This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Patch Passport: A Little Bit Of Paradise At Vitality Spa

A luxurious setting and knowledgeable staff result in a pleasant massage at Vitality Spa.

When you picture a luxurious spa, the probably doesn’t come to mind. And that is exactly where you are missing out. Vitality Spa, located in the Buffalo Grove Fitness Center, offers a variety of spa services, including massages, waxing, pedicures, and manicures for men and women.

While it is located in a fitness center, Vitality makes it clear that you are not in a gym. The reception area is decorated in warm, soothing colors, and music plays quietly in the background.

After I checked in, I was shown to a private changing area and given a thick robe and waterproof sandals. The changing room could have been given a dreary utilitarian look, but fortunately, it didn’t; the shower stall and sink looked like it was taken from the pages of Architectural Digest. A well-stocked basket had everything you might need, but forgot to pack with you, including shampoo, soap and moisturizer.

Find out what's happening in Buffalo Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When I had finished changing and placed my clothes in a secure locker, I shuffled over to the waiting room. While I waited to meet my massage therapist, I sipped green tea and munched on some snacks available on a table in the waiting room. With an array of travel magazines to read and a wall fountain to listen to, it became easy to forget that I was actually in a fitness center and just a few hundred feet from the hustle-and-bustle of McHenry Road and Deerfield Parkway.

Evan, my massage therapist, greeted me in the waiting room. As I was scheduled for a 50-minute Swedish massage, I was anxious to work on my problem areas. I am in training to run the , and the ever-increasing mileage has taken a toll on my legs. Evan also suggested focusing on my shoulders, as they were tense from running. It was something I hadn’t considered, but I would later find out would be an idea I’d appreciate.

Find out what's happening in Buffalo Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

At this point, I also selected an aromatherapy oil to use in my massage. I selected a scent that promoted harmony, and included French lavender, balsam firm and Spanish marjoram.

The private massage room was quiet and painted in a warm color. A heated sheepskin pad was on the massage table, and warm towels were also available. A CD player, nestled high on a shelf, played generic piano music. A single light fixture hung from the wall, and one lit candle was on the only table in the room. My robe and sandals were placed on a chair stuck in a corner.

Evan spoke only to explain how he would massage my legs, shoulders, neck, and arms. I think I responded with something intelligent, like “Mrrmph.” The massage was excellent, and it was quite possibly one of the fastest 50 minutes of my life. In that time, I did nothing more straining than move my head.

Evan was correct to focus on my shoulders. After the massage, they felt more curved, and even a bit drooped. Until I spoke with him, I hadn’t realized how tense I felt. I also felt relaxed, and my legs felt looser than they have for a long time. 

I have had massages in other spas before, and I’ve never liked the feeling that some evoke, which is “Your massage is over. Now get out.” Vitality does not do that; instead, I was encouraged to return to the waiting room and have more tea or iced water before returning to the changing room. It’s a set-up that is much appreciated. After my massage, I was relaxed to the point where I did not want to leave right away. It was nice to put off checking my voicemail, if only for a few more minutes.

The unpleasant part came next: I had to pay the bill and the tip, and I only wish that I could have paid before my massage and kept a tip envelop in my robe to pay when I was finished. It’s a minor complaint, but I think it would have improved my experience to be able to leave when I was dressed instead of having to wait in line to pay the bill.

While Vitality Spa is in the Buffalo Grove Fitness Center, non-members are welcome.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?