Ebb + Flow Holistic Spa hopes to relax a city on the go
The ebb and flow of life can be quite stressful on the mind and body. The Ebb + Flow Holistic Spa at 423 Savannah Road in Lewes hopes to ease that stress.
“We like the word holistic because we are treating the whole mind, body and spirit together,” said co-owner Rachel Cowie.
Cowie and Ryan Smith know a thing or two about treating oneself to an invigorating experience. During one of their own personal spa treatments in Rehoboth Beach, the two met and quickly realized they shared a vision for how a spa could run successfully.
“We believe a lot in the connection of this area and bringing people together, and I think the first step was bringing us together because we both wanted to do it, but we didn’t know who we were going to do it with and we didn’t want to do it ourselves,” Cowie said.
Together, the two bring 22 years of experience in the spa and facial industry to one of the main avenues of Lewes. Something unique about Ebb + Flow is the owners' belief that their business will serve as more than a place for treatments.
“In spas you have massage therapists and aestheticians, but you also have groups of people who want to connect and have a more spiritual side,” Cowie said. “That’s what gave us the idea to do the holistic workshops and bring people together.”
“We’re focused on the whole experience, like the minute you walk into the spa versus just the facials and massage,” Smith said.
Entering the building, which looks like a home outside and feels like a home inside, one cannot help but notice the cleansing smell of burnt sage. Accompanying the sage is a refreshing cornucopia of natural aromas, a calling card of most spas. The owners believe strongly in using only natural sources as scent producers; Smith began producing soy and natural candles in 2011.
“Anything with synthetic fragrances or colors, we’re not interested in applying to our body or having in our area,” Cowie said.
Reception features a small check-in area with products available for sale. Venturing further, the waiting room is extremely unique. There are products used in the treatment displayed for purchase, but the setup is more like a living room. Comfortable chairs and couches are available for customers to relax and unwind during their visit.
“We want them to come early; we want them to stay after,” Cowie said. “It goes back to that experience of more than just getting a massage. Some people are going to meditate here, or they may just want to be here longer, especially with the hospital being across the street.”
The products available are mostly for skin care. Cowie said the all-natural products are results-driven.
“For people that are suffering from any skin issue or have skin concerns, they can come in for a facial to help those concerns and then take home a regimen as well,” Cowie said.
Skin care treatments and massages are the focal point of the business. Customers will be welcomed into a single room or a spacious couples room complete with a treatment table, hot towels and several other amenities. The owners’ goal is to create an environment that makes clients feel like they are momentarily in a different place. Appointments can be made online, but for now the duo is welcoming walk-ins.
Cowie and Smith are both massage therapists, and the latter is an aesthetician. There is an additional massage therapist and aesthetician on the team as well. The spa is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays; and closed Sundays.
Holistic health and wellness workshops, something the owners are excited about, will be offered Sundays. Topics will vary and include things like meditation, breath work, astrology readings, mindful photography and tarot card readings. For more information, go to ebbflowspa.com.
