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LISA STARR » SENIOR CONSULTANT » WYNNE BUSINESS
CH I C A GO L A ND LISA STARR TAKES IN A VARIETY OF SPAS TO SEE HOW THEY STAND OUT IN THIS COMPETITIVE URBAN SETTING
Chicago is known as the windy city, and if you’ve ever visited in the winter you’ll be able to relate. Wind, snow and ice are in abundance due to the prime location on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, but the weather has perhaps been a positive factor in the development of an amazing selection and variety of spa locations to
allow the pursuit of warmer indoor activities. We vis- ited a cross-section of Chicago spas, including a luxury hotel spa, a neighbourhood spa and yoga centre, a lifestyle-oriented hotel spa, and a popular, results- oriented day spa to get a taste for the options in this sophisticated and vibrant urban location.
ALLYU S
lightly off the beaten track, but still in the downtown area, is a gem of a day spa – Allyu. Allyu means ‘community’
in South America’s Quechua language, and it’s an apt name. T is large and successful spa does a fi ne job of walking the line between being a socially-conscious employer and delivering top-quality massage, skincare and nail services to a neighbourhood clientele. T e spa sits below an enormous offi ce
building, but with glass walls looking onto the Chicago River and its inviting retail area you quickly forget where you are. Allyu was created fi ve years ago in a sustainable man- ner using local materials such as Wisconsin fi eld stones and reclaimed barn wood. T e spa retails a wide selection of personal
care and lifestyle items, including artwork, jewellery, crystals and semi-precious stones, homeopathic remedies, candles, the Epi- curen skincare range and Zoya nail products. And to heighten the sense of nature, a parrot sits on a perch and presides over the area. Guests are greeted by a friendly and smil-
ing young woman dressed in long fl owing clothes and in bare feet, who will invite you to a small nook where your own shoes are replaced with spa sandals. T e relaxation area features built-in corner seating and a lot of draped fabric which adds
Built-in corner seating surrounded by draped fabric is a standout design feature
a cocooning feel, while a centrally located curtained cylinder is lit by a beam of light and provides a focal point for rest and refl ec- tion. From there, therapists escort you to one of the 10 treatment rooms, which are deco- rated in warm colours and with fi ne details such as elegant wooden doors with custom- designed handles and original artwork. Clients change for services in the treat-
ment room that each have beautifully appointed and uniquely designed bathrooms for pre- or post-service use. T e nail room features manicure tables created from pol- ished slabs of wood, rather than the typical plastic or laminate surfaces, and great care
50 Read Spa Business online
spabusiness.com / digital
USP: Community orientation and the conscientious approach to client care Target audience: For serious bodywork lovers 60-minute massage: US$90 (€74, £58) Most impressed by: The passion and integrity of staff; and the customer journey/fl ow which promotes true relaxation Room for improvement: Casual appearance of staff – you’re not sure if they’re an employee or guest!
has obviously been taken to ensure that all furniture and fi nishes are of natural origin and beautiful to look at. T e staff of over 50 includes many long-
time practitioners – as evidenced by their biographies on the website – who are fi ercely passionate about their work, and many develop strong connections with clients. And while this spa doesn’t provide all the typical trappings of a luxury environment, or fabulous wet amenities, it more than makes up for this with an abundance of personality and off ers clients the ability to try spa serv- ices in what feels like a socially conscious and environmentally-friendly manner.
SPA BUSINESS 3 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012
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