Each morning over the past two weeks, I have awoken with a distinct, joyous feeling of anticipation. I would open my eyes and think: “I can’t wait to go to work.”

My wonderful spa director, Amanda, has been on holidays, and so I have been working the front desk in her absence. I will admit that I wasn’t necessarily looking forward to this short stint. It would be the first time that I found myself at the front of the business in quite some time; I ordinarily operate behind the scenes, ensuring that Rosewater runs smoothly.

Almost immediately after assuming my position at our tranquil reception, however, my outlook began to change. I quickly found myself reconnecting with staff. I began to greet returning clients whom I had not seen in a while. I was able to observe daily operations from a new perspective, which allowed me fresh insight as to what systems work well for us and where there is room for improvement. Our retail grew. Our services gained traction. As I found myself having a direct impact on the business, I was reminded that my favourite part of this job has always been “driving the bus,” so to speak.

The past two weeks have been extraordinarily rewarding, and I found myself growing more excited and grateful with each passing day. The demands of the position also served as a reminder of just how hard my fabulous staff works. I have a renewed appreciation for their ability to multitask, fulfill our clients’ needs, and create a positive and warm environment that upholds the Rosewater name.

Another wonderful element of being re-immersed in the daily operations of the spa has been a renewed love for the atmosphere we have created here. From the very first day I opened Rosewater, my mantra has always been that it is absolutely integral to engage the five senses. Regardless of whether you visit for a manicure or a massage, we aim to provide a sensory experience that surpasses expectations. Rosewater is an oasis filled with soft candlelight, soothing music, and serene interiors. In our VIP Lounge you’ll find a cozy, crackling fireplace; in its adjacent subterranean steam room, visitors can relax in a sanctuary hemmed by textured, pebble-encrusted walls.

We are big believers that health and wellness is about treating the body inside and out. We don’t offer coffee or anything stimulating, aiming to create an environment of relaxation and peace. We instead offer hydration in the form of lemon water, cucumber water, and Rosewater’s signature tea, a tantalizing blend of rosehips (which are very high in antioxidants), hibiscus, and tropical fruits.

These past two weeks have also been a reminder of one of my favourite elements of Rosewater: its signature fragrance. Again and again, I have witnessed clients coming through the door after a long day of work, frustrated with parking or the general hustle and bustle of urban living. The minute they step over the threshold, the change in facial expression and physical demeanour is like a storm giving way to a sunny magic hour. The custom aromatherapy oil that we diffuse has an immediate calming effect, and you can almost see their problems temporarily evaporating.

Before I opened Rosewater, I knew that I wanted only the purest quality of essential oils. Extensive research pointed me in the direction of Eve Taylor, an herbalist from England. Taylor has made it her life’s work to source the purest oils from all over the world –– nothing is synthetic. She also sources her herbs and flowers from their indigenous regions; lavender can be grown in plenty of countries, for instance, but Taylor only uses lavender from France because the fragrant, purple flowering plant is indigenous to that country. Think of it like champagne; true champagne comes from the Champagne region of France, where the makeup of the soil and the specific grapes harvested there all contribute to the uniqueness of the fine sparkling wine. The same principles can be applied to herbs and plants.

The specific Rosewater blend we diffuse is a sensually sweet but crisp mix of Indonesian Patchouli, exotic Ylang Ylang, Mexican lime, and aromatic Damiana flowers. It’s a fragrance that is both impossible to forget and difficult to describe; once you walk through our doors, you’ll understand its tranquil allure. Pay us a visit soon, take a deep breath, and experience it for yourself; we’re ready for you!