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Miss Celie's Spa Orleans

03/02/2004

Miss Celie's Spa Orleans and the Olde Victorian Inn, in New Orleans, Lousiana, win 2003 Citysearch Polls

In less than nine months, two guys with no spa or hair salon experience created New Orleans' most popular day spa and bed and breakfast inn.

February 03 2004--A poll sponsored by Citysearch.com resulted in the Citysearch 2003 Audience Winner award going to Miss Celie's Spa Orleans for "Best Day Spa in New Orleans." The Citisearch 2003 Editorial Winners included Miss Celie's Spa Orleans in the top picks for day spas for the city, ranking Miss Celie's right up against some of New Orleans' long-established institutions.

The Olde Victorian Inn ranked just as popular with Citysearch readers, receiving the Citysearch 2003 Audience Winner award for "Most Romantic Hotel" and was also one of the top picks for the Citysearch 2003 Editorial Winners.

The winning combination of luxury spa services in a romantic bed and breakfast setting is the result of dedicated work, customer service, attention to historical detail, as well as the brio of its owners, Keith West-Harrison and Andr? West-Harrison.

Keith and Andr?'s research into the history of their 1840s-era French Quarter Victorian building revealed that their planned addition of a Day Spa to the Inn would would actually return the building to its past, courtesy of the spa's namesake, Miss Celie Brune, and her Maison de Beaut?.

Back in 1883, Miss Celie Brune, a lively Creole woman, pampered New Orleans' socialites at her Maison de Beaut?. The salon was located in a parlor of 914 N. Rampart St., the Rooming House owned by Mlle. Lizzy Agnes Francais.

Lizzy, the eccentric widow of an indigo baron, spent most of her life traveling. It was during these journeys, with Miss. Celie as her nursemaid, that they discovered the great European Spas. Returning to New Orleans, they recreated those opulent surroundings in the home she was given by Lucien Mansion, a free man of color. Offering a luxurious way to relax and refresh one's appearance, Miss Celie attracted many of the prominent Storyville Madams.

The building was bequeathed to Miss Celie in 1890 by Lizzy upon her death. Reborn at the hands of Keith and Andre West-Harrison, Miss Celie's Spa Orleans again pampers her clientele in the Grand French Quarter Manor.

“Our desire, after visiting some the nation's top spa facilities, was to make New Orleans a destination for the spa traveler. Very few places in New Orleans understand that the surroundings make the experience” said co-owner Keith. "We were determined to ensure our surroundings were unique -- opulent and relaxed at the same time -- and that our spa offered top notch service. I think our visitors and guests alike agree we've succeeded. We're pleased with the awards."

Miss Celie's Spa Orleans also offers its guests the only "Courtyard Cabana Spa" in New Orleans' French Quarter. The lush outdoor courtyard -- a hallmark of New Orleans -- is used as a quiet outdoor waiting area for guests awaiting services and treatments. The spa experience begins before the treatment, as guests relax to the murmuring of a bubbling water fountain, take in cool air from outdoor fans, and listen to soft backyard music. The Cabana Spa also allows guests to enjoy massage therapies under a private and elegant tented ceiling.

“We don't rush our guests" said co-owner Andr?. "What we strive for is a complete experience -- from your glass of wine upon arrival to your final good bye after your hour long manicure."

Keith and Andr?'s restoration of the Inn and Spa included their own design work, which emphasizes the Victorian-era structure and surroundings in the spa. A tented ceiling hangs above the massage table, a small indoor French Quarter cottage is the backdrop for the manicure table and the Pedispa. Guests enjoy comfortable and cozy manicure, pedicure, facials, body treatments, and hair services in the intimate nook treatment areas. Elegant touches include hot and cool scented linens for for body treatments.

Keith and Andr?'s creative touches expand beyond the design and management of the spa. They also created a signature treatment -- the Face•ssage®, a Miss Celie's Spa Orleans proprietary treatment. A facial and massage in one -- the Face•ssage® is a deeply relaxing treatment. Even the most harried New Yorkers will be infused a bit of Southern laziness when they enjoy a simultaneous skincare facial combined with a full body massage, which lasts more than an hour. The facial portion of the treatment features ASTARA Conscious Skin Care products, an energetic and ecologically correct botanical line, while the massage is performed with Miss Celie's own lavender and citrus massage cream.

Both locals and visitors to the city can absorb the charm of New Orleans while their body absorbs the pampering that only a luxury spa can provide. “The Olde Victorian Inn oozes New Orleans charm,” said AAA's Senior Tourism Editor Braxton LeCroy, after a recent visit.

The Olde Victorian Inn offers four luxury rooms, award-winning dining, and canine companionship in the form of the owners' dogs, beloved by the guests. In fact, the designated "Spa Manager" is Sadie Chanel -- an American Bulldog puppy, but she spends most of her time entertaining guests and hanging out under the desk or in the courtyard.

For more information about the
Olde Victorian Inn & Miss Celie's Orleans Spa, contact the innkeepers online, or, visit Spa Index: Guide to Day Spas and Stay Spas.

Olde Victorian Inn
914 North Rampart Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
Tel 800-725-2446
E-mail: oldevictorianinn@aol.com

www.OldeVictorianInn.Com
www.SpaOrleans.Com

Spa Index
Guide to Day Spas and Stay Spas
1511 M Sycamore, Suite 104
Hercules, CA 94547
www.SpaIndex.Com
Spa Index is a comprehensive online guide to worldwide Day Spas, Stay Spas, and the Spa Lifestyle. Spa Index publishes spa industry press releases, a popular spa enthusiast newsletter "Spa Index News" and a spa industry news feed "SpaWire". Miss Celie's Spa Orleans and the Old Victorian Inn are members of Spa Index.

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