| 
| |
 |
|
|
* |
|
|
nstead of moving from therapist to therapist, clients stay in their rooms
and the therapists come to them. "It's about people having experiences
together," Joseph says. "We offer the materials, but the people
create the experience. Some people come hoping to rekindle romance; it may
happen, but it has to come from them. We supply a time apart with beautiful
elements."
With his mother and consultant Marilyn, he has set up airy rooms that are
decorated like charming B and B bedrooms with sunny walls and fresh trim,
all located beside a picturesque duck pond and a clock tower on Long Island's
North Shore. His quaint, historic surroundings create a strong weekend draw
from New York City and other nearby urban areas.
Joseph caters to a very broad range of clients, from couples, for whom he
offers a huge and attractive set of services, massage for two, mother/daughter
or friends' packages, bachelorette, birthday and other parties, and treatments
coupled with lunch or dinner, brought from a variety of excellent local
restaurants. "I wanted the treatment rooms to be like wonderful hotel
rooms," Joseph said. "I love to be pampered and I love room service
and custom personal service. And my passion is high technology and toys."
Joseph goes to great lengths to please his clients; one couple wanted a
dinner containing some dishes from one restaurant and others from another;
he brought it together for them. Despite the beautiful tea service with
crusty, gorgeous scones set out, one male client quipped that he was "more
of a Ring Dings and Yodels kind of guy." By the time he finished his
treatments and  came
to the table, he had them. Joseph has even brought in an executive chef
to cook a four-course meal for clients. "I want to go beyond their
expectations, and I worry that they will not be as excited the second time,"
he said. "So far, they are."
Along with all the pleasures, the bells and whistles and the artistically
created environment, the spa services (the Alfa Romeo part) are superb and
very serious indeed. There are warm neck wraps and relaxing foot soaks in
baths topped with rose petals before or after treatments, and champagne
and sensual desserts following a side by side couples' massage package;
both singles and couples' treatments go from half hour facials or massages
to five hour packages.
The spa menu is imaginative and diverse, but it is the therapists that distinguish
this small gem. Carl Miluso is an extraordinary massage therapist. His skills
and techniques are excellent, but that is only the beginning. His intuition,
sure touch and obvious desire to help the client achieve a strong, well
balanced body place him in a class with few others. Although the massage
I had was billed as European with a teaser of hot stone, it had elements
of Reiki, shiatsu, cranial sacral work and reflexology, as well. And the
techniques are so integrated that nothing was simply "by the book";
Miluso used the appropriate method to get the greatest result seamlessly
and intuitively. He immediately saw where energy was blocked and he knew
what to do about it. This is an extremely gifted and outstanding therapist.
Another therapist, Jill Losasso, has excellent massage skills, but perhaps
the outstanding feature of her wraps is her consideration for the client.
Many people are reluctant to choose wraps because of a combination of claustrophobia
and fear of being left alone, bound, with too much heat. Also, it is difficult
to handle all the aspects of treatments like a salt rub and milk and honey
wrap, with the necessary showering, turning on mylar and the potential for
exposure. Jill made it all very easy; even the most delicate sensibilities
would be at rest, as she explained at each step how she was protecting the
client's privacy, from the disposable panties and towel screen to the way
she handled the body. The wrap itself is not the mummy bag sometimes found,
but a warming and comfortable wrap covered with a warm towel and ease in
unwrapping if needed. In addition, Jill provides a deep head massage after
the wrap is complete and checks the client even during the short period
relaxing alone.
 There
are a number of hotels and inns that can be coupled with the spa for a weekend
getaway, from the Roslyn Claremont across the street to Harrisons House
in Glen Cove. Joseph will do the concierge work for clients, setting up
the accommodations, limousine service, etc. if desired. Sample pricing:
an hourlong European massage on a heated table with infused essential oils
and a hot stone teaser is priced at $85, as is a deep pore or anti-stress
facial with a blend of natural aromatherapy products, hot stones to relax
feet and legs and a home care consultation; the milk and 75-minute milk
and wrap preceded by massage and a salt glow and scalp massage is $115.
A peel designed to lighten hyperpigmentation, smooth rough skin, minimize
lines and cleanse pores is $55 per 30 minute treatment; a series of six
is available for $300. A chocolate wrap includes a hot stone teaser and
choice of peppermint patty rub or dry brush exfoliation. After a sensual
wrap in chocolate-infused mud, an aromatherapy and scalp massage is offered
and a soothing application of orange chocolate body balm and a big chunk
of chocolate for the inside, a 75-minute treatment for $115. They offer
waxing, foot treatments, back facials and tanning treatments, as well. Packages
are priced to include gratuities; among the many combinations of services,
you can create your own.
The Village Spa at 17 Main Street in historic Roslyn Village is only half
an hour from New York City by train or car.
(516) 621-7272; Email: info@the-village-spa.com.
Website: www.the-village-spa.com.
|
