Spa Heaven at Stone House Inn
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
When I drive up to the picturesque Stone House 1854 on Sakonnet Point in Little Compton, I am greeted with a friendly, “Hello, are you Becky? We’ve been expecting you.” Wow, I’m already floored. I could get used to being recognized, expected and taken care of!
As I get out of my car, I am blown away by the vast “stone house” and the ocean just beyond. I feel as though I have entered an ethereal land filled with oceans and pampering... and this is just outside. Anya, who I will come to know as my magical massage therapist, greets me. I already feel at home.
To begin, I was given a tour of the tranquil, inviting space - each treatment suite contains a steam shower, deep-soaking tub, and personal changing area. Perfect. Then it was spa time! Before even removing a stitch of clothing, I was handing over all my crucial personal and physical information to the unobtrusive Anya (See “How to be a Spa Client” below for further details).
Stone House offers an excellent menu of services, including Marine and Ayurvedic facials, Tantric couples massage, and creative wraps, buffs, and other body treatments. My massage was simple, elegant, and incredibly relaxing. I appreciated the quiet and the time to be with my thoughts, present in that moment. The hour flew by and I rose feeling at ease, well taken care of and most of all, stress free.
Next I lunched on fresh arugula salad made by the chef at Stone House 1854 while my pedicure commenced. Soak, salts, buff, massage, paint…a perfect 10 pedi!
The best thing about Stone House 1854 spa, other than the stellar services, is the energy and atmosphere. I have visited many spas over the years and found this particular space to be inviting and calming without any pretention or show. How very Rhode Island, how incredibly Little Compton, and how worth the trip from any corner of the state. Don't miss your chance.GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
How to be a Spa Client
It never occurred to me until today, when my massage therapist Anya asked me several questions, that many of us are not sure how to be a spa client. It sounds silly but how often do we go to the spa? If we are lucky, once a month; for many, once a year. I wanted to provide you with a little tutorial on spa etiquette to make your visit that much more enjoyable.
1. Speak Up: You are paying for your spa service so be sure to communicate what you want from the experience. Anya asked me several questions including allergies, particular scents I enjoyed, any health issues I have and any particular places on my body that required more or less work. My answers helped guide her to custom design my massage which led to a positive experience for both of us. When you are at the spa, it is about you, so be sure to tell your service provider (nicely!) what you are looking for and what you hope to achieve through your service.
2. Be on Time: Arriving at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled service time allows you to get settled and adjust to ‘spa mode.’ Spas run on tight schedules so it is important to arrive early so that your service(s) may start right on time to avoid delays for you or the guest after you.
3. Be Comfortable: Don’t want to get naked for a massage? It is up to you. Prefer not to have hot towels over your face during a facial? Simply tell your facialist. The spa and its staff want you to feel comfortable so do what you feel and trust.
4. If You See Something, Say Something (Now): There is nothing worse than a negative spa experience but you need to say something to the manager right then and there so they can rectify the situation. When people have a negative experience and say nothing then hem and haw to their friends “don’t ever go there, it’s awful!” the spa never gets a chance to fix it or even become aware of the problem. It does not need to be confrontational, but if you are anything less than happy, speak with the manager.
5. Get Tipsy: Tipping is expected and encouraged when visiting a spa and is not included in the spa service price. Typical tips are 18%-20% of the service price, more if you feel it is deserved.
The Spa at Stone House, 122 Sakonnet Point Rd, Little Compton, 635-2222; for spa menu and more information go here. Want to hear Becky dish about spa etiquette and Stone House on LiteRock 105 with Heather Gersten? Catch the podcast here.
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