Osmosis Day Spa Named Most Spiritual Spa in America for 2010

Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, the only U.S. spa to offer cedar enzyme bath treatments, began humbly in 1985 with a small  backyard facility made from a recycled chicken coop. It has since gone on to deliver more than 200,000 of its signature cedar enzyme bath treatments, and to develop in a manner that has inspired the prestigious magazine Spirituality & Health to name it  “America’s Most Spiritual Spa.” 

“The more I think about it,” states Osmosis founder Michael Stusser, “the more I realize what a great image “most spiritual spa” depicts. It really resonates with the deeper intentions of Osmosis from day one, and is the key differentiator from the ‘pamper- palace’ version of a spa, (although our ‘bliss factor’ is certainly high). We started out with the idea of creating a safe, beautiful place to release stress, anxiety and pain, and we have stuck to that intention thru good and bad times, never compromising it as a fundamental value.  It totally leads directly into our long-term goals of being a vitality center, being environmentally sensitive and giving back to the community, and what could be more spiritual than that?”

Stusser introduced the unique and acclaimed treatments to the U.S. after discovering the baths in Japan. His own life-changing healing and spiritual experience there convinced him that it was his mission to offer the treatments in this country in a beautiful Japanese-style environment.

Local Awards/Activities:

In the course of its 25-year history, Osmosis has grown to become a Sonoma County landmark and an internationally known retreat, enjoyed by local residents and sought out by visitors from around the globe. For eleven years, it has been awarded “Best Day Spa in Sonoma County” in the North Bay Bohemian by popular vote.

Osmosis is a major employer in the Sebastopol area, with a staff of close to 100 people who have built a strong sense of community. Recognizing its place in Sonoma County, Osmosis has made more than a thousand donations of gifts and services to local schools and nonprofits. The power of a community of like-minded individuals working to build on their ideals has helped shape the company into much more than just a spa.

National Garden Award:

The spa’s enzyme baths are not Osmosis’ only unique attraction. The grounds feature authentic Japanese-style meditation gardens and walkways, complete with ornamental trees shrubs, classic rock arrangements, waterfalls, walking pathways, a moon pavilion, and serene reflection ponds. The Osmosis meditation garden was recently identified by Sukiya Living, a magazine for Japanese garden aficionados,as one of the most authentic Japanese-style gardens in the US, ranking even higher than the prestigious Brooklyn Botanical gardens.

In addition to the spa’s emphasis on health and wellness, Stusser and his team have always placed a high priority on reducing the spa’s impact on its environment. In 2006 Osmosis undertook a major effort to advance its green agenda with an eco-renovation that continues to this day. A constructed wetlands built in 2009 recycles 100% of the spa’s gray water for use in landscaping, and for a wetlands area that seves as a safe haven for local wildlife. In the summer of 2010, thermal solar collectors were installed; they now generate 80% of the hot water used at the spa.

The Green Spa Network:

Osmosis has also been instrumental in founding the Green Spa Network (GSN). A national-membership organization of spa professionals, GSN is dedicated to advancing sustainability in all aspects of members’ business operations. Now with over 100 spas involved, GSN conducts regular conferences to discuss ideas and innovations.

Special Events:

Osmosis has been celebrating its 25th anniversary with special events and new offerings all year long. Each month features a new theme in wellness, community and health.  The recently launched Locals Nights continues each month, offering convivial evenings with specially priced mini-spa treatments, enzyme footbaths, informational presentations, opportunities to wander the gardens, speak first- hand with spa practitioners, and meet with neighbors.

Daytime television's fastest-growing talk show, The Doctors, featured the Cedar Enzyme Bath as one of the Top Ten Health Trends in 2010.Click here to view the segment which explains some of the science behind the treatments and why they have attracted such a following among Osmosis spa-goers.

For the full story in Spirituality & Health Magazine, click here.