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Gold sponged walls and alabaster-skinned statues lend a quaint Old World atmosphere to this facility, which offers the most contemporary of hair-removal methods. While laser is largely used for dark hair and light skin, owner Christian Karavolas employs several kinds of machines to treat various hair textures and shades, and consults about possible skin and hormonal issues before the initial session. Female technicians perform the majority of services, which may be applied to almost any area where hair grows: chin, ears, bikini line, and back being among the most common of a list of twenty-five. After shaving and cleaning the skin, the technician applies a series of laser zaps—concentrated flashes of light and heat that can cause a burning sensation that subsides quickly, but may be felt intensely in sensitive areas like the underarms—continually checking on how you're feeling during the process. For those whose treatments require shaping and symmetry, it's wise to specify exactly what you want and check for evenness at the end of the session. R&J's procedures are best for those committed to a course of six to eight treatments, which can potentially remove unwanted hair for good. — Karen Hudes

Since laser-removed hair can take between a few days to two weeks to actually fall out, a pre-vacation session should be planned well in advance.