Hamilton executives and working mothers can find a soothing retreat from the hectic pace city life at The Inner Sanctum, the newest addition to the Bersalon group of companies.

Susan Ternent, the wife of the late Bersalon founder Michael Ternent who died in September, 2005, has realised the couple?s dream of creating Bermuda?s first urban spa for men and women located at Front Street West.

BerSalon Spas and Salons of Bermuda operates Coolwaters Spa and Salon in St. George?s, a spa at the Elbow Beach Hotel and a spa at the Wyndham Resort, but when that resort closes at the end of the month, the spa will close as well.

Mrs.Ternent has continued her husband?s legacy in taking on the management of the business, including hiring of staff, finance and human resource management

?I was very much in the background before and there were a lot of roles I didn?t perform. This plan for The Inner Sanctum was set out by Michael before he died but it was never executed,? Mrs. Ternent said.

She collaborated with OBM Ltd. managing director Michelle Smith and Gulfstream Construction to create a sophisticated venue and introduce a new concept in modern spa design.

The Bosun?s Chair Barber Shop first opened in 1973 and Bersalon Front Street West was opened in 1980 but in recent years the two operations both needed an upgrade.

Mrs. Ternent was determined to execute plans for the spa and set things in motion to have the salons gutted and extensively remodelled to give birth to a unique spa experience.

The new open plan facility features high ceilings, alluring art work, a ground central reception area, a coffee bar, a retail centre, and a mezzanine level with manicure and pedicure stations overlooking the hairdressing gallery below.

?We are now able to offer a lot more services in a modern way and all the equipment is new,? Mrs. Ternent said.

?A 40-year old building was stripped to its shell. The barber shop and the salon were separated and both of them have been integrated into the same venue while still providing privacy for men,? Ms Smith said.

A full range of spa services is available at The Inner Sanctum including the popular Indian Head Massage. Later this month, Japanese hair straightening and human hair extensions will be available.

?We would like to attract a younger market and we have a nice mix of hairstylists to cater to different demographics from classical hairstylists to modern and funky hairstyles and black hair dressing,? she said.

Hair and spa services are available for men and the spa incorporates a private lounge for men, featuring a plasma TV screen.

?The soothing ambience of the salon, enhanced by cherry and maple hues and soft lighting lends itself to a retreat designed to appeal to executives and working mothers burdened by retail forays,? she said.

Starting soon the salon will be open through the week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mrs. Ternent said the extended hours mean that customers do not have to try to do everything on the weekends, but can come to the spa after work, ?get their hair done, have a manicure or a massage right up to 9 p.m.?