Relax The Spa Rochester ♥ 235 High Street Extension (across from Eastview Mall), Victor, NY (585) 412-4994
x
Mimosas. Spicy food. Musical theater. Ziplining. Iced coffee. Massages.
x
If this were Jeopardy your answer-in-the-form-of-a-question would be, “What are ‘Things Allison loves but can’t get her husband to try’”. At least, until now.
x
With the help of the lovely and gracious staff at the gorgeous new Relax The Spa Rochester, I was finally able to coax my husband into grabbing that brass ring of romantic, relaxing date activities: the couples massage.
x
A total newbie when it comes to massage AND to day spas, he liked the idea but was intimidated by the newness of it all. An uber-efficient worker bee who has trouble sitting still, I worried whether he’d be able to relax and unwind.
x
My worries were groundless.
x
It took about three seconds for the friendly staff and warm, welcoming atmosphere to put him at ease. After a quick stop at the front desk we were each whisked away to our respective locker rooms where we slipped into luxuriously plush terry robes and sandals before being guided to one of the relaxation rooms to await our massage.
x
While the massage itself will receive its due praise, I first have to confess that our time in the relaxation room – both before and after our massage – might have been my favorite part of the day.
x
With two kids, two jobs and a small business between us (not to mention the house, the car insurance, the laundry, and the sliding glass door that always seems to fall off its track whenever company comes), we carry a lot of weight on our shoulders – literally and metaphorically. Our afternoon at Relax relieved all of that pressure. Unlike most of our date nights where the cell phone is ringing, emails are buzzing (small business owners are never off the clock) and we’re constantly fighting the urge to check on the children, this date was peaceful. It was quiet. We were – in every sense of the word – unplugged. It left us totally able to focus on one another, to make dumb jokes and share our thoughts without listening for the baby monitor or getting up to throw in another load of laundry. We weren’t interrupted by waiters or noisy bystanders. There wasn’t a movie or a musical act to focus on. It was just my best friend and I, sitting in a beautiful room on soft, comfortable chairs, enjoying quiet time alone.
x
And then they gave us massages.
In the ten years I spent living in Palm Beach, Florida I enjoyed spa services at half a dozen renowned spas and resorts, from girls weekends at the Resort at PGA National to prenatal massages poolside at The Breakers. I feel confident in saying that the atmosphere at Relax compares favorably with both. Sumptuously appointed with high end finishes and fabrics in muted neutrals and soft lighting, the environment manages to convey both high end luxury and spa-like tranquility. Entering through their doors was like stepping into another world – and it felt wonderful.
x
I was equally impressed by the quality of the services. Both my husband and I found our massage therapists to be friendly, professional, capable and attentive. The focus of our Swedish massage was relaxation, but given the tightness of my neck and shoulders and my comfort with increased pressure, my very knowledgeable therapist dedicated a portion of our time together to easing that tension, better allowing me to relax into the experience as a whole, and definitely underlining my sense of peace and well-being at its conclusion.
x
While we didn’t interact during the treatment itself, there was an unspoken sense that each of us was enjoying the experience more because we were enjoying it together. Having me as his wingman made my husband more comfortable in this out-of-his-comfort-zone activity, while having him by my side relieved me of any guilt I might have had throwing the kids and the dishes at him and whinging my way off to the day spa (HA! Just kidding, I never feel guilty. Just wanted to see if you were paying attention).
x
Blissed out and totally relaxed, we slowly eased off the table and headed back into the relaxation area, where we were offered drinks and assured that we could spend all the time we liked just enjoying the peace and quiet, which we gladly did.
x
All in all, it was a perfect experience, one I can’t recommend enough. Whether you’re trying to persuade your partner to try something new, or you’re both eager to get away for a relaxing spa day, Relax is an excellent choice. Best in class service, atmosphere and offerings have definitely put this place on my A-List.
Scott and I* enjoying Relax. (*not Scott and I. Also not Relax. I brought a camera but preferred to focus on the experience as it was meant to be enjoyed. Pretty sure this photo is better anyway. Thanks frinkiac.com!)
