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Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Best Spa in Chicago

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Best Spa in Chicago!

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Best Spa in Chicago!

St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is a fun, festive tradition. From the parades to the greening of the Chicago River, this town knows how to celebrate.  People come from far and wide to be part of our celebration.

But, as Smithosonian.org reminds us, “St. Patrick’s Day hasn’t always been about beer, shamrocks and wearing green.” In fact, they say, “St. Patrick’s Day was a dry holiday in Ireland.” It was a Catholic feast day celebrating Ireland’s patron saint. Irish pubs didn’t open on St. Patrick’s Day until 1970.

On this side of the Atlantic, it was a different story entirely. “Drinking was much more of a fixture in American celebrations of the holiday, starting as early as the 18th century,” the experts at Smithsonian.org tell us. “In the early 1900s, drinking green beer instead of the normal amber stuff started becoming a part of the festivities in the United States–but the term might’ve caused some confusion at first. In the late 1800s, ‘green beer’ was a term for a beverage that hadn’t fully finished the fermentation process, which gave it a bad taste and caused stomach upset.”

Drinking isn’t high on the agenda for everyone who will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago this year, but wearing green certainly is! Have you ever wondered why green is the color we use to celebrate St. Patrick?  We did! 

According to the Christina Science Monitor, centuries ago St. Patrick and his feast day were associated with the color blue. Apparently, green started taking over in the 1600s. The change stuck – for good reason! “Green is one of the colors in Ireland’s tri-color flag, and it has been used in the flags of several Irish revolutionary groups throughout history. Ireland is the ‘Emerald Isle,’ so named for its lush green landscape,” the Christian Science Monitor reports.

And don’t forget – shamrocks are green, too.  According to legend, St. Patrick used the three leaves of the shamrock to teach about the Holy Trinity.

If you want to go the extra mile or take your St. Paddy’s Day chic to a new level, stop in at Spa Space, the best day spa in Chicago! We’ll help you stand out from the crowd with a delicious manicure finished off with a coat of fresh green polish.

If you’re in a hurry to get to the party, try our No-Chip Manicure. Your nails will look great longer than you would expect – up to two full weeks! The No-Chip Manicure at Chicago’s Spa Space will also introduce you to the joys of a manicure that dries instantly!  What’s not to love?  You can upgrade any of our already delightful manicures to a No-Chip Manicure for $20.

There’s the Spa Space Signature Manicure, our classic manicure with a green tea and lemongrass twist. If it’s been a while since your last manicure or if you’re one of those who tend to be rough on your nails, you may want to consider our Road to Recovery Manicure.

It’s perfect if your nails are short, damaged or peeling. We’ll put your hands on the right track with this extended transformative service designed to treat hands, cuticles and nails. You will be sent home with a treatment product (a $13.50 value) to continue the strengthening process. 

If the winter has left your hands dried out and itchy – or you want a little extra indulgence, our Vanilla-Almond Manicure might be for you! following an exfoliating vanilla-sugar scrub, we’ll apply a softening mask that is made with almond oil (a favorite since the days of Cleopatra). To hydrate and smooth rough winter hands, we also include a rich vanilla-almond massage.

Whether you want green nails or not, we’ll take good care of you at Spa Space. There’s a reason we are consistently rated among the best spas in Chicago.  Actually, there are a lot of reasons. Spa Space offers Chicago massages that are truly therapeutic. Whether you’re looking for a great spa in Chicago where you can get massage for couples or are looking for the finest facials in Chicago, let Spa Space, the best day spa in Chicago be your destination.

beautiful

Success is beautiful

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Success is beautiful

When you’re looking for a great place to get massages or facials in Chicago, you don’t usually think about who owns or manages the spa. Spa Space is a great place for couples massage and is also known as a great men’s spa, but the majority of our clientele are women. And we thought you might be interested to know just a little bit about the amazing women behind Spa Space.

 

Natalie Tessler founded Spa Space back in 2001, with the dream of creating the best day spa in Chicago. That hadn’t always been her dream, though.

 

Natalie has a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a law degree from American University and an LL.M. (Master’s of Law degree) in taxation from New York University. She found that the life of a tax and estate planning attorney wasn’t making her happy, so she dusted off her childhood dream of owning her own business and started doing some research on the wellness and day spa industries. As she once explained in an interview, while she was a lawyer she was always surrounded by people who didn’t particularly want to be there – whether that be clients dealing with difficult legal matters or the other lawyers. Natalie wanted something completely different. “A spa is a place where people really love to go, a place where people really want to be, and a place where people want to work,” she said.

 

These days, Natalie enjoys speaking to students, entrepreneurs and angel investors about raising capital, developing a business plan and what entrepreneurship really entails.

 

In addition to owning Chicago massage spa Spa Space, Ilana Craig Alberico serves as the CEO and is the Co-Founder/Owner of Innovative Spa Management (ISM) – a company that has landed on Inc. Magazine’s list of Fastest Growing Companies twice, in 2013 and 2014.

 

Ilana and her partner, Christina Stratton, started ISM in Asheville, North Carolina. The company specializes in executing spas that seamlessly weave concept throughout the design, operations, employee training programs, product selection, and menu. Her company ultimately provides financially secure and profitable operations dedicated to superior service.

 

Ilana oversees the vision, direction and operations of the company. She writes articles on spa design, development, and operations and teaches management and employee training programs at spa industry conferences and at the ISM Academy. A massage therapist and former spa director, she is passionate about treatment and dedicated to creating the optimal spa experience.

 

In other words, Ilana is an expert when it comes to spas. And she has brought her expertise to Spa Space, one of the best spas in Chicago, where you can look forward to an exceptional spa experience.

 

Ilana, whose parents grew their own organic food, got her start in the spa industry in her hometown of Asheville, North Carolina. After college in South Carolina, she went back to Asheville. After learning just how hard it is to earn a living with a pottery studio, she found a job at a local resort. You guessed it, the job was in the spa. She picked up towels, greeted guests and couldn’t help but notice the change that would come over people after their spa treatment. She wanted to be able to relieve people of their stress and add something special to their day.

 

She quickly became a licensed massage therapist and before you know it, she was managing the spa.

 

Ilana isn’t alone in her desire to make people feel better through spa treatments. Everyone at Spa Space, which is considered the most progressive of all the downtown Chicago massage spas, is committed to your wellbeing.

New Year

New Year, New Experiences at Spa Space!

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New Year, New Experiences at Spa Space!

At Spa Space, consistently ranked among the best Chicago spas, we are always looking for new ways to make your life shine even more. Whether it’s training for our massage therapists, the introduction of exciting new products or changes to the physical environment that surrounds you while you enjoy a therapeutic massage or revitalizing facial at Chicago’s best day spa.

 

Here are a few of the new experiences you can look forward to exploring at Chicago’s Spa Space:

 

  • You know that saying, it’s not what you know, but who you know? Well, when it comes to the story behind our new top-of-table experience that is definitely true. Spa Space owner Ilana Alberico’s husband, Vincent Alberico, just happens to own a shop in Atlanta that specializes in luxurious organic beds and bedding. Ilana was able to tap his expertise to create a unique new top-of-table experience at Spa Space, which is known in Chicago for massages and more!

 

When you step into our treatment rooms for a fabulous Chicago spa massage or other wonderful treatment, you will find the treatment table is outfitted with an unbelievably plush 2.5″ thick alternative-down topper made with organic cotton to ensure your experience is exceptionally comfortable. And, to ensure you’ll be able to relax in warm contentment, you will also find a prima alternative-down queen-sized duvet that you can climb under.

 

  • We are also very proud to announce that Spa Space is now offering botanically based and results-driven skincare products from Privai. In fact, the founder and CEO of Privai, Christina Rumbley Stratton, traveled from North Carolina to our Chicago spa so that she could personally connect with the team. And you know anyone who travels to Chicago in January is dedicated!

 

To celebrate the introduction of the exclusive Privai product line at Spa Space, the best day spa in Chicago, and allow you an opportunity to discover the Privai difference, we are offering a trio of specials during the month of February showcasing our new Privai services:

 

Privai’s Ultra Rich Body Butter will take your pedicure to a new level! See for yourself by booking our new Deep Moisture Pedicure. A $70 value, this ultra-hydrating pedicure is available for $60 this month only. You’ve been hiding your feet in thick socks and boots all winter, but spring is just around the corner. This treatment will help you get your feet ready for their big warm-weather reveal!

 

Our Antioxidant Glow Facial is one of the best spa deals in Chicago! This month you’ll pay only $99 for this $120 value! This is our newest facial treatment, but people are already talking about it. The star here are the antioxidant-rich serums and anti-aging botanicals from Privai. If you’re looking for a fabulous facial in Chicago that will banish dull winter skin and get you glowing again, this is it! To make sure those potent Privai products penetrate your deeply, which is what is needed to give that gorgeous, natural glow, our skincare experts will provide a stimulating facial massage using our rose quartz facial roller. In addition to enhancing penetration, the roller tones skin for results you can see!

 

We have also expanded our menu of Chicago massages. The new Antioxidant Repair Massage, a $115 value, is just $99 during the month of February. This revitalizing and rejuvenating service begins with a silk-polish back scrub. After that, you will enjoy a customized full-body pressure massage featuring powerful Antioxidant Repair from Privai. This new customized massage soothes and relaxes the body while conditioning and strengthening the skin. That’s a win-win for sure!

peel

A-Peel-ing Services at Spa Space

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A-Peel-ing Services at Spa Space

As an acclaimed men’s spa in Chicago, Spa Space is known as the best day spa in Chicago for women and men. One area of services that make Spa Space a best Chicago Spa is its wide variety of peels.

A chemical peel is a procedure in which an acid solution is used to remove dead and damaged upper skin layers to smooth and refine the skin’s texture. When performed by a skilled professional, a chemical peel can safely reduce wrinkles and correct skin tone.

According to DocShop, Chemical peels are typically used to restore a youthful, vibrant appearance to wrinkly, blotchy, sun-damaged skin. There are three main types of chemical face peels, and each has unique benefits for the skin. The light chemical peel improves acne scars and skin texture, and reduces the effects of sun damage. The medium chemical peel improves acne as well. The medium peel also smoothes fine surface wrinkles, and corrects pigment problems such as age spots. The deep chemical peel helps treat sun-damaged skin, eliminates deep, coarse wrinkles, and can remove pre-cancerous growths.

Corrective Peels – Peels not only help reduce all the signs of aging, including sun damage, dullness, and fine; they allow corrective skincare products to penetrate the surface layers of the skin, increasing their effectiveness. Spa Space performs a variety of mechanical and chemical facial peels that create enough superficial “damage” to the skin that a repair-response is triggered, stimulating collagen production and bringing newer, healthier cells to the surface. There is no “downtime” with any of our peels. Peel types include:

Level 1 Peel – After the skin is cleansed and prepared, a gentle-yet-effective glycolic (fruit-based) acid will be applied to the face, removing dead cells and triggering new cell turnover.

Level 2 Peel – Intended for clients who have received peels in the past and “graduated” to tolerate a more intensive peel, our level 2 peels take anti-aging and complexion renewal to the next level.

Brightening Hot Peel (tightening mask) – Your skin will look healthier and tighter. Bring life back to dull, tired skin with serious exfoliation and cellular stimulation.

Pigment Balancing Peel – Combines the exfoliating properties of glycolic acid with the lightening and brightening benefits of Vitamin C to lighten hyperpigmentation, and diminish the appearance of fine lines and dullness.

Microdermabrasion (all skin types, anti-aging, anti-acne (non-cystic)) – The peak of dermatologic innovation – this machine uses crystal particles to blast-off dead skin cells and stimulate cell turnover. Results in smoother, younger-looking skin. Great for treating acne, fine lines, excessively dry skin, sun damage, and surface age spots.

Dermaplaning plus Peel – Using a special hand-held tool, your esthetician will quickly and manually “scrape” the outer layer of skin cells to remove layers of dry, dead skin. This procedure allows the peel (which follows the derma planing) to penetrate deeply, increasing its effectiveness.

So if you’ve decided that a peel is a treatment that you’re ready to have for the first time, or if you’re a veteran of numerous peels, Spa Space is a Chicago spa with an outstanding reputation for quality. Call for an appointment today!

Couples Massage

Benefits of Couples Massage

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Benefits of Couples Massage

As noted on the Fashion Spot, often, couples are busy and find little time to be alone without worrying about what they need to get done or haven’t gotten done that day, notes Esther Boykin, a licensed marriage and family therapist and co-founder of Group Therapy Associates. “But during a massage session, people are almost instinctually driven to let go of the past and the future and turn their attention to the present moment. This practice of being fully engaged in an activity together that can help couples reconnect, and with a little effort, they can bring that same level of mindful awareness to their time outside of the massage,” she says.

According to Stef Safran, dating expert and owner of Chicago matchmaking and social networking service Stef and the City, massages stimulate the release of many feel-good hormones, which boost feelings of intimacy and affection. “Most notably, touch increases oxytocin (otherwise known as the ‘cuddle-chemical’), as well as serotonin and dopamine,” he explains. “So basically, a couple’s massage is pretty much a scientific love potion.”

“A massage causes all of the muscles in your body to relax, which, in turn, relaxes your mind,” points out Carole Lieberman, M.D., relationship expert and author of Bad Girls: Why Men Love Them & How Good Girls Can Learn Their Secrets. “This makes you feel less anxious about being with your partner on an emotional and a sexual level. Plus, massages stop short of orgasm (or at least they’re supposed to), leaving you hovering on the brink and ready for your lover to complete the act.”

“Research tells us that partners who continue to inject novelty into their relationships have closer, more rewarding bonds,” details couples therapist Dr. Holly Cox of Lotus Therapy Center in Raleigh, NC. “I think couples massage, for couples in which both partners find the idea interesting, can offer an avenue to that shared adventure.”

With that background, it’s easy to see why Spa Space has a outstanding reputation as a couples day spa. As a best day spa in Chicago, It’s fully expected that Spa Space would offer a wide assortment of activities for couples.

Couples massage and pedicures in a private suite for two are among Spa Space’s options for enjoying some relaxation time together. Offering one of Chicago’s few “true” couple’s massage rooms and unique treatments exclusive to Spa Space, you can’t pick a better place to spend a romantic spa day.

Couples Massage: The Art of Touch – unique and romantic! – This interactive and instructive session involving a couple and a massage therapist allows each partner to receive massage from the therapist and their partner (4 hands are better than 2!), and learn and practice massage techniques especially designed to suit the needs of their partner. A romantically unique experience!

Side-by-side Massage for Two – traditional couples massage – Share the relaxation experience by scheduling your choice of massages (or body treatments) in our adjoining treatment rooms. Sliding doors allow plenty of personal space (and privacy if desired), but a feeling of togetherness. Great for couples or friends who would like to experience services together.

Dual Pedicures – For privacy and shared relaxation, please request our Pedicure Suite (accommodates only two guests). Feel free to bring a bottle of wine – we’ll provide the glassware!

Side-by-side 60-minute Swedish Massages – Luxurious hand softening treatment with a sugar scrub and paraffin dip, preparing your hands for some lovin’ touch! We’ll send you home with a bottle of Kama Sutra “Oil of Love” (edible!), and you can take it from there…

Spa Lovers (Package for Couples) – “Art of Touch” Instructional Massage Session for Couples, 60-minute Swedish Massage for each person (in separate massage rooms), and Side-by-Side Pedicures in our private Pedicure Suite for two.

To arrange for your special massage for couples, contact Spa Space today. It’s one of the best day spas in Chicago and a great place for couple spa days.

woman facial mask

A Facial for Every Face

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A Facial for Every Face

At the best day spa in Chicago, your licensed and highly-trained esthetician will examine your skin, consult with you, and customize your treatment to meet your skincare needs and goals. Because your skin is as unique as you are, we offer a wide variety of facials and corrective facials in Chicago.

Superfruit Fitness Facial (anti-aging, soothing, botanically-based) – Our trademark facial for healthy, glowing skin. See and feel an immediate difference in texture, clarity and smoothness. This facial is meticulously customized to your skin’s needs: whether it’s major hydration, clearing unflattering breakouts, or repairing sun damage and fine lines. This high-performance, results-oriented treatment combines a gentle glycolic solution with active botanical ingredients and an uplifting facial massage.

Instant-Lift Brightening Facial (hyper-pigmentation, dull, aging skin) – The highly restorative components of Epicuren’s active enzyme vitamin protein complex were originally developed for burn treatment, and then modified and perfected for treatment of healthy human skin. Improves elasticity, color tone, balance and overall skin health. Producing the most noticeable instant results, this advanced anti-aging treatment uses enzyme-proteins that increase the elasticity of the skin, with application of layered tightening masks.

Vitamin C Booster Facial (all skin types, sensitive skin, special event booster) – This uplifting treatment is ideal for special occasion appearances. Using clinical-grade Skinceuticals products, this vitamin-rich treatment will give your skin a boost and a three-step infusion of revitalizing nutrients: vitamin C serum, hydrating b5 gel, and a balancing hydrator.

Rejuvenating Facial (dry skin, mature skin, sensitive skin, rosacea, cooling) – Ideal for a sensitive, mature, or dry skin type. Removal of dead skin cells is the first order of business in this skin-reviving treatment. Complete exfoliation and a pore-stimulating mask prepare the skin to receive the hydrating powers of the Biocellulose Restorative Mask.

Signature Facial (all skin types, targets breakouts, deep cleansing, relaxation) – This classic European-style facial combines skin-type-specific cleansing, toning, exfoliation, extractions (deep-pore cleansing), treatment mask and hydration.

Facial Express (all skin types, deep cleaning, teen-appropriate) – We’ll pack in the bare essentials of a deep-cleansing facial, including exfoliation, extractions and hydration. Great for maintenance of healthy skin.

Back Facial – This hard to reach and oft-neglected area will be given a true “facial”: a deep-cleansing, exfoliation, extractions if needed, and a mask to balance the skin. Your esthetician will customize the treatment to best suit your skin type.

Other facial enhancements available at Spa Space include:

Ultimate Eye Treat – The healing and restorative powers of collagen are infused into the delicate eye area for improved elasticity, smoothing and plumping fine lines.

Brow Tinting – Add extra definition to your brows with natural-looking color.

Lash Tinting – Darken your lashes without using mascara!

Brow & Lash Tinting – A combination of brow and lash tinting in one session

Facial Bronzing Application – Your esthetician will expertly apply a layer of non-pore-clogging tanning product to give your restored skin a healthy, sun-kissed glow. The ideal time to bronze is immediately following exfoliation and hydration.

One of the best Chicago spas in any part of town, Spa Space is conveniently located in the West Loop.

baby

Get Ready for Baby at Spa Space

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Get Ready for Baby at Spa Space

Pregnancy is one of the most special times in a woman’s life – full of excitement, expectation and joy. At Spa Space, the best Chicago spa, you can celebrate this special time of life with treatments designed to pamper, relax, and remember the joys of pre-motherhood while treating the common aches and pains which so often accompany a rapidly-changing body.

While all of these services and the products used are generally considered safe during pregnancy, you should always get your doctor’s permission in advance of scheduling.

Prenatal Massage – Specially designed for the most deserving of clients, this Swedish-style massage will help maintain the skin’s elasticity while alleviating added stress on the back and legs. After the first trimester, lying face down during a massage increases the pressure on the uterus as well as the uterine ligaments. The safe alternative is to position the pregnant client on her side with her head, legs and stomach supported with pillows. The therapist can then work safely on her back and legs without creating any increased pressure. Please check with your doctor before scheduling.

Vitamin C Booster Facial (all skin types) – Hormonal changes can affect the texture, color and clarity of your skin. This vitamin-rich treatment is our favorite pick for moms-to-be because it beautifully addresses imbalances and infuses antioxidants – a great antidote and protector against hyperpigmentation (brown spots) and environmental damage. Gentle cleansing and removal of surface impurities are followed by a firming mask and a three-step infusion of revitalizing nutrients: vitamin C serum, vitamin B5 gel, and a balancing hydrator. Products are custom-selected to meet the individual’s needs.

Rejuvenating Facial (dry skin, mature skin, sensitive skin, rosacea, cooling) – Removal of dead skin cells is the first order of business in this skin-reviving treatment. Complete exfoliation and a pore-stimulating mask prepare the skin to receive the hydrating powers of the Biocellulose Restorative Mask. Ideal for a sensitive, mature, or dry skin type.

Mango-Sugar Body Scrub – Ideal for itchy, dry skin, this full-body exfoliation sloughs off dead cells while its rich oil base deeply hydrates (a key element in prevention of stretch marks). The scrub is also vitamin-rich, which nourishes your skin and gives it a healthy glow.

Great Expectations Spa Day – For the ultimate treat prior to the arrival of that little bundle of joy, schedule a Great Expectations spa deal in Chicago at Spa space. The four-hour session will include a 90-min. Prenatal Massage, Vitamin C Booster facial and a vanilla almond pedicure and manicure. You will be relaxed and nurtured from head to belly to toes!

Of course, you don’t have to be pregnant to enjoy everything that the best day spa in Chicago has to offer. You don’t even have to be a woman. Spa Space is equally well known as a men’s spa. You can also share time with each other in our couples day spa. For Chicago massage spas, facials in Chicago, pedicures in Chicago and so much more, you owe it to yourself – and your unborn child – to enjoy this outstanding Chicago spa today.

Body Contouring

What’s Up with Seaweed?

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What’s Up with Seaweed?

According to Livestrong.com, “Seaweed may look gross when you spot it on the beach, but this slippery, stringy sea plant contains powerful ingredients that can benefit your skin.” Spa Space, widely known as one of the best spas in Chicago when it comes to body treatments, skincare, men’s spa services, women’s spa services, spa parties, spa day packages, couples spa day and more, harnesses the power of seaweed in its Green Tea & Ginger Detoxifying Seaweed Body Wrap.

Seaweed has many superpowers. As Livestrong.com points out, it:

“Detoxifies – A seaweed wrap helps to eliminate toxins from your body. The paste is applied to the body warm, causing you to sweat. During the sweating process, your body is eliminating impurities. These are then brought to the surface of the skin and rinsed away when the wrap is washed off.
“Removes Dead Skin and Moisturizes -Dead skin prevents your body from absorbing moisture. While you sweat during a seaweed wrap, not only are toxins removed from the body, but dead skin is loosened as well. The seaweed itself is chock full of proteins, vitamins, minerals and lipids that easily soak into the skin to add moisture.

“Improves Skin Elasticity and Regeneration – Over time, your skin loses the ability to stretch and return to normal. This can lead to stretch marks and wrinkles. Seaweed contains antioxidants, essential fatty acids and vitamin A, all of which can help to rebuild the elasticity of the skin. It also makes your skin more supple by increasing blood flow to its surface, regenerates damaged skin cells, produces collagen to firm and tone the skin, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

“Reduces Cellulite and Improves Body Contouring – If you’ve recently lost weight and have excess skin, a seaweed wrap can help with body contouring. It aids in shaping the excess skin so it’s smoother and less noticeable by direct diffusion of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, if cellulite is a problem, a seaweed wrap may help reduce the undesirable marks it leaves on the skin.”

If you’d like to experience seaweeds’ healing and purifying powers, call Spa Space. Known for its progressive approach to everything from men’s spa treatments and couples spa days to some of the best spa deals in Chicago, Spa Space is sending Chicago a message – whether you’re looking for the best day spa in Chicago, one of the most progressive spas in Chicago, or an individualized approach to Chicago massages and body treatments, we are here for you.