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A Relaxing Antidote To Stress
Stress overwhelms millions of Americans every day. Many overwrought consumers turn to day spas in search of the most comfortable, relaxing environments that offer a wide range of look-good and feel-good services. For health-minded individuals in Dowagiac, Mich., Pacific Quest Day Spa is the perfect remedy for stress. “Our philosophy encourages the total well-being of our guests by providing a plethora of relaxing services and amenities in a very peaceful environment,” says co-owner Tanya Kimmey. With a 3,000-square-foot facility, five massage therapists, three fitness instructors, two nail technicians, one esthetician, a registered nurse and several receptionists, this comfy establishment is everything a stressed-out worker bee needs. NATIONALLY, the day spa industry has experienced enormous growth, with the number of spas increasing 155 percent since 1997. According to Spa Finder, a travel and media company, consumer spending at day spas ranks fourth overall in leisure-activity spending. “This industry will continue to soar because more people are seeing facials, massages and body wraps as on option,” Kimmey says. “They are something that more and more people are using for relaxation.” Pacific Quest’s service menu is all about relaxation. The long and varied menu features services typically found at day spas such as massages, facials, pedicures and manicures. Also offered are services such as airbrush tanning, fitness classes and specialty spa packages including the Romantic Indulgence and Mommy-To-Be. “The Romantic Indulgence is a 90-minute fullbody aromatherapy massage that couples experience side by side,” she says. “The Mommy-To-Be lets the client relax with our one-hour Classic Massage and Ultimate Pedicure with paraffin, plus our Express Facial to keep her glowing.” Quest For Excellence Pacific Quest’s facial and skincare program encompasses an extensive line of products and services including ampoules, serums, botanicals, essential oils and specialized cremes. The program is designed to accommodate all skin types. Options include the PQ Express Facial, a gentle-cleansing steam treatment that begins with a skin analysis; the PQ Classic Facial, which features a gentlecleansing exfoliant or conditioning masque, a steam treatment and a reflexology massage for the face, neck and shoulders; and the PQ Ultimate Facial.
“The Ultimate comprises all the wonderful treatments of the Classic Facial, plus a customized skincare treatment for the client’s individual skin type,” Kimmey says. Advanced skincare treatments include the Triple Collagen Treatment, an extreme hydrating facial treatment including a time-released source of moisture throughout the day. No day spa would be complete without a strong massage-therapy focus. Quality massage therapy not only promotes relaxation, but also provides pain relief from tense muscles, injury rehabilitation, athletic preparedness and recovery, improved skin and muscle tone, increased circulation, prenatal comfort and an overall sense of well-being, Kimmey says. Pacific Quest’s massage sessions can include many therapeutic modalities such as reflexology, acupressure, polarity, Tai Chi, Swedish massage, deep-tissue work, Reiki, lymphatic boost, cranial sacral, and serenity stone massage. “There is a brief consultation prior to the first session to discuss a client’s individual needs,” she says. “A physician’s release may be required and a series of appointments may be recommended. All sessions include complimentary aromatherapy and refreshment.” Specialty massage packages, such as the Prenatal Massage, also are available. Unique Options One of Pacific Quest’s unique qualities is its on-staff registered nurse, Katherine Hoekstra, who also is a co-owner. “Kathy has a close relationship with the local hospital, so it’s nice when we are dealing with any type of medical referral,” Kimmey says. Another unique service is its fitness classes. There are no official start dates so clients can join at any time. “These classes are for all levels of fitness,” she says. “Clients have a variety of options available for cardiovascular/ aerobic training, toning and stretching. A combination of modalities is used, including yoga and Pilates.” The latest addition to Pacific Quest’s service menu is the Miracle Mist UV-free tanning booth. “The unit is a private, step-in vertical unit that works by misting a special blend of DHA, bronzing and moisturizing solution onto the body,” she says. “Proper training and instruction are the keys to a satisfied customer when it comes to spray tanning. So far our clients love it.” Pacific Quest also offers traditional UV tanning because people still love the indoor-tanning experience, Kimmey says. It’s also a good opportunity for the spa to promote skin wellness. “After clients finish their tanning session, we remind them that they need to replenish their skin with other products and services that we offer,” she says. “A lot of people tan up here to prepare their skin for UV exposure for vacations to tropical areas. They want to have color beforehand to minimize the likelihood of a sunburn.” In Search Of Peace The key to enjoying a trip to a day spa is for clients to know as much information as possible about a particular spa’s services and openly discuss their needs. The spa staff can encourage this dialogue by volunteering information about services— both planned and suggested. The term “pacific quest” means “in search of peace.” For the rest of 2004, Kimmey wants Pacific Quest to move forward in this search by expanding the facility’s Web site to offer more options for its clients. The spa also is looking forward to hosting its annual Quest For The Cure event, which raises funds for cancer research. “We are growing rapidly, but our facility accommodates us well at this point,” she says. “We have a lot to offer this industry. It’s an industry that focuses on the total wellness concept—mind, body and spirit—and that’s why I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
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