| Cascata The Spa, by Absolute Image | |
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Cascata The Spa, by Absolute Image is a 4,000+ square foot comprehensive spa in Morristown, New Jersey. It is the product of owner Rosemary Van Orden's thirty years in the beauty industry. In 1999, Rosemary and family opened Cascata the Spa, by Absolute Image with the goal of providing a professional atmosphere in which customers could receive personalized one-on-one beauty, image and wellness consultations and services in an impeccably clean, creative, warm and friendly environment...to fulfill their Absolute Image.
I was scheduled for “The Cascata Experience” – Mini which included a Signature Facial, Therapeutic Massage, Pedicure & Foot Paraffin, Milk & Honey Manicure & Lunch. The relaxing experience began immediately as I walked in the door. Jason greeted me at the reception desk, took my coat and umbrella, and invited me to sit in the consultation area. He brought me a glass of water and some forms to fill out including a spa lunch menu. The formalities done, I was escorted back into the spa.
The Image Center
I left the consultation/waiting area and the retail area which offered lines such as Sebatian, Trucco, and Clubmax and passed by The Image Center which included a Makeup Center, Styling Center, Nail Center, and Spa Pedicure Center. I would be returning to experience the last two centers. On my way, I noted the art that lined the walls. I was told that the spa periodically hold art sales and donates a percentage of the profits to charity.
The Wellness Center
Continuing towards the back of the building, I passed a waterfall wall (Cascata means waterfall in Italian) and entered the Cascata Cafe with a serving bar and tables set up for lunch. From the cafe, I passed through a pair of large curved wood and opaque glass doors to The Wellness Center. Here, blissfully removed from the rest of the spa, are five private treatment rooms set up for facial treatments, hydrotherapy, massage and body treatments. Two of the rooms can be opened together to offer couples treatments. One room has a Swishy Shower (combination of Swiss and Vichy shower). I was shown to the changing room and instructed to put on a robe and leave my clothes folded in one of the baskets. There are no lockers, so I carried my purse with me from treatment to treatment - a minor inconvenience.
The mini Cascata Experience started with a massage from therapist Michelle who gave a very nice massage, concentrating on my back and shoulders (which really needed the attention). The massage was basically Swedish with some deep muscle work on the back. It felt great!
Next in line was a signature facial from Sue. At Cascata, a client's first facial is always a signature facial which is used to evaluate the skin and to provide the first treatment. Using mostly Shira products (vitamin C, vitamin K, soy protein), Sue gave a wonderful facial as well lots of great information about the condition of my skin and what I could do to improve it. Usually Sue would recommend what the client should schedule for the next visit based on skin condition, elapsed time, and season. Ideally facials should be spaced 4-6 weeks apart but never less than once each season according to Sue. It made me wish I lived closer so Sue could set up an ongoing program for me.
After the facial, it was time for the Spa Lunch. I entered the Cascata Cafe (which can accommodate parties up to 15) and enjoyed a roasted vegetable wrap on a lovely place setting. The roses added a touch of elegance.
The Image Center - Revisited
Lunch done, I was met by Lisa who would be providing my last two services. First was the Pedicure & Foot Paraffin. In the Spa Pedicure Center, I climbed up onto the bench so that my feet could soak in the sink below. Lisa shaped the nails and worked on the cuticles and calluses, then my favorite part - the algae oil and sea salt exfoliation. This left the skin up to my knees very soft. Next came a paraffin dip, a rest while my feet were wrapped in booties and, finally, polish. Off to the Nail Center for a Milk & Honey Manicure. This time the fingernails got the attention - shaped, exfoliated with a mixture of milk, honey, and flour and, finally, polished. After four plus hours, I was completely renewed.
Future Plans
Cascata The Spa, by Absolute Image has plans to expand into another 1,000 square feet of space.
Photos copyright 2001,
Julie Register
Licensed to About.com
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