GRAND-PRIZE WINNER: Avanti Day Resort Manalapan, New Jersey avantidayresort.com Owners: Luda and Victor Conti Salon established: August 1998 Opening after remodel: February 2008 Salon style: Sophisticated, elegant, redefined Square footage: 13,000 Styling stations: 32 Treatment rooms: 17 Equipment: Takara Belmont, Mr. Beauty Furniture: Kevin Sakon Design Firm Total design investment: $3,475,000 Top retail lines: Kerastase, Shu Uemura, Bumble and bumble Design: Viobell Design Firm Architect: Robert D. Henry
GRAND-PRIZE WINNER: Avanti Day Resort Manalapan, New Jersey avantidayresort.com Owners: Luda and Victor Conti Salon established: August 1998 Opening after remodel: February 2008 Salon style: Sophisticated, elegant, redefined Square footage: 13,000 Styling stations: 32 Treatment rooms: 17 Equipment: Takara Belmont, Mr. Beauty Furniture: Kevin Sakon Design Firm Total design investment: $3,475,000 Top retail lines: Kerastase, Shu Uemura, Bumble and bumble Design: Viobell Design Firm Architect: Robert D. Henry
While there is an open floor plan, strategically placed dividers create distinct areas at Avanti,” Conti says. Here, a 20-foot commissioned cherry blossom glass screen, by Amanda Weil, separates the check-in/check-out area from the full-service salon. “The combination of glass and translucent photography creates a very powerful medium,” Conti says. <b>Judges comments:</b> “Interesting variety of materials and finishes.” — Clodagh “A great oasis that would fit in any metro area.” — Wagner <Br>“Highly personalized and suited to the high-end sophisticated clientele looking for luxury.” — Cicela “I think the owners spared no expense in order to accent individual areas of service and to introduce their clients to a grand and spacious resort with
While there is an open floor plan, strategically placed dividers create distinct areas at Avanti,” Conti says. Here, a 20-foot commissioned cherry blossom glass screen, by Amanda Weil, separates the check-in/check-out area from the full-service salon. “The combination of glass and translucent photography creates a very powerful medium,” Conti says. Judges comments: “Interesting variety of materials and finishes.” — Clodagh “A great oasis that would fit in any metro area.” — Wagner
“Highly personalized and suited to the high-end sophisticated clientele looking for luxury.” — Cicela “I think the owners spared no expense in order to accent individual areas of service and to introduce their clients to a grand and spacious resort with
The manicure area is distinguished by three crystal chandeliers hanging above eight nail stations, where clients sit at custom-designed throne-like benches.
The manicure area is distinguished by three crystal chandeliers hanging above eight nail stations, where clients sit at custom-designed throne-like benches.
The open color bar was created as a community table in order to make guests feel they are in a lounge setting. The lighting was a very intricate part of the design. Clients receiving color services are seated at one of 16 chocolate brown leather chairs at a stainless steel community color table lined with eight flat-screen TVs. Laptops with internet access are also available.
The open color bar was created as a community table in order to make guests feel they are in a lounge setting. The lighting was a very intricate part of the design. Clients receiving color services are seated at one of 16 chocolate brown leather chairs at a stainless steel community color table lined with eight flat-screen TVs. Laptops with internet access are also available.
Guests receive private hair consultations and L’Oréal/Kerastase deep-conditioning treatments. The Kerastase Hair Spa at Avanti is one of only five such private treatment rooms in the country.
Guests receive private hair consultations and L’Oréal/Kerastase deep-conditioning treatments. The Kerastase Hair Spa at Avanti is one of only five such private treatment rooms in the country.
Avanti’s Signature Treatment is exclusively offered here, in the Razul Chamber. A colorful collection of natural muds are applied to the body—then, during the half-hour rest, five mists of aromatic steam are time-released. The steam helps the body absorb the mud’s natural minerals, while simultaneously excreting toxins from the skin. Then, a gentle rainfall from the “starry sky” of the Razul loosens and cleanses away the mud. The treatment ends with a Swiss Steam Shower and the client’s choice of massage or floatation ritual.
Avanti’s Signature Treatment is exclusively offered here, in the Razul Chamber. A colorful collection of natural muds are applied to the body—then, during the half-hour rest, five mists of aromatic steam are time-released. The steam helps the body absorb the mud’s natural minerals, while simultaneously excreting toxins from the skin. Then, a gentle rainfall from the “starry sky” of the Razul loosens and cleanses away the mud. The treatment ends with a Swiss Steam Shower and the client’s choice of massage or floatation ritual.
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GRAND-PRIZE WINNER: Avanti Day Resort Manalapan, New Jersey avantidayresort.com Owners: Luda and Victor Conti Salon established: August 1998 Opening after remodel: February 2008 Salon style: Sophisticated, elegant, redefined Square footage: 13,000 Styling stations: 32 Treatment rooms: 17 Equipment: Takara Belmont, Mr. Beauty Furniture: Kevin Sakon Design Firm Total design investment: $3,475,000 Top retail lines: Kerastase, Shu Uemura, Bumble and bumble Design: Viobell Design Firm Architect: Robert D. Henry
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GRAND-PRIZE WINNER: Avanti Day Resort Manalapan, New Jersey avantidayresort.com Owners: Luda and Victor Conti Salon established: August 1998 Opening after remodel: February 2008 Salon style: Sophisticated, elegant, redefined Square footage: 13,000 Styling stations: 32 Treatment rooms: 17 Equipment: Takara Belmont, Mr. Beauty Furniture: Kevin Sakon Design Firm Total design investment: $3,475,000 Top retail lines: Kerastase, Shu Uemura, Bumble and bumble Design: Viobell Design Firm Architect: Robert D. Henry
While there is an open floor plan, strategically placed dividers create distinct areas at Avanti,” Conti says. Here, a 20-foot commissioned cherry blossom glass screen, by Amanda Weil, separates the check-in/check-out area from the full-service salon. “The combination of glass and translucent photography creates a very powerful medium,” Conti says. <b>Judges comments:</b> “Interesting variety of materials and finishes.” — Clodagh “A great oasis that would fit in any metro area.” — Wagner <Br>“Highly personalized and suited to the high-end sophisticated clientele looking for luxury.” — Cicela “I think the owners spared no expense in order to accent individual areas of service and to introduce their clients to a grand and spacious resort with
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While there is an open floor plan, strategically placed dividers create distinct areas at Avanti,” Conti says. Here, a 20-foot commissioned cherry blossom glass screen, by Amanda Weil, separates the check-in/check-out area from the full-service salon. “The combination of glass and translucent photography creates a very powerful medium,” Conti says. Judges comments: “Interesting variety of materials and finishes.” — Clodagh “A great oasis that would fit in any metro area.” — Wagner
“Highly personalized and suited to the high-end sophisticated clientele looking for luxury.” — Cicela “I think the owners spared no expense in order to accent individual areas of service and to introduce their clients to a grand and spacious resort with
The manicure area is distinguished by three crystal chandeliers hanging above eight nail stations, where clients sit at custom-designed throne-like benches.
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The manicure area is distinguished by three crystal chandeliers hanging above eight nail stations, where clients sit at custom-designed throne-like benches.
The open color bar was created as a community table in order to make guests feel they are in a lounge setting. The lighting was a very intricate part of the design. Clients receiving color services are seated at one of 16 chocolate brown leather chairs at a stainless steel community color table lined with eight flat-screen TVs. Laptops with internet access are also available.
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The open color bar was created as a community table in order to make guests feel they are in a lounge setting. The lighting was a very intricate part of the design. Clients receiving color services are seated at one of 16 chocolate brown leather chairs at a stainless steel community color table lined with eight flat-screen TVs. Laptops with internet access are also available.
Guests receive private hair consultations and L’Oréal/Kerastase deep-conditioning treatments. The Kerastase Hair Spa at Avanti is one of only five such private treatment rooms in the country.
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Guests receive private hair consultations and L’Oréal/Kerastase deep-conditioning treatments. The Kerastase Hair Spa at Avanti is one of only five such private treatment rooms in the country.
Avanti’s Signature Treatment is exclusively offered here, in the Razul Chamber. A colorful collection of natural muds are applied to the body—then, during the half-hour rest, five mists of aromatic steam are time-released. The steam helps the body absorb the mud’s natural minerals, while simultaneously excreting toxins from the skin. Then, a gentle rainfall from the “starry sky” of the Razul loosens and cleanses away the mud. The treatment ends with a Swiss Steam Shower and the client’s choice of massage or floatation ritual.
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Avanti’s Signature Treatment is exclusively offered here, in the Razul Chamber. A colorful collection of natural muds are applied to the body—then, during the half-hour rest, five mists of aromatic steam are time-released. The steam helps the body absorb the mud’s natural minerals, while simultaneously excreting toxins from the skin. Then, a gentle rainfall from the “starry sky” of the Razul loosens and cleanses away the mud. The treatment ends with a Swiss Steam Shower and the client’s choice of massage or floatation ritual.
In March of 2007, Luda Conti was attending Cosmoprof in Bologna, Italy, when she got a phone call that forever changed her life: There had been a fire in her spa—caused by a chemical combustion in the middle of the night. The damage was irreversible.

The Manalapan, New Jersey, resort utilized a nearby medical office as a transitory workspace for staff members until they could return to the original location. Used to a stylish and grand setting, this new location required adjustment from both team members and clients. “Nonetheless, we survived the move,” Conti says, “in great part due to the loyalty and love of our clients and employees.”

Enter the new, 13,000-square-foot Avanti Day Resort. The name Avanti translated in Italian means to advance and move forward. And move forward they have, indeed.

Immediately upon entering, clients notice the stunning, contemporary decor with warm colors, natural elements, an open floor plan and plush furnishings that create a lounge-like atmosphere. White stone Bali Pebble walls create a clean, crisp look, matched with dark-stained hardwood floors and seating covered in creamy leather and rich velour.

Not only did the salon undergo a renovation, its menu of service offerings had an extreme makeover, too—offering a full-service salon; world-class day spa; medi-spa services; teeth whitening; its Signature Treatment, exclusively offered in the salon’s Razul Chamber; and Revage Laser System, a high-tech solution to shedding and thinning hair.

“We have redefined luxury and pampering by reaching out with special touches that are the hallmark of refined hospitality,” Conti says. “It is an unforgettable experience where every feature and detail transports one to a world of unsurpassed services and pampering.”

Here, Conti points out the important design elements of the salon and spa.

“Avanti is a place where our guests are immersed in our commitment to excellence, embodied in our unsurpassed attention to detail, devotion to style, understated elegance and unparalleled personal service.”

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