Salinas spa set to re-open as Monterey County enters stage 3

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) For more than three months Aquablue Skin and Body Spa was closed. That will change Saturday when the spa in Oldtown Salinas opens back up with restrictions.

The phones rang off-the-hook Friday as the Spa prepares to re-open. The big return is coming much later than originally expected.

“We called all of the clients and said we would hope to see them in April,”Aquablue owner Frank Savino said.

Massage therapists will wear masks and sanitize the entire room after a treatment. Aestheticians will wear face shields while preforming procedures and there will be no added features like robes, slippers or complementary drinks at Aquablue.

"One of the added costs is the time that’s invested in each service. We’re adding 15 minutes to the front and back end of each service just to make sure we’re staying sanitized,” Savino said.

As the spa sets to return this weekend, construction has part of Main St. blocked off. Savino says the upgrades will be good in the long run, but in the meantime he has some worries.

“If they’re jack hammering and making noise, and things like that, it's really hard to relax when you come in for a service,” the owner of the spa said.

Coronavirus concerns are still prevalent as Monterey County eclipsed 1,000 cases this week.

One of Savino’s employees with underlying health conditions is staying at home for now, but he says the clients are more than ready to return.

“People are just clamoring to get in," Savino said.