Published: July 19, 2008 10:49 pm         

Full-service resort spa offers serene, peaceful, rejuvenating experience for everyone

From the moment you walk in, the warmth and serenity of your surroundings grasps you in a relaxing, welcoming way. It’s the ultimate invitation to rejuvenation.

Spa Orange, a full-service resort spa, is quickly approaching its first anniversary at Glade Springs Resort in Daniels.

Open to the general public, Spa Orange offers a complete line of treatments ranging from body polishes and wraps to manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing, hair removal and a wide variety of therapeutic massages.

The demand for spa services, not only for females but for males and children as well, has increased dramatically during the last three to four years and while most of the available treatments may seem to be what you can receive in your typical beauty salon, the resort experience has a more expanded, personalized, detail-oriented approach.

“With giving each individual service a different skill level, different time level is necessary — so each service requires a very specific outline,” says Spa Orange’s newly appointed director Monte Ray Durham.

Private rooms, showers and treatment stations are situated throughout a spacious and sterile, yet finely detailed and inviting section which the Spa occupies inside the Glade Springs Leisure Center.

Spa Orange relies on the expertise of its licensed therapists and technicians to not only deliver the multitude of services, but to keep pace with the constantly changing aspects of the business.

“There is a constant push out there now; people are wanting to try new and expanded things and we are always in a search mode,” said Spa Orange supervisor John Skelton. “We update our service menus constantly to accommodate our clients.”

Durham says the practice of treating the body to nourishing experiences dates back to ancient Egyptian practices.

“It’s been around for centuries,” said Durham, an internationally renowned bridal image and wedding consultant who worked as artistic director for Elizabeth Arden spas and salons. “From the Dead Sea muds to today, the only thing that has really changed are the techniques — and the products have grown.

“While it was seen as something that was done for pleasure, and it still is, with our extended lifestyles we live today it is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.”

During the hot summer months clothing choices become lighter and expose more of the body, and the skin tends to dry out very easily. Durham says Spa Orange has the answer with a mix of wraps, salt and/or sugar scrubs, and oils.

“We do a lot of body polishing this time of year,” said Durham. “The treatment exfoliates your entire skin and while its very labor-intensive and time-intensive, it truly does renew your entire skin.”

Once you’ve completed your service, except for the refreshingly unique orange-infused water they prepare and treat you to while you’re there, you can purchase an extensive line of personal products to take home.

And one more thing: The finishing touches are currently being put on a hair salon situated adjacent to the spa. Durham says it will open later this summer.

Spa Orange is open to the general public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day and after regular hours by special appointment. Gift certificates are available and groups are welcome with advanced notice.

For more information or an appointment call 304-763-2000 or visit their Web site at www.gladesprings.com.