Spa Spotlight: Antoine's Le Jour Spa & Salon
By Carol Perkoski
Antoine's Le Jour Spa & Salon, located in Broadview Heights, offers innovative holistic body treatments, replenishing facials and pampering pedicures, as well as a full array of hair and nail services. The contemporary design of the spa is comfortable, and the entire staff is gracious and welcoming. Owner Liz Chizlow places the utmost importance on creating a comfortable, homey atmosphere for her guests. During my visit, I was immersed into a soothing sea of colors and fragrances. My cleansing Green Coffee Body Wrap was absolutely luxurious; and I experienced true pampering during my healing seaweed pedicure.
My day began with a wonderfully relaxing and therapeutic Chakra Color Therapy Massage which integrated the use of colors and crystals. Dating back to ancient Egyptian times, color therapy is rooted in the precept that we are beings of light. It further philosophizes that everything relates to energy, or “qi,” and different wavelengths of light stimulate different aspects of our physiology. In classical Indian philosophy, the seven colors of the rainbow are associated with the seven chakras of the body, with each chakra relating to a specific body function and attribute.
Licensed massage therapist Laurie Thornton asked me to select from an assortment of colored beanbags, each with a colored crystal attached. The crystals, which coordinate to the chakras of the body, possess an energetic quality associated to the corresponding chakra. I chose the indigo crystal, associated with the “third eye.” The indigo symbol represents the Star of David; the element is thought; the musical note is A; the astrological emphasis is the higher expression of the entire zodiac; the planet is Saturn; the sense is clairvoyant; and the essential oils are lavender, jasmine and sage. The color of indigo itself represents ethics, harmony, faith, selflessness and sacredness in all things. The use of the indigo stone for purposes of connecting one's self to the energies of the third-eye chakra can help with nervous disorders, lift depression, improve mental clarity and support one in trusting life and becoming inspired. Laurie explained, “You picked that stone for a reason. During your massage it will be helpful to focus on your crown chakra or third eye, which is located in the middle of your forehead and to clear any blocked energy in that chakra, just to see what comes up emotionally.”
Before Laurie began the massage, she placed several indigo-stone beanbags over each chakra to activate my “energeticbody.” Next she worked heavenly massage oils infused with lavender, pine and sage into my skin. The oils are blended locally by a company called Arc Ancient. She combined deep, muscle-loosening strokes with fluid, nurturing ones, evoking in me a feeling of contentedness and a deeper connection to my “Self.” I “saw” waves of bright yellow light encircling my body. Laurie's adept use of the stones and the essential oils enabled me to clear negative energies that were stored in my body so that I emerged from the massage feeling lighter in mind, body and spirit.
Between treatments, I relaxed in a steam spa designed to open my pores and begin the process of eliminating toxins. As I entered the room for a Green Coffee Body Wrap with massage-therapist Tiffany Nardal, I noticed the rich aroma of coffee wafting through the room. This particular wrap helps activate the GTS enzyme, which eliminates all toxins from the body. It also encourages kipolysis, breaking down fat, by hydrolyzing it to create both a slimming and firming effect. First, Tiffany swaddled me in warm blankets and softly rubbed a cellulite-activating gel all over my body to help relieve water retention and break down fat molecules that hold toxins. Using gentle caressing strokes, she applied a 98-percent green-coffee mud solution all over my body. Tiffany noted that, “The minerals in the mud and detoxifying qualities of the coffee increase circulation and elasticity and help break down fatty deposits.” After applying this masque created by the company Pevonia, she snugly wrapped me in plastic that was woven with a thermal solar blanket to retain the heat. After the green coffee had diffused into my skin causing me to sweat out toxins, I enjoyed an invigorating shower. Finally, Tiffany treated me to a wonderful relaxation massage using Pevonia's Body Botanical Smooth and Tone Cream. She wove her fingers expertly through my hair for a spectacular scalp massage. Afterward, my skin felt silky and more toned, and I was mentally transported by my session with her.
Next I reveled in a Red Seaweed Pedicure. It included the application of a self-heating mineralizing masque, rich in copper and zinc, which are natural conductors for skin repair and wound healing. The cosmetologist Carmen Enasel then applied a penetrating peppermint-exfoliating scrub to my feet and ankles to slough off dead skin cells. Next I was pampered with a marvelous foot-and-ankle massage before experiencing the dark orange-colored seaweed mask, scented with floral essences. After removing the foot mask, Carmen finished the treatment by massaging my feet with a cucumber cream. My feet emerged feeling vibrant and baby soft.
Most of the services at Antoine's range in price from $45 to $70. In addition to those I experienced, other popular treatments include the Luminous C and Sea Facial, the Deep Tissue Facial, the Hot Stone Massage and the Moroccan Cocoon Body Wrap. Antoine's also offers monthly specials that are tailored to the seasons, as well as packages of spa services. For example, in May and June, Antoine's will offer Mother's Day and Prom specials.
My luxurious cleansing and relaxing experience at Antoine's Le Jour Spa & Salon was enhanced by the professionalism of the therapists. Their welcoming attitudes offer a lasting impression, and the exceptional variety of unique holistic treatments entice me to return to Antoine's Le Jour Spa & Salon very soon.
Antoine's Le Jour Spa & Salon (“Le Jour” is French for “The Day”) is located at 500 East Royalton Road, Suite 120, in Broadview Heights. It can be reached by calling (440) 526-6600. More information can be found on its website: www.antoinessalon.net.
