By Shelly Aucoin, Steve Henricksen, and Kristie Bartlett

It’s been a completely ridiculous winter.  Storms, ice, freezing cold.  Trees down, electricity out, car batteries dead.  We’ve shoveled, scraped, and then shoveled some more…lots more.  If you do the math, we frozen our asses off pretty much 5 days out of every week.  Mother Nature OWNED us, and there was nothing we could do…

But there is now.  We have each earned a whole lotta “me time,” and whole lotta “Calgon, take me away time,” and in the pages to follow, we’re giving you some ideas about how to pamper yourselves and your honey, how to put winter behind you by indulging in something (or several somethings!) decadent, and how to treat yourselves to relaxation and rejuvenation for body, mind, and soul.

Go ahead, be good to yourself, you’ve earned it.  Winter was all about survival.  Spring should be all about indulgence.

The Spas

Diorio’s – Worcester

Diorio’s is a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon with a long history. It was opened in 1954 as “John’s Barbershop” with $0.75 haircuts and survived the Great Depression. Now that we’re in the Great Recession, they’ll help you get through with their line of hair, skin and massage services. Erase those stress lines with one of their facial treatments such as Powerful Surface Peels, Microtreatments or Specialty Masks. If you carry your stress in your body, Diorio’s offers a wide variety of full body treatments: their Herbology Body Retexturizer smoothes, exfoliates and hydrates while Chinese herbs feed the skin with nutrients and it includes a 5-phase Herbology Mask. Forget your troubles with a Bioelements Aromatherapy Oil Wrap, designed to rewire your senses while providing a relaxing scalp massage or custom facial. Shed your dull winter skin with a Cactus Cloth Body Polish, a Siddha Body Detoxification or an Arctic Algae Body Treatment. With such an inviting array of services, including their excellent hair care menu, we’re willing to bet that you’ll be back more than a few times. Think of it as your one stop shop for head to toe perfection and relaxation.

335 Plantation St., Worcester, 508-756-7791,
www.dioriossalon.com

The Claw Shop – Leominster

Their “Your Special Day” package is six hours of pure bliss consisting of a manicure, a pedicure, a facial, a half hour massage, hair wash and style (which can be a formal up-do if you like), and complete make-up. For $245 you’ll come out feeling and looking like a million bucks. If you’d prefer to share your bliss with your special someone, go in for the “Couples Massage” where you’ll be nestled into the same cozy room while you get one hour massages side by side. Choose a comforting rub down or a deep tissue exploration for $130. If your man is on the shy side or just won’t cooperate, grab your girlfriend and treat her instead. The Claw Shop offers a wide range of acupuncture services designed to treat specific problems such as neck and shoulder pain, anemia, sinusitis, food allergies, depression, PMS and morning sickness, and indigestion. Zen Shiatsu is also available, incorporating acupressure and Amma therapy, concentrating on the more subtle vibrations of the human body, focusing on the balance and movement of energy.

1123 Central St., Leominster, 978-840-8888
www.theclawshop.com

St. Cyr – Worcester

Here’s your chance to be one of the “Housewives of (insert city full of crazy people here).” We’ve all watched those shows and thought we deserved some pampering too. Why should we sit there jealously watching from the couch?? St. Cyr Salon and Spa offers to help you escape with the “Day of Luxury” package. The day includes Sauna, Nourishing Sea Mud Therapy, One Hour Aromatherapy Massage, European Facial, Spa Lunch, Haircut and Blow-Dry Styling, Makeup Application, European Pedicure and Classic Manicure. Decorated in historical luxury, the St. Cyr salon is an exercise in pure first class luxury. This might just be the best $350 you ever spend. Their most popular package is the “Ultimate Pampering Package.” It combines all of their most requested services: Day Spa Massage, St. Cyr Signature Facial, Luxury Pedicure and Spa Manicure for a mere $240.Their entire third floor is devoted to bridal parties and can be rented out for bridal showers, bachelorette parties, baby showers or company outings. They haven’t forgotten the men either! Gentlemen, you need to be pampered too. Check out the “Men’s De-Stress Package” for $200: One Hour Massage, Optimizing Men’s Facial and Back Facial.

235 Park Ave., Worcester, 508-752-2222,
www.stcyrsalon.com

Tangled Salon – Worcester

We all trudge dutifully to the salon to get our roots touched up or our layers trimmed until one day it seems the fun has gone out of it. The wonderful Jenna Shapiro, owner of Tangled Salon has devised an ingenious solution that provides a special treat for clients: every six weeks(by appointment only) the Keratriplex Treatment is offered as a private service including a 15 minute hand massage, wine and hors devours, blowout style and 10% off all Awapuhi Wild Ginger Maintenance products that accompany the Keratriplex Treatment for only $30.00.The Keratriplex Treatment is a blend of 3 proteins that penetrate into the hair (rather than just lying on the hair’s surface) to rebuild and reinforce the hair’s cuticle – a must have indulgence for those of us with processed, sun damaged or otherwise dull hair. It significantly reduces breakage, improves shine and protects your investment by preventing color fade.

373 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, 508-796-5601,
www.tangledsalon.com

Paul Conzo – Worcester

Paul Conzo offers a complete “Day of Rejuvenation” that will not soon be forgotten; it’s the perfect gift for yourself or someone very special in your life. This package includes a Steam Shower, Optimizer Facial, Hour Relaxing Massage, Anti-Aging Manicure, Moisturizing Pedicure, Lunch, and a Shampoo and Blow-Dry. This head to toe stress reliever takes approximately 6 1/4 hours. If you can put a price on heaven, it’s $354. Alternatively, try the “Endless Pleasure” package, designed to put you in a state of bliss! Treat yourself to a little bit of heaven with a great day of pleasure! This package includes a Steam Shower, Yonka Facial, Relaxing One Hour Body Massage, Lunch, Basic Manicure, Moisturizing Pedicure, Shampoo and Blow-dry and will cost around $303. Men of leisure should explore “The Workout for Men,” a package designed to help work out your tension and relieve your stress! This package, approximately 3 ½ hours for $228, includes a Steam Shower, a One Hour Relaxing Massage, our Fitness Facial and a Gentlemen’s Pedicure. Approximately 3 1/2 hours, $228. Couples Massages are also available upon request. Can you think of a better way to spend time together? Neither can we!

490 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, 508-754-5418
www.paulconzo.com

Nicholas Michaels – Northboro

Set in an 18th century landmark property, Nicholas Michaels Spa radiates simple elegance. Old and new meet harmoniously in the design, transporting you to another place where you haven’t a care in the world. Let the world melt away with the “A Day at Nicholas Michaels” package. Upon arriving at Nicholas Michaels, you’ll slip into your robe and slippers as a warm healing footbath and herbal tea are being prepared. Your Spa Treatments commence with Nicholas Michaels Signature Services: Massage, Facial, Manicure, Paraffin Hand Treatment and Herbal Healing Pedicure.  Then you’re treated to a light refreshment. Your next stop is the Hair Salon for a shampoo, cut and style.  Conclude your day with a fresh Seasonal Makeup Application – $385. Or perhaps you’d prefer a “Rejuvenation Day:” Begin your day with a therapeutic Signature Massage followed by a Revitalizing Mud Therapy Body Treatment which ends with a gentle cleansing rain.  Right before you receive a Signature Manicure and Paraffin Hand Treatment, enjoy a seasonal refreshment.  Your rejuvenation day concludes with a shampoo and blow dry – $245.

422 West Main St., Northborough, 508-393-6676, www.nmspa.com

Tu Moda – Worcester

Open since 1987, Tu Moda employs a professional staff who to help you achieve a balance between physical appearance and a state of well-being. Beautiful wall murals, decadent stone tiling and whimsical lighting will make you feel as though you’re on vacation in a far away country. If you can’t be thousands of miles away, at least your troubles can be! If you need to get lost for the day, try “Day of Beauty:” Tu Moda promises that you’ll look and feel rested and revitalized after your choice of a Seaweed Body Wrap or Hydro-therapy treatment, followed by a one-hour Massage. An Eyezone Facial will precede a healthy lunch in the peaceful Garden Room. Then, you will receive a Classic Manicure and Spa Pedicure. A Scalp Massage, Shampoo, Blow Dry, and Make-Up Application will make your day complete. An optional hair cut is also available. The Couples Suite is available for hourly rental  for any services you and your special someone choose. A wide variety of massage is available including aromatherapy, deep tissue, la stone, ashiatsu, reflexology, mind & body, aveda, hydrotherm, pregnancy hydrotherm, and Tu Moda’s signature massage.

574 Pleasant St., Worcester,
508-754-1513, www.tumodaspa.com

Divine Day Spa – Shrewsbury

The Divine Day Spa offers a full range of cosmetic skincare solutions, using the most up-to-date technology and equipment. “Full range” includes helping out with the build-up of cellulite we all acquired while trapped indoors this winter. DDS offers a special Good Bye Cellulite body massage along with Dr. Murad’s Cellulite Solution products that increase your circulation, firm your skin and help expedite the desired cellulite reduction process. Treat yourself to a series of six or ten. While you’re at it, go for a one of a kind Ultrasonic Facial Treatment: DermaSound Elite delivers antioxidants through pathways at the cellular level to nourish and heal the skin. The final result is smoother, healthier, and younger looking skin. Other rejuvenating services include Oxygen Facials, Youth Re-Defined, and the Antioxidant Boost. A special facial just for men caters to the polished man in your life: the Gentlemen’s Escape helps fight daily skin damage while calming razor-burned skin. Speaking of “special someone”, bring yours in for a Divine Couples Massage – a great experience to share! Both Swedish and Deep Tissue/Sports are available.

63 Boston Turnpike Rd (Rte. 9), Shrewsbury,
508-791-6060,
www.divinedayspa.webs.com

126 Post Salon – Worcester

When it comes to well-deserved self indulgence, 126 Post Salon is like nothing we’ve ever seen – a true worry-free, one stop shopping experience for looking and feeling your best from the top of your head to the tip of your toes. By Get your hair cut and highlighted, have a relaxing facial, enjoy a stress releasing deep tissue massage, round it off with a pampering mani/pedi and then – get veneers. That’s right, there’s actually a Greendale Dental practice on site where you can do anything from having your teeth cleaned to perfecting your smile with cosmetic procedures. 126 Post is happy to work with you in scheduling a full day of pampering. Just give them a call, let them know which fabulous beauty and relaxation services you’d like, and they’ll make sure everything runs smoothly. When it comes to pampering ourselves, too much is never enough ~ we say go for it all. After all, it’s been a rough year and you deserve it.

126 June St., Worcester, 508-459-7000

The Spa at Capron Falls – Uxbridge

The Ultimate Capron, a four hour package, is the ultimate in pampering and will have you leaving fully relaxed and eager to come back for more. Experience a relaxing 60 minute massage followed by a collagen facial, Radiant Ritual Manicure and Pedicure, and then a haircut and style. Complete your total transformation with makeup application accompanied by instruction. If you’re more interested in looking like a million bucks than feeling like a million bucks, The Spa recommends The Capron Signature. Three and a half hours and $200 later, you’ll be a new you. Go in for new color and cut with one of their stylists and then sit back for an amazing experience, the Capron Facial. You’ll leave feeling and looking completely rejuvenated. If you’re pressed for time, try The Capron Triple or the Complete Capron. The Complete is a one and half hour session of blow dry, style and makeup application. The Triple is two and a half hours of pure pleasure consisting of a White Tea Pedicure, Glycolic Manicure and 60 minute Swedish Massage. Personally, I say go for both! Special services for men are also offered: manicure, pedicure, massage, facials and beard trim.

27 Mendon St., Uxbridge, 508-278-0990,
www.spaatcapronfalls.com

Salon 647 ~ Worcester

Owner Christian Rea is sensitive to the current financial strains that many of us are facing these days. Acknowledging the economic hard times and cut backs, Salon 647 offers monthly specials that fit their clients’ budgets. Christian recommends color placement highlights for those looking to stretch the time between visits; also known as “peek-a-boo highlights,” this skillful application helps you go eight to twelve weeks between highlights rather than the standard four to six. For a great winter hair fix, Christian recommends a Keratin hair repair treatment. Check their website monthly for new specials, and shop the Goldwell, Bioelements and MoroccanOil products they proudly sell.

647 Chandler St., Worcester, 508-791-2979,
www.salon647.com

Beechwood Hotel – Worcester

What better way to indulge yourself than at a luxury boutique hotel that will make you feel like you’re on vacation even though you’re still just minutes from home? Combine getting away from it all with the Divine Spa Package at Beechwood. The package includes sumptuous overnight accommodations for two, the Executive Continental Breakfast, and a $65 spa credit each for your choice of Relaxation Massage, Divine Facial, or Salt Glow. Wrap up your perfect day at the Ceres Bistro, which features a delectable menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients. Beechwood is known for its world class lodging and dining amenities, so you can pamper your body, mind, soul and taste buds all at once. This will be a “staycation” to remember!

363 Plantation St., Worcester,
508-754-5789,
www.beechwoodhotel.com

The Massages

Deep Relief Massage Therapy – West Boylston

Owner Jessica Weagle is passionate about massage. She was inspired to go into the practice after receiving her first massage in college. Since then, she’s built an impressive menu of services: Craniosacral Therapy designed to target a long list of specific ailments by tapping into the pulse of the client’s craniosacral system, Side Laying and Prenatal Massage which isn’t just for expectant mothers, and Myofascial Release which focuses on providing relief to your over stressed facial tissue. Perhaps most importantly, Outcall services are available. That’s right ~ you don’t have to set foot outside your house to get all the benefits of a professional massage!

294 West Boylston St., West Boylston, 508-344-2886,
www.deepreliefmassagetherapy.com/apps/photos

Serenity Massage Bodywork – Whitinsville

Our cars aren’t the only ones that could use some bodywork. Serenity Massage and Bodywork invites you to take a break from life’s aches and pains with one of their many specialty massage therapies.  Long flowing strokes soothe the body, bringing peace and relaxation during Swedish massage. If you’re recovering from an injury or suffering from a severe case of “over-shoveling,” the slow deliberate strokes of a Deep Tissue Sports massage will help break up scar tissue and ease pain from injury (if you’ve sustained an injury, please consult a doctor before having any sort of massage performed on you!). For those of us with odd aches and pains we can’t quite place, Serenity recommends Reflexology: soothing foot and hand massage and acupressure that helps relieve pain and dis-ease in all areas of the body. Myofascial Release, Lymph Drainage, Craniosacral Therapy and Pregnancy Massage are also available.

100 Main St., Suite 106, Whitinsville, 508-234-8501,
www.serenitymassagebodywork.net

All About Touch Massage Therapy – Worcester

Improve your quality of life and bring a state of balance to your body through a combination of therapeutic massage and nutritional well being. In addition to Reflexology and Therapeutic Massage, All About Touch offers personalized Medical Nutritional Counseling to help you feel your very best. Nutritional Counseling offers you an education in nutritional facts, eating habits, nutrients, allergies, and weight loss. Complex sessions are also available to deal with issues such as eating disorders. Massage rates start at $35 for a half hour of stress releasing, heavenly bliss. Their unique Busy Bride Package provides a one hour full body massage for the bride, 15 minute chair massage for four attendants, and complimentary cheese, crackers and sparkling cider for only $185.

1086 Pleasant St.Worcester, 508-752-6700,
allabouttouchmassage.com

Jennifer’s Massage Therapy and Bodywork – Worcester

Jennifer Cordova promises that your body will thank you for every massage you receive. Your needs and concerns are hers and she will do everything she can to help you feel your fabulous best. Jennifer specializes in Wellness/Healing/Prevention, Headache/Migraine, Muscle Aches, Sprains and Strains, Fibromyalgia, and Pain Management. She offers a wide variety of treatment options including less common therapies such as Trigger Point Therapy, Ear Candling, Stone Massage, Paraffin. Of course Swedish, Shiatsu, Deep Muscle Therapy and other more traditional techniques are also available but with options like these, Pulse says it’s time to try something new!

1405 Main St., Suite 9, Worcester, 508-794-9938

Revive in Home Massage — Westboro

Revive offers a unique service – they come to you! “If you are looking for the luxury, pampering and convenience of some cherished ‘Me Time,’ want a romantic evening with your special someone, or would like to create a celebration with cherished friends, Revive will make it a night to remember!” Services available include Amazing Relaxation Massage, Deep Tissue Sports Massage, and Pre- and Post- Natal Massage. Revive in Home Massage will put a special touch of luxury on your next Girls Night In, Mother Daughter Retreat, Birthday, Anniversary, or Graduation. They even offer Tarot Card Readings and the highly sought after Partner Massage Instruction!

Westborough, 508-836-9864, www.reviveathome.com/inhome.php

Hedonism II

By Steve Henricksen

Stay up late. Give up counting calories. Give up mineral water, have a drink before noon. Dine in shorts.  Talk to strangers. Stay up all night dancing in the Night Club and toast the sunrise with a planters punch from one of our Jacuzzis.  Don’t make your bed.  Or don’t even get out of bed!

Go skinny-dipping. Don’t call home.  Don’t pay for anything. Don’t leave a tip. Let your hair down.  Be your beautiful self in spectacular Negril, Jamaica.

Just about everything you can eat, drink and do is included.  When you set your mind free, it’s amazing how happily the body will follow.

At Hedonism II, you can put your body to the test in any number of ways. Take up windsurfing or water-skiing. Play volleyball naked or catch a game of tennis. Let our resident experts teach you how to sail ~ it’s all included. Enjoy sinfully tasty cuisine in one of the five restaurants after a quick round of the five bars.  Revel in the euphoria that comes from challenging yourself to sail or snorkel, or play a game of pool at the pool-in-a-pool table. And the dirtier you get, the more you’ll appreciate the spectacular new multi-head sexy showers in all the rooms or your own personal Jacuzzi overlooking the ocean.

Some say Hedonism II makes it so easy to be naughty because of the magical potions served up at their bars, others attribute it to powerful aphrodisiacs found in the native fruits. Others think it could just be the mirrors on the ceilings of every luxurious guest room. And then there’s watching naked, sun-kissed bodies indulging in all sorts of different recreations.

But whatever it is, it seems that everyone at Hedonism II develops a little more enthusiasm for all things romantic, wild and adventurous.

This sensual haven that found its natural home on Jamaica’s seven-mile Negril beach located on the western side of the island is about as far as you can get from your everyday life. Everything about it supports one, uninhibited concept: make enjoyment a priority in life and embrace being Wicked for a Week!

Close your eyes – dream a little. Young is “in” at all ages.  Enjoy the glorious liberation of not thinking about home or the office. It was time someone invented a resort for people who see absolutely nothing wrong with escaping their 9 to 5 and being wicked for a week!

“ When it’s good, it’s oh so good, and when it’s bad, it’s even better. And yes, everything you’ve ever heard, is true!”

www.hedonism.com/resorts-hedonism.php

Bed-Edible Indulgence

For those of you who prefer to pamper each other with a combination of sex and food, this Candy Bra and G-string is right in keeping with your…taste. Surprise your honey with this 2 piece outfit that’s too sweet to pass up. Enjoy a tasty wrapping that has even more wonderful indulgences behind it. Great for some bedroom fun ~ a lazy Sunday snack or a nice after-dinner dessert.

www.healthyandactive.com

What’s your favorite way to pamper yourself at home?

Interviews by Kristie Bartlett

Mark S, 32 ~ Uh, guys don’t like to call it pampering.  But a big, thick, juicy steak and a couple of Guinness.  If any ladies out there want to come cook for me that would be even better!

Chrissie, 29 ~ I have three main pampering plans.  A sushi night in.  I call for sushi to be delivered, I run out for some sake and I listen to only the type of music I really love.  Also, I sit on the heating vents if it’s winter or blast the AC if it’s summer.  OR  I run out and buy some scotch, then run and buy shower gel and moisturizer that have matching gorgeous scents (typically pumpkin spice!).  Just as I am ready to step in the shower, I fake myself out and tell myself there is no time for pampering  ~  I pretend I have to go work a late night job or there’s tons of homework to be done.  Then I tell myself I was only joking, pour myself a scotch and hop in the shower. OR I set aside an entire day where I go to hot yoga, grab a new pair of sexy shoes, invite my closest friends over for take-out, then when they leave I snuggle down with a good book, surround myself with pillows and fall asleep.

Shelby, 27 ~ Really comfy pajamas and expensive ice cream. Buy a new Kindle book and I’m all set. 🙂

Rebecca, 25 ~ Well, when I DO have the time to pamper myself, I love to put on relaxing music and give myself a manicure/pedicure, take a long warm shower, snuggle up in my favorite pajamas and blanket, light some candles and just RELAX. My definition of “to pamper” is “to relax.” I find it very therapeutic to draw this whole process out. My life is so hustle-bustle, so taking my sweet time to do all these things, despite how small, is a perfect form of pampering!

Joel, 37 ~ send the wife and kids to the movies and out to dinner, break open a 6 pack, and then it’s just me and my guitar ~ with maybe a video game thrown in.

Deb, 22 ~ I just graduated college when I had almost no “me time,” but now that I do, I love to spend it baking.  It’s so soothing.  I swear it’s like therapy.  Just uninterrupted time alone with my cookie dough.  Sometimes I play ~ don’t laugh! ~ a bunch of ballads from the 80s in the background, too.

Sarah, 30 ~ I know Ugg boots are supposed to be “so 15 minutes ago,” but I treat myself to a new pair every once in a while ‘cause they’re soooo comfie!  And now they have a whole collection designed by Jimmy Choo. That’s my splurge.

John, 33 ~ Pampering to me is doing something that is relaxing.  So that would include either taking a nap or playing the guitar…

Steve, 19 ~ Playing video games all night and eating a ton of hot wings.

Cassie, 34 ~ With 3 kids? Pamper myself?!? Lol! I usually break the “house rules.” I stay in my cozy PJs, make a summer drink, eat in bed, and leave the dishes for later while catching up on my favorite dvr recordings that my hubby hates.

Kathy, 27 ~ I’ve finally let myself splurge on shampoo. I buy Aveda brand shampoo and conditioner from the salon and take a nice long shower ~ when my hair feels and looks good, I feel good!  After the shower, I use the intense whitening strips for a nice bright smile. Then I open a nice bottle of wine (white, so that I don’t restain my teeth!).  The whole routine makes me feel pretty and classy and relaxed.

Jackie, 30 ~ First, I take a long, hot shower. Then I use my Tea Tree Oil Face mask while letting my hair soak up my Moroccan Oil hair mask. I then give myself a pedicure and manicure, all while sipping on a delicious class of Cabernet Sauvignon! For heightened relaxation, I burn my soy Sugar Cookie candle.

Tim, 29 ~ A Crown and Coke, some lavender balm on the noggin, and enjoying Clint Eastwood shoot people on Netflix.

Jordan, 21 ~ Eating a lot of ice cream and playing with my little pet Chihuahua.  She can howl ”Hola!”

Alec, 27 ~  Sitting back with as many pillows as I can find so that I’m on a pillow throne.  It’s the best.

Cheryl, 29 ~ Pampering at home means ignoring all requests from others – Sleeping late, watching old movies on TCM all day, taking the time to put a nice cream on ALL of my body, enjoying a special sweet treat – savoring it slowly and not sharing.

The Most Decadent Desserts in the World

By Steph Moore

If you’re a food fanatic or simply have a killer sweet tooth, be warned; the following desserts may send you into spasms of pleasure.  Forget about pie, pudding or fruits ~ here are the most  luxurious and expensive desserts in the world ~ talk about taking comfort food to a new level!  If you’re serious about pampering yourself, you’ve got to try at least the two offered semi-locally ~ Chocopologie by Knipschildt, available in-store in Norwalk, CT, and the Frozen Haute Chocolate served at Serendipity 3 in NYC.  The rest…well, they make pretty good food fantasies!

The $640 Chocolate Variation is served at the Mezzaluna, an Italian restaurant within the Lebua Hotel in Bangkok. The refined dessert features edible golden leaves, champagne sorbet made from the champagne Roederer Cristal Brut 2000, and crème brûlée. To top it all off, the dessert ends with Perigord truffles, strawberry chocolate mousse and a slice of chocolate cake.

The chocolate made by Noka is known for being one of the finest and most delicious chocolates in the world. With cocoa from the finest regions in the world, including Venezuela Ecuador and Côte d’Ivoire, their Vintage collection ~ at $854 per pound ~ delivers a unique, classic aroma with no emulsifier whatsoever…just chocolate, glorious chocolate.

Served at the Ciragan Palace in Istanbul, the $1000 Sultan’s Golden Cake is one of the best tastes you’ll ever experience. The dessert takes 72 hours to make and contains figs, quince, apricot and pears soaked in Jamaican Rum for 2 years. The topping contains caramel, black truffles and, as you might have guess, a gold leaf.

Chocopologie by Knipschildt is another amazing experience for your taste buds. The chocolate store ~ founded in 1999 by Fritz Knipschildt ~ sells the most expensive chocolate truffle in the world at around $5,000 per kilogram (or $250.00 each). These beauties are only made available by pre-order but you can head down to 12 South Main Street in Norwalk, CT to get a taste of the magic yourself.

Pierre Hermé is an artist when it comes to sweets of all shapes and sizes. With headquarters in both Paris and Tokyo, he comes up with new and exciting recipes each season. But the one that stands out from the crowd is the Macaroons Haute Couture. The macaroons the company is famous for are meringue puffs with ingredients the customers can choose themselves. For personalized recipes on a larger scale, the chef meets with the client for “fittings:” based on the ingredients, these desserts can reach even $7,000 per kilogram.

A hotel in Sri Lanka is charging $14,500 for a taste of what used to be the world’s most expensive dessert. The Fortress Stilt Fisherman Indulgence is now the runner-up for that title, but as delicious and savory as all the others. It contains golf leaf cassata, mango and pomegranate compote. The thing that makes is the decoration ~ a chocolate carving of a fisherman and an 80 carat aquamarine stone.

Up until recently, Serendipity 3 was famous for creating the most expensive sundae ~ at $1,000 a pop. Now they’ve outdone themselves, creating the world’s most expensive dessert as decided by the Guinness Book of Records. The $25,000 Frozen Haute Chocolate is a collaboration between Serendipity 3 and luxury jeweler Euphoria New York. The desert is a blend of 28 cocoas, 14 of which are the most expensive and exotic in the world. It is infused with 5 grams of edible gold and has a gold bracelet with diamonds at the base. The dessert is eaten with a gold spoon, pimped out with white and chocolate diamonds ~ which, fortunately, you get to keep.

Even though it’s not produced on a larger scale, this shiny platinum cake with a price tag of $130,000 definitely belongs on the list. It was created by famous Japanese pastry chef Nobue Ikara as a tribute to beautiful women. Nobue teamed up with a jeweler who helped drape his cake in platinum necklaces and foils, some of which are edible. The cake was dedicated to famous Japanese women such as Rinko Kikuchi and Chie Kumazawa; the pastry chef hoped to encourage more women to wear platinum jewelry.

Le Chocolat features a selection of Lake Forest Confections gourmet chocolates selected by the confectioner’s master candy maker, as well as an arrangement of magnificent jewelry from Simons’ personal jewelry and gemstone vault. The price tag is $1,500,000. The jewelry that comes along with the box of chocolates includes a “priceless” collection of natural yellow and blue diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires from Simons Jewelers.

The recipe for Strawberries Arnaud is no big secret ~ ice-cream strawberries with citrus and red wine. But the strawberries found at Arnaud’s restaurant in New Orleans French Quarter are not just run-of-the-mill sliced fruit. The difference lies in the topping ~ a one-of-a-kind, 4.7-carat pink diamond ring once belonging to the British financier Sir Ernest Cassel. To make it worth the $1.4 million, the strawberries are served with a $24,850 Charles X crystal liquor.