Home spa offers salon luxury at low prices

A beauty therapist has opened a home spa offering treatments at a fraction of the cost charged by salons.

Kwan Saetang-Smith, who is also a masseuse, says there is no reason for spas to charge high prices for something that uses "only oils and physical touch".

The 37-year-old opened her Tai Home Spa five months ago and offers treatments from just $15 - making it one of, if not the, most reasonably priced salon in Bermuda.

Mrs. Saetang-Smith said: "Some of my clients have problems that mean it can be difficult for them to walk or get around because of the pain.

"They have so much pain that can be stopped easily with massage.

"But here it is so expensive and I don't know why - the equipment we use is not expensive.

"In Asia we don't charge very much and some people come three times a week for a massage."

And don't think for a second the low price means a lower quality treatment.

Mrs. Saetang-Smith has more than seven years experience working in spas in Bermuda and Thailand.

Her treatments are relaxing and physically healing.

I enjoyed a 60-minute spa pedicure complete with reflexology, so can attest to the quality of service.

Mrs. Saetang-Smith said: "One woman came in with back pain so bad she could not move her neck.

"It was the first time she had ever been for a massage. Every time I touched her she would flinch.

"After she calmed down she fell asleep for about five minutes and when she woke she couldn't stop crying.

"The pain was gone and we had released endorphins into her body. She was so happy."

Mrs. Saetang-Smith said client satisfaction is the most rewarding part of her work.

She added: "When my clients feel better, that is worth more than money."

Mrs. Saetang-Smith has built up an extensive client base by word of mouth.

Business is going so well she is considering building another room.

The one she uses as a spa is decorated with art, statues and tapestries from Thailand and China, which add to the ambience.

There is an adjoining bathroom where clients can wash off oils and creams.

Mrs. Saetang-Smith, a mother of two, enjoys working from home as she can dictate her own schedule and set aside "lots of family time".

Her most popular treatment is her luxury facial, which uses pulsating light to improve skin quality and mini vacuums to extract blackheads and pimples.

She said: "The facials use all organic products. They are 100 per cent natural.

"With many spas you have to ask specifically for all the different treatments, which all add to the price.

"But I don't see the point in doing a facial that is less than perfect so everything is included."

Other treatments include a Thai herbal ball compress body massage at $65 and a head, shoulders and back stress relief massage at $50.

A 60-minute luxury facial, head, hand and feet massage is $75, while traditional Thai massage is $65.

Ear candling is $50, massage therapy during and after pregnancy is $65, a manicure is $35, a pedicure $45, eyelash tinting is $15 and eyebrow tinting $20.

Mrs. Saetang-Smith said: "A lot of clients are very stressed so I teach meditation when giving a massage.

"In Thailand a lot of people meditate. It makes them calmer and they will have better memory."