As soon as the door of Iatria Day Spa opens, a relaxing atmosphere washes over the mind, body and soul.

Even the name Iatria — meaning the art of well-being — gives off a stress-free feel.

Classical music plays faintly in the background and quiet chitchat of clients and employees fills the air — not to mention soothing sounds of water flowing from the indoor fountain.

While walking to the massage table, the constant stress of everyday life begins to fade. Anticipation, worry and anxiety are now a foreign language — at least for an hour-long session, according to Anna Hubbard, a sophomore in psychology and assistant manager and client coordinator for Iatria.

“[Day spas] induce good health, well-being and relaxation,” Hubbard said.

Hubbard said she works with the customers scheduling appointments and keeping them happy during their experiences at the spa.

“It’s a very relaxing job and I enjoy working with people who care about well-being,” she said.

Leigh Tyler, a freshman in biological sciences and receptionist at Bella Trio Day Spa in Durham, said her customers are worry-free at the spa.

“I know a lot of doctors and lawyers get massages [at Bella Trio] to get away from stress at work. It’s relaxing,” she said.

Tyler said some general spa services offered include massages, facials, body treatments — mud and seaweed wraps — laser hair removal, manicures and pedicures, waxing and haircuts.

“Recently our hairstylists went to New York to do a conference for two to three days. We try to experience a lot of outside techniques to train and get ideas to bring back to our clients,” she said.

She said the atmosphere is one of the best things about the spa.

“We have relaxing outdoor kind of music playing. Even if you just get a manicure, it’s almost impossible to be in a bad mood afterwards,” Tyler said.

Kelly Russell, a junior in political science, said she is the manager of a different kind of spa in Albemarle, N.C.

“I work at Neon Beach Sun Spa. It’s not your traditional day spa,” Russell said.

She said her spa offers services such as tanning, airbrush tanning, manicures and pedicures, facials and makeup. This spa aims more at tanning than releasing some stress with a good back rub.

“I make sure that people can tan at certain levels, set appointments and that people are happy with the outcome of their service,” Russell said.

She said she likes the social aspect of her job, and especially the fact that she gets to talk to customers one-on-one to cheer them up before they go into their sessions.

“[The spa] is like a source of therapy. Some people go to a psychologist, but some people would rather relax. It just makes you feel better about yourself,” Russell said.

Some of the spas aren’t just for luxury. They also offer “med” services like acupuncture.

Hubbard said Iatria’s med-spa, which offers laser hair removal, helps her clients feel better about themselves as well.

“We have clients come in that have cancer, and [being at the spa] helps them to raise their self-esteem and get a better outlook on things,” she said.

Hubbard, Russell and Tyler all said they think day spas are worth the money invested.

“[Our services] do help a lot with back problems and spinal injuries. Even doctors say it benefits,” Hubbard said.

Russell said day spas are worth the money because relaxation is the first step to reducing stress.

“Plus, everyone needs to feel beautiful,” she said.

“It’s definitely worth the money,” Tyler said. “Even if you don’t go [to the spa] that often it helps students relax, even if they’re just getting their nails done.”

However Anna Godwin, a junior in textile engineering, said investing her money into day spa services is not worth it.

“I wouldn’t spend my money at a day spa because it’s a one-time thing. I’d rather spend my money on a physical item to enjoy,” she said.

Hubbard said regardless of the fact that spa services come with a price tag, day spas allow college students to pamper themselves and clear their minds.

“It gives them a break, because [college] students really need one,” she said.

Tyler said most students choose to go to day spas before or after exams or tests to relieve stress.

“The best part — the social scene is relaxed too, especially after people have their service,” she said.

Russell said going to a spa is a great way for students to relax and take a break from the hectic college lifestyle.

“Plus if you’re going to a party or something, you’ve got that good feeling about yourself before you go out,” she said.