|
|
|
|
|
||
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| ||||||
|
Nested within a community known for it's small- town charm and utter old-world uniqueness, Red Cottage Salon & Spa fits right in to the Long Grove mentality that has existed for decades. The area brings the ambiance of an East Coast harbor town inland, to the Northern Chicago suburbs. While Red Cottage is situated in a new development, the new buildings and businesses retain the unique charm of such Long Grove staples as the Apple Haus, the Long Grove Confectionary and countless boutiques and corner stores. This can't-miss-it haven for spa mavens stands a tall red beacon off of Old McHenry Road and along Route 22. The decadence that awaits is clear from the charming entryway and delicate and thoughtful design throughout the salon and spa. A country-meets-glamour atmosphere is immediately recognizable with its vaulted ceilings, dark wood floors and a playful mix of vintage-looking accoutrements and deep crimson accents against warm, modern pastels. Adjacent to the wainscoted reception desk's clean white lines and mahogany top is an array of products from Bumble and Bumble and Kérastase and a comfortable upholstered bench to pass any waiting time. Distracted by the all-encompassing feel of comforting luxury, I gazed wide-eyed at the surroundings before being welcomed, by name, by the friendly receptionists. Their warm greetings and jovial manner complemented the space and, while the salon and spa were clearly busy that day, the staff made a point to welcome each guest with thoughtful detail as they walked in. I sat on the comfortable bench in the waiting area, lemon water in hand, and marveled even more at this unique space. Never before had I entered a space so seamlessly decorated and warmly adorned. Upon further examination, I noticed thoughtful touches in every corner of the salon and spa, each with an understated sense of belonging that pulls together a unified theme of relaxation. Woken from my design reverie, I was greeted by my nail technician who guided me past the product shelves and an antique fireplace set into a cobble stoned half wall, which served as a formidable divider between the welcome area and the lush nail parlor, again enunciating the spa's good old-fashioned charm coupled with modern luxury. We sat at one of the three nail stations, which stand in front of the one-of-a-kind cauldron pedicure footbaths and thrones, and got to talking. I was set to experience the salon and spa's Hot Towel Manicure that enhances the common spa manicure with damp towels heated to cozy perfection to intensify the treatment and lock in moisture from the Bumble and Bumble hand lotion used during the manicure. The nail technician started by cleansing my nails of old, chipped polish and began shaping them with their natural grow pattern. As she filed and buffed away, she explained that, in order to ensure the best and most sanitary nail treatments, the Red Cottage uses high-quality, but disposable files, buffers and cuticle sticks. "Anything that can't be sanitized," she noted, "is yours to keep once you are through." The expert attention, relaxing warm towels and great conversation added up to be an entirely expert manicure. And, my perfectly shaped and OPI-polished nails were a testament to that fact as the technician wrapped up the tools she used in my manicure and handed them over, the perfect parting gift from a relaxing treatment. Following this service, I was whisked to the spa area, adjacent to the nail parlor, and lead into a private wax room for my premiere Brazilian Wax. The modestly decorated spa rooms beckon to relaxation as a primary purpose and I was instantly comforted. Having never experienced hair removal on any other area than my eyebrows, I confessed to the esthetician that I was a bit squeamish about the process. Some good-natured advice and a few waxing techniques (soft, hard and sugaring wax) later, the process was completed and I was a changed woman, finally understanding those who swear by the treatment. And, while this treatment is certainly not for the shy, it was far less painful than I'd imagined. Satisfied with what I'd experienced spa-side, I moved on to the salon for a Hair Color, Kérastase Treatment and professional Style. Once ushered to the salon side, I again admired its divine design, and got a chance to meet with one of the sharp eyes responsible for the luxurious Red Cottage. Katie Luczak, co-owner of Red Cottage, greeted me with a warm smile and offered a turn about the salon. She explained that the salon was compartmentalized to allow stylists to do their best work in their specialties, but that they all work as a team, contributing their best to each client. Luczak, a colorist, invited me to change into a salon robe in a private changing area and subsequently lead me to coloring station. Set up with full mirror-lined walls along a bar of seating, the coloring section houses eight coloring stations complete with high-tech driers and processors that extend from above the mirrors on adjustable arms, to conserve space. Luczak explained that she and other co-owners, Kelley Morse and Elizabeth Wozniak, have over a 15-year working relationship with each other, and developed the salon and spa with a model of complete care, excellent service and relaxation in mind. They were adamant in every detail as the space was built and made sure to employ only the best staff they could find (many of which they had worked with previously) to fill the elegant space. The result, is the whole Red Cottage experience, which keeps clients coming back for more. We sat for a bit to discuss my color. My previous color had turned mousy with age and I craved a bit of a boost without too drastic a color combination for easy upkeep. As I spoke, Luczak carefully examined my hair, root to tip, and assessed the situation. After a couple of minutes of clear concentration, she suggested adding some caramel highlights to brighten up my skin tone along with a base similar to my natural color to add a bit of dimension and healthy glow to my tresses. Totally onboard with her plan, she got to work foiling in highlights and following by expertly adding the base. My color then processed for 20 minutes and I examined the busy salon, delighting in the friendly atmosphere. After checking that my color was well processed, my color was washed out, with an added glaze and I was treated to a Kérastase Conditioning Treatment. The treatment, would restore moisture to my sometimes over styled hair and, I was assured, give my new color a bit more staying power. After a few minutes of soothing aromas and heavenly scalp massage, the treatment was rinsed out and I, and my newly colored and silkened locks, moved on to receive a professional Blow dry with a Red Cottage stylist. Sitting in the stylist's chair, she inquired about my styling routine and we bonded over our similar hair texture. She passed on some trade secrets to coercing some volume out of my limp hair and demonstrated them as she worked. She also pointed to a large mirror and counter filled with Kérastase and Bumble and Bumble products, blow-dryers and flat irons, where clients can choose to dry and style their own hair. Sympathetic to the strain that a trip to the salon can put on a pocketbook, the staff at the Red Cottage's approach is a helpful and conscientious one. My stylist remarked, "If we can make a trip to the salon more inviting, more individualized and less expensive, why not?" As she blew some much-needed volume into my hair using Kéerastase mousse, I was able to see my emerging highlights and gorgeous base color. As she worked, Luczak stopped by to examine the color one last time to make sure it was exactly what I wanted. I smiled my approval and sat impressed at the quality of care I received. All at once, the jovial atmosphere and bustling busyness of the salon and spa came together and it was clear what keeps clients returning: the warmth reverberating off the uniquely decorated walls and the cheer exuded by each staff member at the Red Cottage is just the beginning of the list of inviting features of the salon and spa. These touches, coupled with the expertise and great care put forth by each component of the Red Cottage make it stand out as a worthwhile stop for a little pampering and a whole lot of style. And while I experienced a good chunk of what the tall red cottage has to offer, their menu of services extends to offer massage treatments, specialty hair services and extensive nail services. So, whether the trip to Red Cottage is a round-the-corner spot or a distant retreat, clients are assured to enjoy the services they have to offer and feel welcomed and soothed the whole time. Click here for Spa/Salon prices, services, hours and more.
Click here for printable coupon to get $15 off any
service over $30
Beauty Bargains - Spa
Gifts - Spa/Salon Reviews - Spa/Salon
of the Week - For Him About Face - Hands Down - Feet First - Body Beautiful - Heads Up Advertise - Ask Spa Girl - Party Planning
|
|
