The DuDa Spa at 53 Green Street in Portsmouth is quite frankly an oasis in every sense of the word. Tucked just behind the Sheraton Hotel, off Market Street in Portsmouth, it’s centrally located yet off by itself with its own parking. The exterior is unremarkable, but the moment I stepped through the doors I felt I’d stepped through a doorway to tranquility. There were candles and dim lighting, soothing music and an amazing scent floating through the air that was noticeable (orange spice or something) but subtle too.
After being greeted warmly I was shown to the changing room, where there was a locker with robe waiting just for me, with a selection of sandals to choose from. I was then escorted into the tranquility room. There was more dim lighting, flowing fountain, couches, and light refreshments. I was already feeling relaxed and although I had only moments before left the cold winter day outside, I had most certainly arrived into what felt like a secret. I had to fight the urge to whisper.
I was invited to fill out a short form regarding my upcoming facial. I accepted the offer to have tea while I waited and my shoulders were draped in a warm soothing rice filled shoulder wrap. I was slowly melting. This was already heavenly and I had yet to have any official services.
Soon I was led to the room where I was to get my very first facial. I was trying hard to remember each and every detail so that I could write about it, but I was so relaxed I can’t even put it into words. There was warm steam, cool scrubs, heavenly warm mitts on my hands and even a neck and face massage. The only thing I dreaded was it coming to an end.
Afterword I was encouraged to take my time getting up. After a leisurely stretch I half shuffled, half floated down the hall where I was greeted once again in the tranquility room where I downed the most refreshing glass of lemon-cucumber water. I told you this place is an oasis! Who knew being so relaxed could make me so thirsty! I felt as if my entire body had been massaged. I sat to enjoy some yummy snacks, given fresh tea and a few minutes to relax before being led to my pedicure.
The chairs were the big leather massage kind. Although the rolling massagers on my chair were not working, it didn’t do much to dampen the experience. The soak, exfoliation, and leg massage were unmatched. I love the sparkly pink polish I finally decided on (out of a myriad of choices!) and we were encouraged to sit and let our toes dry under the fan for as long as we liked and were given magazines to browse.
I again shuffled back to the changing room, dreading leaving the tranquility to rejoin my hectic life. But as I stepped back out into the cold NH air feeling heavy and relaxed yet light and rejuvenated all I could think was “I can’t WAIT to come back!!”
You need to go check this place out too. And if you hurry they’re having some great sales this February and March, so check out their website. I took my own pictures, but their website does a great job showing off how amazing the interior of this place really is! Go to the oasis…you KNOW you’re thirsty too!! www.thedudaspa.com
Comment by Michelle Hynes on February 11, 2009 at 7:30pm 
Comment by Dawn on February 11, 2009 at 3:50pm 
You need to be a member of Granite Moms to add comments!
Join this Ning Network