09/10/09

Great Environment

by SeattleSunshine

I first went to Amai Day Spa (when it was called Ronna Lane) when my aunt took me for a facial as a high school grad gift. Ever since I have been going for the custom facial 2-3 times a year. One of the owners, Brian, who is usually at the front desk recognizes me when I walk in and offers me something to drink (they usually have water, tea, and juice), and then directs me to the relaxation area. The relaxation area is a waiting room with nice chairs and a couch, magazines, and soft music that over looks a few shops of Country Village from the 2nd story (from the outside the waiting area looks like a turret).

After a few minutes I'm greeted by my facialist for the day (which is usually Marina), who takes me back into my treatment room and leaves me for a few minutes to change out of my clothes and into the provided wrap and get comfortable. The treatment rooms for facials are private, with dim lighting and relaxing music. If the lighting or volume of the music bothers you they are happy to adjust it for you. The rooms are neither too hot or too cold; I once went during the Summer when it was really hot, and Marina left the window open so it wouldn't get too hot and stuffy during my facial. The only time it was cool was when I went in for a facial in the morning the first day they were open after a few days of being closed during Christmas. Marina advised me I may want to leave my sweats on that time since it was a bit cool, and she even brought me a hot paraffin wrap for my hands (at no charge) since it was so cool.

The custom facial is everything that the treatment description on their website says it is. First Marina will look at my skin under a magnifyer to determine what I will need that day. She then steams my face and does a few extractions if I need it. Sometimes extractions can get a bit uncomfortable but I always stick it out because I want them done. Afterwards, she cleanses my face and uses the sponges to rinse. She usually uses the high frequency treatment on me too, which is an electric current that kills bacteria. While I'm masking, she gives me a scalp, shoulder, and hand massage. I am usually in the room alone for a few minutes while I am masking. After she rinses the mask off and puts moisturizer on my face, she always says "Welcome back to reality" in her lovely accent. I always dread this part because it means my treatment is over :)

When I'm finished she asks if I need any products today (They are not pushy at all with products), and meets me out front with a glass of water.

Overall I love this spa, and the only thing negative is that their prices have gone up a bit in the past couple years. They aren't much higher than other spas in the area though, and prices going up are just how things are these days.

If you get a facial here I highly recommend Marina. She is very experienced and knowledgable, is very considerate about making guests comfortable, and has a very soothing voice.

• Pros: Variety of services, relaxing atmosphere
• Cons: None