<b>By Pamela Brownstein</b>

With cooler days and the holiday season upon us, what better way to spend your afternoon than at The Beaufort Day Spa? The talented staff, the variety of quality treatments and the healthy lunch options make for a worthwhile experience, whether by yourself or with a small group of friends.

[caption id="attachment_13947" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/front-porch-w-sidewalk.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-13947" alt="The Beaufort Day Spa is located in the heart of downtown Beaufort." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/front-porch-w-sidewalk-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a> The Beaufort Day Spa is located in the heart of downtown Beaufort.[/caption]

Kim had an Express Facial with Johanna Jacobson, which involved cleanse, exfoliation, mask and moisturizer, all under 30 minutes. Elizabeth’s toes sparkled after her Classic Pedicure with Anita Marcinkowski. And Buck was treated to a bamboo massage with Caroline Brice.

Christina Byrne, who is co-owner of the spa along with Jennifer Poole, gave me a fabulous hot stone massage. After a stressful week working and taking care of my little ones, being able to close my eyes and lay down between warm sheets while Christina used different sized heated basalt stones and her amazing technique over my back, legs, arms and neck felt like heaven.

From the orange-flavored water to the lavendar-scented neck pillows, Christina and Jennifer pay attention to detail and run an immaculate, rejuvenating spa.

[caption id="attachment_13948" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DSC_0051.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-13948" alt="Lowcountry Chop Salad" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DSC_0051-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Lowcountry Chop Salad[/caption]

The spa has partnered with its neighbor, Southern Graces at The Beaufort Inn, to provide a healthy lunch menu. So once your treatment is complete, you can leisurely eat your salad or sandwich in the relaxation room, or if it’s a nice day, in one of their lovely outdoor seating areas.

Elizabeth loved the Lowcountry Chop Salad made with Romaine, pecans, black-eyed peas, tomato, cucumber, cheddar cheese, country ham and local shrimp with a South Carolina honey mustard vinaigrette. Buck enjoyed his chicken salad on a croissant, while Kim and I fawned over the Club Med Salad — mixed greens tossed in a sesame lime vinaigrette with sliced strawberries, sliced almonds and warm herbed goat cheese, topped with grilled chicken. It was the perfect way to end the most relaxing lunch break I’ve had in a while.

The Beaufort Day Spa is located at 304 Scott Street, Beaufort, SC, 29902. To make an appointment, call 843-470-1777 or email thebeaufortdayspa@gmail.com or visit them online at www.thebeaufortdayspa.com.