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Disappointed by the news that her favorite Queen Anne spa was closing, Suzanne Buchanan did what any spa-loving general contractor would do -- she opened her own spa, named it after her favorite aesthetician Elin Blix, and hired her.

The elegant Salon Blix is located in Alley 24, a trendy mixed use building across from REI's flagship store on Yale Avenue in the South Lake Union neighborhood. The vibe is urban French: Think Paris atelier meets dark gray industrial ceilings. The richly-dark hardwood floor is made from sustainable Brazilian hickory. Its furnishings include velvet-covered Louis XV chairs, winged Bergeres leather pedicure chairs, gilt edge mirrors, gold brocade partitions, cherub-embellished crystal lamps and copious velvet drapes pooling to the floor. There is a separate changing room with lockers (always a plus), a lounge area and a VIP room with a separate entrance, snacks and beverages. All this opulence might explain the prices, which are on the high end of Seattle spas.

The menu of services here is one of the best I've seen. It's like when you go to a restaurant and everything on the menu looks good. There are facials, massages, body wraps and scrubs, manicures, pedicures, waxing, hair services and eyelash extensions. The staff has worked hard to come up with appealing treatment combinations and splurge-worthy spa packages ($195-$475). Men are not an afterthought at this spa. Men's services include haircuts, colors, shaves and scalp massages.

Other items of note: There are facials for your face ($90-$120) and facials for your bikini line ($55). Nail technicians are all trained in reflexology. You can drop in during lunch for a 25-minute seated massage ($35). They have a Vichy shower where multiple showerheads rain down on your body. Parking is complimentary. The spa donates 10 percent of its net profits to charities each month. Online scheduling is available.