The same scene plays out all over the country, over the phone, in the kitchen, watching TV, via e-mail: You ask, "What do you want for Mother's Day?" She smiles humbly and gives you that heart-softening smile, and says "Oh, nothing." Don't believe her.

You press her a little more, "No, really, is there anything you need or want?" She smiles again, and says that having you is the best gift a mother could ask for. Don't believe her! It's a mom-ism we are all familiar with but she's only telling you half of it. Having you treat her to a day of beauty and relaxation is the best gift a mother could ask for. Doesn't a superwoman deserve a super Mother's Day? Treat your mama to something she hasn't had since you were born: rest and relaxation.

There are tons of places in and around Milwaukee to get a good massage, and here's just a sampling. Feel free to add your favorites using the talkback feature below.

Actaea Works actaea.com
4001 N. Oakland Ave., (414) 962-9889

With boundless skin care treatments, from fancy French facials to heavenly hydrotherapy, Actaea Works provides the dash of divine every mother needs. Actaea Works also provides Mother's Day packages, with enough variety to really personalize the Actaea also houses several lines of premiere beauty supplies and products.

Capricio Salon and Spa capriciosalon.com
3041 N. Oakland Ave., (414) 967-0100, (414) 967-4844 (UWM)

Besides treating your tresses, Capricio offers facials, massages, body treatments, laser treatments, waxing and brow services, and airbrush tanning services available. A special Mother's Day package includes a manicure, pedicure and half-hour massage for $65.

Neroli Spa and Salon nerolispa.com
325 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, (414) 227-2888
If mom wants to be a Downtown Diva, send her to Neroli, where all her hair, skin, body needs are met in a warm and inviting spa. Not sure which of the myriad indulgences she'd would like? Get her the Neroli Gift Card and give her the gift of relaxation.

Azana azanaspa.com
200 N. Moorland Rd., Brookfield, (262) 784-4700

Do you want to show mom how to kick back and relax? Try Azana Salon in Brookfield, where the fresh, fun, femme-fabulous packages include Girls Day Out, Mind Body, Soul and Pick Me Up. For the creative types, mix and match four services at $25 each to create that perfect "Just For You" gift for Mother Dearest.

Serenity Day Spa serenityday-spa.com
2120-D Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, (262) 970-9750
Some moms are Suburban Superstars. Let her be treated like a queen in her own kingdom at Serenity Day Spa. As a full service Aveda Concept Spa, there are multitudes of services to bring the spa's namesake. For added measure, the peaceful paradise has Mother's Day packages available from $99 to $220.

Salone salone925.com
925 E. Ogden Ave., (414) 291-6161

What started as a quaint parlor just five years ago, has grown into a full service Aveda Spa and Salon with the addition of hot stone facials and massages, as well as luxurious rose petal mud wraps. Create your own bevy of beautifying treatments with the mix-and-match services option.

Institute of Beauty and Wellness institutebw.com
342 N. Water St., (414) 227-2889

For the adventurous, and experimental mama, test her nerves at Aveda Institute of Beauty and Wellness where training students attend to her needs. Mom can try various spa treatments at a fraction of the cost, leaving you with enough cash to join her. Licensed instructors supervise all students, so there is minimal risk.

Kohler Water Spas destinationkohler.com
at The American Club in Kohler, (920) 457-7777

Want to really surprise Mommy Dearest this Mother's Day? Send her packing ... to Kohler Water Spas, that is. She'll soak in a mineral water whirlpool, relax during her customized massage and rejuvenate from the gourmet spa cuisine. Kohler Water Spas offers a variety of Mother's Day packages, including one for Mothers-to-Be. Want part of the Epicurean delights? Sign up for the Mother/Daughter package and spend a weekend refreshing and bonding with mom.

3 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by OMCreader on Oct. 20, 2006 at 2:35 p.m. (report)

Sarah said: New owners have done a great job. Best Spa in Mequon now by far. Great service.. no attitudes. I go once a month. The old owners didn't care much about the business.. the new owners have cleaned it up, brought in new people, and it's very nice. GO TRY IT!!!!

Posted by OMCreader on Dec. 17, 2005 at 1:25 p.m. (report)

Louise said: Do not go to Nebula spa in Mequon! I had a man who you could smell the cigarette smoke on the fingers and who was not great at the so called facial. The price was way to high for poor service.

Posted by OMCreader on Oct. 17, 2005 at 6:54 a.m. (report)

JT said: Groom does do women's hair. They are the best for men's hair, bar none. Great people and great service.