Taking inspiration from the healing powers of the Atlantic Ocean, Astraea will be a first-of-its-kind wellness spa in Portland’s historic West End neighborhood.
PORTLAND, MAINE – Maine-based, family-owned hospitality group Uncommon Hospitality announced Astraea, a wellness spa that will launch within the highly anticipated Longfellow Hotel in Summer 2023. Named after the Greek goddess Astraea – known as the star goddess and representing all that is good in the world – the spa will be focused on sauna, meditation and massage.
Astraea is unlike any other wellness offering in Maine, focusing on full body and mind wellness with carefully curated, private infrared sauna rooms, massage and meditation experiences. Complementing the vibrant delights of the historic seaport city and the natural splendor of Maine, Astraea will feature products from acclaimed Irish organic lifestyle brand, VOYA, which is inspired by the ancient Irish tradition of seaweed bathing.
When entering the street-level spa reception located at 754 Congress Street in Portland’s historic West End neighborhood, visitors will find a minimalistic yet authentically warm space that evokes a sense of calm and wellbeing. Conceptualized by Uncommon Hospitality and designed by award-winning hospitality design studio Post Company, the 1,800-square-foot spa comprises two massage treatment rooms, two private infrared sauna rooms, and a meditation experience room with state-of-the-art Mind-Sync Harmonic Sleep Loungers. All treatments can be enjoyed individually or with a partner. The spa will also feature a boutique highlighting VOYA products as well as hand-crafted items by local Maine producers and artisans.
“Inspired by the natural elements, Astraea is a place to find connection with yourself. We are creating a welcoming, nurturing space where you walk in and immediately take a deep cleansing breath,” said Uncommon Hospitality Spa Director Melissa DeLois. “Our spa menu is all about feeling your best and being present – body and mind. Whatever your wellness goal is, we have a treatment to help you get there. From being cocooned in a VOYA seaweed body wrap to a calming meditation session, we create experiences that are deeply supportive of our guests’ wellness goals.”
Signature Treatments
VOYA was a natural product choice for Astraea; with years of expertise in seaweed bathing and organic skincare, the luxury brand recognizes our collective need for the raw goodness and therapeutic energies the ocean has to offer. The antioxidants harvested straight from the Atlantic Ocean’s seabeds are the core ingredient for many of Astraea’s new treatments, with each piece of seaweed being selected and cut by hand to preserve the natural healing powers of the plant. Astraea will be the only spa in New England to feature the award-winning VOYA product line. Signature treatments will include the Muslin Bag Massage, during which warm steamed bags of orange, clove, ginger and Fucus Serratus seaweed are gently massaged into the body releasing precious seaweed oils, as well as the Seaweed Leaf Wrap, which envelops spa goers in Laminaria Seaweed leaves to detoxify, firm and soften the skin. Each Longfellow guest room will also feature VOYA products, allowing every visitor the chance to experience a spa-like sense of serenity in the comfort of their own space.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Astraea, a place where guests can experience luxury VOYA treatments while enjoying the modern, welcoming and calming atmosphere that Astraea offers,” said Mark Walton, co-founder of VOYA. “Their focus on achieving full body wellness through top-quality service and their fantastic range of facilities makes them a perfect partner for VOYA. We’re excited to be on this journey with them.”
Infrared Saunas and Meditation Experience Room
The private sauna rooms are inspired by ancient traditions of cycling through heat, cold and relaxation, providing an all-natural, holistic remedy for myriad mental and physical ailments. The state-of-the-art infrared and halotherapy saunas induce a calming state of being, with the added benefits of pain relief, stress reduction, enhanced immunity and improved sleep regimens. Halotherapy bestows the added benefits of drawing out impurities, killing microbials and reducing inflammation in the airways and on the skin. Real rain showers then provide an invigorating shock of cold to boost circulation, soothe sore muscles, and promote healthy hair and skin rejuvenation. The sauna rooms feature a selection of teas in a private lounging area where guests can rest and be present in the precious moments of tranquility.
While the private sauna rooms are an easy place to lose oneself for an entire afternoon, the meditation room is a flexible option for those short on time but still looking for ultimate relaxation. Astraea is among the first spas in the Northeast to feature state-of-the-art Mind-Sync Harmonic Sleep Loungers as part of their treatment menu. These innovative zero-gravity loungers subtly combine sound and touch to allow guests to fully disconnect and reset. A weighted eye mask, blanket and noise-canceling headphones help block out surroundings as guests nestle into the plush lounger and let the meditation take over. A guided meditation and calming music with vibroacoustics begins which allows you to feel the music through the gentle vibration of the lounger. This whole-body immersive experience leaves guests feeling incredibly calm and well-rested, whether they have just 20 minutes or a full hour to enjoy.
Astraea will be an integral part of the larger Longfellow Hotel experience, where every moment has been carefully tailored to help guests stay present and make the most of their time in Portland. In addition to the wellness spa, The Longfellow will offer 48 residential-style rooms and suites; a modern, elevated gym featuring equipment from Technogym; a health-focused café serving fresh-pressed juices alongside nourishing breakfast and lunch dishes; and an elegant lobby bar featuring classic charcuterie and chilled seafood.
The Longfellow also extends its holistic approach to travel beyond its walls. Guests will find complimentary bicycles, electric vehicle charging stations, and a luxury car service to the Old Port to take in the surrounding seaside city and breathtaking natural shoreline. Hotel guests also have the opportunity to give back to the tight-knit community; Astraea will donate a portion of proceeds to local nonprofit FEED KIDS, a Full Plates Full Potential fundraising initiative, to help ensure food security for children and youth in Maine, and Longfellow Hotel will debut a full list of community partners timed to opening in Summer 2023.
The Longfellow development team includes Uncommon Hospitality, Post Company, Portland based architect, David Lloyd, and his team at Archetype Architects, Terradyn Consultants, civil engineers, and Allied-Cook, construction managers. Reservations are anticipated to be available for booking beginning in Summer 2023.
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