Spa Bound:
A Vermont Spa Just for You

by Vermont Woman staff

You do not have to travel great distances to Bali or Thailand or Hawaii or even Arizona, Utah or California to experience the luxury of resort spas or the expertise found at local day spas. As the fourth fastest growing segment of the hospitality industry, spas of all shapes and sizes have made Vermont home over the years, many of them just a short drive or even a walk away – while others are well-worth the excursion.

Most spas are categorized as either resort/destination or day spas. The primary difference is that you generally (but not always) stay overnight at a resort spa to enjoy the total experience of the facility; the luxury of the room, the restaurant and surrounding area and all other amenities the resort offers including spa access and spa treatment. No spa is the same, from the physical design and layout to the expertise of the therapist to the treatments, each offers something unique. One thing is certain, however: they are both luxuries that greatly enhance your well being. Whether it’s for healing, aging remedies or for renewal purposes, spas are one of life’s lovely gifts to yourself.

Imagine a day just for you. An entire day. Or better yet a couple of days or even a week. Just for you alone. Or a getaway with your girlfriends, your daughter, your sister-in-law, your mother, your partner in life. Costs vary and can be expensive depending on the complexity of the treatments. However, fees as low as $20.00 a day typically include access to all spa facilities, and off-season rates or specials for Vermont residents are often available. So save your money for a treat just for you. However you get there… Just do it. You deserve it.

Vermont Woman presents this select overview of just some of the spa facilities located throughout the Green Mountains; they represent a range in day or destination spa, price, and geographic location. To find more information on these and other relaxing retreats, visit www.spafinder.com.

Destination: Luxuriate with the Jet-Set
The Equinox Resort and Spa, Manchester

The entrance to the Equinox is grand. It was late in the afternoon and raining when we arrived, so several doormen with umbrellas greeted us. Awaiting our arrival they greeted us by name; we knew then we were in for a remarkable two-day experience.

The Equinox is one of the country’s premier historical inns dating back to 1769 when Manchester was barely ten years old. The Marsh Tavern and fireplace, which serves today as the dining room and pub was the original inn and centerpiece for the luxury hotel that was erected later. The Equinox was thrust into fame in 1863 and 1864, when Mrs. Abraham Lincoln and her sons visited. Restorations in 1985, and 1991 brought the Equinox to its status as one of the country’s “grand dames.”

Our room was spacious, warm, and cozy with very comfortable beds. I had expected a more elegant and updated décor, perhaps with a touch of Vermont memorabilia and art, constant with the opulence of the entrance and other common rooms throughout the hotel. I was pleased to hear that a complete room renovation as well as Spa renovation and expansion is tentatively scheduled for late fall 2007. However, our accommodations were perfectly fine and the service was excellent.

I quickly headed for the Spa, scheduled my treatments for the next day and then was off for a swim in the 75 foot NCAA-size indoor pool rarely found at any spa. The pool is exquisite; the water crystal clear treated with a very limited amount of chlorine because they use the ozone sterilization process. I followed this up with a soak in the fabulous outdoor hot tub with Mt. Equinox looming high above.

For dinner in the Marsh Tavern, we were treated to a delectable dinner prepared by newly hired Executive Chef Andreas Hartmann, most recently from the five-star restaurant at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado. The dining room is rustic and charming with a large fireplace and excellent service with entertainment on weekends.

In the Spa lounge, wrapped in a robe next to a crackling fire, I relaxed while waiting for my first treatment called Avanyu Legend. For 80 minutes I was scrubbed, neck to toes with an exotic selection of fragrance-infused sugars, salts and crushed wildflowers; then wrapped in a mask of seaweed for detoxing; showered with powerful overhead and side jets for 15 minutes; returning for essential blended oils and head and body massage. Ooo-la-la. Divine.

My friends raved about their manicure, pedicure, reflexology, Tension Tamer upper body massage, Rolling Thunder Custom massage and Flowing Water Swedish Massage and facials. The therapists are top of the line professionals. There are many treatment choices and prices are consistent with other spas.

The beautifully designed pool and spa facility is located a few steps outside of the Inn. It was somewhat disconcerting to share the lounge area with men, trying to sit back and relax while keeping your robe in place. Some of the fellas didn’t seem to be the least bit self-conscious, however!

The ambiance of the historical Equinox and Marsh Tavern combined with a spectacular pool and spa services is unbeatable. But one cannot overlook the seductiveness of Manchester Village home to the Northshire Bookstore, one of the country’s finest independently owned bookstores and to the 150 Designer Outlet Stores and many other fine area restaurants like the Perfect Wife where we dined on our second night. And if that’s not enough there is Stratton and Bromley Ski areas, cross country and snowshoeing trails. The Equinox also offers British Falconry, archery and wing shooting lessons, tennis lessons, fitness equipment, and world class golf courses. In the spring you can arrange canoeing and kayak trips down the Battenkill River.

So here is a plan. Get your best pals together and arrange for a weekend at the Equinox, for a fabulous getaway that is healthy fun and delicious… and great shopping to boot. Treat yourself; your well being is priceless. Not bad for never leaving Vermont.

Equinox Resort and Spa, Manchester Village has 183 rooms, suites, and townhouses; price range from $209 - $929 Spa price range from $110- $185. Facilities include: 18 hole golf course, indoor pool, indoor tennis courts, fitness and equipment rooms and classes, schools for falconry, fly-fishing, shooting, archery and off road driving. Current package special Cloud 999. For information, call 802-362-4700.

Destination: Relax at the Top of the World
Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa, Stowe

Wrapped in an over-sized luscious bathrobe (I want to own one!), and tucked in next to a warm glowing fire in the women-only lounge, I await my first treatment of the day. The lounge is muted in soothing Tuscan earth tones, with soft lighting and easy listening music. As I sipped steaming ginger tea I began to relax anticipating my impending state of nirvana. About a half hour later, my name was called and Leune, my Norwegian-American therapist, led me to the treatment room for a eucalyptus wrap and massage designed to clear lungs and soothe ailing muscles and joints enveloped in steamy, herbal drenched linens to draw out toxins followed by a Eucalyptus oil massage. The treatment room, complete with shower, was muted in color with low lighting and barely audible music. Wrapped, as tightly as a mummy from neck to toes in steamy fragrant towels for twenty minutes, I eased into a full head massage for the duration. Unwrapped and showered I returned for the best 50-minute massage ever. Perfect.

My friend (spas are a terrific way to share quality time with good friends) experienced her first facial (chamomile and rose), which also including heated herbal mittens to massage and soften her hands. She described the process with her therapist, Michele, as professionally thorough and exhilarating and something she plans to repeat regularly.

Later, I plunged into the outdoor heated pool for an absolutely delightful (and solitary) swim under crisp blue skies and snow capped Mount Mansfield. With just a hint of chlorine, winter outdoor swimming is a liberating and welcome relief from indoor pools.

The second day was spent enjoying the spas facilities: private steam and saunas complete with cool cucumber slices for the eyes and all the amenities one would expect including shampoos, conditioners, bath washes towel, face clothes, even razors and shaving cream.

The highly touted Grotto is for both men and women, which boasts a powerful waterfall for self-back massage (too powerful for me) and a lovely soaking pool with Hungarian bath oils all with spectacular mountain views.

In addition, the Spa at Stoweflake also has an indoor pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, snowshoe and cross-country trails and of course the Stowe Bike Path and Mt. Mansfield and Spruce Mountain Ski areas (recently connected by a gondola system). There is also a fully equipped Cybex fitness center, squash/racquetball court, spinning studio, yoga/aerobic studio a women’s only fitness room and a stretching room. Daily classes including spinning/yoga, and a full beauty salon. Attendants are close by all the time attending to your needs and keeping the facilities immaculate.

The evening was capped by a divine dinner in Winfield’s Bistro, an AAA Four Diamond restaurant and the annual recipient since 1996 of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, followed the next two mornings by sumptuous breakfasts. The menus were varied, extensive, with a variety of inspired healthy choices. Lunch was in Charlie B’s Pub and Restaurant or the poolside Café. All three restaurants are on the premises, one of the delightful features of the Stoweflake complex is you never have to leave once you are checked in.

Our luxury room was roomy and beautifully decorated with a gas-fireplace that is self-controlled, and views of the Green Mountains, and included a refrigerator and in-room coffee-maker.

The spacious bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub was filled with rose-mint bath products.

I loved the gender-specific lounge and sauna and steam room areas. Having experienced both, I find it’s much more relaxing for both men and women to have separate areas, especially when sitting around in bathrobes, which tend to come apart with some ease especially when some men of a certain size try to get up from the deep soft chairs that are typical of spa lounges. I also loved that all the facilities were in one building rather that having to leave the main hotel area, step outside in the cold and walk to a separate spa building, which is particularly difficult returning.

The attentive and professional staff, the restaurants, spa facilities, our room and the obvious attention to detail combined to make our two day stay a most memorable experience. In addition because Stoweflake is located in Stowe Village you can also easily access all this lovely town has to offer including world class ski areas and restaurants.

Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa, AAA Four Diamond Resort has 120 guest rooms and 58 townhouses: Price Range from $120 and up including your choice of several package plans. Spa Treatment Rates, vary on time and complexity starting at $70.

Facilities include: 2 Award Winning Restaurants, indoor and heated outdoor pools, fitness and equipment rooms, garden maze, Adjacent Golf Course. Phone 802-760-1083 www.stoweflake.com or www.spaatstoweflake.com.

Destination: Sneak Away to a Hideaway
Spa At the Woods, Killington

The Spa at the Woods in Killington is hidden in a condominium development in the woods off of Mountain Road and remains a secret for most Vermonters despite the flag proclaiming “Public Welcome” waving briskly in the frigid air on my visit. The Spa is an amenity for the 107 condos and two houses that comprise the 15-year-old Woods resort and includes a full fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools with lap lanes, three hard clay tennis courts, a hot tub and waterfall, sauna, and steam rooms. During peak times, the Spa sees about 350 people a week for treatments, with an average of 100 per week over the whole winter. The summer varies widely depending on the number of wedding-related bookings. There are eight massage rooms, two wet rooms, two facial rooms and one room for manicures and pedicures.

The Spa falls somewhere between a day spa and a destination, but has combined the best of both models for a location that is intimate, relaxing and highly professional, but also comfortable for people of all ages, genders and spa-going expertise. One of their fastest growing off-season markets is for bridal parties, and the facility is well designed for either a girls-only afternoon or, given the increasing number of co-ed bridal parties that don’t break on traditional gender lines, a day out for brides, grooms and friends alike. For heterosexual couples or friends looking for a mini-vacation together, the co-ed sauna and steam room are also a great alternative to the standard segregation of destination spas.

The most popular treatments are Swedish and deep-tissue massages, often requested by skiers, and the seasonal body wraps. Autumn is pumpkin and they went from 4 pumpkin wraps last season to 135 this year. Spa Manager Sue Burgess is always testing new products and lines, right now including a new maple scrub. For first-time spa goers, Burgess recommends either a Swedish or hot stone massage and to specify if you have a preference for the gender of your provider. The Spa keeps from 4-12 full-time staff, depending on the season, with one male masseuse; even men tend to request a woman for treatments, Burgess noted.

One unique feature of the Spa is that each therapist has his/her own room, although in the busy season they sometimes share. Two rooms are cedar paneled and two on the second floor are larger to accommodate the needs of hot stone and Ohashiatsu massage (part of which takes place on the floor). The Ohashiatsu room is particularly beautiful, with a Japanese screen. Other rooms are in calming peach, blue and most have individual touches from the therapists, including flowers, paintings, wall hangings, or one that was decorated with wrought iron Asian calligraphy.

On my day, I was scheduled for an 80-minute stone massage with Ellen Hawk ($140) and a 50-minute European Facial with Adele Sweet ($100).

My hot stone massage treatment began face up on the table. Ellen has black and white stones, many of which she collected during travels to Maine and the Dominican Republic. Her room is decorated with Native American items and she had a very warm, welcoming and calming presence that came through in her hands as well.

The stones of varying sizes are heated in steaming water prior to the treatment. First, I sat up while she placed 6-8 stones on the table on either side of my spine in the middle of my back and two on either side of my spine in the neck (my rock pillow, she called it). It was unexpectedly comfortable to lie upon, like warm pressure points that didn’t move.

Then she laid three large flat stones on my chest and abdomen to ground my chakras. At first I felt a bit like Giles Corey The Crucible, about to call for more weight, but my body quickly adjusted to the pressure and I soon forgot about it entirely. She also placed small stones between each toe and then recovered my feet – heavenly, I don’t think that part of my body has every actually been warm before.

She moved from arm to arm, and then leg to leg with a similar process: first a smooth, moderately deep massage with her hands and warm lotion, followed by a similar motion using two more hot stones to massage. The stones were very smooth and brought a different feel to the massage than fingers, a more even pressure and of course the heat – by the time the massage was over, the room itself was almost steamy. It was a pleasant side effect because I was never cold during the massage, even when a particular part was uncovered for attention.

Ellen finished this half of the massage with my face, using small stones that made a pleasant clinking noise when they came together. The last piece was to place a small stone right between my eyes for a moment and then make a sharp, quick tap right in the middle with another stone. The noise and the sensation were startling in a good way – I felt suddenly alert and raring to go. But that was only the first half.

Ellen then removed the large flat stones, which I had completely forgotten about and they had indeed “grounded” me – when she took them off, I felt like I was going to float to the ceiling. She asked me to turn over, removed the initial back and neck stones, and continued second half of the massage face down. She placed more flat stones on my spine from neck to tailbone and repeated the same process as when I was lying face up.

However, here when she finished with my arms, she left a large, round warm stone in each hand for the remainder of the massage, which kept my fingers toasty.

My left shoulder was sore from rock climbing the day before and I was initially disappointed that the back massage was not longer or deeper. However, over the next few days I noticed an increased range of movement in all of my back, including that shoulder, that lasted longer than when other massages had focused on the knotted area. I am also a perennial victim of cold hands and feet regardless of the room temperature, but for several days after this treatment I noticed that both were significantly less cold – an unexpected gift long after I’d wished the spa and Ellen goodbye.

Next was my European Facial. I haven’t had a facial in more than 10 years and have a decidedly low-key approach to skin care, but Adele’s treatments deserve all the accolades I heard from fellow staff members on my way in. The table was heated, which made laying on it naked while she attended to my head and “décolleté” far more comfortable.

She began by dimming the lights and turning on a warm humidifier, followed by a gentle exfoliant. As each product was removed, Adele placed a warm, soft towel across my upper chest, pressed softly, then rhythmically folded each side up my face, removing the product with gently, arcing, lightly massaging strokes. Following the exfoliant, she took care of several “extractions” and then applied a series of products from the French Mary Cohr line, each with gentle but confident and professional strokes and some included a light tapping massage of her fingertips.

My favorite part was the massage of my décolleté, which involved lightly pressing my shoulders and clavicle back on the table for a wonderful open feeling quite unlike my standard writer’s hunch. As with the hot stone, the effects of this lasted for several days (right up until my next deadline). I was so relaxed in the dim, warm humid room, that I was quite surprised when Adele said she was finished – while not asleep, I had certainly lost all track of time.

I followed both treatments with a cup of hot tea in the women’s waiting area, which is decorated with white wicker furniture, candles, and white tea oil sticks that gave the room a wonderfully sweet but not overpowering aroma. After resting a bit, I headed off to the heated indoor pool for a few half-hearted laps and a quick peak into the sauna and steam rooms before surrendering to the hot tub, whose seats leave the water perfectly at neck level. In retrospect, or for the next time I venture south, I think a better schedule would start in the fitness room, followed by some laps in the pool and a sauna or steam before heading into treatments, if only to have the sensation of being so well-cared for be what sees me out the door and down the road.

The Spa offers gym, massage and facial memberships and several treatment packages in addition to ala carte items. Their winter hours are Sunday-Thursday from 9am-8pm and Friday-Saturday from 9am-9pm. Use of the gym and pool facilities are complimentary to Woods Resort guests and for anyone purchasing a Spa treatment of $50 or more; day passes can also be purchased for $20 for adults/$15 students/$5 for children under 6. Gift certificates are also available at the front desk. For more information call 802-422-3139 or visit www.SpaAtTheWoods.com.

Destination: Feel Like a Queen in the Kingdom
Stepping Stone Spa and Wellness Center, Lyndonville

Many people know the rejuvenating qualities of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom – its pristine and invigorating natural beauty alone is enough to refresh the mind and soul. But now, even the rugged Kingdom offers a getaway spot of luxurious indulgence for those hearty locals – as well as the rest of us mere mortals.

The spirit of individuality found in the Kingdom is reflected well at Stepping Stone Spa and Wellness Center. This spa is unique in Vermont for its holistic approach to the overall well-being of its guests, which continues long after the visit is over.

Part of the relaxation at Stepping Stone derives from its pastoral location. Rather than swimming pools and tennis courts, the grounds are rolling meadows, grazing pastures, and organic gardens, with the outline of Lake Willoughby’s dramatic plummeting Mt. Pisgah as the distant backdrop. All of the facilities are contained in the homey environment of an expansive old farmhouse whose interior has been gutted and modernized. The décor and furnishings are tasteful, yet consistently comfortable. In a delightfully odd way, I had a feeling of having come to stay with grandma, which was enhanced by the smiling warmth of the young women, most of them local Lyndonville natives, who comprise the majority of the staff. They are warm, hard-working young women who clearly take pride in their work and their home, and guests can’t help feeling genuinely welcomed.

This is an intimate spa facility. There are only 4 guest rooms, so at capacity there can only be less than a dozen overnight guests at a time. It’s very easy to take over the entire facility if you were to organize a girl’s spa/pajama party weekend, for example. Or, you might well find yourself with the entire place to yourself on occasion. And, that can mean entirely to yourself – at night, the only staff on duty is 500 yards away in a separate building if needed. One room, the Meadow View Suite, has its own Jacuzzi. A second onsite Jacuzzi is available for all other guests, and night owls like me can take a sauna at any time of day.

While cozy and comfortable, the facility has been designed with business people in mind, as well. An upstairs “living room” has sofas and large tables, TV, projector and screen for PowerPoint that would serve a group of family and friends as well as a group of executives needing a combination spa/business retreat.

Another common area is a book and music library. The books found here are unified in theme: they are all about how to live a healthier life, particularly through diet and nutrition, and treatments and therapies that are alternative and preventative in nature.

Part of the 650 acre Stepping Stone property is the Meadow View Farm, where grass-fed Belted Galloways graze hormone-free and fruits and vegetables are grown organically, by owner Stephen Downing’s son, Steve. Downing’s daughter and her husband, Mary and Jim O’Reilly, operate the award-winning Wildflower Inn just up the road. And Downing’s granddaughter Rachel, who grew up in Shelburne, is now chef of the Stepping Stone Café. The café, which is open to the public, offers a minimal menu but food that is tasty and nutritious, using all natural and organic foods. Ingredients come largely right from the organic gardens onsite; as does the grass-fed Beltie in the café’s Beltie Burger!

I settled in for a nice, steamy sauna first. Although the drive itself out of town began the relaxation process after a chaotic morning at work, sitting back now with closed eyes, deeply inhaling hot, moist air was, needless to say, far better than the loud, dry air blasting from the car heater. My mind can’t stop visualizing the “spectacular” Seinfeld episode when Elaine suspiciously scrutinizes some of the other women in the steam room with her, but, in my case I have one of the two saunas all to myself.

I love massages so much that I generally see no reason to get anything different. But, I thought it was time to live large, be daring, and try something new, so I opted for one of Stepping Stone’s seasonal specials, the Spiced Pumpkin Wrap ($170), offered from mid-October until around the end of November. Though this is perhaps a bit too flavorful a treatment for my taste, I certainly was game for the skin moisturizing benefits to be derived at this time of year!

Following my sauna, spa therapist Barbara Bunnell guided me to the warm and soothing treatment room and I settled in on my back on a massage table that had the wrapping material that would be pulled around me at the end of the process. This 100-minute treatment culminates in a pumpkin substance being applied to your skin – think buttery warm mashed butternut squash being spread all over you and then a wrapping is folded up around you so you are left, mummy-like, to, as it were, bake. When the process is complete, much of the pumpkin comes off when you are unwrapped – but not all. I donned my robe and gingerly stepped a few doors down to the shower and sauna, happy to know that I was not responsible for clean-up!

All of the peculiarity I felt about the pumpkin wrap, however, is eclipsed by the preparatory phase of the treatment preceding the pumpkin application. Barbara applied a Vermont maple sugar exfoliating body polish. Sound sticky and gritty? No, it was heavenly. She skillfully rubbed the substance in expert, circular movements so that while the texture of the polish did its exfoliating thing to the skin, the massaging pressure of her hands left my body tingling and pulsing with happy, happy pleasure. Stepping Stone touts their maple sugar body polish (which is available by itself as an hour-long treatment for $85) as “an unforgettable experience!” – and, they’re right, it is. Sign me up for another one.

A relaxed dinner at the neighboring Wildflower Inn was next. My affable server grinned knowingly when I asked what glass of white from her wine list would pair well with pumpkin – she promptly returned with a wonderful choice. The Wildflower Inn offers an excellent menu, and so many items sounded great but I couldn’t help be drawn to, of all things, the Shepherds Pie. Comprised of roasted parsnips and beef from the same Steve Downing’s neighboring Beltie herd, it was scrumptious. Vegetarians have no fear – the menu will pose tough decisions for you to make, too.

Returning to my room at Stepping Stone from the bitter cold night air, I went straight for the Jacuzzi and lolled around for over an hour, maybe two – I was paying no heed to time at this point. The Jacuzzi jets went off and all that was audible was the distant howling of the wind whipping through the Kingdom. But all I had to do was dry off, take a few steps and curl up in my big cozy bed. I fought for a while to stay awake so I could gaze at the spectacularly bright stars against the ebony sky, but it was futile – the Stepping Stone magic was getting the best of me. I slept fantastically well. Too well, in fact, for I forgot to set my alarm and almost overslept for my morning massage and facial!

Fortunately I had time to have breakfast from the café. I will tell you that I had yogurt, fruit and granola and you’ll wonder why I bother to mention it. It’s because I’ve never had yogurt, fruit and granola that ever tasted as delicious. I would have had a second (or third) round but it was time for more pampering.

I like a deep, wince-inducing massage. There are gremlins in these muscles that need to be dealt with harshly or they just won’t get the message they’ve been served eviction notice. And so, I was a little disappointed to see that my massage, too, would be given by Barbara, for she is a “wisp-of-a-girl” as my mother would have called her. I told Barbara that I really needed not to be treated with kid gloves – and did she ever come through! That wisp-of-a-girl has an excellent, deep technique that had those kinks screaming for mercy. In contrast, my facial treatment was gentle and rejuvenating – just what this nearing-another-birthday-soon mug needed just about now!

For more information call toll-free 866-626-3104 or visit www steppingstonespa.com.

Your Day: Treated Like a Queen in the Queen City
Stephen & Burns Aveda Spa and Salon, Church Street Marketplace, Burlington

Stephen & Burns is a kind of sacred sanctuary located right on the Church Street Marketplace. You can drop by after a day of shopping, leaving the crowded streets and in minutes choose from a number of luscious treatments that will leave you revived and renewed for days after. What a gift to yourself!

Harried and weary, I arrived, mid-day and 10 minutes late. Upon entering, I was pleasantly greeted and immediately soothed by the dramatic design and warm décor. Soon I was escorted upstairs and into a beautifully renovated room with exposed brick ceilings, soft lights and music for relaxing a few minutes – prior to receiving a wonderful massage followed by a superior facial.

My massage, Caribbean Therapy, was described as “a full body exfoliations, warming herbal masque and rejuvenating massage with the aromas and peace of the islands”. My therapist, Lara, provided an intense massage leaving me relaxed and ready for my first facial in years.

For 90 minutes my customized facial was expertly done by the accomplished esthetician Ewa, who, after a full skin analysis, scrubbed, moisturized, and softened my face with specially selected products, followed by a little squeezing and steaming. She also massaged my head and feet, tucking me in with warm towels. I was astonished at how fast the time went by as I left feeling truly cared for with a sense of vital renewal. I swear I left looking ten years younger; at least, that’s how I felt!

I was delighted to discover how easy and convenient a day spa experience turned out to be. The best part was how renewed I felt in just a few minutes of treatment time. It was especially gratifying to know that I can access these services without the planning and travel time relating to checking into a resort spa. My intention is to go to a day spa at least twice a month. After all I’m worth it.

Stephen and Burns Aveda Spa and Salon: A full service salon including: Hair services, Hair removal services, Make-up and Nail services. A day spa offering; customized facials. For more information: (802)865-4766 or visit www.stephenandburns.com.

Your Day: Fly Me to the Moon!
Moon Studio Color and Hair, Shelburne

Moon Studio Day spa is foremost a hair salon, but that seems a plebian term to describe the mission of these women to make their clients look and feel beautiful, and to have their clients leaving the studio feeling refreshed and relaxed. Co-owner Jennifer Goslovich likes to say that it starts with what you see in the mirror – “If you look good, then you feel good.” Her styles seek to provide good basic shaping for the clients’ features, so that they don’t need a lot of fussing to get a great look. She also wants her clients to be healthy so that they can take care of themselves; the spa services are thus designed to give clients the support and relief from daily life that they need.

Goslovich and Candace Carson Hoffman opened the studio just over six years ago, as part of the former Shelburne Athletic Club. Having met when they worked together at Stephens & Burns in Burlington, the two decided to strike out on their own. Two years later, they moved their studio across the sidewalk to its current space, located at the former Jelly Mill Common.

The front of the studio seems small, with four or five chairs and two sinks, but the space is used well and I never felt crowded. The colors are intense reds, burgundy, orange, and purple towards the back and there is a curtain that can be lowered to give more privacy to the hall and back rooms where the spa treatments are given. The receptionist welcomed me into the waiting room and offered me a cup of hot tea while I perused the magazines and local jewelry and artwork on display.

The back of the studio has rooms for massage, manicure/pedicure, waxing and facials, as well as a bathroom. The space has the advantage of almost no walls through which to hear the noise of neighbors; it was quiet and was very uncrowded during my visit.

I opted for the 90 minute facial treatment “Tranquility” with Melissa Wilkins, adding waxing and eye massage while I was there. Tranquility is a customized facial that beings with a foot scrub followed by a skin analysis in order to tailor the treatment to the client’s specific needs. A deep cleanser is followed by the application of two different masks, followed by a lip buff treatment and full body massage. My facial was customized for dry skin and Melissa felt that the skin around my eyes needed some remedial work, as well.

The foot massage combined with a scrub and moisturizing combination set a great tone for the upper bodywork that followed. Throughout the facial, music played, some of which combined in funny ways with the treatment. For example, Melissa sprayed a product into the air so that it rained down on me in a mist. This, combined with rain forest music, felt funny in a wintry Vermont. These mists and all the lotions had lovely and unique scents and Melissa was sensitive to working with me on accommodating any I didn’t like, as well as accommodating a sensitive area in one shoulder once I mentioned it.

She is a master at applying products to your shoulders, neck and face with a brush. The brush flows around in wonderful swirls creating a soothing and relaxing rhythm. Because of the condition of the skin around my eyes, she decided to do an eye massage, which was quite magical. The touch required to make a patient comfortable with someone else touching your eye is difficult to achieve. I was amazed at how pleasurable this part of the treatment was. With gentle pats and smoothing strokes, she made my eyes feel cared for, the way the rest of my body feels from a regular massage.

Throughout, Melissa was conscious of my comfort and giving value during the treatment. She examined my skin and took care of a few pore issues she found. She also offered to mix up a moisturizer to be used twice a day that would be tailored to the needs of my particular skin. I might have to try this. As a little extra, she waxed my chin, explaining why waxing is superior and describing the process and product.

The table/ chair was contoured to my body so that I felt completely supported and able to relax. I was covered and Melissa provided a number of options for the state of undress under the covers to make me more comfortable. Since I was moving on to a full table massage, it seemed pointless to be modest during the facial.

Tranquility was followed by a 90 minute table massage with Catie Coleman, who described her technique as based on Swedish massages but influence by a fusion of what she was learned in traveling the world, most recently spending a year in Thailand. It was easy to see how this engaging woman would blend in not only the technique she learns in far away places, but also her enjoyment of the people and cultures that she is experiencing.

She likes to use a lot of different essential oils during the massage and incorporates these in specific ways depending upon the condition of your skin and the flow and timing of the massage. One scent I asked about turned out to be a wonderful herb from Madagascar. Fresh and spring-like, it smelled faintly of mint, chamomile and something I couldn’t identify.

She won me over completely by having a plate with three huge and beautiful strawberries accompanied by a special cleansing tea waiting for me when I came in after my facial. Next to this beautiful plate was a large bottle of water from Fiji.

The massage was wonderful and helped to work on a shoulder issue and the neck trauma from a car accident I was in this fall. She was sensitive to these areas and I left feeling cared for and better than when I entered. Even a day later, my shoulders were much more relaxed and in better balance than before.

For more information contact Moon Studio at 802-985-9949.

Your Day: It’s Not a Mirage!
Oasis Day Spa, Williston

Williston is not generally anyone’s idea of a refuge, relief, or pleasant change from what is usual, annoying, and difficult, but Stephanie and Jeff Paquette defy expectations with their conveniently located and locally oriented Oasis Day Spa. In their seventh year at this location in a local shopping plaza, the Paquettes are a third generation Vermont salon family.

One notable element for this day spa was their attention to warmth – treatment tables had heated services, heated towels were used, and the room temperatures were very cozy. All products are from Keyano, a natural line that is not too heavily perfumed.

I opted for the 30-minute hydrotherapy ($55), an extremely relaxing dip in a deep hot tub with excellent jet pressure while receiving a scalp massage, alternating with hand-held water massage unit operated by therapist. Either Dead Sea Salts or Seaweed are added to water for nourishing and toning the skin; the treatment is billed as promoting detoxification and reducing cellulite. But aside from the health claims, the pleasure factor was high.

The hydrotherapy was followed by a 60-minute massage ($75) in a very quiet and warm room and an anti-aging facial ($80). The esthetician was pleasant and low-key and blessedly lacking in a big pitch for products. The facial included a wonderful head and neck massage during the steaming and mask time, and my skin looked fantastic after a seaweed mask with a an anti-oxidant serum.

I finished my pampering with a hair wash and deep conditioning and styling with Jeff, which was great fun.

The coffee was delightful and lemon water was readily available in the spa area. Some packages include breakfast or lunch catered by the nearby Chef’s Corner, owned by a pair of NECI instructors.

In addition to a variety of day spa services, Oasis is also a full-service hair salon and also offers complete makeup service and a variety of bridal party packages with the works.

Stephanie chose the word “pampering” in the attention to detail they provide. The atmosphere was low-key, warm and all the staff introduced themselves and their service, and settled me happily in the lounge with a beverage while the next service provider is fetched.

The spa clearly states its tipping policy in the treatment brochure, suggesting 15-20 percent if client is so inclined, not a requirement. Gratuities can be left at front desk after the package, but Stephanie mentioned that experienced spa-goers load up the pocket of their robe before locking away their handbags, and look after each service provider as desired.

For more information on Oasis Day Spa, call 802-879-9499 or visit vermontoasisdayspa.com. They are open on Mondays from 9am-4pm and Tuesday-Saturday from 8:30-7:00pm.

Reports contributed by Vermont Woman staff.