Elizabeth Arden's Red Door Spa at the Bravern in Bellevue, Washington

I'm writing this review still wondering what I truly thought of my experience in December 2009 at the Red Door Spa in Bellevue, WA. This spa has only been open a few months and I know they are still working out the kinks. As far as spa's go I think the Red Door had a pleasant atmosphere in the relaxation room and that the changing rooms were posh enough with automatic locking lockers and lots of goodies to borrow from hairspray to deodorant. I have to say that the robes were one size fits all which I believe is common but being a more plus size figure I felt like I had to barely move to keep the robe in place as not to flash the other patrons. Luckily, they had a blanket in the relaxation room I could wrap up in and relax a bit more without wondering who could see what. I think this is one of those things that spa's really need to invest a little more money in so that all that are not created equal can still feel equal.

I had the "warm welcome" special for $120.00 which included a signature facial, warm cream manicure, and make up refresher or shampoo/dry/style of which I chose the makeup refresher. Thinking back, I would have chosen the shampoo and style since my hair was pretty messed up after the facial and the makeup application was "just ok." I'm not a huge fan of Elizabeth Arden products but being someone with a more natural look I felt pretty un-natural when I left the makeup studio with my "daytime" look.

My facial was really great and Rachel made it truly pleasant for me. The bed was warmed up and she spent a lot of time helping to relieve sinus pressure I had from a cold as well as do the regular facial regime so I was really excited when I could actually breathe when I left and my head cold was clearing momentarily. I wanted so much to purchase the products she recommended but when they ended up being over $200.00 I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

The warm cream manicure was really nice and Fatiha (love that name) did an awesome job in massaging and shaping my nails. They use Zoya polish which is organic and apparently stays a long time. As this is day two I'm not sure how well it will last my lifestyle of a two boys and being a working mother but I'm hoping it hangs in there. I hear it's fabulous on the pedicures so I may have to go that route eventually. It's so hard to agree to that kind of money for my feet when for $35.00 I can have both my hand and feet tended to at the Asian run shop down the street. They certainly aren't about "atmosphere" but when I want to feel like I got the most for my dollars I'm never disappointed there and they make cute designs on my big toe. This is something I don't think would have been available at Red Door.

I would love to do facials quarterly like Rachel suggested but for $120 a pop I honestly don't know if I'll be returning to the Red Door unless they offer another special. They do give some discounts for Microsoft employees at The Bravern so I may go with a girlfriend for a service but all in all I think I'd rather save my pennies for the spa in Vegas when I go for my 40^th. The spa at Mandalay Bay was insane and worth the tuition for a service just to hang out in their spa for the day.

All in all if you're wondering should I try out Red Door I would say find a special for new customers and give them a try. I might have been a bit more judgmental than most that day but when I think of a posh and brand name spa I'm not sure this would have been my first choice.