Austin franchisee looks to expand company

Tucked in a hillside along Capital of Texas Hwy. at Westlake Drive, The Woodhouse Day Spa offers a number of spa services. When self-proclaimed spa connoisseur Daphne Zuniga was presented with the chance to become the owner of the Austin location of The Woodhouse Day Spa, she said she didn't hesitate to say yes.

With a background in consulting, Zuniga took ownership of the spa's sole Austin location in 2012 after the previous owner decided to spend more time developing the franchise's San Antonio locations.

"I watched the brand from its infancy and how much they cared and loved their franchisees," Zuniga said.

The first Woodhouse location opened in Victoria in 2001, and the spa's Austin location opened in 2005. There are currently 29 locations in the United States and one location in India, though Zuniga said those numbers will grow in the coming years. She said the company plans to open 13 locations this year.

Zuniga says the spa's most popular services include the Minkyti Facial, Agave Necatar Pedicure and the Rest and Renewal Massage. The shop also provides facials, manicures, pedicures and massages along with full-body treatments.

The spa constantly tries to improve its services by heeding advice from its guests. For example, a bright room with three chaise lounges and a table with a fruit-infused water dispenser and snacks were added after guests suggested a more comfortable alternative to tables and chairs and a healthier alternative to the cookies previously given to them, Zuniga said.

In an adjacent room, Zuniga said the back wall was replaced with a window overlooking the hills, which she feels is the heart of the area.

"We want to fit into the neighborhood and see what everyone else sees," she said. "We want to see the same view."

Zuniga said she spends most of her time in the community speaking at events or attending various meetings to spread word about the spa. She and her husband purchased a region in Texas that includes Tyler, College Station and Waco and extends as far south as Harlingen and South Padre Island with the goal of expanding the company's locations to those areas.

Zuniga also said she is looking for a place to open the spa's second Austin location.

"We are strategically coming into different areas," she said. "We want to meet the needs of the guests in the area and fit that demographic."

Getting spa treatment in the comfort of your home

When time-crunched spa visitors look for a quick getaway without leaving their homes, The Woodhouse Day Spa owner Daphne Zuniga recommends these Woodhouse Day Spa products to remedy stress:

Hot Cinnamon tea ($8.50): Woodhouse guests can sip the same tea offered during their visits to the spa in the comfort of their homes. While Hot Cinnamon is the spa's bestselling flavor, guests can also choose other flavors such as Chinese Flower and Peppermint Herbal.

Honest Nature Spa jar candle ($24): For some filling a home with fresh aromas is a simple way to change the feel of a home. Zuniga suggests lighting a refreshing scent to help melt away stress.

Serene bath salts ($28): The Woodhouse's all-natural bath salts help slow skin aging and calm the nervous system, Zuniga said. Combined with a therapeutic scent, Zuniga says using this product at home is "the most important thing you can do."

Shoulder wrap ($39): Lined with velvet and created to contour around the neck and shoulders, Zuniga says the warmth or coolness of the wrap eases tension and is great for calming muscles.

Robe ($98): Zuniga suggests bringing the comfort of the spa home with robes identical to the ones given to guests to wear. She says wearing the satin and polyester robe after a bath or shower can give the feeling of luxury and comfort.

The Woodhouse Day Spa. 3600 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Ste. 180, Austin, 512-306-1100, www.austin.woodhousespas.com

• Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.