sensibilities
by sandi tomlin-sutker

That open door epitomizes the feeling the staff at Sensibilities conveys—an open and supportive “everything for the customer” attitude as you walk into their downtown Haywood Street shop.

Whether you are seeking relaxation and relief from the stresses of your day (or week!) with one of their array of treatments; whether you are coming by for a pampering beauty treatment before a big event; whether you are shopping for some luxurious products to create your own spa experience at home—you will be warmly greeted and treated here.

Everything about Sensibilities is designed to offer an energizing, yet serene and peaceful atmosphere. Softly scented aromatherapy candles and gently bubbling fountains set the stage as you walk through the first floor. This retail section of the Spa contains all that you would need to treat yourself or a loved one to a sensual, pampering, healing experience. They specialize in products that use only natural, pure essential oils, herbs, flowers and fruit extracts.

On the lower level of the Spa are the treatment rooms. The atmosphere here is quiet, earthy, but with elegant contemporary design features. A year or more ago, my good friend Rochelle Beck gave me a delightful European Facial as a birthday gift. I decided it was high time I treated myself to another one. (If you read my Last Word last month, you’ll know that I treat my body and my car equally poorly…my car just quit for good, so I thought there might be a message in that for me!)

Alicia, the staff aesthetician, escorted me into one of the rooms, instructed me to undress, wrap up in a spa towel and lie on the massage table. The table was warm and cushy and I immediately relaxed into anticipation. The lights dimmed, soft peaceful music played, and Alicia began with a comforting, light massage of my neck and shoulders. After a subtly scented cleanse and a light mask under steam, she inspected my skin with a magnifier to assess its condition and needs. My skin is sensitive and tends toward adult acne, so the balance of the treatment focused on calming any inflammation and on deep pore cleansing. While each layer of mask worked its magic, Alicia gently massaged my arms and hands; for those, like me, who are often chained to the keyboard and mouse, this is heaven. One hour later, I walked out a totally relaxed, rejuvenated woman with beautifully glowing skin!

Alicia gave me some tips on creating a simple daily routine for myself, along with some samples of the Pevonia products she had used. I happened to overhear (nosy reporter that I am) another client talking about the facial she’d received, so I asked if she was willing to comment for this article. She turned out to be someone I knew by name, Robbin Whittington. She and her husband, chiropractor Tom Whittington, routinely get massages here and she had begun to get support for her flare-ups of Rosacea. She said she already is seeing improvement and I realized that Sensibilities’ philosophy that “beauty and wellness go hand in hand” really is true. Their focus is on both relaxation and stress relief, combined with face and body treatments to enhance your feeling of well-being.

There are so many possibilities for nurturing treatments at Sensibilities—from an hour or so to most of the day (their signature package includes a facial, hot stone therapy, Moor mud wrap, manicure and pedicure and lunch). You can find all their offerings listed on the website, or there are brochures available in the shop.

Indulge yourself!

Sensibilites Day Spa, 59 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC 28801
828-253-3222 or 800-635-0948
sensibilities-spa.com