A Day at the Essex Spa

I turned 40 a few weeks ago.  As this very large number approached, I had various ideas about how I was going to celebrate.  I wasn’t sure if I wanted to have a huge party to tell the world that I’ve hit such a milestone.  Or if wanted to keep it on the low and just accept that I turned 40, then move on.  I decided to spend some time with myself and splurge on some spa treatments.  I had never tried the spa at the Essex, who just won a Seven Daysie for Best Spa in Chittenden County.  So I made an appointment for a hot stone massage (one on my favorite spa treatments!) and a pedicure.

Entrance

After dropping the kids off at the sitter, I had an Ah! moment when I realized that I’m now 40…and kid less  for a few hours!  As I walked  through the front door of the spa, all my anxiety about turning 40 was swept away.  I felt immediately relaxed.  As the receptionist led me into the the women’s changing and lounging area, I couldn’t wait to get out of my clothes to slip on a white fluffy bathrobe!

Changing area

The locker room area has everything available to guests.  The changing area offers lockers that lock with a digital combination, spacious changing cabins and extra towels.   There are also showers, furnished with shower gel and shampoo.  And if you need body lotion,  a hair dryer or hair spray, that’s also available.  These little extras elevate the Essex Spa to another level. You can also find other amenities such as a steam room and sauna for complete relaxation!

Women lounge area

The waiting area offers comfortable lounging chairs with a fireplace.  I happened to be there on a very hot July day and the fireplace seemed to be throwing some unwanted heat my way.  I found the temperature in the waiting area to be a little uncomfortable, but would be greatly appreciated on a cold day in January.  As I waited for my therapist to come fetch me for my hot stone massage, I read one of the numerous magazines provided.  There is also a selection of herbal tea, water, fruit and this yummy trail mix made by the Essex.

It was time for my massage and Meagan, my therapist, led me upstairs to a room where I felt immediately at ease.  I’m fairly picky with treatment rooms.  Some spas put a lot of money into the facilities but often forget to make the treatment rooms feel inviting.  I’ve had massages in treatment rooms that were too bright, too cold, looked slightly dingy or didn’t drown the noise out from the hallway.  The Essex Spa is barely over a year old and the feel of the spa is translated into their treatment rooms.  Obviously, everything still looks new but there’s also a sense of balance that helps you relax.  The lights are dimmed, the massage table has coordinating linens that are soft and the music is at the perfect level.

My hot stone massage was amazing, partly because I felt so comfortable in my environment.  Meagan spent a good amount of time using the stones, but added some deep tissue massaging that she felt  I needed.  Overall, my 80 minute treatment left me a bit like putty.  I’m a big fan of hot stone massages and this one was far superior than others I’ve had in the past.

Relaxation area

Once my massage was over, Meagan led me to a quiet relaxation room where I lay for a while with a warm blanket.  This relaxation room is an intermediate, quiet area where you can relax before returning to the main waiting area in the Women’s lounge.  The relaxation room is next to a social area, which also has a fireplace.  The social area, located upstairs, is a good place for a group to have lunch or socialize.  It’s also a common meeting ground if you are attending the spa with your male partner.

I ordered lunch from the restaurant menu.  There are two menus available for lunch: the one I picked from which offers sandwiches and burgers.  Or the healthier Bento Box menu.  The Bento Box is a Japanese-style lunch with a choice of protein and four sides.  The smoked salmon wrap from the restaurant menu sounded very appealing.  When it arrived, the wrap was filled with delicious piles of smoked salmon and was served with a side salad.

Smoked salmon wrap

After lunch, it was time for my pedicure.  My feet were in pretty bad shape.  I have been walking around in flip flops or barefooted for most of the summer.  My chipped nail polish gave away the amount of time that had elapsed since my last pedicure.  I made Erin, who gave me the pedicure, work hard that day!  The pedicure chairs are located in the full-service hair salon.  The zero-gravity chairs are comfortable, but don’t have an integrated massager.  Bummer, I really like those!  Unfortunately, the Essex Spa does not offer a deluxe pedicure with heel treatment, which is what I really needed.  I left with beautiful coral-colored toes and smooth heels!

After my pedicure, I had time to try the steam room before I had to head out to continue my birthday celebration.  This was a great day to spend a turning point in my life.  It was memorable and was the perfect mini mom vacation!  If you want to try out the Essex Spa, look out for Vermonter days where Vermonters get 40% off treatments.  These special days are usually posted on their Facebook Page.  All groups booked through the Moms on Vacation will also get 20% off at the spa.  So contact us to book your mom vacation at the Essex now!

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