A Close by Hidden Gem Luxury Spa at J House

By Karen Feld
Photos courtesy of J House Hotel

J House Greenwich, a high tech and eclectic stone and glass boutique hotel opened a well-appointed luxury spa on its lower level. Less than an hour from Manhattan via Metro North, it’s a relaxing retreat for a day of pampering or overnight getaway. The spa is a welcomed oasis in this privately owned, unobtrusive renovated Howard Johnson’s motel in Greenwich, CT.

Designed in soft, muted, silver tones, the J House Spa has a soothing ambience and offers a wide array of facial and body treatments for both men and women. Spa Director Danielle Cervi, who has been a popular esthetician in Greenwich for 15 years, has put together an experienced staff. She indulged me with the Hydra Facial, one of their special anti-aging treatments. Danielle began with a relaxing massage before nurturing the skin with Alpha and Beta hydroxy acids and antioxidant serums to brighten and rehydrate. I could first feel the gentle sucking of the machine exfoliating my skin followed by the moisturizing water. My face was glowing when the treatment concluded. Other popular personalized anti-aging treatments include the oxygen and vitamin C facials.

Next, Dan, who has been a masseur for 40 years, massaged the kinks in my shoulders as I relaxed on the heated, hydraulic memory foam table. I felt like putty in his hands. Using firm pressure he intuitively knew which body areas needed the most attention.

One of the popular specialty services offered is eyelash extensions. The individually applied lashes by NovaLash last the life of an eyelash – that’s up to 90 days. The lash specialist also does lash tinting with vegetable dye. You can choose between Eminence, the chemical free skin care line that uses organically grown herbs, fruits and vegetables and the high end, Natura Bisse from Barcelona. In addition to massage, you can you relax with a body scrub and smoothing wrap, designed for miniaturization or an herbal mud wrap, where spices and enzymes de-age your fatigued body. They also are introducing whole body alignment sessions that address the energetic systems. This includes Jin Shin Jyutsu, Reiki, chakra aura balancing, attunement and intuitive guidance as well as lymphatic drainage, cranial sacral therapy and frequency specific micro current to promote accelerated healing.

After a relaxing afternoon in the spa, I checked out the contemporary designed bar and restaurant. Chef Conor Horton’s menu changes seasonally. It includes sushi and a variety of fish, meat and house made pasta. I began with the Burrata with roasted squash, Asian pear, charred kale and clover honey. The delicate combination of flavors was impressive as well as the presentation. My main course, wild tuna, was cooked perfectly in orange ginger red wine.

I stayed in a suite (two mid-century motel rooms combined) which was apparently designed for digital natives, but not so user friendly for boomers. High tech “everything” included a Toto toilet/bidet combo. As you approached it, the top went up and chimed a welcome to sit on the heated seat. And I found it incongruous that although the spa offered luxury products, the in-room amenities were nameless and made in China. The glass tiled shower and electric mirror/TV in the bathroom were welcome touches. The hotel itself took me back to mid-century suburbia with state of the art high tech amenities. The spa is first rate with a low key ambiance. Check for special holiday themed treatments.

J House Hotel and Spa
1114 E Putnam Ave
Greenwich, CT 06878
(203) 698-6980
www.jhousegreenwich.com