MYSTERY SHOPPER: OSMOSIS
WHAT’S THE SCORE? Treatment offering:
Facilities: Staff:
Experience/treatment: Value for money: Overall experience:
8 7
10 9
10 8.5
a bamboo forest and a compelling display of bonsai and local vegetation, that culminated with a spacious Zen garden, pond and deck covered with pillowed seating. The walk is designed for mindfulness and reflection and I was quite happy my package allowed enough time (15-20 minutes) to experience this, before heading for my massage. Without question, Osmosis saved the
best for last: the signature Swedish Esalen massage. Esalen massage is a unique form of bodywork that’s been developed by the Esalen Institute – a humanistic alternative education retreat – in Big Sur, California over the last 40 years and is said to use “long, flowing full-body strokes for full body con- nection and awareness”. Frankly, I’m not sure how to describe it, nor can I say if the divine treatment was due to technique or talent. Either way, Jeremy delivered one of the best massages I’ve ever had; a benchmark for all future treatments. Finally, it’s worth noting that Osmosis has a fairly extensive boutique retailing a num- ber of unique items – from Japanese robes to meditative music, digestive enzymes, teas and health aids. However, there was no suggestion to purchase something for home use. And I must admit, after the grand finale massage, I could have been convinced to buy anything.
THE GREEN EXPERIENCE It’s easy to see that being environmen- tally friendly is not just a marketing ploy at Osmosis but a core value that permeates all
RIGHT TO REPLY
Omosis has some of the best Japanese gardens in the US
aspects of the property and business. Green practices from recycling to water resource and conservation are in operation through- out. The product houses have been chosen for their eco-credentials and locally-grown, sustainable whole foods are offered in partnership with the CERES Community Project: a local non-profit association that trains teen chefs to create nutrient-dense “meals as medicine”. It makes perfect sense that founder Stusser is one of the original masterminds behind the Green Spa Network. Environ- mentalists should absolutely make note.
THE BUSINESS
The unique Cedar Enzyme Bath treatment at Osmosis is clearly a strong marketing tool. Prior to the visit, I asked a few Son- oma County residents if they’d heard about Osmosis, and everyone I spoke to cited the
MICHAEL STUSSER, FOUNDER, OSMOSIS
We are most grateful for the deserving acknowledgements of our talented, dedi- cated staff. The secret ingredients at the foundation of Osmosis are shared vision, the right livelihood and meaningful work. We feel we’re just getting started fully understanding the wide range of therapeutic benefits of the unique enzyme bath. As science unravels the dynamics of the microbiome – the mircoorganisms inhabiting the human body that impact on our physiology – we see a very promising future for the potential of live fermentation bathing. There are many very evident benefits from this treatment due to the metabolic enhancements that are delivered via the skin. The wonder of Mia’s massage may have had more to do with the bath than she attrib- uted. We hear “that was the best massage I ever had” every day.
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signature treatment and beautiful grounds with personal experience. The facility has also put together some interesting packages to boost business, rather than relying on one-off treatment sales. It offers custom experiences and packages for up to 36 people with bespoke programming options – including a com- munal foot-bath designed to suit parties of friends, families or associates. Additionally, the spa sells wellness programmes through- out the year, entitling local members to monthly services varying from breath train- ing, cleanses or other detoxifying treatments. And, like all services, pricing appears fair and reasonable, which is seemingly uncommon for both the area and industry – group pack- ages start at US$75 (€57, £49) per person, while a four-week cleanse programme is priced at US$499 (€378, £325).
SUMMARY
In a word, Osmosis is honest. It’s not the most glamorous of spas, nor is it the most convenient to access, but it’s easily one of the most authentic spas I’ve had the privi- lege to visit. The employees are sincere, the treatments are good, the pricing is fair, the setting is peaceful and the environment is respected. These days, that is a luxury. l
Mia Kyricos is president of spa consultancy Kyricos & Associates Email:
mia@kyricos.com Phone: +1 207 200 3683
Spa Business 3 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013
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