we love the spa...

For my birthday this past year (Dec. 9th) my sister Justyna and her husband Mike got me a gift certificate to a spa... the Elmwood Spa to be exact. Neither Jay nor I have ever been. This place has quite the spa etiquette to follow, it was outlined in the little booklet that came with the certificate. Cancellation must be given 48h in advance....

I had a very hard time deciding on my treatment. Eventually Jay and I came to a conclusion that there are two things in life we don't want to do without, pedicures and waxing. So instead of spending the whole gift on myself, we went together, Jay for a pedi and I for some hair removal. We viewed it as a test, if the spa succeeds in satisfying our basic requirements we will most likely be back and may even try other treatments.

Well, the spa is amazing (or maybe we were overcome by the grandeur of the place). Upon check in you exchange your coat for a token, and receive a print out of your itinerary, which lists treatment type, time (if more than one), room, and the first name of your specialist.

Elmwood spa takes up a whole building I think. First we went up to the second floor to change. Jay just slipped on a pair of slippers and I put on one of the most luxurious robes, I swear this thing is lined with a towel, and a pair of flip flops as well. The girls change room has an attendant who gives out the robes and instructs you in programming the lock on your locker. It also has a steam room, a wonderful whirlpool (as pictured), and stations to fix yourself up at. I'm sure it has showers as well, but I had no need to see them this time around.

Then I was off to the 3rd floor and Jay all the way to lower level. The elevator opened up on my floor I stepped out, and waiting at his podium was a spa maitre'd... I don't know he was dressed in a butler type of a suit. He looked over my itinerary, showed me to a waiting area, offered me water or tea... was so extremely refined (wish my cactus legs weren't showing when I sat down)...

My treatment went smoothly if not totally painlessly :). She was very personable and experienced.

Jay was very pleased with his pedicure and obviously had a much more relaxing experience than me... this place passed the initial tryout... I don't know why we've never been there before, but we'll definitely be back. Next time around maybe for a couples experience...

Thank you Justyna and Mike.