A Tuscan-style retreat for the senses, the SPAtacular Escapes (SpaE) environment, intentionally created by President and CEO Shelly Wendeln nourishes clients from the moment they walk through the doors. Natural light shines through expansive windows, casting a soft glow on terracotta-colored walls and wood beams reminiscent of an Italian pergola. The entryway resembles a little village road filled with shops that house a salon, barber shop, nail room, spa, café and on-site laundry. The environment is beautiful and considerate of the health and wellness of clients and employees alike.

While growing up surrounded by many loving family members that were cosmetologists, Wendeln, who is not trained as a cosmetologist, but has a degree in chemistry, remembers that the salon products her mother, aunt, cousins and sister used contained harmful ingredients. When it came time to choose products for SpaE that were natural, organic and free from toxic chemicals, her daughter and sister helped with the research process.

Wendeln’s daughter, Chelsie Clark, a cosmetologist and the salon manager, located, researched and incorporated the facial and nail lines. Local and organic product lines for the spa, include Makes Scents, Dr. Alkaitis, Saian and Fountain of Youth. Vitamin-enriched GelFX by Orly and BioSeaweed nail polishes and gel colors are free from five to 15 highly toxic chemicals.

“Ironically, my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer while SpaE was being built,” shares Wendeln. “Before she passed away, she was determined to find a natural product line that we could use in the salon, and she did. We use OWAY products from Rolland, an organic, Fair Trade, sustainable Italian cosmetic producer that is recognized and certified by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.”

The salon is designed for the safety and comfort of both clients and cosmetologists. Stylists stand on anti-fatigue, comfort mats. Ergonomic blow dryers hang weightlessly from the ceiling and wash bowls adjust to client height. Permanent solutions and color treatments smell fresher than conventional salon products. Lighting simulates natural daylight so that when clients receive hair color applications, the color resembles what it will look like in sunlight. A ventilation system pipes in fresh air throughout the salon and nail areas.

A traditional barber pole hangs outside the barber shop, where the barbers that won Best of Harrisburg 2017 provide a relaxing and invigorating experience. A client receives a hot towel treatment and careful styling and grooming of head and facial hair during a 45-minute session.

“Since we know that there are times when it may be challenging to find a caregiver, or a babysitter cancels at the last minute, our salon also has a ‘little kids room’ with big windows where the children of clients can play and still see Mom or Dad during their appointment,” notes Wendeln.

Nail services are provided only for natural nails; no acrylic nails are applied. In addition, the pedicure chairs are pipeless. “I chose to have pipeless chairs installed because pipes are difficult to clean and can harbor undetected bacteria,” explains Wendeln. “Our goal is to provide an enjoyable, relaxing and sanitary experience.”

The spa area décor includes a fireplace, wall waterfall, soft lighting and comfortable furniture, with therapeutic colors that contribute to a relaxing feel. Locker rooms provide privacy for changing and showering. Other amenities include bamboo towels, soft robes, slippers, a steam room and a full-spectrum sauna that offers near-, mid- and far-infrared wavelengths, beneficial to the body at the cellular level. Healthy You Cafè, a West Shore Taste of the Chamber award winner, provides food and beverage selections for guests to enjoy before or after a service.

Services include individual and couples massage, facials, lashes, brows, waxing and body treatments, as well as ZYTO technology, which pinpoints areas of the body experiencing stress and identifies natural solutions that help it get back into balance.

“We are a family-owned and operated spa, bringing beauty and wellness to our guests,” enthuses Wendeln. “It is our pleasure to provide outstanding services that contribute to good health and well-being.”

SPAtacular Escapes is located at 200 Technology Dr., in Mechanicsburg. To schedule an appointment, call 717-791-7723. For more information, visit SPAtacularEscapes.com.