Preston Wynne Spa
March 14, 2012 Last week, we sent Carolyn Jung, intrepid journalist and founder of FoodGal.com, to visit the Preston Wynne Spa in Saratoga, CA. Check out her lovely and informative review below!
As much as I love spas, sometimes I can’t help but feel as if I’m on a cattle farm at some of the larger establishments. There’s me and a herd of other white-robed visitors being led from room to room in a fog of water, steam and aromatherapy.
Not so at Preston Wynne in Saratoga. The 28-year-old spa in the heart of this charming, low-key downtown full of restaurants and shops, has a wonderful intimacy about it. The two-story, Spanish-style building with its barrel-tile roof, is smaller and cozier than most spas. Yet you’ll still find 10 treatment rooms here, a three-seat manicure bar, a private pedicure suite for two, and a makeup station for private lessons and custom-blended foundation.
Recently, I was invited to be a guest of the spa to try two treatments. Preston Wynne offers a range of massage treatments, including one with warm rose oil for those suffering from stress overload and the Lomi Lomi, billed as a “hula massage’’ complete with island music. There’s also an array of facials available, including a collagen one for super thirsty skin and a teen express facial for those especially breakout-prone years.
I started with the Earth Elements Warm Stone Massage ($173, 90 minutes). I was led upstairs to a small, utilitarian changing room with lockers to don robe and slippers. While awaiting your appointment, you can relax in a compact sitting room complete with an electric massage chair. If it’s a nice day, though, take a seat outside on the balcony overlooking the main street. It’s draped strategically to afford privacy but still let the sunshine in. The soothing sounds of a bubbling fountain put you in an even more relaxed mood as you sip a glass of sparkling rosé and nibble on roasted nuts.
It’s always a good sign when a massage therapist is also an athlete. It signals to me that they really know how to take care of the aches and pains associated with an active sports lifestyle that so many of us lead these days. Monica, my massage therapist, fit the bill. A long-time runner who just completed a triathlon, she knew exactly what to do when I told her about the strained IT band in my left leg from my own fitful running escapades. Using a combination of heated river stones, deep-tissue massage techniques, sage oil and an organic muscle relief gel of menthol, lavender and eucalyptus, she went to work, erasing every kink I had. At the end of it all, my left leg felt more nimble than it had in weeks.
Next, I was put in esthetician Laura’s hands for my Anti-Oxidant Facial with Vitamin C Infusion ($137). After a brief consultation, she rightly deduced the sensitive nature of my skin. She also noticed my cheeks and chin were a bit parched. On went a gentle cranberry botanical enzyme peel. I must say it smelled good enough to eat – but I resisted. Next, an exfoliating mask full of seaweed harvested in France, then a shea butter-aloe moisturizing mask loaded with Vitamin C, followed by bee pollen eye cream, and an oxygenating cream heady with lavender. As my various masks set, Laura filled the time by giving me hand and neck massages. When I looked in the mirror afterward, I found my complexion wonderfully healthful and restful looking – as if I’d been on vacation for a week.
For those in the South Bay especially, Preston Wynne makes for a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon, particularly for those who want a day spa with a more personal touch.
To learn more or book an appointment: www.prestonwynne.com
-Carolyn Jung
Images by Preston Wynne Spa
For editorial consideration, a press visit was provided for this post.
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