Mindfulness as well as spiritual, physical and emotional well-being have become increasingly important in a time when constant connectivity (and checking the ‘gram) can leave us exhausted and overstimulated. Not to mention that ‘this is America’ and you can get the cops called on you simply for taking a meeting at Starbucks. Topple that with the rest of the recent events, and it’s easy to downright be stressed all the time. That’s why it’s time to consider a trip to the city of ‘Brotherly Love’, the next time you want to consider a bit of self-care and self-love.
Though many may not consider Philadelphia a destination for health and well-being, there are plenty of options for those looking to rediscover and reconnect with themselves for a weekend of peace and positivity.
Are you looking to get away from it all? Unwind? Relax? Rejuvenate? Well, Philadelphia has many spas, restaurants and fitness retreats that fill the bill — and are even black-owned! Here’s a sampling of Philadelphia’s healthy ‘escapes.’
HealthStripp’d Juice Bar
This hip juice bar, is black-owned has two locations in Philadelphia’s Historic District and Fishtown. The owner, Khoran Horn, has previously expressed excitement about being apart of what’s happening with food, health, and wellness in Philadelphia. At one of the cities most popular cold-press juiceries, everyone seems to have a fave: Jala At Ya Boy, Woodermelon, Wise Pine—all made from ingredients from local farms and purveyors. But Stripp’d doesn’t stop there: It’s also known for making an outstanding açai and matcha bowls, brioche egg sandwiches, chipotle guac toast and nut milks.
Bar Bombon
The aesthetic may be inspired by Old San Juan, but the all-vegan menu is thoroughly modern. And don’t let the ‘vegan’ tag fool you– the food is simply divine! Patrons of Bar Bombon get to enjoy Latin American food with a twist along with margaritas available by the glass or pitcher. So it’s great for a nightcap, or even an early dinner for those looking to head out for a night on the town following.
Square 1682
Square 1682 is the epitome of Philadelphia ‘cool’ and it’s menu defines it with some of the best of local and sustainable sourced ingredients. Located in the Hotel Palomar Philadelphia, Chef Guillermo Tellez designed a menu that fuses Asian with Mexican, with a bit of Indian, all with an American twist. Not to mention, if you want your cocktails to feel ‘healthy’ they offer a whole menu of fresh squeezed juices and low-calorie drinks for those counting their carbs.
Wellness3000 BC Wellmed Spa
This award-winning spa is located in scenic Chestnut Hill and it’s just… different. Though approximately 30 minutes outside of Center City, the drive is worth it because you’re sure to leave here feeling restored and revitalized. From the serenity garden with a water feature to the Italian glass-tiled rain shower, this spa knows how to create the perfect mood. And 3000 BC is known especially for its special touches: for example, you’ll leave with a special gift bag to continue your bliss after your Swedish or deep tissue massage.
The Parlour Hair & Skin
This Fishtown based hair & skin boutique focuses on holistic and ayurvedic practices. The owner, Kelley Hughes, is also the founder of Wilde Gatherings — a recently launched range of holistic products created and made in Philadelphia. The focus of Hughes’ product line is in using organic, natural, raw and simple ingredients based upon basic Ayurvedic principles. Her products are available at Philly-born Free People and Anthropology store.
FitnessGrey Dolphin Fitness
This African-American owned boutique fitness studio offers an array of classes such as barre and yoga. After a crowdsourced campaign to help expand the brand from New York to Philadelphia, Grey Dolphin opened its doors in the Northern Liberties section of the city. The maximum capacity for classes is 6-8 people offering visitors a unique, boutique fitness experience.
Push U Training
Push Universal Training Studio was founded in August 2016 by 3 black men trying to make a difference in Philadelphia. Troy Hayward, Justin Taylor, Meagan Ruddy and Joseph Opare all came together with one vision: to become a staple in the community for health and fitness. Push Universal Training provides clients with a wide variety of training styles to suit and fitness level, and make you feel comfortable while doing it. So you can drop in for one of their community based free classes, or inquire about a personal training session – whatever your body desires!
Body Cycle Studio
Russell Carter, founder of Body Cycle Studio, one of the city’s preeminent indoor cycling studios first came to Philly on a football scholarship at Temple University. Today, Carter and his team of a dozen instructors put exercisers through fast-paced yet accessible interval-style training in mostly 45-minute to hour-and-a-half-long classes.
