Mandarin Rose spa, located in the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, was opened in 2009 by licensed massage therapist Carla Saylor, who created a serene and nourishing environment for local clients as well as visitors to downtown Lancaster.

“In 2000, after being employed as a school counselor for 10 years, I began experiencing compassion fatigue and saw the limitations of working for a system. Because I love to help people and wanted to continue to do so, I knew I had to make a positive life change,” explains Saylor. “My husband and I had also made the decision to adopt a child from Russia, and thus came the aspiration to become a massage therapist so I could set my own working hours.”

While still working as a counselor, Saylor enrolled in a 600-hour, year-long, part-time program at Lancaster School of Massage. “My husband and I were like two ships passing in the night, but we knew that my certification as a massage therapist would allow me to stay at home with our child,” she relates.

In the years since, Saylor has learned to balance family life, self-care and the operation of a successful business. “I found my niche in the blissful environment of the spa where therapeutic techniques integrate to align mind, body and spirit,” she remarks. Local residents, as well as out-of-town guests that frequently return to the hotel for conferences or special events, have become regular clients because of Saylor’s dedicated care.

A self-described eclectic world traveler, Saylor has visited 25 different countries, bringing back a variety of healing modalities that she has integrated into the extensive menu of holistic services. Massage techniques include therapeutic, aromatherapeutic, hot stone, traditional Thai mat, Japanese Zen facial, lomilomi and reflexology, as well as energy balancing with Reiki and Jin Shin Jyutsu.

The unique location of Mandarin Rose spa, next to the pool, hot tub and exercise room, offers clients the option to relax poolside after a holistic treatment or soothe tired muscles by following a fitness session with a massage. The menu of treatments can be customized to suit client choice, with options that include couples massage and spa party packages that pamper individuals and groups for any occasion.

Saylor teaches all three levels of Reiki, including master teacher, with classes for individuals or groups. She also hosts other teachers at the Lancaster Marriott. Reiki Master Wolfgang Luckman, an acupuncture physician, licensed massage therapist and diplomate in homeopathy, will teach a class about fibromyalgia from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 27. Continuing education units are available, and interested participants can register through Mandarin Rose spa.

Growing up in Lancaster County, Saylor remembers thinking that Lancaster was a diamond in the rough; she is grateful to now be a merchant located in the heart of downtown. “There is so much creative energy in Lancaster, and I love that I can contribute to that energy by sharing healing modalities through Mandarin Rose spa,” she enthuses.

Location: 25 S. Queen St., 5th floor, Lancaster. For more information, call 717-207-4076, email [email protected] or visit MandarinRoseSpa.com.

Gisele Siebold is a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings magazine, Lancaster-Berks edition. Connect at [email protected].