Treat yourself or your spouse to a spa trip this mother's month. As the seasons change, May is the perfect time for releasing accumulated stress and for recharging with a day or a few hours all to one's self. Plan a trip alone for delicious solitude and reflection, or make it a rejuvenating social outing with friends. Taking a close friend to the spa can also be the perfect salve for a difficult time. Olympus Women's spa's new Lynnwood tea room and juice bar/restaurant are perfect places to talk and laugh after quiet time in the pools and hot rooms. Hot House on Capitol Hill and Banya 5 in downtown Seattle are accessible to pre- or post-spa coffee or lunch elsewhere. Gourmet dining is close at hand at the spas at the Willows Lodge and the Woodmark Hotel.

Stay safe
If you are pregnant, always check with your doctor before going to the spa. High temperatures in hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas and other heated areas can be dangerous for the baby and the mama, especially if you have high blood pressure or other health concerns. Pregnancy can be a great time to enjoy a safer special treat such as a massage from a certified pre-natal masseuse, but be sure to ask about experience and qualifications. Everyone who visits a spa should pay attention to how they feel and drink plenty of water.

Try these local escapes

Hot House
1019 E. Pike St. at 11th Ave.
Seattle
206-568-3240
This one is hidden. Call for directions if you have never been there.

Women only. Spa use $12. Swimsuits are allowed by not required. Bring your own towels (two are suggested) or rent for $1 per towel. Massage is available. Call ahead to schedule.

Olympus Women's Spa
In Lynnwood
3815 196th St. S.W. Ste. 160
Lynnwood
425-697-3000

Women only. Spa use $30. Swimsuits are not allowed. Robes and towels are provided. Massage and other services, including Korean specialties, are available. Call ahead to schedule. Korean tea service is also available. Call ahead for times.

Olympus Women's Spa
In Tacoma
8615 S. Tacoma Way
Lakewood
253-588-6625

Women only. Spa use $25. Swimsuits are not allowed. Robes and towels are provided. Massage and other services, including Korean specialties, are available. Call ahead to schedule.

Banya 5
217 9th Ave. N.
Seattle
206-262-1234

Check the schedule online for co-ed, women-only, men-only and family days. Even the kids are welcome on family day! But be prepared if you are looking for silence. Spa use $30. Children are $10 on family days. Swimsuits are required on co-ed days. Bring your own towel, shower sandals and robe. Massage and other services are available. Call ahead to schedule.

Willows Lodge and Spa
14580 N.E. 145th St.
Woodinville
425-424-2900

Co-ed luxury spa. Various massage and other packages are available. Call ahead for reservations and check the Web site for monthly specials. Swimsuits are required.

The Woodmark Spa
1200 Carillon Point
Kirkland
425-803-9000