oasis
by sandi tomlin-sutker

Some magazines review movies or restaurants and while we may eventually do both, this issue on The Body inspired us to look at the myriad ways available to heal, nurture and pamper this hard-working vehicle.

So, reviews of all the Day Spas seemed in order (yep, someone has to do it!), but there were so many wonderful offerings that we decided to simply cover one Spa per issue. This month it is The Asheville Oasis. Next month we’ll re-visit Sensibilities on Haywood Street and after that the Beverly Hills Spa in East Asheville. And on to more each month…..let us know if you have a favorite spot or a favorite treatment!

THE ASHEVILLE OASIS

One minute from the heart of downtown, The Asheville Oasis promises to be easy to get to but hard to leave. And it is so true. On a rare sunny day two weeks ago, I drove into the parking lot of the historical Belvedere, a former boarding house designed by Biltmore Estate architect R.S. Smith. I love that style; I love historic buildings; so I was excited to get the chance to tour the old home when I went for my Hot Stone Massage, a signature treatment at the Oasis.

The house has been lovingly restored. But once inside, the soothing sounds of fountains, the light filtering through bamboo blinds, the gentle flute music playing softly captured my attention and brought me into a deeply relaxed state. Liz Jones, owner and therapist, took me on a small tour before my treatment, offering me a selection of teas, snacks of dried fruits and trail mix, fresh fruit slices and spring water.

Liz is the former head therapist and trainer at the Grove Park Inn. The Oasis is the culmination of her experience and vision of a harmonious, beautiful space where one can be nurtured and pampered in a comfortable, welcoming manner.

The Asheville Oasis offers all the expected treatments but with a special touch: all their wraps and scrubs are made from scratch from authentic Indonesian recipes. Several types of facials are available: Belavi, European, Men’s, Teens. Their Pedicure is truly pampering: from the rose petals floating in a hand-made ceramic bowl to the gentle foot massage to the fun selection of nail colors.

But on to what I really came to the Oasis for: Hot Stone Massage. Truly I have not experienced a massage that comes close to the gentle, nurturing warmth of this one. Liz uses naturally smoothed and polished Basalt stones, hand-picked to fit every part of one's body. She placed the spinal stones under soft flannel sheets and positioned my body into comfortable alignment with them. Then, like a flowing dance, the massage began. All my stressed and aching parts (ah, those poor abused feet!) were kneaded and warmed and soothed. At the end, warm, moist towels absorbed any extra oils and I was ready to leave this Oasis and face the rest of my day with equanimity.

NEXT MONTH: A facial at Sensibilities and what Day Spas offer men specifically.