Spa Places in the News

Spa Adagio Celebrates 7 Years as Charleston's Award-Winning Day Spa

Charleston, SC-August 2004. Gerry Schauer, an Indiana University honors graduate, has called Charleston home for more than 12 years. A 1993 graduate of the Atlanta School of Massage, he began his massage therapy career and has practiced ever since. In 1996, the historic Francis Marion Hotel began a major renovation project. The beauty of the hotel and the opportunity to take a chance on a dream sparked Gerry's creative and entrepreneurial spirit. "The spa industry was just beginning to really flourish. I thought the Francis Marion and I could create a comfortable, relaxing environment-a unique day spa within a truly grand,
historic hotel."

In early 1997, after signing a lease with the hotel, Gerry began to make his dream come true. Six months later, Spa Adagio became a reality. "We started with a core staff of just 5 people-3 massage therapists, 1 esthetician and 1 manicurist. My core mission has remained the same: Create a comfortable environment to attract the most talented therapists and make it easy for them to do the work they do best. To develop long lasting client relationships by focusing on results-driven therapy. "This is the core of who I am and who we are collectively as a spa. As a massage therapist myself, I feel I'm connected to the needs and goals of our staff. Pampering is wonderful, and we certainly pamper our clients, but more importantly, we want to ensure that we're helping them live healthier and happier lives."

Seven years later, that's exactly what Gerry and his staff at Spa Adagio has done-building a solid, award-winning reputation. In their first year, they were chosen as best day spa by readers of the Charleston City Paper. Over the years, their healing hands have rejuvenated the likes of Peter Fonda, Renee Zellweger, Stephen Colbert, Laurie Anderson, Garrison Keillor, Kristi Yamaguchi, Yo Yo Ma and other celebrities and athletes.

Though celebrity clients are exciting, the most rewarding work is with Charleston residents, who return time and time again. "Seeing the progress we make in people's lives is one of the best parts of this industry." Many local athletes choose Spa Adagio, which may not be a surprise considering Gerry is also active in the running community and has a lifetime of running and 6 marathons under his belt to date. In 2003, Gerry was honored as one of the Charleston Business Journal's Forty Under 40, which selects forty of the region's brightest business stars. It's an honor Gerry takes to heart. "It's important for us to be active in the community. We donate our time and talents whenever we can. The community has always been so supportive of us, so we are happy to give that support right back."

Reflecting on seven years in the Holy City, Gerry strives to keep things simple when it comes to success, focusing on what Spa Adagio does best. "Charleston has a small town sensibility. I often see my clients outside of the Spa. You really are part of something when you live and work here, and I love that." Regarding the future, "We're just going to keep on doing things our way-serving and nurturing our clients the best way we can."

Since 1997, Spa Adagio has been providing the Charleston community and visitors from around the world, with the best massage therapy, skin and body care available. Spa Adagio is located in the Francis Marion Hotel, 387 King Street in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Open Monday through Saturday, from 10 am until 7 pm. Sundays and other times by appointment. Call 843.577.2444 to schedule an appointment or log on to www.spaadagio.com for more information.