Heather Majewski and Jennifer Healy can tell you that you can have too many facials.

The local duo has created a resource for spa-goers that includes a directory, reviews, and "Buzz" found at Letsgospa.com. They write their reviews based on their own experiences, hence the possibility of too much of a good thing.

The pair, who work full time in the insurance industry, met about 10 years ago and has been friends ever since. It was about two years ago that they started their web site.

But it all started after the two went to Las Vegas for a vacation, won some money and decided to spend it on a spa visit.

"We decided we had so much fun we wanted to keep going to spas," said Ms.Healy.

This was not the first time the duo became interested in something and took to it together. They have tried belly dancing, ("That was fun," said Ms.Majewski), rock wall climbing and cardio kickboxing.

One of their first inclinations was to try and open their own spa (something they still would like to do someday), but instead they began visiting spas and critiquing them to each other and then to their friends.

"We were literally doing spa reviews to each other," said Ms. Healy.

And, after a few trips they started visiting spas locally.

The difference primarily between other spas and ones in the area are that the locals are more day spas versus destination spas. "But you get more personalized services at the small spas," said Ms. Healy.

After so many trips and so much information, the two got the idea for the web site. They asked a co-worker about his beer web site and had lunch with him.

"That night we started our own web site," said Ms. Majewski. "Jen and I are very driven."

What they love about going to spas is the feeling you get when you take time to rejuvenate and take care of yourself, as well as getting some pampering.

"We want that feeling all the time and we want to be able to give that to other people," said Ms. Healy.

But don¹t make jokes about the amount of effort involved in visiting spas. They have heard it all before. Plus, it is work. Such as, "When you¹re laying on the massage table or the facial table and you¹re trying to remember all these details," said Ms. Healy. Ms. Majewski agreed. "I don¹t think (people) realize the amount of work that goes into (the web site)," she said. "And we¹re really trying to help people."

But the workload hasn¹t totally changed the spa experience for them. They do enjoy their work. And now they know to space out trips so their faces can rest between facials or their bodies can tense up a little before getting another massage.

The web site showcases Connecticut spas, as well as airport and destination spas, with detailed reviews and advice for spa-goers. The two personally visit the spas that they list and give fellow spa-goers the inside scoop. At the moment there is a directory of about 150 state spas and a total of about 50 spas from other locations. To be reviewed, a spa must offer a massage or body treatment, as there are a proliferation of hair salons that also offer manicures and facials, etc.

Each spa they visit is critiqued on its facilities, atmosphere, amenities, treatments and customer services. Things like location, décor, ambiance, pampering, snacks, unique treatments and practical matters such as parking, scheduling are discussed. In addition, the women negotiate special offers with spas for their readers.

"We¹ve become experts and we know what to look for," said Ms. Healy. "We share details; the cleanliness, the nakedness, and the difference a friendly receptionist can make. All these details are as critical to the spa experience as the treatment itself."

They also offer a free newsletter, received by about 300 people. But don¹t get the idea that they are soft on spas just because they often get the services for free. "We can be very judgmental," said Ms. Majewski. She said if it just says massage or facial on a service menu she¹s not happy. She wants details: an oxygen facial, an aromatherapy massage, etc.

The two also see it as their mission to make sure the prices are in line with the offerings. They want web site visitors to know the price is worth it.

In addition to getting spa information out to the masses, the pair has also learned a lot about running a business, as Lets Go Spa is an LLC. "Always have a contract, no handshake agreement," said Ms. Majewski.

The two have grown closer while working on the web site and derive satisfaction from helping people improve their spa experience, as well as helping spa owners make improvements. As part of their service, the women offer to consult with a spa owner for a fee when their visit is completed. Most spa owners have been more than happy to hear their ideas.

Debra Morra, owner of Lavender Fields in Southington, is one. "It was wonderful to have those girls in there," said Ms. Morra. "They¹re very knowledgeable." Ms. Morra said they suggested the spa expand. It did. "We now have a sauna, locker room, steam room," said Ms. Morra. "We took on more space in the same building. So now we can actually handle parties."

Ms. Morra said she went to the Lets Go Spa web site and was impressed enough to trust their advice. The suggestions have paid off. "The simple littlest ones that didn¹t cost a penny really made a difference as well," she said. One such minor suggestion was to have the timer bell on a particular machine

turned off by the manufacturer. In addition, the spa now offers specials, and has a renewed focus on giving more attention to its existing customers, as well as trying to attract new. "Their web site has brought us a lot of business," she said. "I think it¹s a really great idea."

Ms. Morra said it¹s like a restaurant review for spas. How else can you know how you are doing? And who better to evaluate you than women who make it their business to visit spas, as well as getting feedback from other spa visitors.

"How else are you going to get that valuable information?" she said. "It¹s invaluable their information." Ms. Morra said every day spa in Connecticut should want a visit from the Lets Go women.

The two 30-year-old Lets Go owners revamped the web site within the past year and work on the site pretty much every day. "We tend to be perfectionists," said Ms. Healy. "It¹s never going to be less work," said Ms. Majewski.

Ms. Healy, who lives in Avon with her husband, and Ms. Majewski, who lives in Bristol with her husband, have an abundance of ideas for the web site. The women are considering partnering with restaurants, clothing lines, as well as web developers as a referral for spa owners, and possibly a forum for spa owners.

"Spa owners they are so busy," said Ms. Healy.

One of Ms. Healy and Ms. Majewski¹s favorite spas to visit is the Mandarin Oriental, which has locations in Miami, New York, Washington, D.C., and London.

At the Mandarin the two were 17 floors above and each had their own suite, accessed by a private elevator. Ms. Healy said they were speechless when they saw their accommodations.

As a day spa, the pair like the Cornelia Day Spa in New York City. "We ordered lunch and we decided we didn¹t want to get up out of these chairs and they literally served us on a silver platter," said Ms. Healy, with Ms. Majewski chiming in on the words silver platter.

"We were very impressed," said Ms. Healy.

That is saying something, considering these women make a job of visiting spas.

At this point the two are visiting spas about once a month. They have learned from going to several in a week or even in a month that there can be too much of a good thing.

"If you over do something it¹s not special," said Ms. Majewski.

For more information go to letsgospa.com or e-mail letsgospa@letsgospa.com.
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SIDE BAR
Spa trends
According to the 2004 industry study by the International Spa Association,based in Lexington, Kentucky, there are an estimated 12,100 spas throughout the U.S. The largest spa category, accounting for seven of every 10 spas, is day spa. Resort/hotel spas are the second largest group, followed by club spas, medical spas, mineral springs spas and destination spas. The Northeast region has the most spas in the U.S. There were approximately 136 million spa visits made in 2003. Sixty percent of those were to day spas and 27 percent were to resort/hotel spas. The remaining 13 percent were spread across the other spa types. The spa industry generated an estimated $11.2 billion in revenues in 2003. Resort/hotel spas, despite the smaller size of the segment, account for 41 percent of industry revenue while the largest segment, day spas, accounts for just under half. Between the 2002 and 2004 studies spa growth was at an average annual rate of 12 percent. The average price of a spa treatment in the U.S. is $75. The average cost per massage is $76, while the average cost per facial is $80. The Eastern/Asian influence continues to be very strong in the industry and there is a desire for natural as opposed to artificial products. The trend towards medically based products has also continued. A newer trend in the industry is spa influenced products such as clothing, home-spas, spa-like tubs and home massage tables. Spas continue to lose the "pampering" image as the industry continues to broaden its consumer appeal. A key driver in this trend is that people want to reward themselves for working hard. Another key trend is the continued increase in the number of men visiting spas.