The New Face of the Eco-Spa

Nusta Spa, which means “royalty” in Quecha—an indigenous South American language—recently opened its environmentally-friendly doors in downtown Washington DC. With Nusta’s opening, founder and president, Elizabeth Snowdon, proves that being “green” doesn’t mean compromising luxury or comfort. Working with the U.S. Green Building Council, this eco-spa incorporates everything from Forest Stewardship Council Certified wood and Energy Star appliances to low-VOC paint, low mercury lamps, and eco-friendly flooring. And, its the first spa in the world to be accepted into the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Commercial Interiors Pilot Program. But don’t let all of these “green” qualities fool you, Nusta Spa is luxurious. After stepping foot in this sensuous space, it’s hard to imagine that the wall in front of you was made out of salvaged beams from an old barn. But Nusta Spa pulls if it off, down to their own eco-friendly bodycare products harvested from South American rainforests. For more information call (202) 530-5700 or visit www.nustaspa.com

—Shanon H. Googins

September/October 2004