RED DOOR SPA – FAIRFAX, VA

OCTOBER 2006

A friend of mine recommended this spa to me, so me and my mom actually treated my grandma (and ourselves) for her 70^th birthday.  The spa surroundings were very nice.  It is located in a “town-center” type shopping center that has several restaurants and a movie theater there.  Though you enter the spa on the 1^st floor, you actually walk thru the “red door” and then take an elevator to the 2^nd level where the spa is located.  Very 007ish.   Upon check-in, we were directed to the locker room to change into our robe/slippers and then went to the lounge/waiting area.  This room was VERY relaxing.  There was soft seating/wrap around couches with pillows.  They even had blankets if you were chilly and needed to cover-up.  They also had complimentary snacks, juice, bottled water, etc.,  Once again, this location did not have any extras like a steam room, sauna, whirlpool, etc.  But there was a decent vanity area to “fix yourself up” after spa treatments.  I had the Dessert Hot Stone Massage  (50min) and a Red Door Signature Pedicure.   Considering this was my first experience with “hot stones” I did not know how hot, hot was supposed to be.   Based on that particular experience, I would not recommend the stones to anyone that cannot bear VERY HOT showers.   When the stones initially touched my skin, it was really hot to the point of almost wanting to slightly flinch, however the more the therapist worked the stones along the hotness mellowed out to warmth and actually felt soothing.  However each time the stones were reheated, I had to go through the same flinching/mellow out process.   Overall, I did like the concept of the treatment, however, I must say, that I had the “hot stone” treatment at another spa in the future, and out of comparison I will say that the Red Door heated their rocks entirely TOO hot.  You should not have to “flinch” from the heat of the rocks, so make sure you tell your therapist if they are unbearable.   I thought the pedicure was great!  It was almost as relaxing as the massage.  The sugar scrub the use smells and feels heavenly.  Your feet are massaged with warm cream and dipped in paraffin for extra hydration. The technician was friendly and we chated while she worked. I then had my massage, by a different technician, and since I did not have any previous professional massages to compare it to, my expertise at the time just relied on how I felt afterwards. Needless to say it was a completely RELAXING experience, I felt renewed and rejuvenated… but at the same time felt like taking a nap. It was the perfect end to a mini-vacation and it convinced me that I must treat myself more often to spa experiences. In closing, my rankings for the Red Door Spa are as follows: The Facility – I give a Ranking of 3.5, it was clean, calming, and spacious. More than meets your needs if you are looking for a nice local spa.  Customer Service- Ranks 3.5, everyone was friendly/helpful, they were prompt for appointments.  Amenities – ranks 4, nice variety of drinks, fruit, snacks, etc. Treatment – I would rank my treatments received a 3.5 – pedicure is highly recommended, and everything may have been a higher ranking had the hot stones not have been almost scalding.  Maybe it depends on the therapist.  I think the treatment is a good one, just be cautious. Pricing:  Moderate.  Overall Rating 3.5 stars.  Website:  http://www.reddoorspas.com