Spa Naturelle Owner Prides Herself On

Organic, Holistic Treatments

By John Voket

Growing up in Communist Romania as the daughter of a popular medical doctor and naturopath, Adriana Johnson developed a love for the art of healing using organic and holistic methods at a very young age. And she has carried that tradition on through a career in that country, as well as in her work since she came to the United States in 1991.

“My father always preferred to heal with his hands instead of with pills,” Ms Johnson said during a visit with The Newtown Bee at her newly opened Spa Naturelle at 43 South Main Street. “And this made him very popular. People were lined up every day to benefit from his natural treatments.”

Ms Johnson believes her father would be proud that even though she chose a nonmedical profession, that she still honors his holistic ways as an esthetician.

“My father did teach me a lot of things that I use in my profession, like the healing touch points to apply when I do a facial massage,” she said.

The local beauty professional also brings the benefits of her training and work under the renowned Dr Ana Aslan.

As a professor of cardiology and pioneer in medical gerontology, her biographical website states that in 1952 Dr Aslan became general director of Romania’s Institute of Geriatrics. Within a few years Dr Aslan became aware of the long-term biotrophic action of procaine and introduced it as a medicine to be taken in small quantity on long terms, for curing and prophylactic benefits.

Among her early clients were President John F Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe, according to Ms Johnson, who trained and worked at two Romanian anti-aging resorts utilizing Dr Aslan’s therapies. French President Charles De Gaulle, actor Charlie Chaplin and artist Salvador Dalí were also among Dr Aslan’s devotees.

Ms Johnson’s techniques have drawn the attention of clients who formerly visited her at Rikki’s Salon. She also taught many aspiring aestheticians during her five years at Rikki’s Academy.

A Comedian’s Favorite

One of those fans is comedian Lisa Lampanelli, who told The Bee that she has not missed visiting Ms Johnson for facial treatments since the two became acquainted about five years ago.

“I’ve seen her about every six weeks since I met her,” Ms Lampanelli said of the Newtown business owner. “When you start getting treatments from someone, and everybody starts complimenting you on how good your face looks, you keep going back.”

Ms Lampanelli said she always subscribed to natural and holistic practices, and she never really got into having facial treatments until she began enjoying the benefits from Ms Johnson.

“It just so happened I got matched up with her one day at Rikki’s and I had never had a facial before,” the comedian said. “But I trust her and I’ve never gone to anyone since, even though I live and work in New York where there are a hundred salons advertising organic and natural procedures. I’ve seen too many situations where treatments leave women all red-faced and they don’t want to go out of their house for a week.”

Ms Johnson said when she departed Rikki’s to open up her own small spa, she wanted a place where she could offer a strictly organic alternative to clients.

“My procedure for organic hydradermabrasion involves specialized equipment built for me by a company in California, and all natural ingredients. And I find the cost is comparable to other salons offering chemical based treatments,” she said. “My new customer appreciation special offers this treatment for about $95.”

Grand Opening Specials

For the next few weeks, clients can also receive a seasonal pumpkin rejuvenating or cranberry hydrating facial for the discounted price of $70, or a Moroccan argan oil massage for 20 percent off the regular $85 rate. She also offers a grape wine peel that is an alternative to those done with glycolic acid, for $95.

Clients can add reflexology treatments to any facial for $25 or ala cart for $45, or they can choose from a 2-hour, a 2.5-hour or 3-hour spa package starting at $130. The “Royal Treatment” 3-hour package for $185 features a royal caviar facial, raindrop massage, pressure point neck and scalp massage, emollient organic eye treatment, hot English tea, and chocolates.

The spa is open Tuesday through Friday by appointment between 10 am and 8 pm, Saturdays 10 am to 6 pm, and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. There is a strict 24-hour cancellation policy. Call 203-426-7005 or visit naturelleskin.com to learn more or book an appointment.