Thanks to COVID-19, we didn’t get to take the honeymoon of our dreams following our intimate wedding day. While there is plenty of time for vacations in the future, when things are safer, Alan and I made a commitment to relaxation and fun in the days following our wedding. After a short stay at one of our staples, 21c Lexington, we moved down to The Summit at Fritz Farm to another local favorite for a few days at Origin Hotel Lexington. We stayed in the Premiere Suite that overlooks all of The Summit vendors, and it was a truly special escape to treat ourselves close to home.
The Woodhouse Experience
The special commitment to relaxation continued the Sunday following our Friday wedding thanks to the Woodhouse Day Spa. Without hesitation, Woodhouse was the nicest spa Alan and I have ever visited. I’ve talked at length on my blog about how physical self-care is so valuable to me such as massage therapy, and we received a full day of pampering at this stunning property. When we first arrived, the thing I noticed immediately was how punctual and kind the staff was. I am used to arriving for an important and waiting a considerable amount of time before being taken back for services. Upon arrival, we immediately were guided to the changing rooms where we received luxurious robes and sandals that actually fit (!!) before completing our massage paperwork.
Although I am no stranger to massage therapy, Alan is a bit newer to the service. This experience was, however, my first ever couples’ massage. It was so nice feeling the comfort and relaxation of having my husband in the room with me while we were pampered head to toe. Destinie completed my massage and was extremely attentive to my major needs which centered on neck and shoulder tension. She also paid close attention to pressure sensitivity and checked in with me an appropriate number of times during the massage to make sure I was satisfied.
Following our massage, Alan and I split up to receive individual services in different spaces. I met with Amy for a luxurious pedicure in yet another impeccably decorated spa room. Not only were the nail services top notch, I received a long and incredible calf and foot massage as part of the experience. In just an hour’s time, I think this was truly the most relaxing pedicure I have ever had, and I deeply appreciated the continued massage.
Alan and I switched places for the third and final service of the day as I headed into my facial with Candace. Thanks to life’s demands and a pandemic, it had been a few years since my last facial. Candace was very thorough and patient as she made certain all of the products used were allergy-safe for me. All of Woodhouse’s facial products are seaweed-based and smell heavenly. Just as the massage had begun, the facial started with a staff member placing essential oils over my nose and encouraging deep, relaxing breaths. This practice was completely unique to Woodhouse in my many spa experiences, and it was a peaceful beginning and end to the services. In wrapping up our day, Alan and I both emerged glowing and relaxed – so much so that we got takeout for dinner and opted for a nap in our hotel room. I can’t thank Woodhouse Day Spa enough for treating us to true relaxation as newlyweds after the stress of planning a pandemic wedding.
About the Owners
I had the privilege of talking with Woodhouse’s co-owner, Jeff Chapman, about the services their spa brings to the Lexington area. After having a career in banking, Jeff and his wife Cheryl made the decision to open Woodhouse after trying a number of spas while traveling. He explained to me that the industry of general wellness and self-care awareness seemed like the next obvious career pursuit for the pair. Perhaps most surprising to me, Jeff shared that Woodhouse is a franchise, but each spa is owner operated locally and is managed to feel like it is one of a kind. I truly felt that experience at Lexington’s location. No detail was spared in the planning and design of the space. Jeff and Cheryl incorporated real vintage Kentucky barn wood into the design and paid homage to the great equine history of Lexington with their interior choices.
Jeff explained to me that part of their mission is creating a space for true rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. He shared, “We want our guests to come early and stay late, enjoying our quiet rooms and general ambiance.” The Chapmans have a lot to be proud of in their ownership of two 7,000+ sq ft properties; the second location is in Crestview Hills, KY. I could tell just how proud they are to build a business where both staff and guests are treated like family. When COVID-19 called the Chapmans to close their spa locations in March 2020, he expressed pain for the 65 employees and their families who depend upon them for their livelihood. Thankfully, the spas were able to safely reopen in late May with new sanitization and safety protocols that truly helped me feel safe and still relaxed despite the dangerous virus.
When they’re not running their spas, Jeff and Cheryl love to travel and visit other spas for ideas about improving their spaces and experiences. As I expected, Woodhouse has been well-received by the Lexington community and is thriving despite a pandemic. Jeff says so much of their success is attributed to an incredible staff of technicians and estheticians who provide stellar services to keep customers coming back. Working with your spouse to run a business can’t always be the easiest path, but Jeff and Cheryl rely on each other and their teams to adapt and continue innovating as entrepreneurs. “Helping others succeed and achieve their dreams has been a real motivator for us,” Jeff expressed.
Try Woodhouse for Yourself
Woodhouse Day Spa is conveniently located in Lexington Green next to Joseph Beth Booksellers – another amazing local partner. The location is easy to access with ample parking onsite and great shopping within walking distance. The spa can be a quick, rejuvenating trip or a place where you spend an entire day escaping life’s worries. I think self-care services are better when shared – bring a friend! They also have a small shop area with great relaxation-related gift ideas. If you’re interested in trying services at Woodhouse Day Spa, guests can call 859-800-5397 to speak with concierge staff to book any treatment. Post pandemic, you can book any services online by visiting their website here. Just in time for the holiday season, you can purchase a gift card for someone special in your life to experience Woodhouse for themselves here. Be sure to tell them I sent you!
Thank you for supporting the small businesses that make Space, Place & Southern Grace possible!
