Living the Hawaiian Lifestyle in Sunny FloridaMahola, Live Green at Kalianas Med Spa & Wellness Centerby Autumn Rhea Carpenter In today’s economic climate, purchasing a plane ticket to Hawaii might qualify as a splurge, while a visit to a Hawaiian-themed spa should be considered a necessity. This theory proved true when I recently visited Kalianas Med Spa & Wellness Center in Indian Harbor Beach, Florida.
The day spa, located within a shopping center, lost its nondescript feeling the minute I opened the front door. The lobby’s décor welcomes guests into a tranquil getaway, designed with light hardwood flooring, water features and flat screen televisions piping beach scenes into the space. Track lighting, soothing music and comfortable wicker furniture set the mood for a day spent pampering the body.  “The Island theme continues throughout our spa,” said Arwen Haislett, spa director. “The island-style relaxation area will make you feel as though you are sitting on a beach in Hawaii, with all of your cares slowly drifting away.”
Truer words have not been spoken. I spent 30 minutes lounging in this room, awaiting two treatments. The thoughtfully lit room exuded peace and tranquility. Carefully placed flat screen televisions again brought the nearby beach inside to lull the spa guests into a state of calm. Kalianas not only offers standard spa body treatments, Bodywise ® specialist, Regina Kaufmann, MD (and the spa’s medical director) also provides several dermatological medical services. They include Botox, Juvederm, Fraxel, Smartxide resurfacing, Smart and Vaser liposuction, spider vein treatments and laser hair removal. Wellness is another key aspect of the spa. January 2009 will bring new wellness services, such as the VO2 Max and the RMR tests, designed to assist with setting and achieving physical fitness goals. “We offer guests a complimentary Visia Skin Scan which analyzes a specific part of the face and provides a detailed complexion report,” said Haislett. “This is a great way to examine the severity of different skin conditions related to age and environment. After conducting this test, a client can begin a series of facials and a home care regime. At the end of the series, we repeat the scan and there is usually great improvement in the skin.”  Attention to the environment is coupled with the spa’s Hawaiian theme. “We are a green spa. Bamboo flooring was chosen because it is a renewable resource and the fastest growing woody plant in the world,” said Haislett. “The wallpaper was applied with non-toxic glue and all of our appliances are energy-efficient. We recycle everything possible.”
After my time-out in the relaxation area, my treatments began. I experienced a therapeutic massage, designed to target areas of pain and discomfort. The therapist was efficient and professional, working muscles that I never realized were sore. Next came the Ola (Healthy) Hydrafacial with Visualift Eye Treatment. Tiffany Venderosa, event coordinator and esthetician, skillfully performed the 50-minute procedure. “This facial softens the appearance of lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and acne-rone skin,” said Venderosa. “It combines the exfoliation and resurfacing of microderm abrasion without messy crystals.”  Venderosa dedicated exact attention to my experience, offering helpful advice. “The spa experience is great, but if a client doesn’t adhere to a home skin care regime, he or she will never see desired results.”
The beauty industry, like others, has been affected by the slowing economy. Regardless, Haislett explained that wellness and self-care continues to be in demand. “People now realize the importance of taking care of their bodies, and are learning how to release stress,” she said. “Its our job to offer respite from the world, especially during these difficult times.” Kalianas Med Spa & Wellness Center
205 East Eau Gallie Blvd., Indian Harbor Beach, FL, 32937
321.777.4242
www.kalianas.com Images by Kristin Perers, photographer with American Business Interiors (ABI) and Arwen Haislett. | 