Spa Grace’s Jeremy Grace will have you at hello

PHOTO by ROSHEILA ROBLES

He had me at “Miss Ellen.”

Had Jeremy Grace greeted me any other way—“Hello!” “Ellen?” “May I help you?”—I’m sure it would have been fine (the man defines charm), but it was a simple “Miss Ellen?” that brought a wide grin to my face, always good when you’re about to spend 75 minutes in a dark room letting a complete stranger have his way with your skin.

But first, we chatted (over Perrier, although tea, still water and martinis—!—are available) about, well . . . we just chatted: about my day—and the night previous; about my brooch; about my plans for the evening; and finally, when conversation naturally veered in the direction, about the reason I was at Spa Grace—a facial.

Spa Grace isn’t a day spa, but rather a room—a gorgeous room—located toward the back of a full-service East Village salon. There, Jeremy demonstrates a meticulous and marvelous eye for detail, imbuing the essence of Old Hollywood elegance in the room’s every inch: from a black, beaded chandelier and candelabra—real candles in the candelabra; to shimmery, gold-painted walls; to a full mirror (good call: makes the room look larger) and matching antique-looking mirrored furniture pieces (there’s even a jewelry box for your accessories); and finally, the centerpiece, a massively comfortable, reclining bed with plush duvet.

It’s divine, all of it—fans of design will also note Spa Grace’s simple, pretty guest record card—and the real pampering has yet to begin. “Royal Treatments” offered include “hydrate,” a 45 minute abbreviated treatment focused on moisturizing ($65); “rejuvenate,” a traditional European facial treatment with three point massage (60 minutes, $85); “regenerate,” which saturates skin with hydration and antioxidants (includes five point massage, 90 minutes, $120); and for those who splurge, the “Grace regency,” a supreme facial that includes arm, hand and foot sugar polish and extended five point massage (120 minutes, $300). Based on our chat, Jeremy recommended the 75-minute “detoxicate” facial, which combats troubled complexions—mine’s the ever-annoying mix of oily/over-dry—with a skin purifying treatment intended to leave your face feeling smooth and looking matte and clear ($105).

As master esthetician, Jeremy elevates facials into the realm of performance art. On the guest record card, you can choose from two “musical ambiances”—relaxing or invigorating. I went with relaxing, and after slipping under the covers, I listened as Jeremy entered the room to a soft, slow speakeasy jazz track (seriously cool). And the jazz continued as he began the treatment, using Aromatherapy Associates’ (with whom Spa Grace has partnered) rose-based Renew line. Later, as the treatment moved more into deep relaxation—switching, per the “warm and soft” “aromatic characteristics” preference I’d ticked on my guest card, to Aromatherapy Associates’ lavender-based Balance facial oil—the music transitioned into extended classical tracks. By the end, we were back to jazz. With my eyes closed, I couldn’t help but picture Jeremy doing some sort of big finish—a bop on the nose and jazz hands, or somesuch awesomeness.

He didn’t, but that was okay—the past 75 minutes had delivered the best facial I’ve ever experienced. Maybe it’s the fact that Jeremy has man hands—the facial certainly felt different, as in stronger and more focused on the pressure points—or that he’s just very, very good at what he does—shiatsu-like finger thwapping; a mini, electric vibrating exfoliator—but either way, this facial was so unique, so new and truly refreshing, I glowed (inside and out) for days afterward. Since then, I’ve recommended Jeremy to every woman I know.

Spa Grace also offers waxing (from brows to lips to legs, arms and stomachs; prices vary) as well as a number of Old-Hollywood-themed packages—my favorite, based on the description, is the “Monroe,” featuring a brow sculpt, the “regenerate” facial and five point massage, plus a dozen roses and a champagne split and special gift presented upon arrival (120 minutes, $300)—holy luxury!

Seriously: Hail Jeremy, full of grace. Book him today.

SPA GRACE 500 E BROADWAY (INSIDE SALON) | LONG BEACH 90802 | 562.388.5437 | SPAGRACE.COM

Tags: Commerce, East Village, facials, Long Beach, spa grace, spas