Spa Blix brings 'urban French' luxury to South Lake Union

Disappointed by the news that her favorite Queen Anne spa was closing, Suzanne Buchanan did what any spa-loving general contractor would do – she opened her own spa, named it after her favorite aesthetician Elin Blix, and hired her.

The elegant Spa Blix is located in Alley 24, a trendy new mixed use building across from REI's flagship store on Yale Avenue in the South Lake Union neighborhood. The vibe is urban French: Think Paris atelier meets dark gray industrial ceilings. The richly-dark hardwood floor is made from sustainable Brazilian hickory. Its furnishings include velvet-covered Louis XV chairs, winged Bergeres leather pedicure chairs, gilt edge mirrors, gold brocade partitions, cherub-embellished crystal lamps and copious velvet drapes pooling to the floor. There is a separate changing room with lockers (always a plus), a lounger area and a VIP room with a separate entrance, snacks and beverages. You can reserve the VIP room for $100 an hour, plus services. All this opulence might explain the prices, which are on the high end of Seattle spas.

The menu of services here is one of the best I've seen. It's like when you go to a restaurant and everything on the menu looks good. There are facials, massages, body wraps and scrubs, manicures, pedicures, waxing, hair services, makeup and eyelash extensions. The staff has worked hard to come up with appealing treatment combinations and splurge-worthy spa packages ($195-$475). I like the Indulgence Massage (90 minutes, $130) which includes your choice of two of the following services: reflexology, aromatherapy, hot stone back massage, dry mitt exfoliation and face and scalp massage. (Ask for Salina Kincaid – her able hands work magic.) The Huna massage (60 minutes, $175) is a decadent winter treat that includes a warm coconut massage, sugar scrub and tea ceremony with fresh fruit. You'll wonder if you're in Maui.

Men are not an afterthought at this spa. Men's services include haircuts, colors, shaves and scalp massages. The Phoenix package ($260) attends to the special needs of men's skin. It includes a deep tissue massage, facial and manicure.

Other items of note: There are facials for your face ($90-$120) and facials for your bikini line ($55). Nail technicians are all trained in reflexology. You can drop in during lunch for a 25-minute seated massage ($35). They have a Vichy shower where multiple showerheads rain down on your body. Parking is complimentary. The spa donates 10 percent of its net profits to charities each month. Online scheduling is available. Sign up on the Web site for ongoing promotions and look for specials this month.

Copyright © The Seattle Times Company