Health & Beauty | Beauty: Places

What woman doesn’t enjoy a few hours of “me time” at a day spa? Sometimes it can be just the ticket to recharging the batteries when the stress of day-to-day life gets to be too much. I have found an amazing spa right in the middle of Suffolk that I know you will want to try out.

The big modern building did nothing to prepare me for what was in store when I entered The Spa at St. Tropez in Port Jefferson. The reception area is dimly lit and so cozy, keeping with the elegant decor and relaxing atmosphere. Once I was checked in, I was led to a changing room with lockers, where I got myself ready in a plush white robe and flip-flops.

A favorite touch was the Relaxation Room, which offered soothing music, deep soft couches, fruit and hot and cold liquid refreshment. After ten minutes or so of decompressing from the outside world, I was greeted by Paula, the massage therapist, who led me into a lovely treatment room. I adore heated tables, and I have no idea why so many tony spas don’t offer them. Here, however, the table was heated to perfection and dressed in ultra-soft linens. Paula gave me a massage that was a mix of Swedish and deep tissue, starting out with medium pressure until she had a good feel for my preference. She spent a little extra time on my head and face, which suited me just fine. I nearly fell asleep!

After the massage, Paula showed me to a small room where a delicious lunch was waiting. I nestled into a comfy wingback chair and enjoyed a white-meat chicken salad wrap, yummy salad, and a tall glass of iced green tea. Then it was back to the Relaxation Room, where I sipped a cup of hot orange spice herbal tea. It was the perfect time and place for a nap, but Patti appeared to guide me to another treatment room. After determining that my skin needed some serious hydration, she gave me the Spa’s Signature Facial with Cures products by Avance. Patti was especially skilled in head and face massage (these body parts got plenty of attention this day), and I actually did fall asleep! Ever wake yourself up snoring during a facial? Embarrassing! But I was so relaxed and sleepy. And the best part was the way my skin looked when she finished. My skin looked amazing, and held onto that glow for a couple of days. That’s really what you’re looking for when you’re shopping for a good aesthetician, and I highly recommend Patti’s work.

The Spa at St. Tropez is woman-owned and has been in business for 25 years, and clients reap the benefits of their high standards in employees. Check out their website at http://www.spatropez.com.