Walking into the Seven Inlets Spa at the Little Creek Resort and Casino in Shelton, the first thing I notice is the smell – sweet, light, and aromatic. The atmosphere is lovely, with tile floors, exposed cedar logs, and a smiling staff.
Seven Inlets Spa opened its doors Friday, July 6, and features a range of treatments from body wraps and massage, to waxing and facials. The spa was installed on the coattails of Little Creek’s recent golf course addition and supports the casino’s overall theme of being a destination resort.
“Our goal is to have the ultimate adult Disneyland,” says Jeryl Swanson, Little Creek’s media/communication manager.
This sentiment is what sets Seven Inlets Spa apart from any in the area. The fact that right outside the spa’s front door are hotel accommodations, a pool, a gym, a five-star restaurant, an award-winning golf course, and more casino games than you can shake a stick at, really kicks this spa up a notch.
Besides the allure of so many pleasantries on one property, the spa itself is well thought out and very inviting. Swanson leads a tour through the facility, stopping first at the meditation room. It is in the center of the spa, with leather lounge chairs, dim lighting, and mellow music. Swanson explains this is a place for clients to relax before or after their treatment.
There are nice touches everywhere. In the hallway, between the meditation room and manicure/pedicure room, sit two jugs of infused ice water, one strawberry, one cucumber, for the thirsty client to enjoy.
The seven body care rooms are named after the seven inlets that are an integral part of the Squaxin Tribe’s history and livelihood. Noo-She-Chatl, Steh-Chass, Squi-Aitl, each inlet name holds high regard to the tribe, and Swanson explains that the resorts goes to great lengths to preserve the theme throughout the property, seeking out Alaskan Red Cedar, and honoring rooms with the sacred inlet names. Each spa suite has a private shower and changing quarters.
The locker rooms are a treat in their own. From the granite countertops and beautiful backsplash, to the signature scented lotion and gel-soled sandals for clients to use, no detail has been overlooked. A flat screened T.V. adorns one wall and the wooden lockers look like they belong as cabinets in an upscale kitchen. There is a sauna and a eucalyptus steam room as well. Aaah, I’m relaxing just thinking about it.
The services range from $20 for a shellac service for nails to $180 for an eighty – minute Totten hot stone massage. There are delicious sounding treatments like the Green Tea spa facial, or the Grapefruit Detox Body Wrap (highly recommended by Seven Inlet’s aesthetician Sally Perkins.) There are specialties for men, too. Like the Gentlemen’s Facial, which the Seven Inlet’s brochure claims to “wake up your skin with a blend of active herbal ingredients, vitamins and antioxidants to repair, soothe and hydrate.”
Another nice touch – all services can be redeemed through the casino’s player’s club points system.
While the spa has only been open a short while, feedback has been positive. One client wrote a letter of praise about the Age Defying Face and Neck Facial.
And positive feedback should be expected. After all, Swanson says the spa was pushed forward in development plans because visitors asked for it.
“When you get done with golf, you’re going to need a massage,” says Swanson with a laugh.
It’s evident throughout Swanson’s tour that she and the rest of the employees at Little Creek, as well as all tribal members, take their community seriously. Swanson speaks on behalf of the tribe with pride and honor about programs taking care of senior citizens and preserving tradition through art and culture.
That care ripples throughout Little Creek Casino and Resort, and most recently into the Seven Inlets Spa. From the tribe that’s known as “The People of the Water,” this spa will surely enliven the spirit, renew the soul, and make you feel beautiful inside and out.
Open daily from 8:00am – 6:00 pm
360.462.1772
Photos courtesy of Seven Inlets Spa and Little Creek Resort and Casino
