Need a secret getaway right here at home?

There is a local spot where the all-too-busy can sit in a darkened quiet room, relaxing to the sound of trickling water and warming their toes by a crackling fire while contemplating the legs on a glass of merlot. A place where cell phones are not allowed and undergarments are optional.

Shhhhh, nobody has to know.

And the professional staff at the Grand Junction Athletic Club Day Spa and Salon will never tell.

The spa doesn’t just specialize in facials, massages and other body treatments, it sells an entire luxurious experience.

Lisa Shattuck, licensed aesthetician, said she sees all types of clients at the spa. Many bring out-of-town guests as a special treat.

Some use massage or other treatments as part of their general health and keep appointments on a regular basis while others come quarterly or use gift certificates received for a special occasion.

Shattuck said the quiet room and the Sothys Paris products set this spa apart from others she’s worked at.

Sothys are French products recommended by professionals throughout the world.

Its product line includes facial care, moisturizers, anti-aging serums, body care products, make-up and a full men’s line. Most of Sothys products are available for purchase at the Athletic Club Spa.

Shattuck trusts this beauty line because the company spends so much time researching and developing the right formula for maximum effectiveness.

In addition to the product, aestheticians use Digi-Esthetique, a massage technique developed by the company combining finger pressure and modeling to ensure deep relaxation and the complete absorption of product.

Spa clients are encouraged to arrive early to their appointments in order to maximize the pampering experience.

Upon arrival, a concierge will escort clients to the locker room where clients can shower and don a full-length robe and massaging slippers.

Clients await service in the quiet room with a complimentary glass of wine or cold bottled water. The spa offers a comprehensive list of body treatments, including professional facials and peels, massage therapy, and body treatments including detoxifying wellness mud followed by a Vichy shower.

After treatment, further relaxation in the quiet room with a neck warming pillow is encouraged. Spa users never feel rushed and are encouraged to enjoy the facility at their leisure.

Showers with professional hair care products, complimentary razors, plus blow dryer and styling products are available to complete the experience.

Customers leave feeling more relaxed, happier and better-looking. Customized packages for the ultimate spa getaway are available.

There are “Ladies Day Out” packages that include a French facial, detoxifying mud and Vichy shower, spa pedicure, hair cut and style plus professional Sothys make-up. Lunch can be provided as well has champagne and a limo service.

Bridal packages, couple getaways and maternity packages are also available. Visit www.gjac.com or call 245-4100 for information.

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E-mail Richie Ann Ashcraft at rashcraft@gjds.com.

OTHER SPAS TO TRY
— The Yampah Spa and Salon, Hot Springs Vapor Caves in Glenwood Springs offers a truly unique spa experience. 
The spa has a full range of services, including massage and herbal body treatments, but the highlight of this experience is the vapor caves.
Visitors are led to an underground rock cave where hot mineral water flows at 125 degrees. The water and rock create a natural geothermal steam bath. 
There are three caves of varying temperatures to explore in the dimly lit chamber.
Marble slab benches are tucked away in the rock walls making it the perfect place for a romantic conversation.
The Ute Indians originally used the caves as a sacred place for healing and rejuvenation. Many locals use the caves regularly to soothe aches and pains. 
The caves are the only natural vapor caves in North American making them a must-see when visiting area spas.
Monthly specials are the best value, usually combining a body treatment with massage, plus unlimited day use of the caves for a special price. 
Visit www.yampahspa.com for information.

— There are many spa options in Aspen, but the SpaAspen at the Aspen Club and Spa provides the ultimate mountain luxury experience.
Unique to this spa is the consideration of altitude and weather conditions on the body and skin. 
Treatments include their exclusive Aspen Life product line which uses organic herbs and essences native to the Rocky Mountain region.
Treatments include the High Alpine Hydration facial which deep cleans and exfoliates the skin that is regularly exposed to dry climate.
The spa’s most popular treatment is the Alpine Rejuvenator. It includes a full body steam towel compress, body mask and a pine oil application. The oil uses organic pine essentials indigenous to the Aspen region.
Other services include hair, nails and waxing.
The spa can be incorporated into a complete Aspen vacation or customized to suit any event.
For information, visit www.aspenclub.com.

— The Chipeta Sun Lodge and Spa in Ridgway offers the southwest Colorado experience. 
The adobe and wood lodge is a relaxing retreat into the San Juan mountains.
Spa services are combined in a total package that includes yoga, healthy Southwest cuisine, beauty and relaxation.
Experienced therapists use holistic techniques through massage, body wraps and skincare.
The spa offers services that complement their massages, such as the Feather Effleurage Lymphatic cleanse. 
This treatment uses the light strokes of a feather in order to direct energy flow toward lymphatic clearing. According to the Web site, this treatment creates harmony between heaven and earth.
The ultimate spa getaway includes three nights lodging at the exclusive resort, a southwest stone massage, Shankara Ayurvedic facial, an Alpine Herbal Dream steam, private yoga pass, two passes to Orvis Hot Springs, and full use of the Chipeta Fitness.
Cost is $995 for the first person and an extra $425 to bring a friend.
For more information about the resort, visit www.chipeta.com.
— Richie Ann Ashcraft