By: Amanda Held
Posted In: Entertainment
Photo credit: Amanda Held
Theeta Crumby, an employee at Sally Beauty Supply, believes there are inexpensive ways to pamper yourself
Photo credit: Amanda Held
Pam Demello relaxes in at Oasis Salon and Spa in Middletown
Photo credit: Amanda Held
Charlotte Michael is the spa director of the Stillwater Spa at the Hyatt Hotel
NEWPORT, R.I. – In today’s fast-paced world, it is hard to find time to relax. Running to a job, picking up children, or an overload of school work are just a few responsibilities that have made stress a constant factor in our lives.
As a result, people must find ways to de-stress and relax. One option is to treat yourself to a day at the spa. If you chose to do so, Newport has a variety of options available. One of these options includes the Stillwater Spa located inside the Hyatt Hotel. Charlotte Michael, spa director, believes that the main reason people visit the spa is to take a break from their hectic lives. “In today’s world people are always so busy, running in all different directions. They don’t have the same opportunity to connect with family and friends as they did once before.” Michael said. Many mothers, daughters and sisters have begun visiting the spa. Michael believes they are using the spa as a means to reconnect with one another. Michael refers to a day at the spa as a “great mental health break.” She feels that people view it as a “luxury”. It is a break from all of the high speed technologies, which according to Michael, are the reason for lack of human contact in our lives. She feels we need to bring this contact back and going to the spa helps achieve this goal. “You have someone taking care of you as opposed to you being the caretaker and this is something we all need,” Michael said. This type of care and comfort is something that Michael assures her spa can provide. One reason for this is her staff. The bulk of the staff has been working at the spa for at least four years while several others have been there since the opening seven years ago. “They are very talented and nurturing,” Michael said, “I am very fortunate to work with people like them.” In addition to this, the atmosphere of the spa is very peaceful and inviting which according to Michael makes for a “good first-time user spa.” At the spa, there are a number of treatments available. In order to help choose what’s right for the customer, Michael says that she and her staff try to anticipate what the guests need before they ask for help. Facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, hair treatments and massage therapy are among the list to choose from. Because Stillwater Spa is located on the waterfront, they use many marine based products in their treatments. This is especially true for their body wraps and exfoliating treatments. If preferred, it is even possible to get all of these options in one with a purchase of a special spa package. If money is an issue, than a simple manicure is best for around $30 or try an eyelash tint for $25. Spas aren’t just for the ladies either. Pam Demello, 10-year owner and hair stylist at Oasis Salon and Spa in Middletown, says that one-fourth of her customers are male, many of whom aren’t shy about getting a manicure or pedicure. She says the remaining customers come in a variety. They range from young children to college students and professional women. Also at Oasis Salon and Spa, an instructional massage class is offered. Demello says due to this, she gets many couples along with husbands and wives as well. Many of these spa treatments can be pricy. An easy solution is to create an at home spa. Theeta Crumby, an employee at Sally Beauty Supply insists that this is an easy and affordable option. According to Crumby, “You could spend up to $50 to $100 in one sitting at the spa but here at Sally Beauty Supply that is cut down by at least 50 percent.” Crumby uses many of these products herself. Her favorite is any product containing lavender. Although lavender has been known to help relieve stress, Crumby believes that ultimately, personal preference matters the most. It is whatever product you enjoy. According to Crumby the choice depends on “whatever helps you relax.” Sally Beauty Supply offers an array of products. They have a number of body treatments including organic/herbal exfoliating scrubs starting at $4.99. For an even cheaper cost, the body polisher salt glow is offered for just $1.99. Aromatherapy Spa Collection of stress relief creams are also popular, each starting at $6.99. One Minute Pedicure Salt Glow and inflatable bath allow for a quick and easy pedicure. Spa Essential paraffin strips are available and according to Crumby these are, “the equivalent to a foot wax at the spa.” These waxes are offered in a variety of aromatherapy scents some of which include lavender, eucalyptus, and vanilla. All of these waxes may be used on the legs and the body as well. Sally Beauty Supply has face, hair and nails covered too. Pumice stones soften the hands so that the Acrylic Pro Manicure Kits that are available may be put to use. A variety of herbal shampoos and soaps are available and brand name salon shampoos are carried too. A quick and easy peel off facial mask containing Vitamin -E and tea tree oil costs only $1.99 and there is also the more expensive two-step facial peel available for $25.00. In addition to low costs, all of these products can be used right at home. Best of all, “It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or customer, these products are for everybody,” Cromby said. No matter who you are or where you decide to go, everyone deserves a day of pampering. Pam Demello of Oasis Salon and Spa said it best, “It just feels good and leads to less stress, two things that are very important, especially in today’s world.”
