A SPA FIND
By Laurie Selwyn

If you could tailor a dream day of sheer and utter pampering, what would it consist of?
A massage alone? Or maybe a massage with your significant other?
Picture sipping some wine, eating a meal and dessert while lounging in a robe and enjoying a warm neck wrap and an aromatherapy foot soak. What about while you are getting a facial, having your nails manicured while a third therapist enters the room to massage your feet?
And if this could all take place in the same place???? You would be in….Heaven? Close but rather, The Village Spa, a unique day spa in historic Roslyn, where these services are readily available and provided daily.

At a time when customer service is being replaced by machines, owner Rick Joseph believes in the old fashioned personal touch. He has gone as far as to personally deliver gift certificates and tries to accommodate special requests. He hates to say “no” or “we’ll do it next time.” Asked how he came up with the spa’s unique concept? He states, “I’ve always loved the idea and convenience of room service and decided to apply that concept to the spa.”


What makes this day spa so special, aside from the ambiance, is that all services are done in the same room. Each therapist comes to the client instead of the client having to switch rooms for each service. It is the ultimate way to achieve optimum relaxation. Literally you can enter the suite and have service at your beck and call. With a mere call to the front desk, requests are responded too with urgency, whatever you may desire (within reason of course).

The spa can be fun (and purposely silly, too)…treatments like the peppermint patty rub, the melon massage, massage for 3 or the cult-like classic chocolate wrap are featured on the menu. Games are supplied as well, such as scrabble, twister, cards, etc. or you can bring your own. Feel free to just blow bubbles or surf the net, which are also offered since everyone unwinds in a different fashion.

Rick never rests on his laurels. While you are relaxing, he is running around to make certain that you have all of the amenities one could hope for and then some. In response to the question,” is the spa complete?” he says, “ this is an ever-evolving concept and I will continue to make any changes that will improve the experience of the clientele.” Some of his latest changes emanated directly from client requests. He decided that if the improvements were widely received, they would become a permanent part of the spa. Also noteworthy is the tremendous attention given to the selection of the therapists, food, décor and products used and available for purchase. These are the ingredients that make the recipe complete. Although the effort appears seamless without prudent choices the experience would definitively suffer.
The fact that the décor resembles a bed and breakfast, warm and inviting is only the beginning. The main suite is equipped with movies and music you can choose, cable, a computer, a wonderful steam shower made by Jacuzzi w/piped in music, a tea service table, a small refrigerator stocked with beverages and a charming table for one or two to dine. This is in addition to the menu of treatments you can partake in. One can get massages, wraps, facials, foot treatments, and more. And if you don’t see it, suggest it, and if it can be done, it will be.
Food and dessert are brought from fine neighboring restaurants and bakeries (Even kosher may be requested). If there is a certain dish you are craving, it will be provided. Also featured is an executive chef from the De Seversky Center to actually prepare and serve a 4-course meal (yes, you guessed it) right in the suite. That service is aptly named, “For that really special occasion.”

Room service for two is a great date idea (it was for me) but also can be special for sisters, friends or mothers and daughters sharing experiences together…and room service for one, well, just lets say “I can get used to that, as well.”

Laurie Selwyn is a freelance writer