Like a test drive for a spa

By Sharon Fink

There's a spa on every corner these days, or so it seems. Which means that figuring out who's good and who's bad, what's worth the money and what isn't, gets harder - and costlier.

One of the most valuable services provided by www.TampaBayBeauty.com, a Web site dedicated to products, tips, deals and local spa info, is its spa sampler nights. Every month or so, the site takes over a spa, or gathers several together at a place like Whiskey Park in South Tampa, and lets spa lovers sample the services for free. (Goodie bags also are involved!)

It's a no-hassle, no-strings-attached way to get a sense of what an individual spa is like, and to comparison shop.

The most recent event, at Anu Medical Spa in Tampa, included minifacials, bikini waxes and makeup applications. The next event is Thursday (6/16) at Whiskey Park, featuring five spas and several clothing boutiques and designers. Register for it, and all the events, at the Web site.