Relaxation and Rejuvenation Are on Menu at Drift Away Day Spa

Nestled on the top floor of the new Greenleaf Commons building is a tranquil oasis where guests can let their cares melt away.

Drift Away Day Spa, which recently opened in the new building across from the Westin Resort and Villas, offers a full array of massages — from Thai yoga therapy to hot stone work — body wraps and scrubs, manicures, pedicures, waxing and luxurious facials.

Owner Julie Culver has been a professional massage therapist for 11 years, the past six of which she has spent on St. John. While working out of a cramped, dark office for years, Culver dreamed about opening her own space where clients could relax in the utmost comfort.

“I wanted a place where people could come to really enjoy themselves and really relax themselves in a high-quality place,” said Culver. “When I saw the building and this space was open, I knew it was the perfect spot.”

In addition to the Drift Away Spa services, Culver offers on-site services for treatments in the comfort of vacation villas or homes, as well as full wedding packages and special skin care treatments.

“We can create a package specifically designed for brides or bridal parties,” said Culver. “We also offer pre-natal and post-natal skin care since a mother’s skin often changes during that time and needs some extra care.”

Since securing the 1,200-square foot second-floor space during construction, Culver was able to design the spa to her specifications. Drift Away includes four treatment rooms, one of which accommodates couples, two changing rooms with showers, and a serenity lounge for clients to relax between or after treatments.

“A lot of thought went into the layout of the rooms,” said Culver. “I wanted to create a nice flow that would really work for the clients. The changing rooms are great because people can come straight from the beach or work to the massage table.”

“When you finish massages or treatments you’re usually so loose and relaxed, it’s nice to have a space to lounge for a little while and that’s the idea behind the serenity lounge,” said Cuvler .

Everything in Drift Away Day Spa was designed with the client in mind.  

“I gave a lot of thought to the types of materials we would use to make the rooms sound-proof,” said Culver. “You can really just relax here. With the doors closed you don’t hear anything from the other rooms.”

With contractor Todd Horne, whom Culver said “was so easy to work with,” and interior decorator Chaliese Smith of Grand Designs, Culver created a space that is both calming and rejuvenating.

The color palette of aqua and copper tones hits just the right note as rich mahogany and walnut touches balance the space with an organic feel.

The spa boasts a staff of 10 including estheticians, nail technicians, massage therapists, front desk consultants and head esthetician Laurie Toth, ensuring clients only the very best service.

“It’s really about getting the maximum desired result for the client,” said Culver. “We have very strict standards of hygiene and the staff is fully trained. We are dedicated to providing the very best service.”

With hour-long massages starting at just $85 and facials for $90, Culver makes certain that anyone can afford to be pampered from time to time.

“I wanted to keep the treatments affordable because I didn’t want to intimidate anyone,” said Culver. “I think it’s important for people be able to afford  a massage every couple of weeks instead of having to save up for months to splurge.”

Culver also carries several top-notch product lines at Drift Away Day Spa for clients to continue their skin care routines at home.

Jane Iredale makeup is different from anything else on the market. Created from minerals, the makeup is actually good for the skin, and it shows. With products ranging from an SPF 20 powder to conditioning mascara, the Jane Iredale line at Drift

Away Spa covers the full range of makeup needs.

“All of her makeup is mineral-based and contains no fillers,” said Culver about the Jane Iredale line. “What’s really fun is that you’re doing your skin a service by using her makeup.”

Culver’s dedication to quality is evident in her choice of skin care products available at Drift Away Day Spa as well.

Eminence Organic Skin Care, handmade in Hungary, is created with only all-natural herbs, fruits and vegetables. Eminence peels, creams — like the mandarin grapefruit body butter — gels, scrubs — definitely try the citrus exfoliating wash — masks, cleansers and even herbal teas are available.

The Drift Away Spa signature label line of products was created by a dermatologist to Culver’s exacting standards. Drift Away products include green tea sunscreens and anti-aging creams.

“The signature label line is targeted for specific skin issues,” said Culver. “With the strong sun down here, we carry a full line of anti-aging products. We also have a full range of sun screens that are good for your skin.”

The spa is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and is ideal for everything from an express 30-minute facial to a full day of total pampering. For more information check out the website www.driftawaystjohn.com — where gift certificates of any amount are available to print at home — or call 626-2271.