Prior to the pandemic’s outbreak, Ariel Lewis, Jmore’s beauty consultant, visited Art of Balance, a new aesthetics and wellness spa at downtown’s Ritz-Carlton Residences. Founded by Dr. Aderonke Omotade, an internal medicine physician and psychiatrist, and Dr. Nia Banks, a plastic surgeon, Art of Balance offers traditional spa services as well as such medical services as chemical peels, IV nutrient therapy, derma fillers and Injectables, a medically supervised weight clinic and halotherapy.
“By having a unique combination of services, we were able to pivot to virtual consults for aesthetics and medical services to keep the spa afloat,” Dr. Omotade and Dr. Banks said in an email.
Now, with the spa reopened and safety measures in place, we wanted to relive our experience at Art of Balance and reminisce about our last treatment there before heading into quarantine.
A Beauty Day to Remember
The 6,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility is replete with a spa area that includes spaces for facials, massages and acupuncture treatment, and a medically safe area that includes spaces for supervised weight loss, nutrition and laser treatments.
Ariel looks back fondly on her Art of Balance signature facial. “I needed exfoliation, which is why I went with that treatment,” says Lewis. “It also came with a retinol booster. The combination of the extra exfoliation and retinol gave me significant results. My technician also did a high frequency therapy on my face where she did extractions. This eliminated redness and swelling.”
A Heavenly Experience
Following her signature facial, Lewis had a halotherapy service. Also known as a salt inhalation treatment, halotherapy is a wellness therapy that relaxes the body and mind while soothing the respiratory system.
“It helps with asthma, eczema, psoriasis and detoxification,” Ariel says. “I wasn’t allowed to bring any technology into the room with me, which gave the opportunity to unplug, meditate and totally relax.”
How to Relax during Covid-19
Art of Balance is now taking all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Some of their safety measures include COVID-19 screenings, masks in all common areas and for all treatments, except facials and halotherapy and social distancing. Technicians are required to wear masks and goggles, and have been trained on how to use personal protective gear.
“Our wish is to support the community during this unsettling time by providing much needed services for stress relief and a renewed commitment to self-care, including a complimentary salt therapy treatment for all health professionals and first responders.”