San Diego, CA
Over 50% of small businesses fail within the first five years, according to the Small Business Administration. Nestled between the Columbia and Little Italy Districts of downtown San Diego, Spa Velía, an intimate old-world boutique spa, is poised to celebrate its five-year anniversary and still going strong. In an economic climate that has forced several prominent local day spas to close their doors over the past year, the owners of Spa Velia have responded to challenging times by giving more – both to their guests and to the community – and by upping their already passionate commitment to first-class service. Winners of 944 Magazine’s 2010 Readers’ Pick for Favorite Spa for Pampering, and winners of Day Spa Magazine’s Day Spa of the Year Award, Spa Velia continues to receive praise from devoted customers and the Spa industry.
Perhaps there is good karma in the name. Velia is actually the Italian name of an ancient town, originally founded by the Greeks, best known as the home of illustrious philosophers like Parmenides and Zeno. Situated in a mountainous stretch along the coast, with a breathtaking view, the ancient Velia “was sufficiently away from it all as to be un-blighted by civilization.” (As quoted from the Internet). Today, celebrities, sports figures, professionals, seasoned spa goers and spa novices alike come to Spa Velia when they want to get away from the pressures of modern life for a few hours and relax, recharge and rejuvenate.
It is obvious that Spa Velia’s team has a passion for sensory perfection; the serene oasis that Spa Velía provides weary urban dwellers, professionals and travelers draws glowing customer reviews: “Simply beyond relaxing! It was dark and had the perfect balance of pleasant ambiance and soothing sounds and scents.” And another devotee adds, “My friend and I both thoroughly enjoyed our massages — my masseuse somehow found every spot of tension in my body, even those that I wasn’t entirely aware of!” Spa Velia’s complimentary amenities are generous –luxurious seven-head Velía Swiss Showers, a co-ed aromatic steam room, plush oversized robes and a soothing Old-World Relaxation Lounge. Complimentary organic tea, signature seasonal Mediterranean mimosas (mango mimosas this summer) and seasonal treats are offered in the Lounge. “Our idea was to offer fresh fruits and other treats – from farm to our spa,” says Dana Stallings, one of Spa Velia’s trio of owners. “We have berries in the summer, apples and pears in fall and winter, and will offer special goodies like pumpkin muffins, made with organic ingredients, in October/November.” These amenities are offered with every treatment and give customers more spa experience for their dollar. “Its part of our commitment to service and our desire to provide value, especially during tough economic times,” says Christopher Guimond, also an owner of the Spa. “People are still willing to pay for spa services, and relaxation is probably more important to them now than ever. We always want to give them even more than they are expecting,” he adds.
“The past five years have brought changes in the world, in the economy and in our community,” Stallings notes. She, Guimond and their third partner, Jody Rogers, have embraced the changes and welcomed them as an opportunity to mature as a business and as a presence in the community. In addition to responding to customers’ desire for value, Spa Velia has also made more of a commitment to greening and using organics — organic wax for waxing treatments, organic essential oils used in massages. “We have definitely seen a global shift – people have a higher level of consciousness about conservation, ecology, and supporting and patronizing green businesses,” says Stallings. “We have reduced our own environmental footprint, and are using and bringing in primarily organic, sustainable products. We also use local products whenever possible.”
Ironically, charitable giving often goes up during economic downturns. Spa Velia’s owners have likewise found that recent economic times have actually increased their gratitude and nurtured their desire to give back to the community at a higher level. “Sometimes having less makes you appreciate what you do have more, I think it increases your generosity,” says Guimond. Spa Velia has continued their work annually with the Susan G Komen “Race for the Cure” in San Diego, providing massages in the survivor tent, as well as offering massage to participants in the “San Diego Rock & Roll Marathon.” They also have generously funded the Spa Velia Art Gallery, a gallery showcasing the work of local San Diego artists, located next door to Spa Velia in the interior corridor of the Pacific Western Bank building. Founded and run by fine art photographer Kelly Fitzgerald, the gallery provides opportunities and exposure for local artists, and hosts regular art exhibitions and events that benefit local charitable organizations. Now on exhibit through September 25 is San Diego Artists: A Cause for P.A.W.S. – A Group Art Exhibition Benefiting the Pets Are Wonderful Support Organization. “We have had tremendous support and partnership from the local art community on this project; it has been a wonderful being involved,” says Stallings. (For more info visit: info@spaveliaartgallery.com or call 760- 670-6616.)
In the wake of several outstanding local day spas closing their doors, Spa Velia has recently begun offering $.30 on the dollar for any gift card from another San Diego area spa that is no longer in business. “Just one more thing we want to do to support people in taking good care of themselves and promote wellness in the community,” says Guimond.
Spa Velia is already busily outlining the next five-year chapter in their story; a brand new spa brochure (they call it their “bliss menu”) will be launched this fall, new organic products are being researched and tested, delicious treatments are being dreamed up and careful selection of staff continues as they look towards the future. “We love what we do and are so grateful that we have had such a phenomenal first five years,” Stallings says. “We love it that our customers tell us Spa Velia feels like a sanctuary – when they come in, stress just melts. That’s what we are all about.”
Spa Velia is located at 401 West A Street, Suite 180 in San Diego. Visit: www.spavelia.com or call (619) 235-0000 for more information.
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Email: Dana@spavelia.com
