Relax and unwind at the most luxurious spa in Michigan. We provide the total spa experience by paying tribute to the beautiful people and environment of the Upper Peninsula. Let us introduce you to our staff and give you a virtual tour of what to look forward to at the Drift Spa.
Lobby
As you come off the elevators onto the 2nd floor of the hotel Palm tower, you will enter the Oasis of the spa.
Front Desk
Welcome to your Drift Spa destination where your total spa experience awaits.
Salon
All hair and nail care services are offered in the Salon.
Birch Room
The Birch room is one of two single massage therapy rooms. Massage services such as our Drift Away, Therapeutic and Hot Stone treatments can also be customized and upgraded to include aromatherapy and/or yoga balm products.
Cedar Room
The Cedar room is a special room for independent services or couples receiving services together. This deluxe room can be combined with the Maple room to relax and enjoy each other’s company. To book this room, choose any two of our massage services and get a complimentary upgrade.
Maple Room
The Maple room can be used for solo services or in combination with the Cedar room for couples massage services. In the Maple room you can enjoy facials, body treatments. and massage therapy. Whether you prefer a solo treatment or enjoy relaxing with a partner, the Maple room will certainly suit your needs.
Tranquility Room
The Tranquility room is your space to relax as you wait for your service provider. Here you will have access to our complimentary amenities such as tea, infused lemon water and nuts.
Pedicure Stations
Relax your tired feet in our jetted pedicure tubs. If you just need an express service or you have the time for that extra pamper, choose a special featured scent, let us exfoliate and renew your feet before you go. Jets are removed, cleaned and sprayed to the highest sanitation standard.
Locker Rooms
Lockers rooms are available for both women and men. Equipped for each client is a locker to store and lock any personal items. Shower rooms are also available fully equipped with shampoo, conditioner and body wash in dispensers. Extra amenities such as razors, shaving cream, comb, brushes and female products are easily accessible.
Pool
Our salt water pool also includes a hot tub and sauna where you have full access with any service (excluding Salon services) $55 or more during spa hours. Stay in the Island Hotel for spa after hour access (must 18+ to enter pool room).
Our Amazing Staff
Kara
Spa Director
Kara has been with the Island Resort and Casino since September 2011. Prior to transferring her attention to the Spa in 2018, she worked in the Hotel and Marketing departments. Kara earned her degree in Hospitality Management and certification in Spa and Wellness Management at UCI. Her background stems from growing up in Hawaii, focusing on travel and tourism by working in hotel retail shops and as a Polynesian performer at luau shows. Following high school Kara moved to Marysville, WA and worked under direction of the Tulalip Tribe. Once educated in tribal governance and gaming at the Everett Community and Northwest Indian College, she moved to Snoqualmie to work as a Night Audit Manager at Salish Lodge and Spa, then finally settled in Escanaba, MI. Kara loves bringing new and innovative ideas to the Spa while ensuring the traditional wellness rituals stay alive.
Whitney
Assistant Manager
Whitney has been with the Drift Spa since its opening date of April 2016. She is a 2012 graduate of the Renaissance Academy of Beauty. With her 10+ years of experience, Whitney knows all aspects of the trade, especially in regards to client relations. As a local to the area, she values community and makes connections with every customer she meets. Whitney loves all aspects of her profession, especially ensuring guests are pampered to give them the total spa experience.
Anna
Cosmetologist/Nail Technician
Anna is a 2024 graduate of the cosmetology program at Northern Michigan University. She was inspired to pursue cosmetology from an early age, and has always loved all things beauty. Anna loves being able to make others feel confident and beautiful, and also enjoys the many connections that are made when taking on new clients.
Alex
Nail Technician/Esthetician
Alex is a 2014 graduate of the Renaissance Academy of Beauty in Escanaba. Her specialties at the Drift Spa include pedicures, manicures, facials, and body treatments. Alex cites her inspiration for entering her field as a love for helping people feel confident in themselves. Her favorite parts of her job include helping people find self-confidence, and the excitement of learning new things in the ever-revolving industry.
Aliesha
Esthetician / Makeup Artist / Waxologist
2015 graduate of Paul Mitchell school in Escanaba, MI. Aliesha has been an Esthetician for the Drift Spa since 2019. Her knowledge in aesthetics comes from specializing in dermatology in Marquette. She continued her journey in her field by training in body waxing and earned her certifications in makeup artistry with airbrushing, lash and brow tinting, brow lamination, lash perming, sunless spray tanning, and as a certified Hydrafacialist. Aliesha’s most enjoyable part about her job is seeing results and making her clients feel beautiful. “Each skin type is so different, being able to customize treatments and see a transformation is rewarding.”
Allen
Massage Therapist/Lymphedema Certified
Allen is a second-generation massage therapist that grew up in a spa environment and developed a passion for self care. He is interested in various areas of massage therapy, and the benefits that it can have on the body. Allen enjoys helping his clients overcome physical ailments through the power of massage, and finds himself most comfortable in the relaxing environment the Drift Spa provides.
Andie
Massage Therapist/Lymphedema Certified
Andie is a 2024 graduate of the Five Elements Integrative Therapy Academy in Houghton, Michigan. She is a second-generation massage therapist, and drew her inspiration to take up the craft from her mother. Andie enjoys the atmosphere of a spa environment, and finds the Drift Spa to be a calming place filled with positive people. She enjoys seeing the impact massage therapy can have on clients lives, and has a particular knack for deep tissue massage!
Dana
Nail Technician/Esthetician
Dana has over 5 years experience as a nail technician following her education at the PM School of Cosmetology arts and Sciences in Escanaba. This, combined with her esthetics education from the Academy of Beauty Professionals in Green Bay WI and following two years of experience as an esthetician provide her with a solid foundation of knowledge in her fields. Dana cites her inspiration for going into her line of work as wanting to help people in a unique way. She loves her work, and does not feel that her career feels like a job at all, but a hobby.
Darla
Cosmetologist / Massage Therapist
Hometown girl of Powers, MI, Darla went to school at North Central High. She was first inspired to go into the field of Cosmetology when she studied under a local hairdresser during her Junior and Senior year of high school. She graduated from a cosmetology school in Green Bay in ’87 and returned to her hometown to work. When a Chiropractor came in, Darla was then motivated to move into Massage Therapy where she graduated from the Marquette School of Massage in ‘05. She has then continued to provide many services under her license and profession in skin care. Darla always knew that no matter what services that she would offer, it was always with the intention of helping people be happy while looking and feeling good.
Jamie
Massage Therapist
Jamie is a 2022 Graduate of the Five Elements Academy in Houghton, MI. Her passion for massage therapy stems from an interest in natural and holistic healing . Jamie loves to encourage self love and self care and has found a career where she can help clients connect with their own mind, body, and spirit. Her areas of expertise include working out trigger points and sore muscles. She loves to provide her clients an environment where they can be comfortable enough to drift into slumber, and takes pride in being a part of the mental and physical relief massage provides.
Kaitlyn
Cosmetologist/Bridal Stylist
Kaitlyn is a graduate of the PM School of Cosmetology in Escanaba, MI. From a young age, she developed a passion for the beauty industry, despite coming from a farming family. Kaitlyn feels that cosmetology is her calling. She especially enjoys bridal and event styling, and finds joy in sharing such an important and memorable day for her clients. Kaitlyn loves making her clients, especially brides, feel beautiful and confident!
Samantha
Esthetician / Lash Specialist / Makeup Artist
Samantha is a 2020 Graduate from the Arizona School of Cosmetology and licensed through the state of Michigan. She went to school to become a lash extension artist and quickly fell in love with skincare, waxing and brow/lash tinting. Samantha started with the Drift Spa as a spa coordinator, familiarizing and educating herself with booking appointments and a wide range of knowledge with products and all other services. She has quickly moved into being a service provider while also adding a new service to the spa with her expertise in Lash Extensions. She enjoys learning new things and strives for perfection.
Experience the Drift Spa
If it is your first time at Drift Spa, please take a moment to read our Policies & F.A.Qs. to know what to expect.
All Float Therapy guests will be asked to complete the Float Therapy Liability Waiver prior to services upon arrival.