Articles & Accolades
New York Post
50 STATES: West Virginia
TAKING THE WATERS, G. WASH-STYLE, IN THE MOUNTAIN STATE’S EMBASSY OF THE COUNTERCULTURE
by David Landsel
January 27, 2009
“Housed in an old newspaper office on Congress Street, Atasia is a world away from the utilitarian scene in the park, a restful, two-story complex carved out of the historic wood-frame building. Word on the street was that Tan had magic hands that would turn me into a little puddle after about 10 minutes. The environs may have been more sophisticated, but the prices sure weren’t — the massage was just $68, about $20 more than you’d pay in the state park, and about half of what I recently paid for a really bad rubdown at a supposed world-class resort not too long ago.”
717 Magazine
September 2010
Long known to Native Americans for its restorative powers, the waters at what is now called “the country’s first spa” was initially visited by settlers in 1730.
“While every visit to Berkeley Springs must include a mineral water soak, running a close second on the don’t-miss list is a massage from Frankie Tan, proprietor of Atasia Spa (atasiaspa.com; (877) 258-7888). Trained in Bangkok’s renowned Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Tan has, over the years, developed his own utterly unique style. Incorporating elements of Thai massage, which uses stretching, he also utilizes hot oil and a steaming hot towel draped over the neck and shoulders to alleviate stress and soothe tender muscles. For an afternoon so pampering it’s nearly decadent, add a respite in Atasia’s Eucalyptus-infused steam room and a Rejuvenating Facial with a purified water steam, masque, moisturizer and a hands, feet and face massage.”
ExpressNightOut.com
Valentine’s Day
February 3, 2009
Kate Gibbs
Established by master masseur Frankie Tan in 1988, Atasia has a reputation for top-notch services at wallet-friendly rates. The full-service spa sites in the center of Berkeley Springs, a laid-back town once known as “bath” for the hot springs in the state park a few miles from the casual studio. Most guests ache for a on-on-one session with Tan 9$68 for 45 minutes of deep-tissue massage). Through March 31, the Highlawn Inn is offering a Winter Escapes package with Atasia. In addition to a bed and breakfast in a Victorian-era mansion, sweethearts will receive a pair of therapeutic massages, herbal steam baths and facials ($462).
Governor’s Certificate of Recognition
Honoring Atasia’s Contribution to West Virginia’s Economic Development
Signed April 11, 2007 by
Governor Joe Manchin III
“Greetings. Be it known that Atasia Spa has been awarded this Certificate of Recognition for contributing to the economic development of West Virginia by partnering with the Small Business Development Center of Blue Ridge CTC to open a business in our great state. This outstanding enterprise will most certainly be a vital part of both the local community and the Mountain State as a whole. Thank you for your invaluable contribution to the business of our state.”
The Washington Post
The Good, the Bad And the Oily
In Berkeley Springs, a Spa Scene Rubs Both Ways
June 9, 2004
“There are five massage therapists on staff, and I’d made an appointment with the most renowned, owner Frankie Tan, who is originally from Malaysia and arrived in Berkeley Springs in 1988. Tan came through for me. His technique incorporates elements of Western and Thai massage; his hands are strong and sure. For the last part, I was sitting in a chair. Tan pinned my hair up, placed hot stones and steaming washcloths on my shoulders and back, and gave me a scalp massage.
Afterward, I put on a robe and stepped outside, where Tan offered a cup of water and invited me to sit in one of the huge round chairs in the “serenity room.” It was dark. I curled into a fetal position and decided this chair was my destiny, at least for the moment.”
The Washington Post Weekend Magazine
Body of Work
by Eve Zibart
February 15, 2002
“…But Frankie Tan’s Atasia Spa is first among equals: Long before the phrase “Thai massage” hit the fashion magazines, Tan, who worked for several years at the Country Inn’s Renaissance Spa before opening Atasia, was a cult figure among area spagoers. By his estimate, lie’s performed close to 14,000 massages since coming to Berkeley Springs in 1988. Tan, a Malaysian-born ethnic Chinese trained in Thailand, mixes traditional methods with such modern pleasures as whirlpool baths (filled with the mineralspring water) and hot stones, those extrasmooth egg-sized pieces of basalt that began migrating from indoor fountains to massage rooms a couple of years ago. As he presses into the small of the back, stroking with the heels of his hands up the spine, he breathes in a deep, yogic rhythm that focuses his energies. Gradually you begin to breathe with him, visualizing your muscles from his hands, not from your weight; feeling out resistance and actual soreness and the sort of habitual tension that most of us carry constantly.”
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