BY SHALEEN DESTEFANO

To find a remedy for a busy schedule and busy mind can seem like a job all on its own. In today’s society, we allow our home, work and social lives to reach a point of self suffocation. Sound familiar? Finding balance and time for unplugged quiet and self care has been put on the back burner for me. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon  Five Wellbeing, that I decided I would make this whole idea of “me time” a priority. Five Wellbeing is a beautiful and welcoming spa located in the heart of downtown Littleton. It is only 15 minutes from home, but you feel as though you are at a destination resort. We sat down with owner Betsy Abrams to learn more about how she made this dream of opening a spa, a reality.

Let’s start at the beginning. When did you realize you wanted to open a spa? Can you also give us the back story of your beautiful location and the journey you took to get it where it is today? 

I always knew I needed a “place” to create my dream. A long time ago it was a place for helping young women heal their bodies especially those that had eating disorders. This was a long time ago, when I thought I would never be able to do it. But the seed was planted and 20 years later after my husband of 10 years passed away from pancreatic cancer, I said to myself “if not now, when?” When will I create my dream of helping people feel better, relax and be more present in their lives. So four years ago Five Wellbeing Studio + Spa began its journey. One by one the right people showed up and I kept saying yes to it all.

The property is a beautiful old Victorian built in 1905, it was originally a family home, then in the 70’s it became a convent for St. Mary’s of Littleton. The nuns created a great calming energy that our guests enjoy today.

As the name of your spa suggests, it is driven by the five elements; water, fire, metal, wood and earth. Trying to find balance in life can be tricky these days, and sadly, not a priority for many. However, at your spa, wellness is the priority. Can you tell us about some of your unique services and the healing properties of each? 

All of our treatments include an aromatherapy journey and a sound healing bowl that calms the central nervous system. We have two very unique treatment tables that to my knowledge are the only ones of their kind in any spa in Colorado. One is called a quartz sand treatment table, it is like a giant sandbox for the body. But the secret is the quartz sand is heated and each of the treatments we do on this table involve the therapist enveloping the guests body in warm healing quartz sand. We currently have one treatment that we do on this table, called a poultice massage. This treatment is a complete reset of your body. We use herb pouches that are steamed creating a warm compress that is used throughout the treatment. We have 3 new dreamy treatments coming in June, too. Our other unique table is called a float table, this is a dry float table, This table has a water-bed type mattress where half is filled with water and half with air, about 15 minutes into the treatment the therapist presses a button and the air is removed and the guest is floating on top of the warm water below being enveloped in a weightless experience. We offer several treatments on this table including our famous head-to-toe facial and a variety of wraps that will create a great feeling of wellbeing.

Unlike other spas, you also have a gorgeous bright yoga studio. Tell us about your classes and your ideal student. 

We have an amazing yoga studio, the floor of our yoga studio is sound vibrational , so as the class is going on, the music used in the class is lulling the student into a deeper place where they can really begin to shift their being. We have attracted the best of the best instructors that will work individually with each student to help them achieve their goals. Our studio is small so even if you are a newcomer to yoga you will get focused attention that leaves you feeling supported and successful.

Your spa is a sanctuary in the city. Have you always lived in Denver?

I was born in the Chicago area and moved to Phoenix at a young age and spent most of my adult life in Southern California. While in California for over 20 years I received two masters one in Spiritual Psychology and one in Counseling Psychology. Both of these degrees have helped me greatly, being in the wellbeing business. I moved to Denver in 2002, to get married and start a new chapter of my life.

 

When you are not at Five Wellbeing, how do you spend your time? Can you give us a glimpse of your philanthropic efforts? 

Most of my extra time is spent with my 12 year old daughter , Hannah, she is the light of my life and we are such a great team. I have always believed in sharing what I have with others whether it is time, money or ideas. Many years ago in California I turned a holiday get-together with my girlfriends into a charity event, I brought that idea to Colorado and now I put on an event that supports 3 different women’s and children’s charities. Every 1st Saturday in December, I gather about 250 women and their daughters, mothers, sisters, aunts together that bring an ornament to exchange with the group, and a donation for each of the charities. I provide the food, entertainment and venue. It is the highlight of many people’s holiday.

  It is apparent that so much love and passion went into opening your spa. What inspires you? 

The human spirit inspires me. I find that we are all very connected, and that we all want the same things. If we can just support one another and “be the change we wish to see in the world” (thank you, Gandhi) that we could have healthier, happier lives.

Betsy, you have underlined the importance of pursuing your dreams and the joy that comes with seeing these dreams come to fruition. In building Five Wellbeing, you have unearthed a hidden gem in our city and for that we are grateful. We wish you all the success in the world and can’t wait to come back!