Many would agree that looking good leads to feeling good, as enhanced outer beauty promotes a greater sense of confidence and well-being. One look at The Well Lounge's light, bright and fresh interior makes it clear that it's no typical med-spa. Opened during March 2021 as part glam/part earthy, the 'green, front entrance' was conceived by Nina Olive of The Salt Cave in Newtown. A wall of mirrors, hanging chandeliers and other greenery (thanks to Maria Pino Designs) "helps make the practice more inviting," says Kate Golden, executive director.
Along with Kate, who manages the 5,000 square-foot wellness center belonging to the adjacent Newtown Athletic Club (commonly known as the “NAC"), this 21st-century oasis for inner and outer health, wellness and beauty is led by Tracy Nucera, director of aesthetics and registered nurse for more than 20 years. She worked at the University of Pennsylvania before shifting to aesthetic medicine in 2003. Trained by a top California plastic surgeon responsible for developing one of the nation's early medical aesthetics practices, Tracy says she's passionate about listening to her patients’ life stories, understanding their desired results and teaching them how to be the best versions of themselves, while helping them recognize their true inner and outer beauty.
For Kate, the concept of an entire space devoted to wellness and beauty was personally significant. "I was overweight during childhood and high school, before experiencing dramatic weight loss her senior year," she reflects.
She says she never felt she belonged at the gym. So, it’s particularly ironic that she had worked at a fitness club for more than a decade. Early on, Kate remembers feeling intimidated at their gym, selecting an inconspicuous elliptical machine in the back. Eventually, this changed when a friend invited her to join her on the main fitness floor and introduced her to various exercises and to other members.
Kate and Tracy initially met virtually in 2020 to discuss a potential partnership after being introduced by NAC owner Jim Worthington. They recall that their mutual passion and respect was clearly apparent.
Their shared dream became fully realized with the help of board-certified emergency physician, Dr. Seth Althoff, who in 2019, contacted the NAC about offering potential medical concierge services to club members. With 20-plus years of experience, he says he believes patients need additional time and personal attention to uncover the root causes for their health issues. "I believe strongly in the importance of holistic services, including regular exercise, stretching and recovery time, nutrition and stress management, to complement traditional medicine in providing top-notch care."
The visions and styles of all three professionals aligned with "creating an environment where you didn’t only feel welcome, but that the space, brand and culture invited you to feel your best," says Kate.
Thanks to the doctor's input, The Well Lounge is enhanced by a much-anticipated membership medicine program, known as Platinum Health Membership – those interested must add their names to a waitlist – that takes health and wellness to a whole new level. Focused on prevention, the program includes a yearly consultation with a board-certified doctor, around-the-clock physician access via phone and Facetime, and NAC membership. Additionally, all members have a personal health coach for support, accountability and help navigating the often complex health care system.
In addition to Seth and Tracy, The Well Lounge has three additional providers. Alina Vitorsky, an aesthetic nurse injector and registered nurse with more than a decade of experience, who has combined her love for beauty, aesthetics, nursing and medicine. She is joined by two licensed master estheticians, Lori Giampolo, who has 20-plus years in nursing, skincare and aesthetics, and Tina Alexander, who has 10-plus years of experience in microneedling and acne treatments, with several years spent teaching laser treatments, chemical peels and lashes.
Non-invasive beauty procedures have increased in popularity, thanks to the times, living in this Instagram-obsessed, selfie-crazed world where seeing one’s appearance in virtual meetings is now a norm. With this gain in popularity has come a greater demand for less invasive cosmetic enhancement, skincare and hair removal procedures. The Well Lounge offers a little bit of everything, from filler injections and wrinkle relaxers, such as Botox, to medical grade facial treatments, including thread lifts, micro needling, medical peels and diamond glow facials, to laser treatments, such as Halo and BBL laser and laser hair removal.
Tracy's dream, she says, "even when Hollywood began to change the aesthetic industry and promoted the overdone look of changing your appearance, was to help [her] patients look natural and create a welcoming space inspired to help them look and feel their best."
The Well Lounge also may be the ideal way to spend a day or night out. Patients are encouraged to make self-care a group gathering for good times and perks, such as special packages and promotions. And, with the NAC next door, VIP party hosts and guests have full access to the club, group workout classes, and cabana rentals at the NAC's Escape Pool Resort. While hosts typically bring their own food and beverages, Kate explains that this also can be arranged on-site.
Special events, including birthday parties, bridal showers, and bachelor/bachelorette parties, can be customized to individual preferences and include add-on activities, whether fitness-focused or beauty-based.
"Options for VIP parties are nearly endless," explains Kate. "We want the entire VIP party experience to be as personalized and detailed as the host wants." She says their most common parties include special pricing on BOTOX and filler, skin services and products but that party hosts can also choose from other options, including laser treatments, EmsculptNEO and facials. Kate recalls one truly unique personalized party, which included yoga, a pop-up boutique and catered food and drink.
Kate, Tracy and the rest of the team are excited for what's to come. "We're always working to improve, enhance or bring the best treatments or wellness services to the community," Kate says. An exciting addition is a second location opening at the Horsham Athletic Club. Among its offerings, this location will feature "exclusive" treatments and additional hours. "This expansion is unbelievably exciting to our entire team – especially with only a little over a year in business," she says.
With so much happening in such a short time, Kate is thankful to be surrounded by such an uplifting environment each day. "We always feel so blessed and lucky when we hear what our patients say about our providers, services, treatments, and atmosphere," she says. "We often hear patients say their providers truly listen to them and have their best interests in mind to determine the best treatment plan possible."
120 Pheasant Run
215.968.0600
NewtownAthletic.com/Wellness-Med-Spa
