The salon area in St. Elmo Spa. The spa is located on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution at 1 Pratt Ave. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky

CHAUTAUQUA — It’s a big town feel in a small town community.

Julie Ambrose, owner of St. Elmo Spa, is proud to say that.

The services at the spa back up her claim.

“We are really one of the only complete day spas and salons in the area. A lot of other places may do hair services and may offer a massage may offer a facial. But this is really a one stop shop,” Ambrose said.

Ambrose said many people enjoy a spa day event, birthday parties, and bridal parties. With the bridal parties, she said, some of the women will change into their dresses and walk out completely made up. Ambrose said photos also have been taken. “The photographer will come here and take photos,” Ambrose added.

Located on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution at 1 Pratt Ave., the spa was named winner in the Massage Therapy category and winner in the Spa Category in the 2022 Chautauqua County Best of the Best contest sponsored by The Post-Journal and the Dunkirk OBSERVER.

Since she has purchased the business in 2018, Ambrose said, she has completed nine renovations, and expanded the spa. “It just needed a lot of love,” Ambrose said.

Ambrose added that the thing customers remember most is that they feel like family when they come to the spa.

“I’ve been out here for facials and massages and body wraps. And that’s wonderful,” said Hope Hill, who said she is a regular customer.

Ambrose said the spa is busiest during the nine-week Chautauqua Season, but is still open and busy do the rest of the year. The services offered include manicures, pedicures, Hydrafacial MD, bioelements body treatments, bioelements facials, waxing, and massages. According to stelmospa.com HydraFacial MD is “A non-invasive, multistep treatment that combines the benefits of next-level hydradermabrasion, a chemical peel, automated painless extractions, and a special delivery of antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and peptides. This facial improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles, evens out skin tone, and reduces congested and enlarged pores, leaving your skin feeling clean and clear.”

St. Elmo Spa is open seven days a week, all year, by appointment only. Appoints can be made online or contact 716-357-2224.

“While we have always been a destination for summer visitors, we have become a year-round retreat for area residents as well,” the website said.