Before you even walk into the Absolutely Beautiful Day Spa, you know that you are in for a delightful experience. Nestled in a serene setting off the beaten path of Princeton and busy Orange Avenue, the spa sits on Alden Avenue, right off picturesque Lake Formosa.

The smell of lavender and chamomile greet and engulf you the moment you walk in, as does a warm friendly staff, with smiles that make you feel immediately at home.

The Absolutely Beautiful Day Spa specializes in treatment of African American skin, but has a largely diverse steady customer base. Clientele include local clerics, doctors, professional athletes, and laymen alike.

While she has been discouraged in the past from saying so, spa owner Sharon Somner and her staff have no qualms about acknowledging God’s role in the business.

The spa’s premise is based in spirituality: healing for mind body, and spirit. Visitors will be engulfed in a complete peacefulness, as the staff provides an environment conducive to communing with self and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

"People come in with such heavy burden from life, stress, etc.,” says Sharon Somner, owner and operator of the spa. "When they enter our doors, we offer the opportunity for them to have peace and be still. When they leave, we want them to feel rejuvenated."

"We see ourselves as intercessors here," says spa manager Angela Rolle. "We are a refuge where individuals can find physical and spiritual nurturing and healing."

They mean what they say. This delightful little hideaway allows no children, and cell phones are out of the question. During the day, all treatment rooms are illuminated solely by natural sunlight, and the soft sounds of low tide. Most guests experience the quietude of the tranquility room, a naturally lit haven with a cascading fountain laden with vine and artificial plant life. Clients will visit this room between treatments, where they can sip herbal teas and enjoy refreshments while listening to the soothing sounds of Mozart with ocean surf; or opt for a quiet time of prayer and meditation.

The Spa utilizes France Laure products, a skin care line from Paris, and Control, for more acneic skin; but Somner’s main focus is natural products that can be used for all skin types. She recommends, for example, good old fashioned cocoa butter around the eyes at night to eliminate dark circles around the eyes.

Sharon worked for years as a business counselor at The Alliance. Having taught countless others how to start successful businesses, she herself decided to step out on faith and open the spa. She eventually got a skincare license, and in 1998, she opened a small office, where she treated patients three times a week and every Saturday for five years, offering her clientele skin care & electrolysis. Her business has steadily grown and thrived ever since. A hands-on owner, she still treats patients daily.

The most relaxing component of the spa’s setup is its pricing. Guests can treat themselves to the luxurious Tranquility Retreat, which includes Specialty European facial (with peel); Swedish full body massage; the lavish European body treatment; manicure, and paraffin spa pedicure. This full five-hour day of luxury and pampering is a mere $260, and includes a delicious healthy lunch.

ABDS offers a variety of other packages and mini-retreats; skin care, body care, electrolysis, nails, massage; even an independent hair stylist. Lunch is optional on all services. To make an appointment online, visit www.absolutelybeautifuldayspa.com.

Somner and staff have the whole package - warm friendly service and hard-to-beat prices. Guests will leave this place with a pep in their step, feeling revived, renewed, and re-energized.