VALDOSTA — The six story federal judicial complex isn’t the only new institution rising at downtown’s northern border along North Ashley Street. Those downtowners stressed from a long day in the office, or even children looking for a new experience, will find solace, serenity and relaxation at The Spa And Salon on Ashley.

Owner Marla Bishop joined director Krystal Maldonado to offer a tour of this metropolitan styled, state-of-the-art equipped salon that’s tucked in west of Ashley just across the street from what will be the judicial center’s parking lot. (It’s just north of the Kid’s Chance, just south of Southern Stationery at 306 N. Ashley St.)

Bishop, coincidentally, is not the “Marla” of Marla’s Salon on Baytree Road. She has 17 years of experience in the specialized field, worked as a partner at Lemongrass Day Spa in Valdosta before opening the downtown spa in January.

“I wanted the opportunity to be able to offer more services for our clients,” Bishop said.

The Spa and Salon’s menu of services is lengthy, from pedicures, manicures, massages, hair cuts, coloring and styling to skin care and much more. The salon’s 5,000 square feet are elegantly decorated in European flavors with a hint of Asian thrown in, piped with stereo sounds of soothing classical and new age melodies. Walls of warm, tiered wood panels line walls, and everything from the rugs and furniture to the candles and recessed lighting make this tour a relaxing endeavor for visitor or client.

“Soothe your soul and enjoy the many peaceful and calming amenities we offer,” states a brochure on the spa. “Indulge your senses with the fragrance of glowing scented candles and the warmth of southern hospitality.”

Very uniquely, this salon is equipped to entertain and treat children too. There literally is a entire section zoned out as The Kid’s Spa, Salon and Studio. Bishop is somewhat of an expert in salon features and treatment for children. She is the founder of Totsage Massage For Kids.

So the Kid’s Spa has its own Totsage therapy room where children have their own lotions, books to read for boys and girls, and next month, a larger room will be used for Yoga and Totsage classes where each child is taught how to de-stress.

“We teach them at an early age not to internalize their stress through breathing and relaxation techniques,” Bishop said.

She told Massage Bodywork Magazine in its March/April 2008 edition, “As a therapist for nine years and working with a lot of pain management and stress related disorders, I have found that most people never learned as children to breathe, let go, and relax.”

Bishop also is the makeover specialist for Monday Morning Makeover with Tristan Sanders, a show that reaches the viewing area of WCTV Channel 6 in Tallahassee. The shows’ contestants are brought to Valdosta so Bishop’s team can work their amazing magic. Other downtown businesses have gotten into the fun through a networking effort initiated by Bishop’s salon. The Flavor of New Orleans has offered meals, and Central 109 offered an outfit. The combined welcome mat makes for an unforgettable visit to Downtown Valdosta. Bishop’s expertise is evident in the layout of the spa’s floor plan. Meandering dimly lit hallways lead to beautiful massage rooms, many with various forms of running water fountains, where men and women can get pedicures, facials, manicures, spa treatments and a multitude of service. Masseurs are state licensed professional practitioners, well qualified to perform popular body treatments like exfoliation.

All guests have the option of changing into Kashwere, robes and spa garments found at 5-star resorts and have even found the favor of Oprah. There’s lockers for storing guest items and the Kashwere towels and garments for staff to manage.

There’s a “couples suite” where mother-daughter or friend or husband and wife can enjoy the services together in privacy. Moody personnel who are about to be deployed or who are returning often come in for send-offs or welcome homes.

A larger room can be converted into a spa suite for bridal parties where several clients can be treated at once.

Near the Yoga Totsage room is a great feature soon to be offered — a smoothie coffee bar. Guests can pick up their favorite beverage there and take a walk out back, where the spa will install a streetscape-like cafe setting of tables and chairs for outdoor lounging. The salon uses Aquage hair care products.