Chicago – Self-Care Guide

Visiting a big city can be exhausting. After exploring the streets and checking out every main tourist destination, you may be ready to change your itinerary to one focused on self-care. Luckily, there are plenty of spots around Chicago to help you unwind and de-stress.

Spas

A typical self-care activity is a visit to the spa, and one of the most recommended spa in the city is The Peninsula Spa at The Peninsula Chicago hotel.

On the 19th and 20th floor of the hotel, escape from the city streets and enjoy a fantastic view of the skyline before your appointment even begins. After admiring the scenery, you’re treated to some of the best spa treatments around. Previous visitors recommend a facial to refresh your pores and put your best face forward.

For a massage, visit The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. There, thoughtful massage therapists use natural essential oils, innovative approaches, and personalized experiences for each customer.

After a visit to one, or both, of these spas, you’re sure to feel perfectly relaxed.

Rooftop Pools

Water has such beneficial healing properties that sometimes a simple float in the pool can put you at ease. While plenty of spas have pools to enjoy, what about checking out a pool with a fantastic view of the city? Rooftop pools are a great way to treat yourself.

Cabana Club offers the best of both worlds, with not only a pool but a rooftop bar as well. Soho House Chicago is another great option, with a beautiful pool and comfortable couches to relax on.

If the weather isn’t ideal for a dip in an outdoor rooftop pool, head over to The Hoxton, Chicago. This hotel limits the number of people admitted into the pool to prevent overcrowding.

No matter where you end up, spending a few hours floating on a rooftop under the sunshine is a perfect example of self-care.

Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool

Spending time in nature is a great method of self-care. Chicago has multiple spots where you can find an oasis in the middle of city life. One of these is the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool inside the Lincoln Park Conservatory.

In this hidden garden, the sounds of the city are canceled out and replaced with chirping birds and flowing waterfalls. A river flows peacefully through the park and, of course, contains plenty of beautiful lily pads. Surrounding the river are peaceful stone seating areas and wooden pavilions shaded by the thick greenery above.

The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is so beautiful that many people take wedding photos and even have ceremonies there. A simple walk through this park on a sunny day will have you feeling refreshed.

Chill Meditation + Massage

Meditation has been lauded by spiritual leaders, mental health professionals, yoga teachers, celebrities, and more for generations. While it can be challenging to begin this practice, it’s a soothing experience for anyone feeling overwhelmed.

At Chill Meditation + Massage, guided meditation classes show participants how to sit comfortably, focus on their breath and pay attention to their thoughts. There are many health benefits of regular meditation, and you can start with a simple, 30-minute class at Chill. You’ll feel refreshed and proud that you’re following in the footsteps of Oprah, Arianna Huffington, Clint Eastwood, Deepak Chopra, and more.

Rooftop Bars

Once you’ve had a cleansing experience at Chill Chicago, treat yourself to a delicious cocktail. There are many bars in Chicago where you can soak up the sunlight and a beautiful view of the Windy City.

One of the most popular of these bars is Cindy’s, located at the top of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel. Cindy’s is indoors, so no matter the season, you can enjoy the natural light pouring in from the glass ceiling. It also has a direct view of Millennium Park, so you can get a look at all the visitors taking pictures with The Bean.

Another popular rooftop bar in Chicago is the LH Rooftop bar. This upscale spot sits atop the swanky London House hotel and has an incredible view of the Chicago River. This bar features beautiful marble columns, a cabana, comfortable couches, high top tables, and a variety of artisan cocktails to enjoy. It’s an upscale experience that you deserve to treat yourself to!

Chicago Candle Co.

When settling in for a relaxing day, simply lighting a candle can instantly make you feel at ease. Well, why not make one yourself? At Chicago Candle Co., you can participate in their DIY Soy Candles, Wine Bottle Cutting course.

Choose from a variety of scents and pour the wax into the glass container of your choice. The most popular vessel is Chicago Candle Co.’s upcycled glass wine bottles. The instructor will even teach you how to cut one in half yourself.

One of the best parts of the class is that you can bring your own drinks to enjoy throughout. Past attendees complimented the relaxed atmosphere, patient instructors, and overall educational experience.

After expressing your creativity in this class, light your very own handmade soy candle and enjoy its soothing effects.

True Food Kitchen

A major part of self-care is making sure you’re healthy both inside and out. You can get massages, do a facemask, and walk through nature, but you need a nutritious meal first. Take care of yourself by enjoying a nutritious meal your body will thank you for.

One of your best options is True Food Kitchen, where “eating well is always in season.” Chicago Planner Magazine named True Food Kitchen one of the 10 Best Restaurants of 2017, and OpenTable included it in their list of Top 100 Restaurants that same year.

True Food Kitchen demonstrates that eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing your favorite food. They offer delicious, flavorful meals made with beneficial ingredients. You can get wholesome dishes like Mediterranean chicken with quinoa and feta, grilled fish tacos, butternut squash pizza with caramelized onions, or a Korean noodle bowl. No matter what dish you decide on, you can rest assured that you’re enjoying a healthy meal.