The exclusive Daufuskie Island Resort has added a crown jewel to its already extensive list of guest amenities – the Breathe Spa™.

Complimented by the island's already tranquil and charming surroundings, Daufuskie's Breathe Spa™ concept originated on the island and appropriately reflects the same relaxing and non-intimidating atmosphere for which Daufuskie is so well known.

Gayle Bulls Dixon, a principal owner of Daufuskie Island Resort & Breathe Spa, conceived the new spa and said it is designed to offer the most personalized approach to a spa experience. Dixon appointed Colleen Stiers, an expert in spa development and operations, to fulfill the Breathe Spa™ mission.

The Breathe name, inspired by one of the five core elements, Air, represents breath – what is taken in from one's surroundings. It is the symbol for health and is essential to the quality of life. The Breathe philosophy embraces balanced health, beginning within, to create optimum wellbeing – clarity, strength and energy.

"Breathe Spa™ is dedicated to providing relaxing, giving and professional services in comfortable surroundings that encourage our guests to unwind, receive, understand and 'breathe'," said Stiers.
Considered a full-service destination spa with day spa components, the overall experience and personalized service is what Stiers says sets Breathe Spa™ apart from other mega resort spas or day spas. Unlike most spas, Breathe guests are assigned their own personal spa coordinator for the day or for the duration of their spa visit. Each spa coordinator is well versed with the products, ingredients and benefits of every treatment, and if necessary, will tailor a treatment based on their guest's skin type.

"If a guest has an allergy to a particular ingredient in one of our treatments, the spa coordinator will substitute that ingredient in order to avoid any allergic reactions," says Stiers.

It's the responsibility of each coordinator to be familiar with the schedule of each guest, make necessary changes, order meals and work in partnership with the personal hostess in each locker room to ensure a comfortable, memorable spa experience for each guest.

A special feature that compliments the inviting, non-intimidating atmosphere of Breathe Spa™ is its 25-minute introductory treatments designed to gradually introduce the "novice spa goer" to the overall Breathe experience.

"Not all guests are spa savvy," said Stiers. "It can be very intimidating to walk into a multi-level, 30-room spa when you've never had a massage or treatment before. Hence, our introductory treatments reflect our philosophy of providing a comfortable, personalized spa experience. They're especially for those who are new to the overall spa circuit."

Daufuskie's Breathe Spa™ features more than 45 therapeutic treatments ranging from body treatments and massages, to facials, hydrotherapy and specialty hand and foot treatments. The Surf & Sand Body Polish is an appropriate signature treatment for Daufuskie Island Resort & Breathe Spa – a creamy, rich exfoliating scrub with sand, jojoba beads, apricot seeds and loofah.

Two additional signature treatments include the Breathe Spa Signature Facial combining a customized masque and aromatherapy treatment using small warm and cool river rocks combined with a reflexology treatment. The Breathe Spa Signature Herbal Bath is an aromatic bath derived from Native American healing customs that includes the scent of sage, sea fennel and other herbs known for their cleansing properties.

Future spa activities will include guided beach tours and nature walks, yoga and Pilates classes, and aqua aerobics classes. Breathe Spa™ healthy meal alternatives are also included and noted on the restaurant menus at the resort. Future plans will also include the option to meet with a personal nutritionist to analyze and design dietary programs.

© SPA MANAGEMENT JOURNAL - JUNE 2004

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