Of the numerous cars that drive on Dekalb Avenue everyday, many probably go right past the unassuming building that houses The Rosefinch Spa, without realizing that they are passing up an urban oasis in Atlanta’s Candler Park neighborhood.

Taking just one turn off of the busy road will lead you into the spa’s parking lot, and is the key to ultimate relaxation. You’ll find plenty of parking spots in the lot with greenery and signs to lead you into the charming day spa.

The welcoming entrance doubles as both the check-in reception area and an all-natural skincare boutique (more on that later). After checking in, I turn left and enter the lounge area, where the ambiance is a 10 out of 10. I immediately forget where I am when I walk into the calming area that’s filled with woven pendant lights, comfy chairs, airy white curtains, and vintage mirrors on the wall—all combined for a beautiful and neutral aesthetic. Water and hand-blended teas are available as refreshments.

Here’s what you’ll love about The Rosefinch Spa: 

• The small thoughtful touches throughout the spa like meditation cards, luxurious hand soaps and products provide a true feeling of overall balance and restoration.

• The charming, down-to-Earth nature and friendliness of the spa combines the best of relaxation with an unfussiness—this isn’t a large spa, and it has an intimate feeling.

• Personalization: Each facial and massage at The Rosefinch can be customized to your specific concerns and needs- there’s nothing cookie cutter about the services they offer.

• Owner Kristen Eber is committed to diversity and inclusivity.

Continuing my journey through the spa (which feels much larger than it looks from the outside), I entered the infrared sauna room. The spacious room also features a shower within a fully stocked bathroom that has everything you could need, including chilled aromatherapy towels and lots of water.

The sauna can accommodate two people and is a state-of-the-art Sunlighten Infrared Sauna. It also offers chromotherapy/color light therapy in a full spectrum of colors to really enhance your experience, and boost your mood, among many other benefits. There is bluetooth connectivity in the sauna so you can play your own music or podcasts.

I personally like to zone out and focus on my breathing, but even then, I could only think about how often I will be coming to this sauna during the winter months to keep my skin glowing and healthy. Infrared saunas work wonders for my dry, eczema-prone skin. In addition to being a calming and detoxing experience, saunas are also amazing for seasonal depression and anxiety.

Post-sauna, I headed into a treatment room for a customized facial with the Rosefinch’s lead esthetician, Ashleigh. After discussing my skin concerns and current routine, we decided to target my dryness and puffiness around the eyes in the treatment.

She started with a gentle cleansing and dermaplaning (which can be added to any facial) to remove the extra vellus hairs ( aka peach fuzz) on my skin. This helps to exfoliate and also helps the other products absorb into the skin better.

One of my favorite parts of the facial was the enzyme facial mask. Because the mask had lactic acid in it, it felt slightly tingly, but I felt that it was needed. She sealed my pores with a rubber jelly mask that was cooling and very soothing.

In addition to the lymphatic facial massage with Maya Chia Omega-3 oil she performed on my face to help my under-eye puffiness, she also gave me a relaxing hand and neck massage, which allowed me to fully decompress.

We had initially discussed incorporating blue light therapy into the facial to work on some redness/inflammation, but we will do next time since it wasn’t even needed on this occasion. Afterwards, my skin was glowing! The infrared light therapy and microcurrent options are available as $30 add-ons to each facial.

I had previously received massages from massage therapist, Amber Trammel, but this was my first manual lymphatic drainage massage (shocking, I know). Lymphatic drainage has certainly been trending, but I typically go for deep tissue massages and bodywork.

The light pressure and barely there strokes she used to activate my lymphatic system were not what I was used to, but equally as relaxing. I wasn’t expecting to feel immediate results, but overall, my entire body felt restored, less tense, and more aligned.

The combination of the sauna, facial and massage was the perfect way to spend a summer Friday afternoon. The Rosefinch Spa is accessible for all and open seven days a week by appointment. In addition to facials and massages, they also offer acupuncture, medical aesthetics, waxing, sugaring, lash lifts and tinting.

 The spa’s boutique is not one to ignore either. In addition to offering the Maya Chia products that are used in facials, The Rosefinch Spa also stocks Conscious Coconut, locally made Brick+Mortar candles, and more. 

I couldn’t leave without purchasing the Maya Chia hydrating essence and Omega-3 Chia face oil that Ashleigh used during my facial, and I’m now officially obsessed with both products. It’s the perfect way to continue your self-love and relaxation routine at home and in-between visits!

Cost: Signature Facial with Dermaplaning Add-On ($165); Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage ($110/60 min)

Insider Tip: Add on the dermaplaning to any facial, it's more than worth it and really helps all the products penetrate the skin more for maximum benefits.

Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Sun - Wed), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Thur & Fri), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sat)

Address: 1604 Dekalb Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30307

Phone: 404-724-5811

For more information and to book a service, visit the website. Follow on Instagram: @therosefinchspa

[Photos by Sable Massingill]

Sable Massingill is a PR pro, brand consultant and freelance writer who loves to explore the intersection of beauty, travel, and creativity. She has worked in all facets of the media landscape from public relations to on-camera work for almost 10 years.

Her commitment to storytelling has taken her to Helsinki Fashion Week in Finland, the first sustainable fashion week in the world, to learn more about eco-friendly supply chains; to the Sahara in Morocco to collaborate and work with women’s Argan oil cooperatives. Follow her on instagram @sablemassingill