A Breath Away Spa
A destination for relaxation and tranquility
by KIMBERLY M. KARCHER Clarence Editor

Spa owner Sandy Yoder-Lindaman sits in the waiting room of the Clarence spa location, which features an indoor waterfall aimed to help create a calm and tranquil environment for spa-goers. Photo by Joe Eberle Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

So goes the motto of Clarence's newest spa center, located at 10580 Main St., in the Hollow.

A Breath Away Spa, which officially opened on May 1, offers both men and women a number of services aimed at providing customers with a sense of comfort, peace and beauty.

"Our spa offers relaxation with a sense of warmth and coziness," said Sandy Yoder-Lindaman, who runs the business alongside her mother, Karen. "We are a very personable salon, and we make every attempt to see that our customers' every need is fulfilled."

Lindaman said one of the intriguing aspects of the spa is its theme-inspired rooms.

"Our services are performed in a theme-based tranquil setting," as the company's Web site describes the spa setting. "As you enter our 'library' theme reception room, your scents and sights will be pleased with our aromatic scent of the month flowing freely through the room and our meticulously kept surroundings, complete with fresh flowers, a glowing fireplace, candle light and soothing music."

And that's just when a customer walks into the spa.

After check-in, spa-goers can either travel to Italy or head to Hawaii, as each room is designed to represent these destinations.

"I want people to feel as if they are at home when they are at the spa, but at the same time, like they are far, far away from their everyday lives," Lindaman said. "The entire experience is meant to bring relaxation and peace for every sense, so you'll smell comforting aromas and feel tranquil while you're at A Breath Away."

The spa offers several massage services for those looking to un- wind in mind and body.

"We have single and double massage suites as well as hot stone massages and aromatherapy wrap massages," Lindaman said. "We also offer an Okazaki restorative massage, which is developed from ancient Japanese and Hawaiian restoration therapies, which include a vigorous massage that balances the body's energy while breaking down weak and injured tissue."

A Breath Away Spa also has hand, nail and foot services including manicures, pedicures, reflexology, acrylic nails and paraffin dip.

Skin care services include facials, paramedical peels and back treatment services.

"We offer services for both men and women as well as adults and teenagers," Lindaman said. "We can accommodate small and large groups for events such as stagettes, bridal parties or just a day-at-the-spa experience."

Some of the packages offered at A Breath Away Spa include the "Sigh," which comes with a 30-minute massage, mini-facial and spa manicure; the "All About Him," which entails a man's facial, spa pedicure and a 60-minute massage; and for two, the "True Love," which includes a 60-minute massage, an ultimate pedicure with romantic music, candles, chocolate-covered strawberries and complimentary champagne, and the "Devotion" package, a 60-minute massage, chocolate-covered strawberries, candlelight, music and complimentary champagne.

"We can also customize packages as well," Lindaman said.

All employees of A Breath Away Spa are licensed professionals.

"Each employee is specifically trained in their area of expertise," Lindaman said. "So a nail technician will do the manicures, and a licensed massage therapist will give the massages."

"We have many employees who have also continued their education to provide even more services at the spa," Lindaman said. "It's important that we provide a very high level of quality service here, and our employees are just that - the best."

Lindaman said she takes the business one step farther by using and selling products that are made by local businesses.

"It's important that we all support each other," she said.

The Hollow location is the second establishment for the A Breath Away Spa Center Inc. organization, with the flagship spa being located at 2700 Niagara Falls Blvd., in Tonawanda near Irvington Drive.

"We have been at the Tonawanda location for the past two and a half years," Lindaman explained. "It was time to branch out, and I couldn't have picked a better location than the Clarence Hollow.

"Everybody here has been really supportive of this business," Lindaman continued. "The Clarence Hollow Business Association has been absolutely wonderful in helping us get acquainted with our new location and made us feel like part of the community."

Lindaman said the community in Tonawanda aided her in developing the second location.

"The Tonawanda community has been so supportive of our business in the past," Lindaman said. "It really was a perfect location for the first spa."

Lindaman added that the spa also honors military men and women with the American Heroes Program, which offers a 15 percent discount to military personnel, police officers, firefighters, ambulance personnel, emergency medical technicians and paramedics. Proper identification is required to receive the discount.

A Breath Away Spa is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Evening and Sunday sessions are by appointment only. Walk-ins are welcome, but Lindaman strongly recommends appointments for services.

To learn more, visit www. abreathawayspa. com

To make an appointment at the Tonawanda spa call 694-6081 or the Clarence spa at 759-1498.

e-mail:kkarcher@beenews.com