The Spa at Yellow Creek
By Carol Perkosk & Gabrielle Stickleyi
Nestled along a wooded lot in Bath, Ohio, The Spa at Yellow Creek is a haven of luxurious body treatments, massage therapies and skin care. The modern décor utilizes flowing lines to create an open, airy feeling in a small space. Glass vases and candles mingle with colorful retail displays in the mottled blue walled reception area. Between treatments, clients are invited to lounge in the Japanese stone-garden room and enjoy champagne and an Italian lunch from an area restaurant. For the fitness minded, a state-of-the art work-out facility – including cardio equipment, weights, yoga classes, Pilates and fitness – is adjacent to the spa.
Yellow Creek's body treatments employ powerful ingredients from nature including Atlantic sea salt, lavender and sage-infused essential oils, flower petals and enzymes from algae and papaya. Its massages combine the expertise of Western and Eastern cultures highlighting Shiatsu stretches, deep-tissue releases and infusions of warm sensual aromatherapy oils. And the spa's diverse skin care treatments range from medical to holistic which include specific treatments for teens and men.
Aaron Leff, a Shiatsu therapist, provided my first treatment, the Asian Bodywork Massage. This type of massage is given on a Shiatsu mat in a traditional Asian style, so I wore loose, comfortable clothing. Aaron incorporated other Asian structural-integration tech-niques into the Shiatsu massage including Thai stretching and Ty-Na, a traditional Chinese massage technique. He noted, “Asian massage relies on the principles of Chinese Medicine which treats the whole body. So, whatever symptoms or conditions a client presents, we're able to create a comprehensive treatment strategy based on acupressure, meridian points, lifestyle and meditation.”
Aaron used slow, compressing strokes with his hands, knees and feet intermixed with passive, yoga-like stretching techniques. He also interspersed subtle energy work. I perceived waves of energy and light moving through my body, evoking a feeling of deep relaxation, well being and openness in my heart. His massage released my fascia and stretched my muscles, while assisting in releasing energy blocks. Aaron's two-hour Asian massage was one of the best body treatments I have ever experienced.
Now in a profoundly relaxed state, I meandered to the next treatment room where a Yellow Creek Signature Anti-Aging Facial awaited me. The senior esthetician, Jenny Pekar, started me out with a brief but satisfying back massage. Using the exclusive Carita products from Paris, she noted, “I like Carita because the products are technologically advanced, infused with plant and fruit essences and based on anti-aging principles.” After cleansing and exfoliating my skin, Jenny applied a customized mask for my sensitive, dry-skin type. When the mask had set, she removed it with a product that contained granular micro-beads, exfoliating my skin further. She then applied a lemon-scented essential oil to moisturize and nourish my skin, followed by a sunflower-seed exfoliant infused with lemon, thyme and cloves. Finally she applied a hydrated mask, a lifting serum and an all-over-face moisturizer. The facial tightened my skin and left it feeling exceptionally soft.
My final treatment, the Aromadetox Wrap, was a luxurious five-step process that refines the body by draining away toxins as well as fat and water build-up. My esthetician, Wendi Callum, used all Decleor products manufactured in France, designed to deliver both stimulating and slimming effects. Especially relaxing was the heated blanket that Wendi used as a drape during my treatment. First she exfoliated my entire body with a grainy mosaic powder made from apricot seeds. This product was designed to slough off dry skin and allow the other products to penetrate more deeply into the skin. She then massaged in Detox Body Balm, a delightful concoction infused with the essential oils of basil, grapefruit and sage. The essential oils in the balm help pull out impurities and detoxify the skin. Next, she applied the Decleor algae mask to further detoxify my skin and replenish its moisture. Even though I was “covered in mud,” the soft fragrance of the essential oils created a gentle calming effect as I relaxed under the heated blanket for about 20 minutes while products smoothed and refined my skin. Soothing music and an unexpected scalp massage furthered my state of bliss.
After a refreshing shower to remove the mud mask, it was time for the final firming treatment, a massage with Expert Contour, a massage oil with grapefruit and black pepper to stimulate blood flow and purify and regenerate the skin. The complete Aromadetox experience left me feeling relaxed and refreshed, smooth and silky. The treatment was enhanced by both the expert staff and the spa's beautiful décor.
In addition to the treatments I experienced, the spa offers its Signature Yellow Creek Ritual package, which includes a lifting facial, stone massage, body polish with a Vichy shower and a holistic hand-and-foot treatment with hot stones. For a romantic getaway, opt for the overnight Yellow Creek Escape package, which takes the spa services to a nearby Hilton where a couple is able to enjoy an overnight stay and signature facials, men's athletic facial, lady's choice of a body wrap, men's deep-tissue massage or Asian body work, spa manicures and pedicures for both and access to the fitness and steam room for the day.
I highly recom-mend a visit to The Spa at Yellow Creek in Bath, Ohio. Its large array of holistic and conventional spa treatments, the quality of the dedicated professionals, the superior products complemented by the tranquil setting make for a satisfying spa experience. Prices for individual treatments range from $110 to $150, and packages range from $399 to $1,375. Call the spa or visit its website to learn about its seasonal specials and packages.
The Spa at Yellow Creek is located at 3636 Yellow Creek Road in Bath, Ohio. For more information, call (330) 665-2555 or visit it online at www.yellowcreekspa.com.
