This weekend my mother and I had the pleasure of being a guest at Belly Love Spa in Margate, FL. This is a spa that caters to pregnant woman. Don’t gasp I’m not pregnant (nor is my mother). Belly Love Spa does not discriminate, which means you don’t have to be pregnant to partake in their services. I was a little worried at first that I might not feel comfortable in such a spa, but once we arrived and took the tour I was immediately at ease. The decor and atmosphere in the spa has an instance relaxing affect. We were given the tour and then entered the relaxation room to fill out some paperwork.
Everywhere at Belly Love Spa the lighting is amazing, relaxing, and beautiful. The music that plays through the center is peaceful and inviting. The spa itself is a circular shape and is considered the heart of the “belly”. The reason for such a spa is as a pregnant woman it is so hard to find a place where everything is safe for you and your unborn child. Walking into a normal nail salon you usually smell the harsh chemicals used in artificial nails and nail polish. While some people have taken courses in massage for pregnant women the ladies at Belly Love Spa have taken extensive courses and training to assure that both mother and baby are safe.
3D/4D Ultrasounds
In addition to traditional spa services like manicures, pedicures, massages, and more Belly Love Spa also offers services such as Ultrasounds, belly castings, portraits, and more. When my mother and I toured the spa I absolutely fell in love with the ultrasound room and almost wished I was pregnant myself. The room is large for the purpose of included large families in the joy of the ultrasound. There is a sofa in the room and a large television for viewing the ultrasound, so that everyone isn’t crowded around a small screen.
However the BEST part, and what I thought was a BRILLIANT idea was the gift you can take back for your baby. I’m sure everyone knows of the bears and animals you can buy in the local stores with a heartbeat inside? To soothe your baby when they are finally out of the womb. However at Belly Love Spa you can have your OWN baby’s heartbeat recorded and the inserted to your animal of choice. I just absolutely love this personal touch.
Therapeutic Massages
Once our tour was done we got on to the good stuff. My mother and I both were there for manicures, pedicures, massages, and facials. At this point I felt totally comfortable and did not feel at all out of place not being pregnant. The center is small and personal you won’t find tons of staff and large rooms. There is approximately six staff members and one or two rooms dedicated to each service. The massage room was our first stop. There are two massage rooms, and in between the room is a retractable door. The reason for this is you can purchase couple massages and when you do the door is open so you can get a massage side by side.
My massage therapist, Silvia, was awesome it felt wonderful. She did say when we were done that she would love to see me again for a longer period of time to work out some of the kinks in my back. She also noticed my ankles and calves were tight. Which was interesting because I’m currently suffering from Planter Fasciitis which does cause tightening of the calf muscles and inflammation. Despite the fact that the spa is 45 minutes from my home I am strongly considering returning for this very reason.
After our massage my mother had her manicure while I went in for my facial. I wish I would have asked her to write down the products that used. I know she said they were natural products. My face has never felt so smooth, clean, and just beautiful as it did that day. I didn’t put any makeup on because I just felt so wonderful. There are different types of facials, I believe we received the facial below.
Get That Glow Facial
This intensive facial nourishes and replenishes, resulting in healthy looking skin. Enjoy a massage of the face, neck and shoulders, followed by steam to open the pores, extractions, and exfoliation, concluded by a treatment mask and moisturizer chosen specifically for your skin’s special needs. And, of course, you’ll get a relieving foot massage too!
After my facial mom and I had side by side pedicures. Belly Love Spa does not use massage chairs or “spa” like baths for your feet. Instead they fill a bowl with water. The reason for this is, pregnant woman do not need the heat that is often found with the massage chairs. Also the “spa” like baths that bubble, drain, and get refilled often harbor bacteria even when sanitized. This has to do with the way the baths are made. So Belly Love Spa simply uses a large bowl with no parts or mechanisms to capture bacteria. As soon as the pedicure is over they sanitize the bowls (with some really good smelling cleaner I might ad).
My last stop (or almost last-I also had my eyebrows waxed) was the manicure station. Belly Love Spa does not do artificial nails, this is due to the chemicals used when applying such nails. Even the nail polish is made with no harsh chemicals and is safe for pregnant women. I had for the first time a Paraffin treatment which left my hands feeling smooth and young.
I honestly can not say enough nice things about Belly Love Spa. Even though it is located a little further South then I would normally travel for such services I was so impressed I plan on going back. I can definitely see someone going to Belly Love Spa as a pregnant woman and continuing to use their services long after their little one is born. The atmosphere is that inviting and relaxing. Due to the small size your service is personal, in fact Silvia performed 3 of the 4 services I received. She did my massage, facial, and pedicure.
What I’ve shown you here is just the tip of the iceberg. You can purchase individual services or packages. I highly recommend a package of several services. For example they currently have a “ Mother’s Day Every Day” package that would a great Mother’s Day gift. This package includes a massage, hot stone facial, and spa manicure. Many packages include an ultrasound, or even a portrait setting (which is done off site). Belly Love Spa also does belly castings if you would like such a service.
If you are in the South Florida area and are looking for a great spa I highly recommend their services. I also encourage you to “Like” them on Facebook where they often run promotions for discounts and free services: Belly Spa Facebook. You can also find them on Twitter : Belly Spa Twitter
Disclaimer: I was a guest at Belly Love Spa and received the above services free of charge. All opinions are my own. You may read more of my disclosure here.
