SomaFit in Washington DC
Julie Register visited this Georgetown day spa in January 2005

Facials at one spa. Massage at another. Workouts at a gym. Living the "spa life" was challenging at best and certainly not convenient for Theo Adamstein. He solved his problem and that of countless others in the Georgetown area in a way in which he was uniquely qualified. This architect and designer of some of the top restaurants in Washington (Zaytinya, Zola, Poste, IndeBleu) designed, built and now operates SomaFit (meaning body fit), a contemporary day spa and fitness facility. Not surprisingly, SomaFit won the 2004 AIA-DC Merit Award for Interior Architecture. Jurors called SomaFit, “uplifting, luminous and sensual” with “wonderful detailing,” “compact, clever and efficient.”

Adamstein's two-story design successfully blends the bright, high energy of the reception area, personal training gym and fitness studios located in the front of the first floor with the softly lit, quiet sanctuary of the spa's lounges and nine treatment rooms located in the rear of the first floor and entire second floor. The separate men's and women's changing areas both offer lockers, showers, steam room and sauna and provide an appropriate transition area between the energized and the mellow.

Adamstein has also incorporated a unique and, in my opinion, great philosophy to the spa. SomaFit was designed to celebrate total body health through a combination of fitness and spa services. To encourage this, Somafit has a non-membership approach that allows you to take advantage of the facility without the burden of monthly dues. However, savings are available with unlimited monthly gym, class and/or facility passes.

I started my day a SomaFit with a fitness class - the Stability Ball Challenge. The description on the website reads, "Stability ball, resistance tubing, free weights and the body’s own weight is used to sculpt sleek, lean muscle. Challenge the entire body with a workout that keeps you coming back for more. Yes, this class is for everyone and it’s a lot of fun!" Instructor, Heike, ensured everyone in this full class got the most out of their workout. The participants ran from first-timers (me) to the very experienced. Heike provided bands with various resistances to make up for the difference as well as modified instructions for those of us who couldn't quite do the most challenging exercises. It was a good workout, and it was fun!

I had two spa treatments immediately following my class - a facial and massage - so I showered in the women's changing room, donned my robe and sandals, exited through the rear door, passed a quiet waiting area and closed treatment room doors and climbed the wide stairs to the upstairs lounge. Lemon water along with snacks of tiny cookies, fruits and nuts were available.

I had just poured a cup of water when Jonnie, my esthetician, came to escort me to the treatment room. I settled in on the comfortable, heated table, and we discussed my skin. I had originally signed up for a Vitamin C Facial, but Jonnie cautioned me that my skin may be too sensitive for it. We ended up with an MD Formulations deep cleansing facial with glycolic peel, a lovely combination of steam, cleansing, exfoliating, masks, hand and arm massage and scalp, neck and shoulder massage. When it was over, my skin felt great and looked much brighter.

Jonnie escorted to the lounge and gave me a glass of water to drink. Scott, my massage therapist arrived shortly to escort me to my next treatment. I settled in and we discussed the goals of my massage - eliminate tension in my neck, shoulders, back. Scott customized a combination of Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology (and possibly other) techniques to work on the areas of greatest need, but he didn't slight the rest of the body. It was a truly fabulous massage. I left with my muscles feeling loose, relaxed and yet energized at the same time.

All spa treatments at SomaFit include the use of the sauna, steam room, showers, quiet lounges and changing room amenities. Services offered at Somafit include:

• massages (Swedish, deep tissue, hot stones, sports, scalp and foot massage, seated),
• facials (Signature Skinceuticals and MD Formulations, Vitamin C Skinceuticals, Beta Hydroxy MD Formulations, Men's Anthony, Marine Phytomer),
• body treatments (Phytomer Sea Salt Scrub, Phytomer Seaweed Wrap Treatment),
• manicures,
• pedicures and
• waxing.

Packages that combine treatments are also available.

On the fitness side, SomaFit offers a comprehensive gym with resistance and cardio machines, fitness assessments, personal training and classes in yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, cardio and stretching. Nutrition counseling and dietary goal setting are also available.

The retail offerings include high-end skin care products - the same that are used in facial treatments - such as Skinceuticals, MD Formulations, Phytomer and Anthony. Spa products and gift cards are also available.

Somafit has fulfilled Theo Adamstein's vision. Whether you choose to exercise, enjoy the spa or combine workouts with spa treatments, SomaFit offers a unique balance between work and reward.