Founder and owner Drew Patrick Allt’s interest in spas began with his job at McGraw-Hill as an event planner for resorts and spas. His career kept him away from his home on Long Island quite a bit, but in the vacant bank he passed on drives through Bay Shore, he saw an opportunity to open a business closer to home.

“It’s a landmark building,” he explains. “[My coworkers and I] were locals and said, ‘Wouldn’t it be great to do something there?’ I’ve always wanted to run my own business, in my own community. I was inspired by the new restaurants that opened on Main Street.”

The development of the Drew Patrick Spa was built on much more than a whim, however. His previous work experience helped him to develop the idea of a sophisticated spa that did not concentrate on hair styling and nail care. Allt wanted to create a spa for both men and women with a primary focus on wellness rather than beauty, grounded in traditional skin care and massage.

However, Allt asserts, “Of course there’s a connection between wellness and beauty. If someone feels beautiful, they feel better. Everything here comes down to individual attention.”

One begins to feel pampered just entering the stunning interior of the imposing building. Allt’s meticulous renovation of the space restored the lobby’s original marble and molding, which had been covered with layers of formica and panels. The building now features a fountain and an elevator. Allt took advantage of the bank’s original features by seting up his office in the former bank vault, although it required three days of drilling to install the window.

The Drew Patrick Spa is sophisticated, but far from stodgy. Allt’s thoughtful, creative touches may be seen throughout. The second-floor seating area has cloud-like lighting, an array of organic granola and snacks, and piles of coffee table books for clients relaxing between treatments. Although any amount of time spent in this oasis is relaxing, the spa is equipped to be a day destination. Every customer is offered a fluffy robe and slippers, a locker, and the chance to relax in the spa’s divine steam showers.

“We want people to hang out between treatments,” Allt explains.

Clients also have the chance to take a more active role in their own wellness with individual and group fitness instruction. The classes are based on the idea of mind/body fitness, so most are yoga and pilates classes. Allt’s own life experience influenced his decision to offer such instruction. Eight years ago, a car accident left him with a back injury that threatened to land him in the operating room. Instead, he worked with a chiropractor and personal trainer in pilates, thereby avoiding surgery and medication. He describes this phase of his life as “a big life change” and its influence is clearly seen in his approach to whole-body wellness at the spa.

Allt’s care in constructing a true spa is displayed by his offering of medical treatments like acupuncture, laser hair reduction, and Botox treatments, all overseen by radiation oncologist Dr. Richard Byrnes.

“We have all the medical procedures in a spa-like setting,” Allt explains. “We’re not a cold doctor’s office, but Dr. Byrnes is an active medical director. He’s here daily; he’s not just stepping in during a crisis.”

It’s hard not to be impressed by the spa’s elegant interior and tranquil atmosphere. What’s more impressive, however, is that the spa’s treatments and service live up to its appearance. Allt’s vision has been spectacularly realized. Employees strive to cater everything to an individual’s needs in a warm and welcoming way. The skills of the therapists and technicians are highlighted rather than overshadowed by their sumptuous surroundings.

Allt is proud that his spa is one of the cornerstones, figuratively and literally, of Bay Shore’s revitalization. Part of Allt’s business philosophy is maintaining an active role in Bay Shore’s development.

“I think being involved and making changes in your own community is a nationwide movement,” he says. “I really believe in being a part of the community. We support the Bay Shore Beautification Society and the Chamber of Commerce. We’re also sponsoring the Fire Island Film Festival. I’m just interested in new development.”

In turn, he remarks, “The fact that the business community has been supportive of us has made all the difference [in the spa’s success].”

Allt’s philosophy has an added personal perk. After commuting to Manhattan for 11 years, he says with a smile, “Now I live two minutes from work!”

Allt remarks further, “When people come into the spa, they say, ‘Oh, it’s like Manhattan!’ I laugh and say, ‘No, this is Bay Shore. This has always been Bay Shore. The people have always been here.’” Those same people can only be thrilled that Allt is joining their ranks with the Drew Patrick Spa.

The Drew Patrick Spa, located on Main Street in Bay Shore, will cater to Fire Islanders coming from the ferry. Call for details.