By Maureen Post Special to OnMilwaukee.com Published Dec 10, 2008 at 12:25 PM Photography: Maureen Post

WELL Spa, open just over a year, pumps up big impact with small luxuries. Located on the lower level of The Pfister Hotel, WELL Spa, coupled with Janice Salon, offers travelers and residents alike a chance at some of the lushest, most sophisticated services in the city.

As you descend down the small flight of stairs to the lower level, you can almost feel the slow pace of relaxation. The spa's lobby is comfortable and elegant. Tones of beige and white drape soft, thick couches and chairs.

Small chandeliers dangle crystal beading from the ceiling and vintage tinged mirrors line an interior wall. Pitchers of water filled with cucumber or orange pour refreshing hydration and a list of herbal tea is available to warm you up.

Dimly lit with soft bulbs, the warm, cozy temperature release the stress of the outside world and bring clients down a level even before reaching their service suite.

But although a heavy dose of relaxation is regularly prescribed, WELL Spa's trained staff is anything but slow to service. Staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating; realizing the luxurious nature of these personal treats.

Small things set WELL Spa apart from other local establishments. There are no general locker rooms, shared baths or awkward robe-wearing wait times. Rather than asking clients to move between a masseuse and an esthetician, clients remain in a single private suite for all of their chosen services.

Private suites, draped in luxurious thick fabrics and low, soft lighting, connect a small room for services to a personal bath. Staff encourage clients to make the room their own as they relax or shower before or after services.

Personal baths are stocked with the amenities necessary for clients to fully shower and dress. Giant stone wall standing showers compliment a Kohler seven head shower system. A heated robe and one hundred percent organic towels are in fresh abundance and a beautiful bowl sink aptly sits on top of the bathroom counter.

Beyond these lavish private suites, clients are asked to choose scents, music and temperature. Both the room and table temp are adjusted to reach a precise level of comfort.

All these amenities compliment a list of services including massage, skin treatments, hair and nails. Packages for bridal groups, massages for two and girl group day packages provide customizable treats for nearly every occasion. And it's not just for the ladies; there are plenty of services specifically geared for men.

The You Rock massage uses warmed stones to pull tension out of stressed muscles and stress out of over worked minds. Beginning with warmed stones tied to your hands and feet, the masseuse rubs client's back, arms and legs with a moisturizing cream and then kneads muscles with hot rocks. A reclining massage table and heated thick padding allow individual adjustments for comfort.

The relaxation of this massage is simply indescribable. Heavy, warmed stones are strategically placed up and down the back while the masseuse uses the pressure of rocks to work out tension in your legs. Everything is done slowly and meticulously; allowing the client to choose the stone temperature and degree of pressure.

Remaining in your own personal cocoon of comfort, you can stay right where your massage ended to wait for your facial to begin.

The Pure Radiance skin facial treatment begins with an eye treatment, followed by three masks. Utilizing concepts of steam and hydration, each facial is individualized to account for varying skin types and needs. Covering your eyes with heavy, soothing pads for relaxation, the esthetician literally uses a soft brush to paint the face with a thick, heavy mask.

Despite having just spent an hour being rubbed from head to toe, the esthetician continues with concentrated massaging of the head, arms and hands. And there certainly can never be too much massage.

Stop in WELL Spa anytime in December and when purchasing a $100 gift certificate, you'll get a bonus $20 thrown on top.

Maureen Post Special to OnMilwaukee.com

OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.

After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.

Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.