Amara Day Spa in Summerland

Amara Day Spa and Salon is pleased to announce the addition of Katy Johnson. Katy will be providing specialized esthetician services using natural products by Pure Necessities. She will be focused on developing clientele who are interested in organic and spa services that are designed for good health and well being. Katy can be reached at the Amara Day Spa and Salon at 969-4874!

Good luck Katy (my fellow esthesista!:)

Day Spa Business Location Available

Cielo Spa, a professional day Spa in Santa Barbara, has a treatment room for rent. This room space is approximately 80 square feet (8' x 10') and is ideal for use by a licensed Massage Therapist, Acupuncturist or other healing service provider, suitable for a Day Spa setting. Cielo Spa has been featured in "Your Wedding Day Magazine" Cielo's owner Roxanne (a licensed massage therapist and Esthetician of 7 years) has owned and operated Cielo Spa for nearly two years at this prime State Street location. Cielo Spa is featured at http://cielospasb.com. You are welcome to view the website for site location and pictures. This spa setting is ideal for an independent contractor with expereince and an established clientele. Convenient, designated, offstreet parking is availabale for clients of Cielo Spa. Serious inquires only please. Contact Roxanne at (805) 687-8979 or email at Roxanne@cielospasb .com 1725 State Street suite at Valerio Street
Location: 1725 State Street Suite
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

Thai Massage

I had a wonderful experience recently -- I got a Thai massage for the first time. I had an idea of what to expect, but it was better than what I imagined. A woman named Paretawan was my massage therapist; she works with Jacque through Montecito Body Works. I received the traditional Thai Folk massage which incorporates massage and stretching by the therapist using her hands, elbows, knees and feet. I have to admit, when I first saw a simple set up -- a blanket on the floor, with a little pillow, I was wondering how relaxed I would be laying there for 90 minutes. And unlike a traditional massage, with Thai massage clothes stay on -- be advised where loose clothes such as yoga pants and a t-shirt. The simplicity and sincerity of the technique of this massage were so relaxing and healing.

Paretawan's movements made me visualize my body as taffy, being stretched and pulled to loosen up my muscles and tension. Each unique movement had a purpose and most of the massage was intentional acupressure. I was amazed at how many movements there were for each part of my body -- I just kept thinking that she had to memorize all of those techniques!

I LOVED this massage!!!! Paretawan also offers a Thai foot massage and a Thai Herbal Massage where hot herb bundles are applied to the body. I would love to hear from you if you have also experienced a Thai massage. Contact Montecito Bodyworks if you want to make an appointment with Paretawan. Prices are $120 for 90 minutes and $145 for 2 hours.

Paretawan studied Thai massage at the Wat Po Traditional Medical School in Bangkok, Thailand. She also has her massage tech license. She works through Montecito Bodyworks and also does house calls. If you usually indulge in a traditional aromatherapy massage, or deep tissue or hot stone, I recommend trying something a little different -- try a Thai massage next time you treat yourself!

Congrats to Spa Defined Member Jacque Jackson

I would like to congratulate Jacque Jackson of Montecito Body Works for her new position as an instructor for Santa Barbara Business College. Jacque is teaching "Massage Theory and Practice" and has also been named Clinical Manager for SB! Congrats Jacque on your new position -- your students have a great instructor!

Watch Oprah Tomorrow!!!

My favorite author, Elizabeth Gilbert, will be on Oprah tomorrow talking about her book "Eat, Pray, Love"! This book is so wonderful and inspiring and I think is the next best thing to actually traveling! This book was recommended to me the day before I left for Italy last February and it was like therapy for me the first two weeks I was in Italy suffering from culture shock ... okay, then I got over my culture shock and thoroughly enjoyed and indulged the next three months in Tuscany!!! If you can't wisk away to Italy ... then read this book -- it will inspire you in some way! Okay ... so what does this have to do with "Spa Health" ... well, like many women, this author was in search of self, solitude and fulfillment and I ultimately believe that spa health is finding this inner balance and health. So there you have it! Watch Oprah tomorrow, read the book, go to Italy ... oh and read about my Italian adventures on Spa Defined

*SPA REVIEW FOR CIELO SPA*

I received the following email from a very happy client who received a facial by Roxanne at Cielo. Here's her thoughts on the experience:

After not having a real esthetician facial in five years (slapping on various mud masks over the years didn't count!), I was in for a treat to have the Organic Facial by Roxanne at Cielo Spa. Having already gone to her for eye lash tinting and waxing - I knew I would be in good hands. Literally since she includes wonderful hand/arm massages with her some of her treatments. The facial was no exception. Using a new line from Portland, Oregon called Talulah which is hand made by a staff of ten - my skin was soon going to be 'revealed'.

The Geranium Sap Cleanser was the perfect means to remove the sweat and stress from my face after a day of work. A little Orange Blossom Toner set the stage for one of several masks in which I would be resisting the urge to fall asleep under her fingertips. The Raw Honey Mask has a bit of brown sugar in order to give it texture. She applied some Black Currant Lip Balm & Luna Undereye Cream before putting me under the facial steamer while giving me a shoulder, neck and upper back massage. Extractions were next and after the mask and steaming it sure felt like my face was ready to let go of various black heads and milia. The next treatment was the La Crema Mask which is made with Rose blossoms and Avocado. Roxanne really took her time with this facial and I found it more relaxing then most massages that I have had. The big surprise was at the end when I looked in the mirror and I wasn't red! I have very fair skin and after my at home masks - I am usually not fit to be seen in public for at least an hour but I was ready to waltz out of the salon with my fresh dewy skin for the evening.

Besides the wonderful Talulah products used, I felt that Roxanne was actually reading my skin and using the products to benefit my skin. I've had other facials where it just seemed they were following the spa menu of items guaranteed in the service without really noticing how the skin responds. This facial was different and I came away feeling like I had just indulged in something very luxurious and decadent. Sincerely, Anna