By Michelle Moskowitz
Sentinel Correspondent
As Mother’s Day—May 14—quickly approaches, the Sentinel had fun exploring the myriad ways a family member can celebrate mothers in town and honor all that they do.
This reporter, a mother of three active children, was particularly keen on finding the ultimate pampering experience—one that would be relaxing, but perhaps have some lasting benefits as well.
That indulgence occurred pre-Mother’s Day at The Delamar Spa, located in the Greenwich Harbor Hotel at 500 Steamboat Road.
The Delamar Spa, which has been in existence for ten years, remains one of the most exclusive hideaways from the day-to-day stressors of Greenwich life.
For those Greenwichites and neighbors who are loyal clients (many have standing weekly appointments), it is known as an ultimate spa destination for those seeking luxurious beauty and wellness indulgence.
Located on the Delamar’s second floor, one is immediately soothed by the ubiquitous fragrance of fresh flowers, such as stargazers, providing an immediate signal that it’s a haven for tranquility.
When entering the spa, one feels lightened by the clean, bright setting; one is then enveloped in a private, hidden respite, which seems more like a secret hide-away than a spa.
Guests are given a plush bathrobe for ultimate comfort, a private locker to store personal belongings, and offered a beverage of choice, setting a calming environment prior to one’s spa treatment of choice.
The full-service day spa offers three immaculately designed treatment rooms, designed with soft hues and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, making it a decadent yet therapeutic treatment facility, offering myriad skin services and proprietary methods designed to detox, brighten and firm one’s skin.
Services including an assortment of anti-aging facials, body treatments, detoxifying massage therapies, professional manicure/pedicures, waxing and make-up are all customized to suit the beautification needs of each client who walks through its grand doors.
All therapists and estheticians are highly trained and incorporate the exclusive, natural European skincare lines of Biologique Recherché & Valmont, which are generously administered throughout all spa treatments.
Some of their most coveted spa treatments include the Ultimate Facial (non-invasive facelift), which pairs triple micro-current technology with personalized manual lift massage techniques.
Another frequently booked spa treatment is the Detoxifying Body Wrap, designed to eliminate toxins and excess water, as well as aid in weight loss.
The combination lymphatic massage treatment, using algae, essential oils, thyme, lemon, peppermint and cypress, provides detoxifying and oxygenating effects for the body and mind.
According to Cheryl Jordan, regional spa director, the Detoxifying Body Wrap is particularly well suited to people suffering from chronic inflammation in the body.
This reporter experienced the Deep Cleansing Facial (as well as the Detoxifying Body Wrap) and can attest to the transformative quality of the treatments, performed by one of the spa’s highly trained and in-demand licensed medical estheticians, Ajcharaporn Bellas.
Bellas’ radiant skin and warm, welcoming smile puts one instantly at ease and eager to get started on the journey to beauty extravagance.
She began the 60-minute Deep Cleaning Facial with a complete skincare analysis and assessment, and then discussed each step of the process, explaining how she would be cleansing, brightening and firming the skin, best suited to meet this reporter’s needs.
At the end of the treatment, Bellas suggested specific products as well as effective cleansing rituals and techniques that would help maintain the skin’s health and vitality.
“People call me on the phone asking for both product and treatment recommendations, but I must always see the person first in and assess their skin’s needs,” said Bellas.
After cleansing the skin with light massage techniques, followed by exfoliation, steaming, gentle extraction and a luxurious cream mask, this reporter was entirely soothed and relaxed almost to the point of fading into a light doze.
Bellas also used cryo sticks, which are cold metal facial devices that are stored in the freezer; they are used to decrease puffiness, dark circles, any redness, and to soothe the skin.
“We take a very natural approach to skincare aging in order to minimize the need for fillers and injectables,” said Bellas. “I have clients who come from New York City, Long Island, all over the tri-state area for their facials, because they see instant, and long-lasting results.”
The overall experience was indulgent yet uplifting, owing to Bellas’ jovial nature and expertly administered techniques.
But it was the next day results of the facial that was a true testament to Bellas, as this reporter’s skin was completely revitalized and refreshed.
One can indulge in the spa’s Spring Renewal Mother’s Day package, which consists of two hours of ultimate pampering, including the Body Buff, Deep Cleansing Facial and Collagen Mask, for a special price of $315.
The Delamar Spa is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday though Thursday, and stays open until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Before or after-hour treatments can also be arranged with prior notice.
Visit spaatdelamar.com, or call (203) 413-3520 for a reservation.
The Greenwich Mother’s Day Celebration Guide:
Special Events:
• For the fitness enthusiast, join the OGRCC’s 15th Annual Mother’s Day Bike Ride to Tod’s Point (or the one-mile Kid’s Ride) on Sun., May 14 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. The six-mile biking adventure begins at the Old Greenwich Elementary School. Tickets are on sale at myogrcc.org; family tickets are $25, adults $10, kids under 12 are $5. All proceeds support the OGRCC and Greenwich Safe Cycling.
• Aux Delices Foods By Debra Ponzek Little Chefs and Adult Sous Chef Mother’s Day Brunch (for ages 8 to 13). For a fun culinary afternoon, moms and kids together will make mini scones and muffins, Deviled eggs, baked French pancakes and fruit salad. Class is this Sun. May 7 4 to 6 p.m. at 23 Acosta Street, Stamford; $65. Visit auxdelicesfoods.com or call (203) 622-6644.
• The Woman’s Club of Greenwich, founded in 1910, an organization that brings women together to promote civic, philanthropic and educational activities in the community, will hold its Mother’s Day Artisan Show on Friday, May 12, at its headquarters, 89 Maple Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please call (203) 869-2046 or visit womansclubofgreenwich.org for more information.
Gift Ideas:
• Create something crafty and techy. MacInspires is offering kids (best for kids in grades 3 to 9) a 3D Design Mother’s Day Workshop using TinkerCad, where students will complete a design and learn about the printing process while creating a unique gift for Mom. The workshop is Sat., May 6, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at MacInspires, 37 W. Putnam Ave. Call (203) 531-5720 or visit macinspires.com to reserve a spot.
• For a cultural experience that Mom will appreciate, purchase tickets to the 3rd Annual Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF). Let Mom be entertained with access to over 40 domestic and international film premieres and screenings, and reserve a seat (and perhaps one for an accompanying friend) to the opening night concert with FLO Rida and a cocktail party featuring film awards (June 1 to 4). Visit greenwichfilm.org/tickets.
• For a unique assortment of handcrafted, yet affordable gift items, such as soaps and candles made with the utmost care, visit Abilis Gifts, the retail store training site where people with special needs work toward community-based jobs in sales and production. Abilis Gifts is located at 50 Glenville Street. Store hours are Mon. though Fri., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thurs. 4-7 p.m. and Sat. 9-1 p.m. Visit abilis.us for more information.
• The upscale Greenwich Pharmacy, at 116 Greenwich Ave., is offering a special Mother’s Day promotion from Tues. May 9 through Sun. May 14. Spend $100 or more in the cosmetics department and receive a luxury gift with purchase. Specialty brands include 3Lab, Leur Crème, Natura Bisse and many other in-demand skincare lines. See Maria Sileo in the cosmetics department for details. Visit greenwichrx.com or call (203) 661-2721 for more information.
For Savory Sensations:
• The Perfect Provenance, located at 47 Arch Street, is hosting a special pre-Mother’s Day afternoon tea on Sat., May 13th with co-host Leaf & Ardor, a local, specialty tea purveyor. Leaf & Ardor also will also feature one-of-a-kind gifts designed to complement the healing properties of their specialty teas and offer a selection of tea-infused cocktails as well.
Reservations are available from 2 to 5 p.m. and teas will be paired with a special menu provided by Café 47. PP is the ultimate shopping lifestyle destination, so Mom can peruse while she sips her jasmine tea! Call (203) 900-1131 or visit theperfectprovenance.com for reservations.
• Mill Street Bar & Table, at 230 Mill Street, celebrates Mother’s Day with a special brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner 4 to 8 p.m., including cold brew coffee, craft cocktails, house-made breads and pastries, and their innovative, farm-to-table American cuisine. Call (203) 813-3323 or visit millstreet.com for reservations.
• The JHouse Restaurant, located at 1114 E. Putnam Ave., is offering a special brunch menu from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., featuring a complimentary mimosa or bloody Mary for Mom. Call (203) 698-6999 or visit jhouserestaurant.com for reservations.
