Consumer Culture

If you’re looking to release some tension without releasing the contents of your wallet, the lovely and surreal JEJU SAUNA is the just the space. JeJu’s sprawling, Epcot-esque compound boasts a collection of healing rooms, saunas, mineral pools and spas modeled after a traditional Korean bathhouse — in a setting that’s hands-down the most unusual in the city. The entrance fee will buy you a visit to the Jade Room (for increasing metabolism and improving circulation), the Charcoal Room (for toxin absorption), the Rock Salt Room (for stress release) and the Baked Clay Sauna (for melting muscle tension). In true bathhouse style, parts of JeJu are divided by sex and are clothing-optional. There’s also a food court serving Korean fare, and a menu of spa-styled scrubs and massage. 3555 Gwinnett Place Drive, Duluth. 678-336-7414. www.jejusauna.net. less...

Yeah, that’s a lot of money — especially in these bank-account-depleted days. But at BLISS SPA, $500 goes really, really far. The venerable skincare line and beauty outpost, which originated in SoHo and now operates 16 locations worldwide, has two locations in Atlanta (only New York has more). But expansion has hardly left Bliss with stretch marks. In fact, the spa’s signature treatments have never been more fashionable. Start with the triple-oxygen facial to get that youthful glow, follow up with the “fatgirlslim treatment” to improve body tone, continue with the “blissage” massage to melt away anxiety, and finish with a hot cream manicure. Hey, it’s cheaper than plastic surgery! W Atlanta Midtown, 188 14th St.; W Atlanta downtown, 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. 877-862-5477. www.blissworld.com. less...

If you’re looking for a spread that’s beautifully presented and masterfully executed yet doesn’t break the bank, you can’t go wrong with ENDIVE FINE CATERING. The menu revolves around elegantly simple dishes, plated in a classy but organic way, that are sure to pass the muster of even the fussiest food snob. Think watermelon-mozzarella-balsamic brochettes, Roqeufort pizza with duck confit and fig preserves, and mini lamb chops with mint pesto — at a price well below comparable competitors. There’s no skimping on service, either. The unpretentious and attentive staff, headed by chef/owner Drew Ihrig, will impress your guests as much as the food will. 1468 Mecaslin St. 404-504-9040. www.endiveatlanta.com. less...