Photos courtesy of Woodhouse Spa.
Woodhouse Spa is a national chain offering massage, rejuvenation and aesthetics services. Their location at The Summit opened recently.
A high-end spa experience is now available at The Summit. The first Woodhouse Spa location in the state recently opened on the lower plaza near Saks Fifth Avenue in the 5,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by J. Crew.
Owner Stuart Rome said Birmingham was an obvious choice for his third Southeast location. His New Orleans spa opened in 2012 and Greenville, Mississippi, in 2013. Having a daughter in college at the University of Alabama and a condo at The Summit made the decision an easy one.
“Birmingham was by far the best choice demographically,” Rome said. “I love the city and knew it would be a good place to live. We became No. 1 in New Orleans within three to four years and plan on doing the same thing in Birmingham,” Rome said. “I think we will do really well and after doing my research, there is a need for this type of spa in Birmingham.”
With more than 60 Woodhouse Spa locations in the U.S., the chain has received many accolades, including the No. 1 franchise spa. Its goal is to provide a full-service destination spa experience in a convenient location.
“While there are a lot of spas out there, there are very few full-service spas like Woodhouse that aren’t located in a hotel or destination spot,” he said. “These just don’t exist in places like The Summit.”
Woodhouse will grow to have a staff of around 40 employees and be open seven days per week. Staff will include aestheticians, nail techs, spa team, spa concierge, spa coordinators and laundry staff. Experienced massage therapists will be trained in the Woodhouse way so all services are consistent.
Rome said the facility is beautiful and top quality. It can accommodate large parties and host events including bachelorette parties, birthday parties, bridal parties and more.
“Clients can book their party and schedule the services each guest wants to have,” he said. “They can bring in hors d’oeuvres and drinks and relax in the relaxation rooms. We provide plates and glasses and clean up.”
Although massage is its number one body treatment, its extensive spa menu features more than 70 rejuvenating treatments including facials, invigorating body treatments in the Vichy shower and nail services. The space will have three single massage rooms, two duet massage rooms, a massage/tub room, three rooms dedicated to aesthetics, two relaxation rooms, nail room and a wet room.
The most popular package is the Woodhouse Escape, a two-hour experience including a full body scrub, massage, reflexology and body treatment. The Lazy Days Renewal is also highly requested among clients and includes a tub soak with oils and salts, followed by a full body massage with seaweed products. The gentlemen’s menu includes deep tissue massages, hot towel facials and pedicures.
Rome encourages clients to arrive early for their appointment. Once checked in, they can change into their robe and reflexology sandals to enjoy the relaxation room and a beverage before they are taken to their appointment.
“It’s really about the whole experience and not just an individual service,” Rome said. “A lot of people come to get a massage and wish they would have given themselves more time to enjoy their appointment.”
Woodhouse has a real-time online booking system for clients to select their services and choose their therapist. Online gift cards are available and can be personalized and printed or emailed. Its rewards program allows guests to accrue points to use for spa services. A full retail space in the front of the store offers products used in the spa and other gift items.
“I may be opening a second location somewhere down the road,” Rome said. “I think Birmingham has the demographic profile that could probably hold two Woodhouse spas.” Learn more at birmingham.woodhousespas.com.
