The best health & wellness spots in Polk County

“If your shoulders live up by your ears, Massages by Malia blends intentional therapeutic bodywork with sound work and spa-inspired techniques for rejuvenation, stress relief, chronic pain management, and injury prevention, all with grounded touch, clear communication, and care tailored to what your body actually needs.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 23, 2026

“Got stubborn breakouts or just need a facial that actually does something? Bare Haven specializes in Face Reality acne treatments and truly custom facials, plus precise, comfy waxing that respects your skin. Stormie keeps it personal, educational, and never rushed, so your glow actually lasts.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Serenity Spa & Facials Des Moines does serious skin TLC with advanced analysis and truly customized facials, from acne-calming and anti-aging to 24K gold, LED, oxygen infusion, microneedling, and dermaplaning. The vibe is serene, the estheticians are attentive, and your glow will actually stick around.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Emerald Elegance in Windsor Heights does customized facials that actually deliver, from the efficient Glow & Go to the spa-level Signature Glow with massage, exfoliation, and advanced modalities. Round it out with oxygen facials, gua sha upgrades, and tidy brows or a lash lift, then float home feeling brand new.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 29, 2026

“Planted Wellness Spa brings calm to busy Urbandale weeks with personalized skin care, therapeutic massage, and Reiki, plus pro-grade GlyMed+ products to keep the glow going between visits. A small, local spot that feels friendly, not fussy, and very easy to love.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Spavia is the local day spa for customized massages, results-driven facials, and body treatments that actually help you feel human again. Check out their new lymphatic drainage massage, LED light therapy, or a Sculpt & Lift facial, then float into the week feeling relaxed, recentered and renewed.”

From the Ankeny newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Serendipity Spa brings a quiet, cozy feel with a collaborative crew of independent providers, so you can book everything from organic-forward facials to clinical skin treatments in one spot. They lean into whole-person care with a modern spiritual touch, leaving you lifted, glowy, and actually ready for Monday.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, October 14, 2026

“East Village Spa nails the sweet spot between relaxing and results-driven, with massage therapy, facials, Hydrafacial, natural nail care, and expert waxing from a team that truly lives Every. Body. Welcome.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, October 15, 2026

“Inner Space is a gym for your insides, blending licensed psychotherapy and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy with red light, ZeroBody dry float, BioCharger, clinical bodywork, plus IV and peptide protocols to help you regulate stress and build real resilience.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Whether you're eyeing firmer skin or a sleeker silhouette, Project Body Wellness uses the T-Shape 2 system to combine low-level laser, radio frequency, vacuum massage, and therapeutic rolling spheres for targeted, non-invasive results. Treat face, abs, thighs, arms, or back this week and feel refreshingly put together.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, October 1, 2026

“From concierge mobile IVs and hydration drips to integrative functional medicine, hormone therapy, peptides, and skin upgrades like facials, injectables, and lasers, Vivid Wellness + Aesthetics in Clive handles the inside-out tune-up.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 26, 2026

“CryoWellness Studio pairs evidence-based manual lymphatic drainage, facial sculpting and myofascial release with localized cryotherapy and LightStim red light to de-puff, calm inflammation, and get you feeling human again.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Unwind Wellness in Ankeny pairs 24/7 gym access with self-guided recovery like cryotherapy, infrared sauna, LED light therapy, PEMF, hybrid tanning, pelvic floor training, and body sculpting (hello 30,000 contractions, zero effort), with easy joining, no long-term contracts, and app booking that makes fitting it in…”

From the Ankeny newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Iowa HBOT is Central Iowa's hyperbaric destination with both soft and hard-sided chambers, including the area's only hard-sided option. Their certified team makes sessions simple and comfortable, a solid pick for locals chasing better recovery, focus, or just a little extra oomph this week.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, October 8, 2026

“0 ATA, plus physician-guided setup, oxygen concentrator pairing, and lifetime US-based support. If athletic recovery or a turnkey clinic has been on your mind this week, this is your sign.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, October 7, 2026