THOSE seeking the ultimate Hollywood-style spa treatment and experience will no longer need to travel very far.
Mobile spa operator and West Vancouver resident Alisha Lalji has been bringing a unique celebrity-type spa treatment to her clients' homes for more than three months.
"If someone wants a regular facial treatment then they can't come to me," Lalji said. "I am going to give the best of the best."
Lalji was born in Chilliwack, B.C. and but moved with her family to California when she was six. Shortly after becoming a licensed esthetician she began working for spa companies in the United States. She moved back to British Columbia to be closer to her family and created the EM Luxury Spa, a mobile spa.
"I wanted to start up a company and do something a little different," she said.
"I am going to create something that specifically brings the spa to the client."
EM Luxury Spa provides facials, massages, waxing and foot detox. Her staff consists of six to 10 employees who are able to provide massages for couples and assist her. Lalji uses 1,000-count Egyptian cotton sheets, and pure silk blankets on a customized table that includes a soft sheepskin cover and heated pads. "The difference is this is very high-end," Lalji said. "I combine a lot of different machines and high-end products."
Her facials incorporate advanced skin treatments using Diamond Tip Microdermabrasion and LED light therapy. She also uses organic oils and Yonka Paris Skin care products.
Lalji is not only an esthetician but also an experienced holistic massage practitioner who has been working in the business for seven years.
She has pampered the likes of Hollywood celebrities, professional athletes, movie stars, singers, royalty, and Miss World Canada 2011 Riza Santos.
Santos said that she really enjoyed having Lalji come to her hotel room and give her a facial.
"I've had a quite a few facials before but it was the wealth of equipment that she had," Santos said.
Santos added that Lalji is an excellent communicator who was always explaining what she was doing and the products she was using on her and during the facial.
"She also made me feel really comfortable during my facial. She was very attentive to my skin-care needs," Santos said. "I don't really trust a lot of people with my face."
Understanding the client's needs is a big part of Lalji's business philosophy. She said many spas don't do enough to connect with their clients.
"It's the knowledge to serve your clients to the best of your abilities," she said. "I think that is what is missing in a lot of spas."
"At least you know you are getting your money's worth." Santos added. "She has all the high-end equipment and she has the expertise to do it."
EM, which stands for Exclusive Members, also offers clients a unique massage that combines several different therapies and techniques including Swedish therapy, yoga therapy, joint release, reiki, and aromatherapy.
"I do a lot of energy work with the client and that's how I connect with the client," Lalji said. "I really understand the body, mind and skincare."
The difference between Lalji's service and other spas is Lalji only allows clients with a referral to book an appointment.
"It's a referral based program," Lalji said. "You have to know somebody who has received the service."
However, those who are interested in Lalji's service can fill out an application form that may allow them to get the service without a referral. "It's just so I can verify who they are," she said. "It's safety for me and my employees."
Besides avoiding traffic and stress Lalji said there are other benefits to having EM spa come to the client's home.
"You are able to release a lot more because you are in the comfort of your own home," Lalji said. "After I am gone you can do whatever you want. You don't have to worry about commuting." Lalji will also work at the times that are best for her clients.
"Sometimes, I get crazy calls from certain celebrities to be on sets at random hours," she said.
"You have to always be available." Massages start from $140 to $225 an hour, while facials are $160 for 45 minutes and $235 for 75 minutes. Foot detox is $65 a session.
More information about pricing and the spa can be found at www.emluxuryspace. com.
