Healing GemThe Indigo Spa

by Linda Beach

View All Articles

In an unspoiled barrier island off the coast of South Carolina, a transformational oasis is nestled deep inside a pristine forest filled with moss-draped oak trees, resting unassumingly beside an alligator-laden lagoon. The Indigo Spa is one of Hilton Head Island’s newest health and wellness offerings.

Ranging in tones from violet to azure, indigo was named after a dye derived from the plant Indigofera tinctoria, grown as a cash crop in the area’s earliest settlements. Embraced by royalty, the color indigo symbolizes compassion and a state of inner peace and calm, perfectly representing a sanctuary that embodies these qualities.

healthy mission

With a mission to heal clients from the inside out, The Indigo Spa invites guests to come as they are. No judgment, no stress. This suggestion is especially important to guests who are on a health and wellness journey, seeking pampering without judgment. “The majority of our guests are enrolled in one of the weight-loss programs at the spa’s adjoining Hilton Head Health resort,” says spa manager Kelly Perron. Dubbed H3 by staff and guests, the wellness resort is world-renowned for its custom weight-loss, fitness and SELF (Stress management, Empowerment, Longevity, Fulfillment) plans.

In addition to more than 130 fitness and outdoor adventure classes offered each week, H3 guests attend a variety of informative lectures and dine on low-calorie gourmet cuisine prepared by award-winning chefs. SpaFinder has awarded H3 with “Best for Weight Loss” for the past five years. Also, Spas of America readers voted it as one of the top 100 spas of 2014 and health and beauty expert Lisa Drayer dubbed H3 as one of the “Top 5 U.S. Health Spas.”

rave reviews

Although H3 has been offering spa treatments for over a decade, the newly built 3,100-square-foot Indigo Spa opened its doors in February 2015 to rave reviews from both guests and locals. More than 75 percent of H3 program participants use the facility during their stay and area residents have recently discovered this hidden gem. “Almost 20 percent of our spa guests are locals and that number is growing,” says Perron. “We have made an effort to get involved in our community by supporting a number of causes. We regularly provide massages and gift certificate giveaways at 5K races and charitable events.”

Hilton Head Island is a big vacation destination. In order to drive some of the tourist traffic to The Indigo Spa, Perron and her staff reach out regularly to vacation rental agencies. “We showed up at one recently with lunch and complimentary chair massages,” Perron shares. “Needless to say they loved it!” Every other week the spa hosts a special event called Fine Lines, Fine Wines. For only $30, guests enjoy a glass of wine while a licensed esthetician discusses a skin care topic. Participants are treated to a face cleanse, mask and moisturizer. While the mask sets, they can ask questions and purchase products. According to Perron the event boosts retail sales and has been well received.

a stellar team

Perron handpicked the loyal staff for their attention to detail and dedication to customer service. Before the grand opening, the team spent two weeks training on product knowledge, treatment protocol and customer service. New hires attend a team building orientation and extensive training to ensure the spa’s high standards remain consistent. “Our vendors have been so supportive,” says Perron. “Since opening, all three have been back for further product knowledge and hands-on training.” Instead of cash commissions on product sales, spa staff members earn free products. “Our staff is committed to our lines and the positive impact our products can make on our guests,” she adds. Therapists also receive the full 20 percent gratuity that is automatically added to each service.

The Indigo Spa conducts monthly staff meetings and team building outings. “It’s a good way to get everyone in the same room at the same time,” Perron explains. She shares guest reviews and encourages her team to make suggestions. “We value their feedback,” she adds. Staff reviews are conducted after 90 days and then again each January. Goals vary but are based on that particular employee’s strengths and weaknesses. With a staff to guest ratio of 3 to 1, attention to guest service is always the main priority.

respite for renewal

The Indigo Spa offers a varied menu of services that focus on the inner journey to healing. Every treatment starts with a deep inhalation of the spa’s signature lavender blend to create an awareness of the breath and prepare the client for renewal. According to Perron, “The H3 program guests who book spa treatments typically indulge in at least one facial and several massages or body treatments during their stay.”

Since around 70 percent of their clientele are female and 30 percent are male, the interior of the spa appeals to both sexes with its calm neutral tones and nature-inspired touches. Indigo and amethyst are the accent shades and dozens of amethyst crystals adorn unexpected nooks and crannies. The most noticeable is the stunning 900-pound, $35,000 gem from Uruguay that greets guests at the end of the treatment hallway.

nature-inspired nurturing

The relaxation lounge is expansive with floor-to-ceiling windows that give guests a feeling of being outdoors. This focus on bringing the outside in is continued in the signature treatment, Nature (110 minutes, $250). This six-part ritual uses organic milk, bioactive peat enzymes and antioxidant berries to cleanse and a mushroom and phyto-nutrient wrap to stimulate the lymphatic system. This decadent healing treatment closes with a rhythmic full-body massage using berry, cypress and birch-infused oils.

Since most of the spa’s guests are on a weight loss journey, it’s no wonder the most popular body treatment is the Naturally Slimming Ritual (80 minutes, $220).

Rich in antioxidants, plant enzymes and essential oils, this sumptuous experience combines an exfoliation, wrap and full body massage to target water retention, increase lymph flow and reduce inflammation.

The most popular facial service is the Fit & Firm Transformational Facial (50 minutes, $160). This European-inspired treatment focuses on softening fine lines and restoring radiance. It starts with a sugar cane AHA exfoliation, continues with a custom mask, a relaxing arm and hand massage and finishes with a Fit & Firm eye lift treatment and anti-aging “cocktail” of a wrinkle reversing serum and vitamins.

A number of massages adorn the menu, including The Indigo Sun (50/80 minutes, $160/$220) which incorporates brisk strokes with warming essential oils of cardamom, black pepper and amber to increase circulation and encourage detoxification. The Indigo Moon (50/80 minutes, $160/$220) is the perfect choice for winding down from a day of robust activity. It combines soothing massage strokes with essential oils of French lavender, rosemary and peperina to encourage sound sleep and pleasant dreams.

a place in the sun

Hilton Head Island is surrounded by gorgeous beaches frequented by H3 guests. Accordingly, The Indigo Spa serves up a variety of before and after sun treatments with beach-inspired names like Wave of Dolphins and Healing Ocean Escape. The refreshing Sun Salutation (80 minutes, $220) starts with a crushed bamboo and ginger scrub followed by a full body application of warm poultices filled with rice bran and cherry blossom to stimulate circulation. It finishes with a hydrating berry oil.

Guests who over-indulge on the sun’s rays recover with the After Sun Therapy (50 minutes, $150). A hydration spray of sea algae and silk extract blended with yuzu and mimosa flowers starts the cellular regenerating process. The treatment continues with a face and body lymphatic phytopower masque to help prevent peeling and soothe sun baked skin.

The Indigo Spa at Hilton Head Health is an example of southern grace and charm. No detail is overlooked. No guest request is denied. Each person who steps through the doors is treated like the special client they are. In the words of a recent H3 guest, “I am here to focus on myself for once. I visit The Indigo Spa every day during my stay because they make me feel like I’m their only priority. I deserve that!”

the indigo spa
at hilton head health

14 Valencia Road,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

843.593.9900
indigospa.com
Launched: February 5, 2015
Owner: John Schmitz
Manager: Kelly Perron

facility

2 separate buildings

main spa

6 full-service treatment rooms, separate gender locker rooms, relaxation lounge
Salon: 1 hair station, 2 mani chairs, 2 pedi chairs, 1 makeup station, 1 express room for waxing or mini-facials
H3 Resort
Fitness room, swimming pool, hot tub, showers, steam rooms and lockers

staff

1 spa manager, 7 massage therapists, 3 estheticians, 1 cosmetologist, 1 nail technician, 2 spa coordinators

products

Skin Authority, Red Flower, Naturopathica, Jane Iredale, Living Proof, Coola, Kashwere, Comphy and Deborah Lippmann. In addition to crystals, the spa sells art and jewelry made by local artists.