Photograph courtesy of Harmonie European Day Spa
What could be more relaxing than a luxurious facial? In fast-paced Silicon Valley, gift certificates for this kind of luxury are increasingly popular.
Saratoga's day spas attract holiday shoppers, gift givers
By Leigh Ann Maze
At Saratoga's day spas, Christmas beats Mother's Day as the busiest holiday of the year. Gift certificates sell like hotcakes and weary shoppers seek a little pampering for themselves, making December busier than any other month.
"We sell tons of gift certificates," said Cynthia Rico at Preston Wynne Spa, which offers gift certificates in dollar amounts, rather than for a specific service. "It's crazy, it's definitely our busiest time of the year," she said, as women and men browsed beauty products, waited for treatments and purchased gifts in the scented room.
"Our customers come in all shapes, sizes and forms and each has their own agenda," Rico said, adding that some clients have purchased many gift certificates for others, but have never treated themselves to a spa experience. Others come in for weekly treatments during the holiday season. "For some people, it's kind of like therapy," she said.
Patricia Bottero, spa director at Harmonie European Day Spa in Saratoga notices an increase in male shoppers purchasing gift certificates around Christmas.
Both Preston Wynne and Harmonie European Day Spa are located on Big Basin Way.
Cristina Howes aims to get business started during the busy holiday season at her new spa, Pavia, which opened Nov. 19 on Highway 9 near Argonaut Shopping Center.
"My goal is to keep it an intimate, one-on-one personalized service," Howes said, as she arranged statuary, artwork and other finishing touches in the four elegantly decorated facial rooms.
If you want to treat a loved one to spa services, plan to spend at least $35 to $70 on a basic manicure or pedicure. A facial at one of the above Saratoga spas will cost anywhere from $60 to $150, depending on the time and treatments used. For the works, including full-body wrap, massage, facial and makeup expect to pay $95 to $235. Many spas let the customer choose their own package.
Although most people purchase gift certificates in person, most spas will take orders over the phone and mail the certificate either to the purchaser or the recipient. Like most products these days, facials, waxings, massages and beauty products may also be purchased online. Pavia, Harmonie and Preston Wynne all have websites.
"I like to think of it as an absolute retreat," Howes said of the spa experience.
Saratoga, California Since 1955
