I’ve been receiving gifts on Mother’s Day for the past twenty-four years. I’ve gotten darling handmade cards from my children. Coupons for chores that somehow never get redeemed. Scarves. Potted plants. Candles. So many bad candles. But this year I found THE gift. My family needs to do no laborious research. Actually, I’ve found a perfect gift anyone would appreciate.
A trip to Spavia.
Spavia Maple Grove is a day spa owned by Cristina and Josh Nolte. The Maple Grove location is celebrating their seven year anniversary this May and has promotions and special events planned for the month. Open seven years and still thriving is no small feat given the timing of its inception.
Opening just a year before the pandemic struck posed some real challenges, but real good grew out of it. Cristina said her team met every day to troubleshoot, share ideas and get through it together. “Coming in from the corporate world into something new like this…everybody helps each other out. We all do better as a brand when we all do better.”
Cristina also notes, “The pandemic taught us a lot and showed us the importance of making sure you take care of yourself before you can take care of others.”
The Noltes weren’t always in the spa business but Cristina was definitely a lifelong spa enthusiast. Her background in corporate IT sent her traveling the world and in her down time she often found herself enjoying the offerings of a local spa. When she was ready to make a career change, owning a spa naturally piqued her interest.
Spavia is a franchise model and it was appealing to Cristina from the start. “What drew me in initially to this in particular was their membership model which is very straightforward. And the price point is quite accessible.” While the Noltes have both a Maple Grove and Minnetonka location, the playbook from the founders provides some nice structure. Services are standardized so guests know exactly what to expect in terms of their experience.
Spavia offers memberships allowing guests to use and share monthly packages. Treatments can be different each month and all at a generously discounted price. Membership saves spa goers money but more importantly, holds fast the promise of at least an hour of bliss each month.
I speak from experience. The customization process was fun. I chose my preferences for music, scent, pressure, each piece tailored to my exact liking. I enjoyed a luxurious hour long massage to a soothing coastal playlist. Then I experienced their Halo IR sauna complete with salt halotherapy. A true treat on a cool day, it’s like being cloaked in wellness. I wrapped up my morning with a Signature Classic facial. I have never had multiple treatments at one stretch and I have to admit it has been a big mistake to wait this long to try it. More than half of Spavia’s guests are repeaters and I understand why.
Spavia has no target demographic per se, but Cristina has seen a trend toward younger guests devoted to wellness and self-care. While many of the guests are women, there are services that appeal to men and serene lounge spaces provided for everyone.
Speaking of appealing to everyone, the crew at Spavia is deeply invested in their local community. Cristina is thrilled to be part of it. “Maple Grove has a thriving business community and I’ve enjoyed connecting with other business owners to help improve the community for everyone.” They are involved in Maria’s Voice, Anthony Barr’s Raise the Barr, Hope Chest for Breast Cancer and even sponsored a local girls flag football league.
Cristina says her favorite part of each day is walking in and seeing her team. She says, “I don’t have kids but I feel like I have fifty kids now. One of the fun things I’ve witnessed is seeing them bond. We have gone through all the life changes as a team, supporting each other.”
Some call May “Maycember” as it mimics the chaotic energy of the holiday season. It doesn’t need to be. Visit Spavia at their Maple Grove or Minnetonka location. Take care of others. Take care of yourself.
Who couldn’t use an hour or two of tranquility? Better yet, three.
More than a spa, it’s a place where self-care becomes routine and community support is part of the experience.