Review- The Spa of Essex- Essex, Conn. (28 out of 30)

I have been to Spa's and Massage Therapists across the world, from Prague to Miami, Tampa, New York and Boston, Old Saybrook and New London, Newport and Cape Cod and so on... and I finally found out about The Spa of Essex via a simple Sunday tour this past summer. Located in an earlier nursing home on South Main Street in Essex, Connecticut an 18th and early 19th Century shipbuilding village along the banks of the Connecticut River, The Spa of Essex offers something to year round, weekend and summer tourists/residents alike that they have not yet had the pleasure of at least in greater Essex before, a true spa.

I originally had hoped to book the "special" via the venerable Griswold Inn on Main Street that offered a room and a 25 dollar discount towards The Spa of Essex but that ran out in mid December. Not to be denied of a day of pampering I first emailed (and received a relative quick response) then called on the spa (by stopping in) for an hours massage to help soothe those sore "sat on the airplane" muscles. Upon entering one is greeted by the smile of one of the employees and an atmosphere that "screams" for relaxation. Decorated with earthy tones, soft lines and furniture to match this would appear to be nirvana in the heart of "suburban" Essex and South Main Street. Upon reviewing their most impressive assortment (including various peels, wet room services and more) of services available opted for the 90 minute classic (Swedish) massage.

When returning for my massage, again greeted this time by the same person who remembered my name my jacket was taken and I was led through a maze of "pampering" rooms all handsomely done with fireplaces to the men's locker room. In the men's locker room my jacket rested on a coat rack, my locker was ready, fireplace and two soft chairs calling for me. The sink area was filled with various grooming items, towels soft to the touch, carpet as soft and nicely done tiles. Shower area was private and warm as well.

The massage began after a few seconds wait, my masseuse a friendly woman showed me the room that was playing soft relaxing sounds of some various "relaxation spa artist" which further tranquilized me into relaxing those sore muscles.

The massage a full 90 minutes filled with some small talk initiated on my part I would believe and I understand that one either says nothing at all or can speak freely with the masseuse. I like a mixture as I truly believe the masseuse is more comfortable knowing you are a friendly face and looking to truly enjoy the experience. After the 90 minutes of medium pressure massage was complete I was shown to the "relaxation room" which was a large room, lit with soft lighting, large comfortable chairs and foot rests, a fire place and warm beach type towels to keep you warm. The masseuse said "we have several clients who usually sleep in here as well"... this I could believe after sitting down for a minute. The most comfortable chairs and atmosphere known to this person so far.  After a short rest I finished, changed and returned to the lobby, engaged in some small talk and left relaxed and happy. With this in mind I decided to book the men's facial which was a 60 minute pampering of the face and body for another day.

Upon returning I was again greeted by the happy and most friendly face, shown to the dressing room, returned and enjoyed a nice full 60 minute facial, upper body relaxation and lower body massage (soft touch). I have had facials before and this ranks near the top. Facials having become more commonplace for men are another great form of "relaxation" and the after glow of feeling "great" I like to say. After the facial I again enjoyed the relaxation room, clothed and then was wished a happy and safe return to my home. I left The Spa of Essex with a smile each time thus accomplishing my goals. I have been to far too many Spa's where one leaves thinking "what the heck was that!"... but this is not the case. The value was good and their "menu" was second to none, more similar (or better) to those of the well known Spa's of the world. Maybe a but pricey for some looking for a quick massage, perhaps a Thai style massage or the facial available at any "mall spa" but all in all a great investment.

The Spa of Essex offers a lunch and dinner menu created by the chefs at The Griswold Inn just minutes away and could be a nice treat for the end of your spa visit. I recommend The Spa of Essex to all interested in pampering themselves... men and women alike!



RATINGS KEY:
SCALE:1-Low/Check out other places, 3 "ok" to 5-Highly Recommended

Experience

                                                                

Facilities	5
Variety of Services	5
Quality of Service	4
Atmosphere	5
Location	5
Value	4

Summary

All in all an excellent overall experience and upon highly recommending The Spa of Essex I look forward to visiting again.

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