A new spa specializing in therapeutic and pregnancy massages received preliminary approval by the Arlington Heights Village Board earlier this month, with the owners attesting that the business would not be an affront for any nefarious activities.
Owners of Opal Massage Therapy, 825 E. Golf Road, Suite 1530, requested a land use variation to create what they say will be a relaxing and inviting space in the Mansions development on Golf Road near Goebbert Road.
Gabriela Perez, a licensed massage therapist, and her husband, Samuel Olvera, founded Opal Massage Therapy in 2019 in Mount Prospect. Perez, who made a presentation to the board at the March 4 meeting, explained she has seven years of massage experience and the couple would like to “grow, expand and relocate” their business to Arlington Heights.
Their current space is limited, she said, and the new space will allow the business to have a reception area, three massage therapy rooms and a customer lounge. The business will offer Swedish massage, therapeutic massage, pregnancy massage, hot stone massage and cupping therapy, among other massage techniques, the owners explained.
“We plan to make it more of an experience,” Perez said when Mayor Tom Hayes inquired about the spa photos she selected to illustrate how she plans to design the space. “It’s bigger and a better feel.”
Perez said they plan to hire two to four new massage therapists, as well as a front desk receptionist. The hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday.
“We know massage can have a stigma so we plan to make it clear to our clients – with signs around the spa – of our zero tolerance policy for clients and therapists,” Perez said. “We take the profession very seriously.”
Trustee James Bertucci thanked her for addressing the “elephant in the room” regarding often alleged inappropriate conduct during massages and warned Perez to be diligent in her hiring of new massage therapists.
Perez said the owners plan to conduct background checks on all therapists and confirm they have a current license from the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, along with malpractice insurance.
The couple and business have been active in Mount Prospect in recent years, sponsoring Mount Prospect library events and local marathons. They look forward to doing the same in Arlington Heights, the business owners explained.
Hayes commended them for their involvement.
“We’re glad to have a business getting involved in the community,” the mayor said.
Trustee Tom Schwingbeck recommended the business join the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce and promote the new location – which he said may be hard to find.
Olvera, who said he manages the business’ accounting and marketing, will be showcasing Perez and the business on social media and leveraging their existing client database.
The Plan Commission previously voted 8-0 to approve recommending the land use variation request, but with stipulations: All massage therapists must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation; the land use variation shall be limited to the petitioners and cannot be transferred or assigned to any other user and the petitioner must comply with all federal, state and village codes, regulations and policies.
In the first of two votes on the request, village trustees voted 9-0 in favor of the land use variation. The final vote is expected to take place at the next board meeting.
Elizabeth Owens-Schiele is a freelancer.
