In less than nine months, two
guys with no spa or hair salon experience have created one of New
Orleans' most popular day spas -- Miss Celie's Spa Orleans
-- and one of New Orleans' most romantic hotels -- the Olde Victorian
Inn.
NEW ORLEANS, LA. January 15, 2004.
A poll sponsored by Citysearch.com resulted in the
Citysearch 2003 Audience Winner award going to Miss Celie's Spa
Orleans for "Best Day Spa in New Orleans." The
Citisearch 2003 Editorial Winners included Miss Celie's Spa Orleans
in the top picks for day spas for the city, ranking Miss Celie's right
up against some of New Orleans' long-established institutions.
The Olde Victorian Inn ranked just as popular
with Citysearch readers, receiving the Citysearch 2003 Audience
Winner award for "Most Romantic Hotel" and was also one of
the top picks for the Citysearch 2003 Editorial Winners.
The winning combination of luxury spa services in a
romantic bed and breakfast setting is the result of dedicated
work, customer service, attention to historical detail, as well as the
brio of its owners, Keith West-Harrison and André West-Harrison.
Keith and André's research into the history of their
1840s-era French Quarter Victorian building revealed that their planned
addition of a Day Spa to the Inn would would actually return the
building to its past, courtesy of the spa's namesake, Miss Celie Brune,
and her Maison de Beauté.
Back in 1883, Miss Celie Brune
(pictured at left in 1885), a lively Creole woman, pampered New Orleans’
socialites at her Maison de Beauté. The salon was located in a parlor of
914 N. Rampart St., the Rooming House owned by Mlle. Lizzy Agnes
Francais.
Lizzy, the eccentric widow of an indigo baron, spent
most of her life traveling. It was during these journeys, with Miss.
Celie as her nursemaid, that they discovered the great European Spas.
Returning to New Orleans, they recreated those opulent surroundings in
the home she was given by Lucien Mansion, a free man of color. Offering
a luxurious way to relax and refresh one’s appearance, Miss Celie
attracted many of the prominent Storyville Madams.
The building was bequeathed to Miss Celie in
1890 by Lizzy upon her death. Reborn at the hands of Keith and Andre
West-Harrison, Miss Celie’s Spa Orleans again pampers her
clientele in the Grand French Quarter Manor.
“Our desire, after visiting some the nation’s top
spa facilities, was to make New Orleans a destination for the spa
traveler. Very few places in New Orleans understand that the
surroundings make the experience” said co-owner Keith.
"We were determined to ensure our surroundings were unique -- opulent
and relaxed at the same time -- and that our spa offered top notch
service. I think our visitors and guests alike agree we've
succeeded. We're pleased with the awards."
Miss Celie's Spa Orleans also offers its
guests the only "Courtyard Cabana Spa" (pictured at right) in New
Orleans' French Quarter. The lush outdoor courtyard -- a
hallmark of New Orleans -- is used as a quiet outdoor waiting area for
guests awaiting services and treatments. The spa experience begins
before the treatment, as guests relax to the murmuring of a bubbling
water fountain, take in cool air from outdoor fans, and listen to soft
backyard music. The Cabana Spa also allows guests to enjoy massage
therapies under a private and elegant tented ceiling.
“We don’t rush our guests" said co-owner
André. "What we strive for is a complete experience --
from your glass of wine upon arrival to your final good bye after your
hour long manicure."
Keith and André's restoration of the Inn and Spa
included their own design work, which emphasizes the Victorian-era
structure and surroundings in the spa. A tented ceiling hangs
above the massage table, a small indoor French Quarter cottage is the
backdrop for the manicure table and the Pedispa. Guests enjoy
comfortable and cozy manicure, pedicure, facials, body treatments, and
hair services in the intimate nook treatment areas. Elegant
touches include hot and cool scented linens for for body treatments.
Keith and André's creative touches expand beyond the
design and management of the spa. They also created a signature
treatment -- the Face•ssage®, a Miss Celie's Spa Orleans
proprietary treatment. A facial and massage in one -- the
Face•ssage® is a deeply relaxing treatment.
Even the most harried New Yorkers will be infused a bit of Southern
laziness when they enjoy a simultaneous skincare facial combined
with a full body massage, which lasts more than an hour. The
facial portion of the treatment features ASTARA Conscious Skin Care
products, an energetic and ecologically correct botanical line, while
the massage is performed with Miss Celie’s own lavender and citrus
massage cream.
Both locals and visitors to the city can absorb the
charm of New Orleans while their body absorbs the pampering that only a
luxury spa can provide. “The Olde Victorian Inn oozes New Orleans
charm,” said AAA’s Senior Tourism Editor Braxton LeCroy, after a recent
visit.
The Olde Victorian Inn offers four luxury
rooms (including the Chantilly room, pictured below), award-winning
dining, and canine companionship in the form of the owners' beloved
dogs. In fact, the designated "Spa Manager" is Sadie Chanel -- an
American Bulldog puppy, but she spends most of her time entertaining guests and
hanging out under the desk or in the courtyard.
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