It appears that with the ongoing success of older day spas and the way new ones are popping up, there are plenty of customers to go around. Are we earthy Seattle gals finally figuring out what European women have known for some time: that we deserve a little pampering, and that it pays to take care of ourselves?

Olympus Spa, in Tacoma since 1996 and now also in Lynnwood, has always stood apart. Based on the Korean therapeutic model, Olympus’ emphasis is on “spiritual health,” not just “outside beauty,” says owner Sun Lee. In the homey environment of the Tacoma spa and now in the larger, more luxurious Lynnwood facility, women can come together to enjoy therapeutic whirlpools with hydro jets, radiant energy rooms, massage, cleansing skin scrubs, a mugwort steam sauna, and an herbal dry sauna. Spa services also include Asian food and a traditional Korean tea ceremony.

It is also  affordable — a $30 entrance fee to use all the facilities for an unlimited time — Olympus has drawn a variety of women clients, from college students to executives, “we try to keep the cost down,” says Lee. “We try to be not high-end, but middle ground.”

                                                                                                               by     Karen Reed Matthee