Welcome to Jersey: the state to get away from the bustle of the city – and that I did, by visiting Belliard’s Salon & Spa. Located an hour and half from Manhattan in the chic town of Cherry Hill, I pulled up to the spa with anxiety from finals and holiday stress in my bones and was ready to just let go of it all.
I stepped through the door and was greeted by Andrea, who would be my facialist for the day. Once I had the signature Belliard robe on and flip-flops, I started to fill out the detailed paperwork for my Holiday Slumber package. This limited-edition package includes a 50-Minute Chakra Massage and 50-Minute Signature Facial, which was exactly what I needed after these past few weeks.
The lobby was warm and inviting with scents of in-house burning candles and sounds of holiday tunes floating in the air.
Andrea checked in on me a number of times while I was waiting for my appointment time, even bringing me a cup of tea and a foot bath! This princess treatment is now my standard for spas going into the future, especially since I received this before the services start.
Mia Harris is the detail-oriented owner of Belliard’s Salon & Spa, and has been running her business since 1994 as a Black woman in the spa industry, licensed in makeup, massage, esthetician practices, and as a stylist. Mia’s focus in the spa sphere is on the Aveda techniques, bring mind and body together in one holistic practice with a focus on natural products. She made me feel welcome as she asked me about my life. She went above-and-beyond by offering to take off my necklaces, which is an A+ in customer service for me. Fun fact: her daughter, Dominique, and I were friends in middle school, so it was great to chat for a few moments before Andrea came back with Chakra cards.
Andrea told me to pick three cards that spoke to me from the deck. I chose wisdom, intuition, and groundedness as my three, and she instructed me to close my eyes before I took a whiff of each corresponding scent. My nose led me to choosing wisdom (the first card that spoke to my soul). She explained that this chakra point (wisdom being of the third eye chakra) would be incorporated into my massage. The experience was such a delightful one, and enhanced my impression of Belliard’s. Soon it was time to get started on my spa day…
Andrea led me down the hall into a tranquil oasis of skincare paradise. I de-robed, snuggled onto the massage table, and made attempts to tap into my inner bliss. Luckily, I had assistance as Andrea stepped into the room and directed me to gently close my eyes and breathe in. Three scents passed my nose and I intuitively picked the second scent (which was lavender). Again, three deep breaths in of the oil and Andrea worked her gentle and magical touch. A deep and gentle cleansing of my skin with a toner, then cleanser, and an ultra-warm steam to open my pores felt like a moment of care and tenderness, which I have been missing in my day-to-day life. After this point, more cleansing potions were applied and extractions began to any imperfections. I must admit, I started to doze off, which I consider a significant plus during a spa experience. I was calm, comfortable, and content in those 50 minutes. Once I returned to reality, Andrea was administering her final applications of creams and a finishing touch of lip balm. The lavender oil was brought back out to conclude the session with three deep breaths. My essence felt like it was reborn at that moment, and I thanked Andrea before she stepped out to get J’oél, my massage therapist for the day. I snapped a few photos of my skin and went out to the massage room.
I soon realized J’oél was Mia’s son, making this family business truly a part of the whole family. J’oél asked if I needed anything before I laid on the massage table, which was warm and cozy with the soft sheets. He knocked on the door and began with Dr. Vodder’s Method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (which J’oél was recently certified for). This includes:
Enhanced Immune Support: The gentle, precise movements of MLD encourage lymphatic flow, promoting a robust immune system.
Detoxification: Dr. Vodder’s Method aids in the removal of toxins and waste, leaving you feeling cleansed and revitalized.
Reduced Swelling and Inflammation: Ideal for addressing post-surgical recovery or fluid retention, MLD can help alleviate swelling and inflammation.
Improved Circulation: The method supports blood circulation, facilitating better oxygenation of tissues and promoting overall circulation.
Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Experience a deep sense of relaxation, reducing stress and fostering a serene state of mind.
I never experienced a massage like this as he moved my arms about, putting intentional pressure on certain areas, and being in tune with energies from start to finish. I must say, like the facial, I started to get sleepy as J’oél worked to melt away any knots or aches in my body. It was not long enough before the final moments were up and he gently woke me up. I thanked him, dressed, and went to the lobby. There I was presented with a gift bag of Aveda hand cream and oil. Then I headed out into the frosty air… but I felt warm, rejuvenated, and beautiful after my visit at Belliard’s.
This is the spa and salon for those who value the finer elements of life through holistic and comprehensive methods. Looking beautiful comes from within and radiates outwards, and that’s what Belliard’s Salon & Spa values for themselves and every guest that enters through their doors.
