A friend gave me two free coupons for a local spa treatment. I hadn’t heard of the salon, the Douglas J Institute, located in downtown Grand Rapids at 138 Commerce St SW.  She said it was wonderful and I should enjoy it. I admit I am a grown up Tomboy and don’t really like salons and all the  paraphernalia that goes with it.  I tolerate my semi-yearly haircuts and that is about the extent of my foray into the world of beauty.

 My friend, Karen Webster and I decide to do lunch and then get the Self-Renewal Facial at the salon.  We had a fantastic lunch at Little Mexico downtown and found our way over  to the salon.

Knowing nothing about Douglas J, I did a little research. I did find out the salon is a training institute and features Aveda products.

When we registered at the front desk, the hostess told us it would be 2 hours. We looked at each other, shrugged and thought, OK. We don’t have any other appointments, why not? 

But secretly I was thinking:

 “What in the world are they going to do with us for 2 hours. My face isn’t that big or that bad.”

We were escorted back to 2 secluded rooms by two young trainees. All spa services are done by senior students, who are supervised by a licensed trainer. We were stationed in separate rooms and given a brief questionnaire to reveal any allergies or sensitivities to products being used, told to disrobe, put on a spa robe, and the treatment  begins.                                                                     

The lights were turned down, soft, soothing music was playing.  Jenny gave me the most fantastic 2 hours that seemed like 15 minutes I’ve ever spent in a salon setting. My facial was 3 separate phases with a hot towel (sheer heaven) after each. I also received a foot massage, an ayurvedic massage of my head, neck and shoulders, a scalp massage, plus an arm and hand massage. After all this, they offer a complimentary cosmetic touch-up so you don’t have to go out with a bare face.

It was so relaxing, I’m ready to rebook if my life gets the least bit frazzled. I would recommend this experience to anyone, it was a delightful afternoon. 

Thanks, Douglas J!

P.S. I might get addicted to this salon life, after all.

   Copyright by Bonnie Westbrook 2008

    Contact: 1-888-240-1968 x 0   toll free  

    Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Real Estate  

    Email: terry@terrywestbrook.com

facial photos courtesy of Flickr – chocokat & loveberry