PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURENCE CARR DESIGN
The Araya Rebirth Spa is top of mind when it comes to luxuriating in a full-body wellness experience. Located in the bustling town of Ridgewood in Bergen County, New Jersey for almost 20 years, the spa has amassed a devoted clientele through its dedication to holistic wellbeing, supported by a globally-educated staff who provide superior customer service. Having been one of these frequent clients, and Araya Rebirth’s mission of imparting wellbeing through holistic philosophies aligns harmoniously with my vision for Laurence Carr Design. So when Founder Daniela Musano was ready to extend her Zen Den, ground floor hallway, and bathroom, I was eager for the opportunity to work with her.
THE GROUND FLOOR: SETTING THE FOUNDATION
Araya Rebirth’s ground floor, which is a transitional space from a series of dimmed, soundproof treatment rooms to the back hallway and restroom was Daniela’s first priority for a refresh. I sought to make this space as serene and transformational as Araya Rebirth’s spa services, envisioning clients stepping out of their treatment rooms into an idyllic courtyard in southern Italy.
For the hallway floor, we chose an Italian ceramic tile with a pattern that is both current and old-world, imparting a timeless, European look. The warm yellow, light brown and white tones brought lightness to the space, and offset the rustic wooden wall planks. An accent wall in classic Benjamin Moore White Dove added to the airy feel of the space, and provided an eye–pleasing contrast against the wood planks.
We kept the bathroom tones lighter to create a similar happy, fresh atmosphere. The richly-textured stacked brown wall tiles contrasted with larger scale white tiles echo the inviting wood–and–white of the hallway and provide a refreshing contrast in color and texture. We complemented these tones with an eco-friendly wood vanity and slow-flow Kohler Water Sense faucet.
THE ZEN DEN: NEXT LEVEL HARMONY
Araya Rebirth’s Zen Den was a newly created space to be used as a special venue for treatments such as crystal healing and massages. This room was especially important to Daniela, and her vision was instrumental in the proper formulation of its design. Natural wood floors and white walls set the stage for prominently displayed crystals like labradorite, titanium amethyst cluster, blue kyanite and aquamarine to dispel negative energy. Upholstered furnishings in energizing shades of yellow were selected to create an inviting, joyful mood, and further accented the space with flora to bring life and fresh air into the space. The final touch is an artisan-made macrame wall hanging to impart elements of texture and warmth.
It was such a distinct pleasure to work with Daniela on Araya Rebirth Spa’s refresh, and now I would like to share more about the spa in Daniela’s own words. I know you will find her mission inspiring, and if you find yourself in Ridgewood, you will know where to go to luxuriate in blissful, holistic relaxation!
LCD: ARAYA HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR QUITE A LONG TIME, AND WAS UTILIZING HOLISTIC METHODOLOGIES LONG BEFORE THEY WERE BEING SPOKEN ABOUT OPENLY IN THE MAINSTREAM. TELL US A BIT ABOUT HOW ARAYA CAME TO BE, AND HOW YOU HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ACHIEVE THIS LEVEL OF LONGEVITY IN A WORLD OF EVER-CHANGING WELLNESS TRENDS.
DM: We have been happily practicing wellness since 2000, we love everything we do and we are so grateful to the community for being so supportive of us. I was 23 years old and working in a Dermatology office as an Esthetician for just under 5 years when I took the leap of opening my own wellness spa. I was in a place in my life where taking a leap like this came with less pressure then if I had waited until a later time in my life. I think that as a woman who is just shy of obsessed with wellness and a healthy lifestyle, I am well read on the topic of all things spa as well as informed and in class several times per year gaining more certifications and knowledge, and I also attend the conventions. This is mainly how I keep up with the ever-changing world of wellness trends.
Photography by Lisa Russman
LCD: YOU PLACE A HEAVY EMPHASIS ON CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR ARAYA’S STAFF. WHAT TYPES OF TRAINING DO THEY RECEIVE THAT SETS YOUR SERVICE APART FROM OTHER SPAS?
DM: We do clinical training as well as hands on training with different types of instructors. One of our favorite instructors comes from France to train us! The skin care lines we carry come with educational tutorial trainings as well. Webinars, video demonstrations, etc. The product knowledge class, which teaches us ingredients, is a must do at least twice annually. Whenever possible, we learn. In September I will be getting certified in Gua Sha/Jade Roller and Herbal Poultice Facial massage. I cannot wait!!
LCD: SIMPLY TALKING ABOUT SPA SERVICES IS RELAXING. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE BREADTH OF ARAYA SERVICES WE CAN INDULGE IN?
DM: Our customer service is unprecedented. We strive to make sure all clients, new and repeat, are treated with a high regard and I know that sets us apart from other spas in the area. We also excel in Skincare and healing treatments such as Foot Reflexology, Crystal Healing, Organic Facials, Microdermabrasion, and so much more! To find a more qualified staff would be challenging, I am confident of that. We are all extremely experienced here, and I think that vibrates outward and is seen the moment you come through our door.
LCD: A UNIQUE ASPECT OF YOUR BUSINESS IS THAT IN ADDITION TO SPA SERVICES AND RETAIL, YOU HAVE AN IN-HOUSE COSMETICS LINE: THE ARAYA REBIRTH COLLECTION. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SPECIALTY INGREDIENTS YOU USED WHEN FORMULATING THE LINE?
DM: I think mentioning what is not in it is important as well, our makeup line is paraben free, gluten free, cruelty free and mostly mineral based. We use Vitamin E, Aloe, and source as much as we can from plant botanicals. This is very important to us.
LCD: SOMETHING THAT WE AT LCD PARTICULARLY LOVE ABOUT ARAYA IS THAT YOU UTILIZE CLEAN, ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS. CAN YOU TELL US WHAT LED YOU TO CLEAN PRODUCTS, AND ACQUAINT US WITH SOME OF YOUR FAVORITES?
DM: I feel that when we make choices for ourselves we must keep in mind to make healthy ones. We use creams and lotions daily, most of the time twice a day, and to not choose a product that is healthy and not full of toxins is a mistake. I love the emerginC line; they are so committed to bringing clean ingredients that are effective for skin and body health while maintaining focus on rejuvenation. Their Vitamin C serum is stable and amazing, the Kombucha Cleanser is so refreshing, the Earth Moisturizer with the phytolene minerals is hydrating, the Argan body oil is so nice; I can’t pick just a few!! I’d like to share the whole line.
Photography by Lisa Russman
LCD: WE LOVED WORKING THROUGH YOUR ZEN DEN RENOVATION. WHAT DROVE YOUR DECISION TO FOCUS ON THE ZEN DEN, AND HOW HAVE YOUR CLIENTS REACTED TO THE NEW SPACE?
DM: We are so happy with how the Zen Den remodel came out, thank you for all of your input! The space is private, inviting and healing to be in. The crystals alone feel like you are in the presence of pure magic.
Photography by Lisa Russman
LCD: NOW THAT THE FIRST ROUND OF ARAYA’S REFRESH IS COMPLETE, WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS NEXT ON YOUR LIST OF INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECTS?
DM: I am always thinking about the next step, I am putting the finishing touches on treatment room upgrade plans now. Hoping to include new fixtures, treatment room doors, and other plans, but I will leave some details out for the element of surprise for our clients that might be reading this! I hope to get it in motion by the fall. The remodel of the bathroom and flooring in the back of the spa has brought such fresh energy; we want to continue on that path.
Photography by Lisa Russman
For more information on Araya Rebirth, please visit www.araya-rebirth.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Laurence Carr is founder & CEO of Laurence Carr Design, an award winning interior design firm in New York City providing full service and e-design services to clients. She creates exquisite holistic interiors that promote mindful living and harmony, while attaining a level of sophistication through layering modern art, furniture, antiques and accents. Born in France, Laurence has 20 years experience in design, the performing arts, and fashion. She has been nationally published and is a frequent speaker and panelist in major industry related events.