Spa Verde: Door County’s Only “Green” Spa

By Laurel Ciohon

Who doesn’t love a great massage? Professional massages are a splurge to some, but for many they’re a necessity. After being in a traumatic accident last year, my body has not fully recovered. Massages have become part of my self-care routine as I continue to recover, but I’ve been a huge fan of them for many years. Massages are something I treat myself to at least once a year, especially if I’m on a relaxing vacation – most notably on the beaches of Guatemala, Mexico, and Costa Rica, at high-end hotels in Phoenix and Miami, and at several spas here in Door County. Living in Door County, a place where thousands flock to on vacation each year, it’s pretty incredible that I have one of the best massage studios in the world located just 15 minutes from my house.

When I say I had the best massage of life at Spa Verde is an understatement. Located in downtown Egg Harbor in the bright purple building attached to Greens N Grains Market, Spa Verde is a true gem of Door County. Booking an appointment is easy – simply go to their website (spaverdesalon.com) and select which massage or salon service you’d like. It conveniently shows you who is available and on what date. They have a fairly large staff, so it’s not too difficult to book an appointment when you want it.

As a first-time customer, I studied their site thoroughly before choosing the service I wanted – a 60-minute deep tissue massage with a woman named Ava Nueva. She had a 9am opening the next day and I was excited I didn’t have to wait several days to get in. Did I want to add aroma therapy and chakra balancing for $8? Sure. Full spectrum infrared sauna and shower for an additional $15? Absolutely.

I arrived early and checked in. Ava showed me around and thoroughly explained what I had in-store for the next two hours. She provided me a basket that had a plush robe and a shower wrap in it. We went over what I hoped her to accomplish during the 60 minute massage (focus on upper back and arms), then had me get comfortable in the private massage room.

During the next 60 minutes, I received by far the most intense, therapeutic massage I’ve ever had. My back is still very messed up from my accident (I broke several ribs, amongst other things) and it felt like she was hitting every muscle and fascia (the connective tissue surrounding the muscles) with the strength of a body builder but the with the perfect amount of gentleness, too. Deep tissue massage is meant to treat chronic aches and pains by applying firm pressure to the deep layers of muscle and fascia. The aroma therapy made me extremely relaxed and feel completely void of any stress. There were moments where I felt her work some areas in a near-painful manner, but it was the kind of pain you know is helping you and it's to the point where it feels more good than painful.

When Ava finished up the 60 minute massage, she mentioned that I definitely needed some more work done. I felt like I was floating as I stood up. Honestly, it was truly the best I’ve felt in a very long time. I slipped on the robe she provided, tucked my belongings in the basket, and headed to the sauna room where I was instructed to sit and relax for 20-30 minutes. It was already heated up for me, so I put on the shower wrap, laid a towel out on the bench, stepped inside, and closed my eyes. Sweating in a sauna is one of the body’s most natural ways to eliminate toxins, plus, if used regularly, it can help aid in relaxation, weight loss, pain relief, circulation, and skin purification. By minute 26 I was completely relaxed and felt ready to get out. Plus, I was extremely thirsty! A shower is recommended after getting out of the sauna, but only to rinse. Body wash can close up the pores you just spent sweating and opening up in the sauna. The shower is located in the same room as the sauna, so it was super convenient to rinse off right away before getting dressed.

Some of the other services available at Spa Verde include manicures and pedicures, hand and foot treatments, custom facials, back facials, lactic acid peels, hair removal, make up application, body scrubs, haircuts, color services, blow outs, prenatal massage, hot stone therapy, reiki, couples’ massages, and so much more. All services are provided in a chemical-free environment. Spa Verde uses only organic and natural products.

Call with any questions or to schedule an appointment. If you know what services you need, feel free to schedule online as well. I’ve already scheduled my next 60 minute deep-tissue massage with Ava next month! Spa Verde is located at 7821 Hwy 42, Egg Harbor. 920.868.1597. spaverdesalon.com.