St. Albertans without travel plans this summer can take comfort knowing that there are plenty of options for entertainment and leisure right here at home.
If you’re opting for a St. Albert-style staycation, here are some spots that our readers voted best-in-the-city in our Readers Choice Awards and that will make you forget all about the camping trip to the mountains that fell through.
Spas and beautification
Locals in need of some self-care can book an appointment at Heaven Essence Day Spa, located in Campbell Business Park.
Heaven Essence was voted No. 1 for best nail salon and No. 2 for best spa or esthetic clinic.
A luxury spa day package at Heaven Essence costs $465 and includes a facial, body wrap, one-hour hot stone massage, a manicure, a pedicure and a spa lunch.
Barbie Beauty in North Ridge, voted No. 1 spa or esthetic clinic, is another top beautification option that offers waxing, teeth whitening and eyelash maintenance.
Visitors to Barbie Beauty will also discover some more obscure menu items, such as the Columbian booty lift, a non-surgical procedure that “plumps and tightens” the booty. They can also bedazzle their teeth with Swarovski tooth gems – little crystals that stick to enamel.
Yoga
Perhaps you’re in the market for something relaxing that will also provide a bit of a workout.
Lahari Yoga in Mission offers everything from beginner yoga classes to “bootyflow” classes designed to get the heart pumping, to more meditative and calming restorative candlelit sessions.
Room temperatures range from a pleasant 21 C all the way to 40 C, or hot yoga, for those in the mood for something spicier.
Other top Yoga options in the city include Soul Fitness Mind Body Studios (voted No. 2) and Wellness Within (voted No. 3).
Dining
There’s no need to travel to Italy or Mexico for authentic flavours that will make you forget you’re still in Alberta.
Luisa Ristorante, voted the city’s best Italian restaurant by Gazette readers, offers every course of an Italian meal -- antipasti of bruschetta or olives and sausage, numerous pasta dishes, pizza and, of course, Tiramisu for dessert. It also has a vast selection of Italian wines.
Readers also gave nods to Nello’s Authentic Italian Restaurant and Buco Pizzeria and Vino Bar this year.
Voted best Mexican food was Cerdo Tacos + Tequila, which serves up street corn, nachos, quesadillas and the classic tacos in an authentic corn tortilla.
Shopping
Looking to spend like you would on a European holiday? St. Albert also has gift shops, and you may even save a few dollars compared to the gift shop at the Louvre.
Seasons Gift Shop in Mission was voted the top gift shop in the city. This eclectic little store is full of interesting finds – think crystals, candles, plates, jewellery, plushies.
Readers also liked Charmed Floral Design Inc. (voted No. 2), as well as Saltwater Bay Boutique and Anything & Everything Vintage Boutique, which tied for No. 3.
