Modern Asia merges with historic New England at Chi day spa, nestled on Litchfield’s West Street.  Spa owner, Pearl O’Loughlin, wanted to keep the character of the historic building when she built the spa, so she retained the original beams and piping throughout the spa.  This adds a certain rustic charm amid the modern touches and gave us the sense that we were somewhere special.  Chi’s Asian inspired décor is unique among Connecticut day spas and included bamboo pottery, pink orchid flowers, and a paper mache floor lamp.

The Little Things
We felt very welcome as soon as we walked in.  Pearl and her daughter, Donna, were anticipating our arrival and greeted us by name.  They were very comforting and made sure we were relaxed the whole time.  I was impressed with even the “littlest thing” like Pearl putting lotion on my knee during my pedicure after she observed that I had an itch.  She even tweezed my eyebrows during my facial to make my face look perfect.  I felt so taken care of! 

While Pearl was attending to my needs, Heather was “feeling the love” from Donna during her facial.  Donna really seemed to care about Heather’s skin, shared her vast knowledge about skincare, and even recommended small changes to Heather’s skin care regime to help improve her skin’s appearance. 

The Star Treatment
Chi Signature Seaweed Facial.  Both Heather and I experienced this extra special treatment.  Our facials began with steaming and cleansing followed by a sweet smelling, warm honey almond scrub that gently exfoliated our skin.  We then experienced heavenly facial massages, which melted away all the stress around our temples and sinus cavities.  Now that our skin was soft and relaxed, we were ready for the surprisingly PAIN FREE extraction process.  Yes, that’s right, PAIN FREE!  The impurities in our skin were removed by a vacuum suction technology. 

Our skin then soaked up the nutrients and minerals in the thick seaweed mask, which left our faces silky and smooth looking.  During this time, we relaxed as our therapists massaged our necks, arms and feet.

The Distinctive Element
Chi Day Spa is years beyond many other spas when it comes to technology.  We much appreciated the efficient vacuum suction extractions (who doesn’t love pain free extractions without those embarrassing red marks?).  Not only that, but they used high frequency galvanic technology to kill bacteria deep inside the skin and an electronic dry brush to exfoliate the skin.  But the technology didn’t stop in the facial rooms.  We indulged in the shiatsu massaging pedicure chairs that kneaded, vibrated, reclined, and even massaged our heads! 

If only we had more time we could have experienced the cutting edge California Sunless Tanning system where your tan can be sprayed on with a hose in less than five minutes.  It doesn’t get any easier (or healthier) to get a natural glowing tan!

What to Keep in Mind
Chi offers lunches and private parties upon request…Chi has three treatment rooms, one is large enough to accommodate couples massages…There are plenty of facial skincare options on the menu, but no body treatments…Chi uses Repechage products, which are made in the USA… We were offered water when we arrived, but there were no snacks so we don’t recommend going on an empty stomach …Chi is located just down the road from Litchfield’s quaint town center which has lots of shops and eclectic dining.  We continued our Asian inspired experience with a delicious sampling of sushi, coconut shrimp and Thai Chicken at 3W and The Blue Bar.  It was the perfect ending to a relaxing day!