Spa Review: We Tried a Signature Massage and Ritual Scalp Treatment at The Apothecary Spa
A view from outside of The Majestic Inn and Spa in Anacortes, Washington.
On a recent family vacation to Washington, I was able to sneak in a spa trip to The Apothecary Spa in Anacortes and managed to bring a couple of my sister in-laws along too! Located between Seattle and Vancouver BC, Anacortes is the home port of the San Juan Islands, offering all of water-related activities and charm the Pacific North West is famous for.
Spa Profile: The Apothecary Spa
The Apothecary Spa is in the heart of downtown Anacortes, located on the second floor of the Majestic Inn & Spa, a charming historic boutique hotel, originally built in 1890.
COVID-19 Safety Updates & Protocols:
Hepa/UV air purifier in every room
UV wand the locker rooms, sanctuary, common areas in between each round of appointments
Touch-less hand soap and paper towel dispensers in the locker rooms
Masks required for clients and staff and all mandates and guidance followed by local Health Department
Entered the Inn and ready to head upstairs to spa!
Here’s what you’ll love about The Apothecary Spa:
The location! It’s in a historic hotel within a charming town in the beautiful Pacific Northwest
COVID-19 safety protocols in place
Gem-infused spa water and house-blended tea to sip
Eucalyptus steam rooms, showers, spa robes and sandles
Bottles and jars seen throughout the spa for décor and more!
Treatment enhancement options to add-on to any treatments
Membership options for spa savings and added perks
A great selection of retail products and gifts to shop
Gem-infused water, house-blended tea, and various light snacks are available for spa guests to enjoy.
As we drove to the spa, we were overcome with coastal charm as we took in the local shops, buildings, and towering green trees and moody waterways. Parking was easy and we gingerly walked into the Inn and headed up the grand staircase to the mezzanine entrance of the spa.
We were warmly welcomed and invited to the locker room, where we were given robes and slippers to change into. Cozy and ready to relax, we poured ourselves glasses of gem-infused water before lounging in oversized chairs in the relaxation area. Rose quartz, amethyst, and clear quartz made up the spa water blend of the day created to soothe the mind and emotions and foster tranquility.
Live, Love Spa robes make for a cozy transition from street to treatment table.
Once in the relaxation space, we kicked our feet up and had some quiet time in preparation for our massages. Immediately I noticed a collection of bottles on the room’s hearth, fitting to its name. Anna, owner of The Apothecary Spa, has been collecting bottles since an early age. Most of her favorites had come from old Apothecaries, or healing sanctuaries.
History has commonly referred to an ‘apothecary’ as a place where people would go for medicines and various cures for ailments. This theme is seen throughout the spa with various apothecary-style glass bottles used as décor and functional backbar containment.
A view from my chair shows large wall art, apothecary bottles, and comfortable seating.
I filled out paper work and was soon greeted by my therapist, Beth. She led me into an inviting treatment room and kindly instructed me how to prepare for the 60-minute Signature Massage.
I undressed and laid face down as the head-to-toe massage with hydrating lotions and aromatherapy oils began. A highlight for me was the hot stone hand and arm massage included in this signature treatment – the cherry on top of a perfectly relaxing treatment.
Massage time! A peek inside my treatment room at The Apothecary Spa.
I opted for a couple of add-on enhancements including Eminence Organic Skincare’s Stone Crop Body Oil with arnica implemented throughout the service to aide in inflammation and soothe sore muscles and joints. Just what my body needed after a multi-hour car ride!
I also experienced the Ritual Scalp Treatment, which included a nourishing scalp massage using LALICIOUS The Oil, a rich blend made with coconut and marula oils. If you’ve been following wellness journey this year, you know I have a love for scalp treatments, a must for me anytime it’s on the menu!
The oil was left in my hair as the treatment concluded for an extended nourishing mask, with an enticing scent of coconut milk, peach nectar and musk. When I washed it out later that evening, my locks felt strong and looked shiny for days on end.
A spa selfie prior to my Signature Massage.
Before leaving, I spend some time in the eucalyptus steam room located in the locker room, taking deep breaths to clear my head and sinuses. Known for stress relief, eucalyptus rejuvenates the spirit, helping to alleviate exhaustion and mental sluggishness. Eucalptus + steam = spa magic in my book!
My sisters and I shopped around the retail lobby for a bit after our services, testing out the fun brands like Eminence Organic Skincare, LALICIOUS, FarmHouse Fresh, CBD Clinic, and Scents of Wellbeing. There were so many fun gift ideas including art prints, jade rollers, bath bombs, and Camp Craft Cocktails.
Spotted: Eminence Organics Skincare on the backbar shelf.
There are so many fun gift ideas to peruse in the retail lobby.
Camp Craft Cocktails, a fun way to engineer a creative and tasty cocktail creation at home.
My time at The Apothecary Spa was the wonderful and completely restful during a family trip that was action packed and non-stop. One thing that stood out to me as a guest was the staff, they were all so kind and seemed genuinely excited to be there. Anna even went so far as to email me her top suggestions around town, which was above and beyond and so very handy for a visitor. Next time I’m in the area I’ll be sure to stop by The Apothecary Spa’s two locations in Anacortes and Burlington, too!
The Apothecary Spa (Anacortes)
Phone: 360-299-2112
Address: 419 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes, WA 98221
The Apothecary Spa (Burlington)
Phone: 360-299-2112
Address: 320 E. Fairhaven Avenue, Burlington, WA 98233
For more information and to book an appointment, visit their website and follow them on Instagram: @theapothecaryspa
[Images by Alisha Racker]
Alisha Racker’s beauty career has spanned over a decade as she's worked as a master esthetician, skin care PR-pro and freelance writer. She lives in the beautiful mountains of Salt Lake City with her husband and daughter.