Ryan Evans | Times Leader
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EDWARDSVILLE — After initially opening back on Nov. 1, 2019, Eleventh Element Relaxation Spa in the Gateway Shopping Center has expanded, and they invited their friends, family and customers out to celebrate with them Monday night.
The new addition is about 900 square feet, bringing the total size of the spa to 4,400 square feet.
With the old adage of “the customer is always right” in mind, owners Chris and Donna Caruso explained how the added space came to be.
“Based on the requests from not only our current client base, but other folks in the community that were calling in, requesting additional services and times for massages, we were just booked and we couldn’t fit them in. So, we were turning away so much business. We just said ‘Okay, the next natural progression for the business is to expand into a massage suite side, right?’ So, that we can accommodate all of those customers in addition to other services’,” Donna explained.
And the final result of that expansion is an environment that’s welcoming, tranquil, and refreshing. Just stepping through the front doors, it’s easy to understand why it’s called a ‘relaxation spa.’ Several patrons throughout the evening commented on the design, the colors, and one man commented on how the space felt akin to New York City. Chris explained that his mother, Tina, who helps with design aspects of his father Tony’s pool-installation business, was the mastermind.
So, the spa now offers eight treatment rooms: two saunas, two salt rooms, one float pod, and four massage rooms including a couples’ massage room (with five massage therapists on staff), as well as a flex space, bathrooms, and one large lounge room to the left of the main entrance, and a second one in the new space.
Suffice it to say, the gathered crowd’s approval was overwhelmingly evident.
And Eleventh Element doesn’t simply provide services that work and backed by science and results, the staff is happy to explain and educate their customers, ensuring an immersive experience where one doesn’t only heal, but also learns. And paying it forward to the customers is just one way of giving back.
“It definitely wouldn’t be possible without them,” Chris said of his customers. “And we strive to give them high-end service. We strive to keep this place spotless clean. We want people to come here and really get a lot of value from what services they’re receiving.”
And Donna agreed, “We give them an experience like they’re in a big city, right? But they’re here in a small town.”
“And this town deserves it,” Chris said.
For a full list of services, as well as detailed explanations, visit the website at www.eleventhelement.com or follow along on social media. All services can also be booked online except massage and reiki. Current hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Appointments can also be made by phone at 570-338-2610.