This spa owner and Esthetician’s passion is visiting other spas. I just LOVE it.
Very Simple: I share with you my favorites and Why:
I know firsthand how incredibly hard it is to run a spa, keep up with the trends, and still provide quality service and treatments. No detail escapes me, and I am constantly learning. From the way the menus are designed, the way I am treated as I arrive, the cleanliness of the spa, the treatment room and atmosphere, the expertise of the staff, and the overall experience.
If I like a spa, it is a big deal. I am really selective and rarely go back twice unless I am hooked. I don’t bash spas I don’t like; I just don’t talk about them:) They may be great for some people, but not for me. So the spa’s that have won me over are on this blog.
Here you go: SECRETS Spa by Pevonia
Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Breaking down the spa in three sections: Business, Beauty and Spa details
Business: Very easy to reserve, conveniently located to the rooms, and extremely friendly staff. My appointment was on time, and my therapist was there to greet me and was very polished. Her demeanor was friendly and made me feel comfortable. She guided me to my locker to change, showed me the areas of the spa where I could relax, and showed me the grounds. *Note: My only suggestion is that the lockers were very difficult to get into. It took me three lockers just to put my flip-flops in and put on a robe. I actually would have preferred to walk to my room since I only had a room key with me and flip-flops.
Spa design….
GORGEOUS. The spa is immaculate, both inside and out. The grounds are incredible, and the interior is very well designed.
Walking to the room was a treat. You pass by a very serene and calming sitting area with every magazine you can think of, and then it opens to the outside areas leading to the rooms. You walk on white stepping stones over water to reach your room. The rooms are very well designed; they are the perfect size, and the neutral colors are calming.
Beauty: I had the Secrets Exclusive Facial. Normally I do not get facials on beach getaways, but if I know I am towards the end of my trip and future sun exposure is at a bare minimum (and my face was well taken care of on the trip), then I allow myself the treatment. Again, I am very diligent about the sun not hitting my face, so my large-brimmed hat is on and sunscreen is on all day. I sit under umbrellas outside and wear a rash guard over my bathing suit.
The Esthetician was very pleasant, allowing me to truly relax. She accessed my skin; we chatted skin talk and then I let her do her thing.
Details:
The bathrooms had every little thing I could think of if I needed it (deodorant, cleansers, toothpaste, mouthwash, the works), and the vanity area to dress if needed was extremely spacious. There were plenty of changing rooms, lockers, and showers.
The facial presentation was lovely. Small, teardrop-shaped bowls held my ingredients, and everything was placed on a wooden tray. The Esthetician wore a facial mask, which made me feel good. Normally this isn’t an issue, but since I am in another country, it made me feel more comfortable.
The outside pool was gorgeous. I was the only one there while other resort goers were at the beach, so it was all mine. Had I known they had delicious treats in the lounge area, I would not have just eaten (but that is easier said than done at an all-inclusive). The spa offered a variety of fresh, fruit-infused water near the relaxation pool, so there was no need to bring your water bottle.
Notes for next time: I came in for a quick facial and told my husband I would meet him again in an hour (which this time, thank goodness, I did, as he lay under a palm tree without sunscreen on and was a bright tomato when I came back). Next time, however (after the hubs is properly sun-screened and under a shady tree), I will spend more time enjoying myself in the relaxation room and the calmness. I was hesitant about what an all-inclusive spa would be like, but this one did not disappoint.
Esthetician approved.
