Covid-19 Update
So, so sad to say, Ahava Spa has not survived the Coronavirus pandemic 🙁 We’re leaving up this sponsored post so you can get an idea of the kind of island spa vibe to expect when on Saint Lucia – and we’ll of course bring you more posts about Saint Lucia’s wonderful island spa experiences!
Out of the scores of spas that can be found around the island, comes one that stands out for all the best reasons.
“AHAVA” is the Hebrew word for “Love” but, according to the spa’s owner Marva Eugene, at Ahava Body Hair and Spirit, opened nearly two years ago and nestled in a quiet lane in Rodney Bay, they interpret this meaning in the deepest, broadest way. After over 25 years of experience in the spa industry, Marva felt there was a need to introduce a spa experience where clients could benefit from authentic local spa ingredients, and consistent personalised services.
As one might expect, AHAVA was created to be a strictly judgement-free and safe space. The team of caring professional therapists, each chosen for their years of experience providing top quality services, treat each client with personal experiences tailored to their specific needs.
Ahava prides itself on offering clients a ritual that embodies selflessness – giving of oneself to another – love personified!
This spirit is immediately apparent as staff offer clients fruit-infused water or herbal tea upon arrival, followed by a relaxing foot soak before every body ritual.
As you settle into your experience in these first moments, you are soothed by the carefully curated ambiance, dimmed lighting, cool relaxing colours and thoughtful décor, including beautiful handmade local clay jugs and foot basins for foot washes and pedicures.
My Experience – the Massage Virgin!
I went to the spa as a massage virgin, and my therapist made sure I was welcomed with what I can only describe as a comforting and assuring bond between me and my therapist. That’s impressive to say the least, as being on the plus side in weight, the idea of being stark naked and rubbed from head to toe by a complete stranger was slightly unnerving! However, moments after meeting my professional, friendly and calming therapist Sepheria Charles (or Sephy as she is affectionately called), those nerves flew out of the window, and before I knew it, I was laying on the massage bed, half asleep almost before she even began.
FYI, I checked with some of my more experienced massage-going friends and they tell me they feel the same way about Ahava staff’s care and attention; staff take time to ask about specific issues, tightness etc, you would like to focus on and then, the important part that too often is missing, make sure those issues are well dealt with and conditions of the room are adjusted to your comfort and so on.
The soothing background sounds serves as a cherry on a cake, especially after long work week. I’m told it is common for clients to be lulled to sleep before and during rituals.
Getting the Glow
Following my settling in, was a full body coconut salt scrub. This involved an exfoliating scrub from the neck down, in which the salt helps remove those dead skin cells that make our skins dull, whilst the oil from the coconut seeps through your newer layers, which helps rehydrate the skin.
After a quick soap-free shower, came the hydrating body massage with delicious warm coconut oil, which was performed with medium pressure, just as I requested.
The massage ritual not only removes tension and knots from your muscles but detoxifies the body by helping lactic acid flow freely so that toxins can be passed out easily. Quick Tip: come into a massage well-hydrated and then drink lots of water following a massage to get toxins flushed out even better.
At the end of my treatments, I left thinking, “The entire experience can be described with one word; Heaven!”
No Cookie-Cutter here!
My personal experience aside, frequent clients confirm that AHAVA offers an unparalleled service which encompasses the mind and body from the minute a client walks in, to the moment they leave.
The Ahava spa is not the cookie cutter factory type establishment. The owner and staff are focused on authenticity and detail, ranging from sourcing mainly local products, to their very affordable prices, allowing locals to enjoy the same professional and caring experience as visitors to the island.
Marva says: “Your time with us should be a journey, where time seemingly stands still, and your spa experience will not only make you want to return, but will guide you towards a change of lifestyles. The therapists on the Ahava team are extremely dedicated and they love what they do, they are passionate about it and are really caring. Our aim is that this is felt and is exhibited when the therapies are over, and the clients can always feel that aspect coming through.”
Full-service Spa with extras!
The Ahava experience is by no means limited to body rituals. The spa also offers superb manicure and pedicure services, facials, waxing and semi-permanent eyelash extensions, as well as makeup and hair services. There’s even an excellent in-house barber.
AHAVA also offers group sessions – perfect for birthday celebrations or as a fabulous addition to a group’s travel agenda. If you prefer or need an In-home treatment experience, that’s available as well, where they bring the spa to you…beds and all!
And if you are like me, you enjoyed the experience and you plan to go back again and again, Ahava offers a loyalty program which includes special loyalty offers – the more you go back, the better it gets!
For treatments of international standards, with strong local and natural elements and superb care and attention, AHAVA is the new place to be.
How to get there
Click on this What3Words address to be taken straight to the exact spot on the map:
https://w3w.co/undertones.firework.temptation
Download the What3Words app Android & iOS to be able to accurately pinpoint places – to within 3 metres. Use with your favourite app for driving directions.
Lucian Directions
AHAVA is located opposite the Providence Centre in Rodney Bay. If you are walking, cross the street from the Bay Gardens Hotel gap towards the pedestrian bridge, where you will find Ahava, which is the very first building to your right.
If driving, turn into the road, Rodney Heights Circle, with a pink mini-wall marking the entrance, drive up to the mini-roundabout, take the third exit, a slight right, and then take the first right turn and the next right turn. Drive along to the end of that road and Ahava is there on the left.
Contacts:
Spa Director: Marva Eugene
(758) 452-0772
ahavaspalove@gmail.com
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Quick Facts
Operating hours are 9:00a.m. – 6:00p.m. Mondays to Saturdays, and 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Sundays.
Credit Cards Accepted
Street parking available
Free WiFi
Group services available
At-home service available
Gel-Nails
Barber Services providing cuts for both men and women
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