Where do you go when you need to escape the daily grind and indulge yourself a little? We all have busy lives and sometimes, even finding a few minutes for ourselves can seem like a daunting task. Research has proven that taking time out to relax and relieve stress has long term health benefits and is good for both mind and body. In today’s economy and the subsequent pressures that can come with it, it’s now more important than ever to find ways to decompress and reconnect with ourselves, and to invest in some well-deserved “me” time. One of the best ways to do that is with massage and spa treatments that can leave us feeling like a million dollars and that will soothe our aches and pains. Even just a once-in-a-while visit to the spa or salon can give us a new perspective and help us feel relaxed and ready to tackle anything. I put this theory into practice when I recently visited Salon Baliage and Spa on Panama City Beach Parkway next to Cox Pools. For five years, Salon Baliage and Spa has been providing a tranquil sanctuary for Panama City Beach locals and visitors looking to get away from it all. The proprietor, Joanie Day, has created a soothing, warm environment unlike anything else in town. The unique Balinese inspired décor is complemented by cozy furnishings that immediately make you feel at home. Here’s what I experienced.
Massage Therapy
First up was a massage. Salon Baliage and Spa offers eight beautifully equipped treatment rooms, including a special couple’s treatment room that looked like it had been transported here straight from an exotic spa in the south Pacific. Everything was so lovely and it was easy to relax and enjoy my massage, which, incidentally was one of the most professional that I had ever received. Kudos to Christina. There are many different options available including deep tissue, Swedish, hot stone and even a coconut lime aromatherapy massage. Rates start at $70 for an hour long treatment, but be sure to check for any specials on the official website.
Facials and Skin Care
After massaging my cares away, I was then given a fluffy robe and comfy slippers and taken to the facial treatment room. Mindy is Salon Baliage and Spa’s professional esthetician, and she does a great job in making you feel comfortable and explaining the complete procedure before you get started. There are a wonderful variety of facials and skin treatments available, including a hot stone facial, a glycolic smoothing facial and the Baliage premier facial, which is an hour and a half long treatment that begins with the skin on your back. The treatment includes cleansing, exfoliating, a mask, extractions and hot stone massage, and will leave your skin with a healthy glow and provide you with a feeling of pure relaxation. There are even gentlemen and teen facials available, and rates start at $50 for an express facial that can be performed during your lunch hour. It was a great experience and I left vowing to improve my skincare regimen immediately!
Manicure/Pedicure
It’s easy to get a quick manicure and pedicure anywhere in town, but at Salon Baliage and Spa, the spa treatment is an experience in itself. You get so much more than the norm for a comparable price – totally worth it. The pedicure room is beautiful, with chairs that you sink into, and a quiet and soothing atmosphere. The pedicure itself starts with your feet being soaked in an aromatherapy bath of minerals and essential oils designed to soften and hydrate tired skin. Your therapist will then exfoliate your feet with an all-natural formula and wrap them in a cooling seaweed mask to soothe and refresh. This is followed by a calf and foot massage, and clipping, buffing and polishing. Your feet will love you. Manicures are similarly blissful and also go way above and beyond the standard. Morgan was my therapist and did a superb job throughout the whole treatment. While my feet were being pampered, Baliage’s owner and hairstylist Joanie brought me a healthy lunch of a chicken salad made with fresh herbs from the garden outside, fruit, and hot tea. Lunch is an additional $12 but you can enjoy it from the comfort of your chair and everything was delicious and is always home made. A manicure starts at $20 and a pedicure at $45. Don’t forget to ask about special packages!
The Salon
The salon is so spacious it’s certainly deceptive from the building’s exterior. Quite possibly the most homey and cozy salon I have ever seen, Joanie and Morgan provide quality hair care with an emphasis on color. Both stylists have many years of experience and rates are good – $22 for men and $35 for women. Morgan has an outstanding talent for creating special occasion and wedding hairstyles, and as she was telling me about some of them I was amazed, who knew that you could create a rose out of hair? Foil highlights start at $65, and stylists are trained to use cutting edge techniques and state-of-the-art color. Salon Baliage and Spa also offers spa parties, which are perfect for a bridal shower, wedding, or just a girly day out. Your day can be customized to suit you, and will include a healthy spa lunch, fruit and cheese, wine or champagne, and whatever available treatments you choose. There’s even “little diva” parties for girls aged 7-12 years, that include a mini mani-pedi, up-do and make-up. The little diva party will include a tea party with fancy finger sandwiches, chocolate dipped strawberries and herbal tea.
In Summary
I have been fortunate enough to visit numerous spas on my travels throughout Europe and North America, and I was at once impressed by Baliage and consider it to be one of the best I’ve seen. Everyone was so welcoming and made me feel completely at ease, the whole experience was almost like being at home. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of the treatments or services I received. Another great thing about Salon Baliage and Spa is the location – just minutes from Pier Park and easy to reach on Back Beach road. If you are in need of some pampering, or are looking for the perfect gift for someone special, give Joanie a call and check out this gorgeous spa for yourself. I certainly felt ready for anything after my time there and will definitely be back.
Salon Baliage and Spa is located at 12118 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach. Call (850) 235 1985 for more details.