote muscle relaxation and improve circulation. “The stones act as an extension of the massage therapist’s hands, and their warmth penetrates deeply into the muscles, allowing for a soothing yet powerful release of muscle tension,” Chilefone explains.
Massage therapy also has significant mental and emotional benefits. It helps reduce stress and anxiety, promoting better sleep. It even boosts your mood by increasing the production of endorphins, the body’s natural ‘feel-good’ chemicals.
Massage therapists often specialize in a favorite technique. Though she has trained in many massage modalities, Lily Clare Wilson, LMT and owner of Earth Body Healing, has a strong preference for Hawaiian Lomi Lomi.
“Lomi is characterized by long, rhythmic strokes, focus on the attachment sites of muscles, and can include stretches (similar to Thai massage stretches), and hot stones,” she explains.
Wilson moved to Cook County in 2020 after graduating from Bryn Mawr College, though she grew up in Bemidji, Minn. She was drawn to holistic wellness via healing experiences, and began studying herbalism in 2018. In 2023 she trained in Maui for massage and yoga.
Yoga has long been an integral part of wellness practices. Rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, yoga aims to create harmony and connection of body, mind, and spirit through a combination of physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques.
Like massage, there are different styles of yoga. “I teach primarily Vinyasa Flow, which can be anywhere from gentle to a challenge,” Wilson mentions. The experience is based on the client’s needs, and she offers one on one sessions as well as weekly public classes at the YMCA in Grand Marais.
Wilson opened Earth Body Healing in 2023 as a way to help clients connect to “their own inherent wellness and ability to heal.” Her first wellness business began a year earlier with Little Fox Botanicals, which debuted at the Hovland Arts Festival.
“Being an herbalist deeply connected to the plants of our region, the essence of the North Shore and Boreal forests are reflected in the atmosphere of my business and are infused into my topical balms,” she shares. Her products can be found for sale at Joy & Co., Crosby Bakery, and various markets.
“Herbs can help to support your bodily functions and body systems in daily life,” Wilson explains. “I use my anti-inflammatory balm in my massage sessions, to help the muscles and joints on a deeper level.”
The demand for wellness treatments seems to be rising.
“Since Covid, health and wellness have experienced a significant upswing,” observes Michelle Wall, owner and massage therapist at Infinity Massage & Wellness in Duluth. “People have faced a lot of anxiety and fears, and self-care has become the most important thing.”
With 30 years of experience as a massage therapist, Wall knows the business well. She opened Infinity Massage in 2014, with a move to a new location in 2021. She recalls spending “the past 10 years fumbling, humbling, apologizing, and growing as a business owner.” Her practice has expanded to include over 30 employees, including several estheticians.
“We allow our team to bring their very best to each client,” Wall mentions. “There are no cookie-cutter treatments, enabling them to explore and offer various services.”
Esthetic services like facials and other skin care treatments provide many benefits, including hydration and rejuvenation, anti-aging, acne and pigmentation reduction, circulation improvement, and deep cleansing. The relaxation aspect of facials is just as therapeutic as the skin benefits.
In addition to various massages and esthetics, Infinity Massage also features an infrared sauna experience—a modern twist on traditional heat therapy. Unlike typical saunas, which heat the air around you, infrared saunas use infrared light to directly heat the body. This deep penetration of heat allows for a more intense detoxifying experience without the high temperatures of a traditional sauna.
Infrared saunas are believed to promote detoxification by stimulating the body’s natural sweating process. They also reduce inflammation and relieve soreness, speed up muscle recovery, improve circulation, and boost the immune system.
Wall is proud of her employees and what they bring to the business. “Our front desk team is like no other,” she says. “I am impressed daily with their grace and customer interactions. We allow people to be themselves and accept each other and our clients as they are.”
Client comfort is always the first priority at spas and wellness centers.
“From the moment a client walks through our doors, we focus on creating a comfortable, soothing, and supportive environment,” Chilefone says. “Our therapists take the time to listen to each client’s needs, tailoring every session to their preferences.”
“My clients have full agency during their session—whether massage or yoga,” Wilson explains. “If anything doesn’t feel good, I will stop or change my technique.”
In a world that often feels overwhelming, investing in self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessary practice for maintaining physical health and emotional stability. Regular visits to a wellness center or spa can help reduce and prevent chronic pain, relieve stress, improve sleep, and help you feel your best.
LutZen Massage Studios (lutzenmassage.com), Earth Body Healing (earthbodyhealing.net), and Infinity Massage & Wellness (infinitymassageduluth.com) each offer subscriptions, discounts, or occasional specials for repeat clients. Please visit their websites for more information and booking options.
