Advertising

Insider Information

Services: 

facials, massage, waxing, body treatments, reflexology, tui na, zen shiatsu eyelash extensions, permanent makeup

Pricing: 

$65 and below (average price of 50 or 60-minute treatment)

Size: 

1,000 sq ft

Hours: 

Daily, by appointment

Payment: 

Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Discover

Products: 

Rhonda Allison, mineral makeup

SpaGirl Review: 

I've been to a lot of spas lately. Hey, it's my job. But frankly I've been disappointed by much of what I've seen. One charming spot that was once a favorite now houses two super-scorching tanning beds in former therapy rooms and what was once a cozy lounging space has been replaced with a retail area crammed with pseudo designer jeans and bejeweled apparel. Another place I visited had so overdone its island theme that I felt suffocated by the "garden" of fake, non-oxygenating tropical plants (why artificial plants in a spa, people? If you can keep us alive, can't you just get real plants?). Okay, I'm a spa snob. We've established that. But there was one shining light in my recent spa hopping adventures and that was Gilbert Bodyworks.

Located upstairs in the most charming office/retail center I think I've ever laid eyes on -- JD's Homestead in Gilbert's historic district -- Gilbert Bodyworks makes the most of its three-room studio space. The rounded reception desk guards a cozy sitting area with a plush mossy green couch, table and bench. What I loved about the waiting area was that it was clean, tranquil and not slammed with retail products to distract you from the task at hand: Relaxation.

My first treatment was a facial with Tammy. Tammy runs her own skincare business, Radiant Skin, from one of the therapy rooms inside Gilbert Bodyworks but you wouldn't know it was separate business. Her space echoes the same spotless, elegant charm as the reception area. The aesthetics bed was super soft and draped with a plush throw, which I couldn't help but scrunch up against my face when she left the room. The facial was heavenly and instructional all at once, and I found Tammy to be very knowledgeable and passionate about skincare.

Next up was a massage with Jill, and I reluctantly pried my comfy booty loose from the aesthetics bed to move one room over. Massage therapist and spa owner Jill is something of a legend in the therapy world and is known not only for her expertise and dedication but for her embracing personality. The room was spacious, meticulous and thoughtful touches like an arm rest on the face cradle made the experience all the more enjoyable. We chatted intermittently during my woozy state long enough for me to find out that because Jill is so busy with her eyelash extension business, she can no longer take new massage clients. But no worries, a very capable and busy massage therapist occupies the third room of the day spa.

Among the top growing communities in the nation, Gilbert's small town feel is perfect for a homey, client-centric retreat like Gilbert Bodyworks and I've got a hunch that expansion is just around the corner. But for now, watch out Scottsdale, Gilbert is on the move and Gilbert Bodyworks is a clear sign of good things to come.

More spas & salons in the same neighborhood

Gilbert Bodyworks

The Lash Loft at Gilbert Bodyworks

Mirror Barber Shop

Purple Cactus Salon Professionals

A Radiant U

Country Cottage Nail Salon

Natural

Salon Capelli

Amenity Spa & Salon

Contour Medical

Salon Du Sorelli

Gilbert Beauty Shop