Best spa spots in Goldsboro
A quest? A journey? A mission... to find the best spa in Goldsboro. Best, that's a very opinionated word. Best could mean a lot to a lot of different people. For me personally, here's what "best" actually means. 1) It's affordable. Again, a dance studio owner doesn't make enough to spend a whole day pampering, but a girl can dream. 2) It offers services I need, which are relaxation and beauty services during this particularly stressful time. 3) It's an atmosphere where you feel welcomed, and the technician in charge makes me feel like they care about me and my well-being.
The studio's annual showcase is about two weeks out, and this is, without a doubt, the time I freak out the most. So, I'm trying to force myself to relax and destress, which, now that I hear it, sounds like an oxymoron. In other words, I'm trying my best to avoid "the spiral."
The services I received are not some cutting-edge new method floating around. No foreign, new-fangled procedure. I asked for some reasonably standard vanilla run-of-the-mill spa/salon services. I hope my reviews can help women who are looking for the same.
The Loft/Facial with Haley:
Downtown storefronts always tug at my little hometown heart. Walking into The Loft's (owned by Amber Long) electric green door, you are met with punchy colors, technicolor prints, and a comfy vintage vibe couch. The next thing that might catch your eye is the exposed painted brick walls. If those walls could talk, right? Historical buildings and houses allure me in. But you may be thinking, vibrant colors? Industrial touches? Spa visits are supposed to be relaxing, Megan. Well, keeppaa listenin'. Two, not just one, attendants asked if I was taken care of, and then I met Haley, my esthetician. Her sweet disposition was soothing from the start. The ambient spa sounds from her room and dim lighting transported me, and I completely forgot I was in a shared building.
This facial wasn't overcomplicated, though I know Haley used many top-tier products. I told Haley my main goal was relaxation and boy, she understood the assignment. She stuck with Dermaloigica Products, which I already love, and went through each step meticulously: cleansing, exfoliating, steaming, masking, moisturizing, and massaging. I especially loved the last step, the collagen moisturizer in Dermalogica’s sensitive smart line. It was almost like it soaked in my skin, sealing in all the work and effort Haley had just done.
They recently expanded into an addition! Yay for more space!
The Day Spa/Hot Stone Massage:
Some come here for relaxation and tensed muscles, and some come for correction and physical therapy. The multi-functional building is home to an overall wellness experience. Most of their facility is a hub for their therapy and rehab efforts, but there is a small end, about four or five rooms allotted as their Day Spa. I chose the hot stones massage for the further relaxation it would promote. At times, it seemed like the stones might be too hot, but trusting my technician, Emilie, I realized the heat helped melt away the tensions I was holding onto, like in and around my neck, shoulders, and even my hands. It was great to lay and forget the world outside for an hour. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it, especially the hand massage section.
The Day Spa at the Spine Center
I Love Nails/Mani with Dip and Honey Butter Pedi:
Manicures and pedicures are some of the top requested spa/salon services. I always think I have my life together when my nails look good. Perception? Ammi right? Haha. I get dip color on my fingers because gel nails and acrylics ruin my real nails. The length of my healthy natural nails sits just below the colored powder. Dip has turned my nails around. I rarely get my toes done because, as a dancer, it takes about 3.7 seconds for me to mess the color up, and the technicians always want to scrub off my calluses. Sorry if this is gross, but I can't let them do it because I need my calluses to dance and demonstrate better in classes.
This gem of Goldsboro is one of those places I'm not sure I want to tell you about because I don't want to lose my place to the masses, you know what I mean? The owner, Paula, is always courteous, sweet, and genuine. I have talked about Jesus with many staff members there, and everyone's heart seems so light, eager, and happy. Like I said, I hardly ever get my toes done. But being that I'm adamantly trying to relax and destress, I splurged. I picked the Honey Butter Pedicure. You'd think I was about to have a charcuterie board. The technician brought out honey, chilled orange slices, and butter lotion. After the initial soak, trim, buff, and nail shaping, I experienced the luxurious exfoliation with the added honey and oranges. The technician ensured the hot stones weren't scalding before adding them to the leg massage. As a fitness and dance instructor, I will ALWAYS opt for the hot rocks! My muscles so need it. Then, the final touch of the pedicure was the honey butter. The icing on the cake was my ending choice of nail color. I still have no idea what I'm wearing at our annual showcase, but our studio colors are black, white, and coral... so I knew I couldn't go wrong with those summery hues.
I chose a coral pink French Tip! How Cute!
Southern Sass/Color, Cut, and Style:
I don't know if you necessarily think of "spa" when you get your hair done, but I couldn't write a blog post about beauty procedures without including my girl, Anna. Southern Sass is one of those places where everybody knows your name, greets you with a smile, and asks about your friends and family. I love that they have a display of Taylor Creek earrings! I love that they offer services for all your hair and bunches of beauty needs: color, treatments, blowouts, cuts, styles and updos, eyebrows, makeup... etc. But what I love most is knowing I get to come in, sit down, read my book, let the hum and heat of the dryer soothe me, get some things off my chest and maybe out of my mind, and truly unwind. I always trust Anna and would trust any of the ladies at Southern Sass with my tresses.
Every time, Anna meticulously calculates what she'll need to achieve the color I want. It usually depends on the season. After careful application and rinse (and usually that's when my unruly brows are tortured into a shape resembling arches—I kid—but my brows have been known to be a bit on the fritz), she proceeds to finish with an end product I'm always happy with.
I specialize in car-selfies as soon as I leave the salon. I know I can’t be the only one who does that!
My reviews may not be boujee enough for some and are pretty simple. I am a relatively low-maintenance kinda lady, so I wasn't looking for something super off-the-charts. I hope this has helped some with what they are looking for, and at the very least, I have shouted out some great people who love their jobs and are great at them!
K Bye
Megan
Doing life… the best way I know how…