Urban Sanctuary ::::> About Learn all about Urban Sanctuary Spa, how we got started, and how we can help you out with a massage, spa day, facial, body scrub, or even be queen for a day!

This Page Includes:
Our Story...Our Staff Profiles...Our Testimonials

Our Story:
Urban Sanctuary Spa was started by two friends with a vision of a beautiful place where people could spend an afternoon or even just an hour and find total Sanctuary - a place to Unwind.

Alan McArthur and Candice Courcy met in Tucson, Arizona and worked together at Gadabout Salon Spas. With over 25 years combined experience in the Spa Industry, they have both trained and educated Spa Staff and Massage Therapist around the US and Mexico.

After spending over a decade exploring & studying life enhancing disciplines including Ayurveda, Mindfulness, Aromatherapy and other Healing Arts, they decided to take their vision to Athens, Georgia where Alan grew up.

Since opening Urban Sanctuary in February 2005, Candice and Alan have become very committed to Athens community organizations. These include ATHICA, Athens Wedding Professionals, Five Points Business Association, Five Points Local Artist Show & Boybutante AIDS Foundation.

Voted Best Day Spa in Athens
2008 & 2009!

Our Staff Profiles:

Candice Courcy, LMT, CNT, Reiki Master
Favorite Urban Services: The Urban Neck Massage, Deep Tissue Neck, Back & Shoulder Massage, The Asian & Ayurvedic Foot Massages, Reiki, Turkish Rose Mini Facial & the Face and Scalp Massages.
Specialties & Training:  Chi Nei Tsang Level II Certification, Aromatherapy Certified, LaStone Therapy Training with founder Mary Hannigan, Phytomer Detox Body Treatment & Lymphatic Training, and specialized training for providing bodywork to people with PTSD.
Background:  Graduate of the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts and the Chi Nei Tsang Institute. Taught Pre-Natal Massage at Tucson Medical Center. Taught Ayurvedic Theory & Ayurvedic Massage at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts. Aromatherapy Instructor in Tucson, Arizona. Studied Meditation & Ayurvedic Theory in India through Deepak Chopra.

Wynn Walter, LMT
Favorite Urban Services: East Indian Herbal Body Treatment & Hot Oil Massage, Turkish Rose Mini Facial, and Deep Tissue Massage.
Specialties & Training:  Prenatal Massage, Sports Massage & Hydrotherapy. Wynn is a certified Doula and graduate of the Atlanta School of Massage Clinical Program in Neuromuscular Therapy.
Background: Wynn has been with us for 4 years and a Massage Therapist for 7 years. She is looking forward to getting her Montesori Teacher Training.

Jim Stuff, LMT, NCBTM
Favorite Urban Services: Myofascial Release, Headache Massage & Urban Neck Massage.
Specialties & Training: John F. Barnes Myofascial Release (over 280 hours). Highly skilled in Sports Massage, Deep Tissue & Neuromuscular Massage.  Trained in Reflexology, Thai Massage & Lomi Lomi.
Background:  Jim graduated from the Georgia Career Institute. He has also been very active in our Community Outreach Initiative.

Krista Kramer, LMT, NMT, NCBTM
Favorite Urban Services: Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage & Turkish Rose Mini Facials
Specialties & Training:  Cranialsacral Therapy, Relexology, Sports Massage, Trigger Point Therapy & PNF Stretching.
Background:  Krista graduated from the Atlanta School of Massage. She holds a BS of Biology degree from UGA where she graduated cum laude.  Her background also includes home studies in Polarity Therapy & Accupressure.  Krista became interested in Massage after many years of studying dance.

Dondi Vickers, LNMT, NCBTM
Favorite Urban Services: Men's Massage & The Signature Massage
The 80 minute Hot Stone Massage is her absolute favorite!
Specialties & Training:  Deep Tissue Massage, Neuromuscular Massage, Pre-Natal Massage & advanced Hot Stone Massage Training. Dondi's also received training in Ayurvedic & Eastern Foot Massage Techniques.
Background:  Dondi graduated from the Georgia Mountain School of Massage with degrees in Massage Therapy & Neuromuscular Massage Therapy.

Suzy Fiorentino, NCBTMB
Favorite Urban Services: Aromatherapy Massage,
Asian Foot Massage, Mini Facials & The Urban Neck Massage
Specialties & Training:  Swedish Massage, Pre-Natal Massage,
Lymphatic Massage, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage & Ayurvedic Training.
Background:  Suzy studied Studio Art at the Atlanta College of Art. She is currently making independent films in the Athens area.

As featured in...

Our Testimonials:

I am a small business owner in Athens. My stress level is high, my time is limited and I love a good massage. Since discovering Urban Sanctuary the search for both me and my husband is over. And we have tried it all..from our first Spa Day on our Anniversary...to a Mother's Day Massage for our Moms...gifts for Family & Friends...to the regular Sunday afternoon sessions with Wesley...and the ULTIMATE birthday gift for me Queen for a Day. Exceptional & professional service, the best therapist & a most relaxing, non-intimidating atmosphere. Urban Sanctuary is the best...there is nothing that compares.

I have had massages in different Spas all over Atlanta, but I experienced the best massage I have ever had at Urban Sanctuary Spa. All the pressures and stress from everyday life & work completely dissipated within 30 minutes. I would without question choose to have a massage from Urban Sanctuary out of anywhere in Athens or Atlanta.

I have been coming to Urban Sanctuary for my headaches. The staff here is truly amazing. Within two hours of seeing Candice or Tina I am back to myself...a gift for someone who is used to being physically ill from headaches. This place and these people are incredible and definitely the place to go.

New to Athens, but not massage therapy I began searching for a therapist. My therapeutic needs stem from a head-on collision and the ongoing pain. After 20 years of massage therapy I had a idea of what a good spa and therapist was...little did I know Urban Sanctuary would redefine my standard of excellence for creating an environment focused on healing. The subtle yet intentional invitation is to relax and be pampered...hot tea, warm neck pillows, comfortable chairs, calming music & a staff trained to cater to your needs. It is obvious that owners Candice & Alan are dedicated professionals focused on continuous training for themselves and their staff. After a few sessions my pain level has decreased, my energy level has increased, and my mental clarity has improved. It is rare to find a group of individuals with the depth of training, experience and talent. I feel truly blessed to have this resource as part of our community.