We all know the three wise men brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to one of the most epic birthday parties of all time. In 2009, though, these gifts are reappearing as part of pampering regimens throughout the Hub. Through the end of January, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental (776 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.535.8820) is offering “The Gift” Holiday Spa treatment ($195 on weekdays, $210 on weekends) to help you detox from the stress of facing insane crowds in search of whatever this year’s Tickle Me Elmo might be. The 80-minute treatment involves a frankincense and ginger body scrub that will give your skin a heavenly glow, along with a body and scalp massage that will leave you feeling fabulous (and maybe even ready to go back into retail combat). Also starting this month, La Residencia Spa (336 Elliot Street, Newton Upper Falls, 617.244.2280) is offering a 90-minute 24-karat gold facial. Really. Apparently, gold can protect the skin from inflammation and smooth out your wrinkles, seasonally induced or otherwise. The facial will run you $250, but evidently Cleopatra slept in a gold mask each night to keep up her complexion, so maybe that’s not such a steep price for such a regal indulgence. But if a spa session is a little too pricey for you, have no fear: home remedies are available. The magi at Fresh (121 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.421.1212) are now carrying sets of soaps and candles in scents inspired by gold, frankincense, and myrrh for $45, so you can fill up the tub, pour a glass of wine, and use these new offerings to set the mood and wash away the smell of holiday hell — at least until the in-laws arrive in town.
