Rochester Woman Online would like to to introduce you to the “Divas”. We all have heard about them, or we all know them and now we are excited to be able to share the adventures of Kelly Breuer and Cheryl Kates-Benman; known as the Diva’s with you each month. They will be taking us through a different experience at local spas, resorts, entertainment venues and even local destinations giving you their “diva’s report”. We may even introduce a few other Divas as we go.
Diva’s 1 and 2 are excited to take us to the recently opened Strathallan Spa, for our first report. Located right across from the Strathallan Hotel, it is a state-of-the-art spa, striving to provide “an extraordinarily memorable experience” for any guest, all while delivering outstanding world class treatments, promoting health, wellness and rejuvenation of mind, body and soul. The atmosphere of the new Strathallan Spa is designed to foster an uncommonly warm and welcoming environment, serving as a true oasis away from the everyday.
Upon arriving at the reconverted brick barn which was built in the early 1900’s, the Diva’s pulled into a convenient parking lot available in close-proximity to the entrance, perfect for this cold winter day. The Spa staff members greeted them at the entrance, smiling and friendly, waiting to take them on an amazing tour of the newly finished interior. Just a month prior, the Divas were able to take a behind the scenes visit when there was nothing but 2X4’s, and metal casings outlining the soon to be treatment rooms. There was no flooring or fixtures, not even a sink was visible, while they walked around the contractors and electric cords. It was hard to believe that the incredible three-story spa they were now in was just a hollow shell just weeks prior.
Amanda, the manager of the spa began their tour of the impressive modern, yet rustic interior with the women’s lounge. The Diva’s eyes were graced with a beautiful fireplace in the center of the room with wall-to-wall seating accented by beautiful fluffy pillows, and the original brick walls were even exposed. There was refreshing cranberry water or hot tea to drink, while they relaxed and put their feet up on an ottoman. Soft lighting was accenting roomalong with all natural lighting peaking through the modern windows that were reconverted from the old barn. Combinations of wood and brick décor are throughout, providing a comfortable and welcoming environment that fosters a peaceful and tranquil environement. The locker room area was also beautifully done, with attention paid to every detail. The Diva’s couldn’t wait to slip into their fluffy robes and slippers, and relax on the couches enjoying some much needed “girl time”.
After touring the first floor, which also included a men’s lounge, elevator access, and a product area, the diva’s walked up the beautiful open staircase accented with candles, plants and hanging lighting fixtures. The treatment rooms on the second floor are beautifully decorated with exposed brick from the original architecture, tranquil lighting, plush covers and state of the art equipment. From massages and facials, to full-body treatments and waxing, the second floor is your trip to serenity. There was even a very large couples room complete with shower for you to take that special someone for a day they will never forget.
On to the third floor…as you walk up the stairs you are truly in awe as you look up to cathedral ceilings, tons of natural lighting, and a pedicure room to die for. The Diva’s couldn’t wait to jump up on the bench of comfy cushions to relax and enjoy their pedicures! The third floor is also home to the spas manicure area, and soon to be hair salon as well.
After their incredible tour, the Diva’s went back downstairs, and got changed into their fluffy robes and slippers. They sat by the fireplace to await their technician’s arrivals. Diva Kelly began with her spa pedicure with Tiffany on the third floor, while Diva Cheryl was whisked away to the second floor to enjoy her massage with Debra. Kelly arrived upstairs to a pedicure tub filled with nice warm water, a comfy bench with pillows to put behind her and lean back on, and a smiling technician ready to make her feet feel fabulous just in time for the holidays. Kelly described her experience was “nothing but amazing and no details were left untouched.” After an hour of pampering, which even included warm towels, and a hand and arm massage, she was ready for the next pampering session downstairs with Debra for a massage.
While Kelly sat under the nail dryer, Cheryl arrived fresh from her massage, with her hair tussled, and raving about how spectacular her experience was. Cheryl, needing a more medical massage because of severe fibromyalgia.
Once Cheryl was settled in for her pedicure, she was able to enjoy the beautiful, modern footbaths with Tiffany for her new red sparkly toes.
On the second floor, a nice heated bed awaited Kelly’s arrival with a warm towel placed on her back and then a hot stone to set the mood. A little slice of heaven. Kelly was so relaxed at one point she may have even been snoring …just a little bit. The low lighting, serene spa music and the warm deep tissue massage on her shoulders and neck felt amazing.
After they finished their treatments, they were given a cranberry-elderberry elixir and went back down to the women’s relaxation area to enjoy a few more minutes of peace and quiet before changing and heading over for lunch at Char in the Strathallan Hotel.
Guests are welcome to showers, lots of amenities to get ready, or they can just to sit and relax for as long as they would like before leaving. This is just one more reason why the Strathallan spa is like having a little slice of heaven.
The Diva’s day was made complete with lunch at Char, which the Diva’s tend to frequently visit. There is a full bar and two lounge areas separated by a blazing fireplace. There is even an outdoor fireplace to enjoy as well for those
colder nights. Both bar style raised tables, booths and then fine dining tables are available. We decided to choose the booth by the window overlooking the spa. The staff provides quick, thoughtful and assistive service and the menu is to die for. Today, the Divas decided to enjoy a nice glass of their favorite Moscato, before lunch. Kelly picked the fresh salad accented with tenderloin steak and a side of parmesan fries. While Cheryl, went with the shaved prime rib sandwich and sweet potato fries. The meat was tender and not overcooked and the greens were fresh. The prime rib was delicious. The bread was grilled to perfection. Truly a fantastic way to end Diva adventure.
Mention Rochester Woman Online and the Diva’s and receive 25% off your first service with the new Strathallan Spa!
