NEROLI SPA + BEAUTY LOUNGE
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
I have long been a fan of Charlottesville, its picturesque landscape, the college-vibe, the history, the east-coast sophistication and, of course, the wineries. Charlottesville has so much to offer, so much so, that when my dear friend, Suzanne Owen and Neroli Spa & Beauty Lounge owner, invites me to visit – I say, “Go ahead, twist my arm!”
During my first visit to Charlottesville, I was completely taken aback. Here was a cosmopolitan city with small town charm, culture and history, sitting at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The University of Virginia’s college campus is embedded in the landscape and sprawls throughout the city with every twist and turn. There are the finest restaurants, brick-lined streets and plenty of shopping. I could get used to this. Did I mention the wineries? Oh yeah, all 33 of them along the Monticello Wine Trail. Back to that in a bit.
Ten years after my first visit, almost to the day that I met Suzanne about her original interior design project for Neroli Spa, I am back. And this time Suzanne is ready to relocate her growing business and expand her successful retail collections, skin care and nail boutique from the north end of Charlottesville to the heart of downtown. We spend a day looking at spaces and we both settle on a former photography studio, a 2-story building with inherent character: painted white brick walls, exposed ductwork, a mezzanine, expansive windows, an outdoor balcony, wood floors and black steel beams. I knew in a moment that we could bring an effortless style to this raw space and create a chic, timeless, relaxed vibe with a thoughtful spa quality to it.
At 4 o’clock Suzanne looks at me and asks, are you ready for a glass of champagne, before or after we hit Eloise? Eloise is secret code for “we have the urge to splurge on fashion”. That’s the thing about her and I, it is simple. Good food, good friends, good shopping, good wine and, yes, we work well together too.
Over the months and years, I have frequented Charlottesville. It is a place of familiarity to me but when I come back, I notice the new building, home & hotel developments, new restaurants and an ever-expanding city. It never gets old, it is always an adventure for the senses and an experience for the soul. The farm to table restaurants are plentiful. A recent favorite is Oakhart Social (try the charred carrots and make it a double). Try Tavola for Italian and Alley Light for yummy small plates and seafood board.
Now, back to the wineries and the birthplace of American wine. The wineries along the Monticello Wine Trail were inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s vision for grape growing and wine making. Today, these wineries are producing wines of national and international acclaim. My absolute favorite along the trail for its venue, wine and culinary experience is Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards. I remember well, one of my visits there, sitting on the veranda overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains with friends. It was a cozy and rainy early fall day. We were sipping their finest wines and nibbling culinary treats, smelling the rain, taking in the breathtaking views and colors. I felt as if the rest of the world had disappeared from around me. And it had.
The new Neroli Spa & Beauty Lounge is an extension of that vibe, embedded in the culture known as Charlottesville. With its extensive menu of cosmopolitan beauty services including manicures, pedicures, facials and massage; its relaxed but chic atmosphere includes a zen garden, private patio and lounge to help guests to unwind, escape and rejuvenate – right on point with what Charlottesville has to offer. It is a world-class spa and a true destination beauty.
To my delight, Suzanne recently tells me that she has added Cool-Sculpting to her menu of beauty services. “Are you up for a visit?” she asks coyly. “How about next month?” I respond enthusiastically, for research and business development, of course! 😉
LIFESTYLE ESSENTIALS
NEROLI SPA + BEAUTY LOUNGE
In a luxurious pairing of linen and long-staple Turkish cotton, our robe combines comfort and classic style. Garment washing enhances its exquisite touch, giving the heathered linen a vintage look and feel, while the ultra-absorbent Aegean cotton is soft and cozy, the perfect post-bath wrap.
Extra-Small: 43”L; fits women’s 0-2
Small: 44”L; fits women’s 4-6, men’s Small
Medium: 45”L; fits women’s 8-10, men’s Medium
Large: 46”L; fits women’s 12-14, men’s Large
Extra-Large: 47”L; fits women’s 16+, men’s Extra-Large
$129
LINEN TERRY SPA ROBE
In a luxurious pairing of linen and long-staple Turkish cotton, our robe combines comfort and classic style. Garment washing enhances its exquisite touch, giving the heathered linen a vintage look and feel, while the ultra-absorbent Aegean cotton is soft and cozy, the perfect post-bath wrap.
SIZE:
Extra-Small: 43”L; fits women’s 0-2
Small: 44”L; fits women’s 4-6, men’s Small
Medium: 45”L; fits women’s 8-10, men’s Medium
Large: 46”L; fits women’s 12-14, men’s Large
Extra-Large: 47”L; fits women’s 16+, men’s Extra-Large
$129
CARRIE SWIVEL PEDICURE CHAIR
Fashionable. Distinct. Simply over the top. The plush and posh Carrie Swivel Pedicure Chair & Foot Spa combines fine furniture, modern comfort and technology giving and entirely new meaning to the word “pamper”. The sweeping soft curves, tall back and tufted detail make this chair extra-ordinary for any salon or spa environment.
SIZE:
34”w x 65”d x 70”h
$6,157.00
CARRIE SWIVEL PEDICURE CHAIR
In a luxurious pairing of linen and long-staple Turkish cotton, our robe combines comfort and classic style. Garment washing enhances its exquisite touch, giving the heathered linen a vintage look and feel, while the ultra-absorbent Aegean cotton is soft and cozy, the perfect post-bath wrap.
SIZE:
Extra-Small: 43”L; fits women’s 0-2
Small: 44”L; fits women’s 4-6, men’s Small
Medium: 45”L; fits women’s 8-10, men’s Medium
Large: 46”L; fits women’s 12-14, men’s Large
Extra-Large: 47”L; fits women’s 16+, men’s Extra-Large
$129
