'Affordable Luxury' is Westchase Spa's Goal

You may have received one of those Essentials of Westchase fliers in the mail. You know, the blue and white ones advertising the $25 massage?

"Too good to be true," you may have thought.

But if you can get past the hesitation, you're in store for a treat, according to Essentials of Westchase owner David Farrar and manager Jacquie Stovern.

"Once they get through that first hurdle and try it, they tell their friends," Stovern said.

"Affordable luxury" is the catchphrase at Essentials, located at 12185 W. Linebaugh Ave. in the office park behind the Publix shopping center.

On the outside the spa may look like a normal office front, but once inside, cool blue hued walls and modern chandeliers calm the senses. The location has five massage rooms, a couples massage room, two esthetician rooms and a large day spa room for parties and groups. There are five massage therapists, a manicurist and two estheticians. 

"Our full range of services and our prices can't really be beat," said Farrar, who opened the spa two years ago.

Clients can chose from a variety of massages, including deep tissue, prenatal, relaxation and hot stone.

Some may question the somewhat secluded location of the spa, but it's a part of how Farrar keeps the cost low to customers, he said.

"We put all the frills on the inside," he said.

The spa often runs a $25 one-hour massage promotion, hence the popular mailers. Normally the price is $29.99. Facials, manicures and pedicures are also offered at the location.

The spa is currently running a Back to School Mother & Daughter Spa Day special for $99. The package includes two European facials along with two manicures and pedicures.

Essentials of Westchase is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

"When they have time, we're here," said Farrar, noting that the spa's expanded schedule helps them increase the volume of customers, thus keeping prices low.

Both Farrar and Stovern are residents of Westchase and are actively involved in the community.

Essentials of Westchase is a sponsor of the First Friday event at World of Beer Westchase. And on Thursday, Aug. 16 the Westchase Area Business Association will hold its monthly meeting at Essentials of Westchase.

"I love where I live" said Farrar, who serves on WABA's membership committee. "If people are like me, I do everything in Westchase. This (Essentials) is part of having it all here."

For more information, visit Essentials of Westchase on Facebook.