“Treat employees like they make a difference, and they will”
It's been a tough few weeks and my husband decided to send me out of the house for some time to myself. I didn't know what I wanted to do, but I knew I needed to relax and take care of myself a little better than I have been recently. I needed to relax and get out of my head for a bit so he sent me to Massage Heights in Highlands Ranch for a facial and one hour massage.
The day of, I was an emotional wreck and thought about canceling because I was so self conscious and vulnerable. I thought it would be rude to cancel at short notice, so I pulled myself together for my appointment. I am writing this because I am SO glad that I went.
I am a fussy guest. I'm not difficult to please, but I place high value on customer service and the guest experience. I also think you can tell a lot about a company based on the way employees treat the customers. If the employees are rude or impatient, it's usually indicative of poor management or working conditions and I tend not to support businesses with this type of environment. On the contrary, when employees are treated well and like their job they usually go above and beyond and don't think twice about it. I will even pay a little more to do business with companies who cultivate this culture with their employees. This is the kind of place who values and takes care of their employees because their employees are very concerned with taking care of their guests.
I frequently look for deals and opportunities to go to the spa. I think it's important to take care of your physical and emotional well being. But I don't have the time or the budget to go to the fancier places with the four star service. Because I value these services on a more reasonable pricing scale, I tend to frequent some of the other chain massage places in Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree knowing that the compromise for cost is service. I don't think I need to make that sacrifice anymore and I am so relieved.
When I arrived disheveled and upset, I half expected to be ignored so I set my anxiety aside, psyched myself up, and knew I would only have to deal with them for a brief moment. I did not expect anyone to try to figure out why I was upset or if they could do anything to help, but they did. The team at the desk stopped everything they were doing and all three talked with me. Not one of them was distracted or made me feel like they had something else to do. They talked to me on an appropriately personal level before even suggesting I look at my required new client paperwork. They made eye contact and made me feel important. I immediately relaxed and started to notice the other details of the spa.
This place is beautiful and clean! The products are organized and neatly displayed and there is a lot of comfortable seating, although they are so attentive I never saw anyone lingering long enough to enjoy it. When it was time for my massage, my therapist came to get me and led me through a beautifully decorated hallway. I peeked in the rooms we passed and started to realize that this spa knows affordable luxury and they do it well.
My room was the perfect size and temperature. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back this instant. The linens were pure luxury and although I didn't ask, I am pretty certain they are the same linens used at The Ritz (I only know this because I passed through once and someone pointed out the brand and I noticed the same brand for sale at Massage Heights and as I was checking out they mentioned you could buy the same linens in the treatment rooms). My massage therapist was the most professional and relaxed therapist I have ever met. He instantly put me at ease and guided me through an aroma therapy journey. Massage Heights makes all of their own responsibly sourced aromatherapy scents and it is such a nice touch.
A few minutes into the massage I knew I was working with someone who is truly passionate about the work he does. He knew exactly where to work to relieve the most stress and really understands the body. I wish I could accurately describe how skillful this massage was, but I have been trying and there are no words to help you understand any better than this was hands down the best massage I have ever had. I have never contemplated "working with" a massage therapist on a regular basis, but I am now.
After my massage I was given space to slowly collect myself and head over to another treatment room for a facial. At first I thought this may be too indulgent, but it ended up being the perfect paring. I was in massage bliss and needed some extra time to soak that up and I honestly had no desire to leave the cozy atmosphere back to my reality.
My facial was equally as impressive as my massage. She started by analyzing my skin and breaking it down by zone and my specific needs using Dermalogica's Face Mapping system. This system helped her identify my skins problem areas and needs so she could diagnose a treatment plan and Dermologica products she wanted for me. She was masterful with her techniques and I was so impressed with her knowledge. Because she was professional and knowledgeable I really got to relax and enjoy the extra attention. It's amazing what a little extra touch and attention can do for a person.
During the service I decided to try a couple of their add on's for a facial. The stress and lack of sleep was beginning to really take a toll on my skin and when I asked her if there was anything she could do, she told me about a few treatments, but we agreed to try the High Frequency Machine. It's so silly, but I love this tool!
It has a glass case and when she turned it on a purple light pulsed through it. She placed it on my face over my more problematic areas to help reduce oil production, promote healing, and kill the bacteria that cause would be breakouts. I was skeptical about this little tool, but a within 24 hours I noticed a HUGE difference in my trouble zones and my mini breakout from the stress was dramatically reduced. I have to find a way to make this part of my life!
My time here was only a little over two hours, but it felt like I had been gone for the day. Between the superior customer service, the skilled and knowledgeable professional service providers, and the overall atmosphere of Massage Heights I have found something pretty awesome very close to home. As I rule of thumb, I only write about people (dogs included) or experiences that really inspire me. If my world hadn't crumbled I don't know if I would have made it there that day and it's so fortuitous that I did.
I wanted to take a minute to acknowledge a group of strangers who made a difference for me during a time when I needed it the most. They didn't know me, they didn't have to go above and beyond, but they did. What's remarkable about this is that I don't think it's unique to me. I believe they extend this level of professional service to each individual who comes in through their doors. This type of service and level of expertise is hard to find and it's important to me that I shared it with you!