Akari Day Spa Has New Digs

Last Saturday Akari closed its doors forever at its Fore Street location and reopened its doors on Tuesday in the former Casco Northern Bank building on Middle Street (between Tommy's Park and the Nickelodeon).

The new location is bright and inviting, with the first floor hosting "The Shop", a boutique with the trendy fashions, make-up and home decor. Glass chandeliers hang from the ceiling and the focal point of the room is the three floor-to-ceiling mirrors that grace the far wall.

The second level houses the much scaled down Bistro, where you can now get a cappuccino, glass of wine and the house special of the day. An inviting seating area allows guests to sip, mingle and wait for their treatment. Hairstylist stations abound, with the complete set up on wheels so they can quickly change the entire look and feel of the salon. Round the corner and you see the "mixing bar" - a restaurant-style bar that allows you to pony up, take a seat and watch the colorists mix your choice of hair color or highlights.

Mosey on a little further, to the back of the building and you see the pedicure stations and "nail bar". That's right - forget those uncomfortable little tables and chairs - nails are now done while you sit at a tall bar stool, with hands resting comfortably on the stainless steel bar.

While the second floor is conducive and welcome to socialization among guests (you sense an almost party like atmosphere), upstairs on the third floor is the "quiet zone." Immediately upon entering the massage and facial area you get a sense of relaxation. The front rooms are bright and sunny, with floor to ceiling windows decorated with Thai silk drapes. These rooms are reserved for the estheticians (skin care). Further down the hall there are two massage rooms that are separated by french doors to allow for couples massages. There is an additional massage room and a fourth is coming soon. New at this facility is a steam and shower room, but still no locker rooms. That is part of Phase II and will be a welcome addition. It spoils the effect during a "half day of beauty" to have to carry your clothes and shoes from room to room.

By now you probably think I lead quite the life of luxury and spend my spare time eating bon-bons and having facials. Easy on the judgement. I was actually there to see Andrea (the all-time BEST masseuse if you like deep tissue) for my pre-half marathon massage. Months of training and hundreds of miles of feet pounding torture require a little treatment now and then. So before any race I stop in to see Andrea.

The new and improved Akari still has a few kinks to work out, a few decorations to put up and pictures to hang. Give it a couple of weeks and then give it a try. In terms of Spas it is the best Greater Portland has to offer.