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THE NORTH BAY GUIDE
AKOIA
A balanced life is a happy, healthy existence. Whether during work or play, time with others or time spent alone, we strive for the center point of well-being. On a very basic level, everything in the universe seeks equilibrium. The ancients distilled this knowledge of balance into four distinct elements that work together and create our world—earth, air, water and fire. North Bay spas utilize these same elements in the treatments which assist clients in regaining balance in their lives—the hydrating waters of baths, the healing fire of hot stones or geo-thermal heat, the soothing products made from flowers, herbs, clays and muds of the earth, and the heady aromatherapy or deep cleansing breaths during an open air massage. Many spas feature facets of all four elements, but we have focused on one in particular which reflects both the setting of the spa and its primary services. Each spa’s element of choice is notated with an icon. Enjoy a spa treatment from one of the many beautiful facilities listed in the North Bay Bohemian Spa Guide, and regain the balance in your life. You’ll be in your element.
—Suzanne Daly
An owner-operated spa, Akoia entices clients upstairs above Healdsburg’s square to “treat thyself” to the unique services it offers. A warm Thai herbal poultice massage counterbalances the daily wear and tear of life. Anti-aging facials with pumpkin, papaya and pineapple Arcona products help defy the gravity of aging, and includes massage for the feet, neck, shoulder, face, arm and hands. Spa parties for 12 may be held in the airy loft space. Check the website or call for seasonal specials, or join their facebook page for locals’ specials.
105-A Plaza St., Healdsburg. 707.433.1270. akoiadayspa.com
BLISS ORGANIC DAY SPA Experience the bliss of holistic organic facials and body treatments that help put the chaos of daily life behind and will leave you feeling rejuvenated and positively glowing. Being pampered by exceptionally gifted aesthetician Annie Carouba is a thoroughly healing experience that revives both body and spirit for women, men and teens. As a bonus, Reiki and energy treatments are included with facials. Carouba is also a certified oncological aesthetician, specializing in serving clients in treatment for cancer and counteracting the ravaging effects that chemotherapy and radiation have on the body. The spa is fully accessible to clients with disabilities, from the elevator to the special equipment for transfers onto massage tables. Bliss is located upstairs in the Basso building right off the Sebastopol square, and also offers spa parties in the serene “ocean chic” atmosphere of the high-ceilinged space overlooking Main Street, complete with appetizers, non-alcoholic spritzers and, of course, spa treatments.
186 N. Main St., Ste. 230, Sebastopol. 707.861.3434. blissorganicdayspa.com.
BLUSH A DAY SPA Unassumingly nestled into the corner shop behind the Sonoma Ballet Conservatory, Blush a Day brings space-age technology to rural Sonoma. Run by a husband-andwife team, James and Delores De Alba, the spa specializes in skincare, make-up and treatments including massage, salt scrubs and a choice of several different facial masks. Organic products are used, incorporating many essences, sea salt and mud from the earth, resulting in a grounding experience. Some facials also incorporate the use of NASA-developed Max 7 LED light therapy. Using seven different wavelengths—colors—of light to noninvasively strengthen and heal skin, the glow will have you blushing from compliments.
561 Broadway, Ste C., Sonoma. 707.935.0116. blushspasonoma.com.
2012 SPA GUIDE | SONOMACOUNTYSPAS.COM
BE IN YOUR ELEMENT