By Dawn Fenton

One wouldn’t expect to find an oasis tucked away in the middle of a nondescript strip mall, but this is exactly what Shannon Sylvia and her husband Jeff have created with their unique day spa Azzure that opened its doors in March.

The 33-year-old Leominster native also owns and operates a graphic and web design studio and appeared as a member of Sci-Fi Channel’s Ghost Hunters International (GHI). Her inspiration came to her while vacationing with her husband in Aruba.

“I got itchy to get a job that’s a little bit more active… we came up with the idea lying by the pool in Aruba to open a spa. We thought we could be on our feet more, be more active, meet more people and have something that we can look forward to for our future, our retirement, aside from web design.”

That evening at dinner Shannon began to outline her design ideas on a cocktail napkin. When she returned to the U.S., she brought her plans to an architect to have them approved, hired the architect and constructed an ultra modern, state-of-the-art facility that, while beautiful and tranquil, has a retro chic and modish flair.

Upon entering the spa, located at 6 Village Square in Westminster, one is struck by the 12-foot high ceilings and white walls topped with glass that curve gently down a long hallway giving a wave-like feel. Three bright blue comfortable chairs adorn the corner of the lobby, framing a water bubble tower that spans from floor to ceiling.

Two private hot tub rooms offer 48” high cedar soaking tubs complete with attached decks. The “Log Cabin Room” has a cozy rustic charm. The hand painted wall murals feature a woodsy winter scene created by local artist Jennifer Rachon.

“Jennifer did all of the painting in the spa,” said Sylvia. “I picked out the color schemes and had a few ideas, but there was no way I could have painted all of this while I was off filming the pilot for GHI.”
Shannon received the call from GHI in July of 2007 and was literally given a three day notice to pack her bags for Scotland and Italy.

“I think I can reasonably say that I might be the only woman to open a spa while being overseas,” she said laughing.

The “Rain Forest Room” is a study of the tropics with its mural of palm trees and painted parrots that emerge from the wall. Lush plants and a distinctive coconut tree floor lamp give an ambient glow to the room. Each room has its own private shower and the spa provides customers with a robe and slippers.

There is a massage room, a tanning room and a sauna built for two that features dry heat via a far infrared source and/or the familiar steam heat via the hot rocks. The nail and pedicure room is complete with a “pedicure throne” where one can sit and treat his or her feet to a mini Jacuzzi bath and experience a “knee down” massage. The his and hers changing rooms are spacious and painted in warm hues with an innovative style.

Azzure offers a complete range of body treatments, massage therapy, tanning, facials, waxing and makeup application using MAC PRO cosmetics. The prices are very competitive. In fact, they are a steal considering the brand new building and high tech equipment. All employees are licensed technicians from some of the finest schools. Who knows, you might bump into Shannon and get her talking about some great ghost stories from around the world. Rest assured there has been no paranormal activity in the spa…yet!

For more info, call 978-874-0123 or e-mail info@azzurespa.com. Visit the web site at www.azzurespa.com.

Pic: (top) Shannon Sylvia Photo Credit: Kimberly Taylor