1. Executive Summary
Stoney Springs- A Wellness Playground and Botanical Farm is envisioned as a unique, socially engaging wellness destination set in Leelanau county. Combining spa services, a botanical
garden, and locally inspired design, the facility will offer a fresh take on traditional wellness centers with a focus on natural materials, locally grown ingredients and live music events.
2. Spa Experience
A dynamic, open, and social environment where guests can enjoy spa treatments in a setting
that feels both relaxing and vibrant.
Services include:
●Hot soaking pool
●Cold plunge pool
●Sauna
●Steam room
●Massage treatments in dedicated rooms
●Occasional live acoustic and full band music events
-Botanical & Product Line
An on-site flower and botanical farm will grow herbs such as lavender, peppermint, mint, chamomile, rosemary and calendula. These will be used in house for creating massage oils, body lotions, and a line of signature bath salts that incorporate botanicals and local stone elements.
-Social Environment:
Emphasizing a “wellness playground” vibe, the facility will encourage social interaction with occasional live music, communal areas and an overall atmosphere that’s open and fun rather than strictly meditative.
3. Facilities and Design
●Spa Area:
The main spa space will be housed in a Quonset hut structure featuring:
●Wide-open windows at the front to invite natural light.
●A design that retains the spacious, airy character of the Quonset while integrating
modern wellness features.
.●Finished cement floors (with a thin, natural cement covering) that complement the
industrial yet organic aesthetic.
●Connected Building for Support Services:
Adjacent to the Quonset hut, a building will contain:
- A check-in area
- 2 Massage rooms
- Bathroom and changing facilities
This structure will share the same dark metal exterior and natural finish materials as the spa to ensure a cohesive look.
●Materials and Aesthetic Details:
-Exterior and Flooring:
Dark metal exteriors paired with finished cement floors for an industrial yet natural look.
- Wood Accents:
Incorporation of wood in furniture (with accents reminiscent of cedar from the spa’s sauna) and
vertical wood paneling on the building’s front. Natural-finished decks (one small at the front, one large at the back) will use locally sourced or reclaimed wood.
●Local Stone Elements:
- Petoskey Stone:
Incorporated wall accents (polished for enhanced pattern visibility), used in signage, and as subtle design elements throughout.
- Leland Blues (slag stones)
Randomly scattered around tubs and in select areas to add a cool contrast and highlight the
local geology.
●Views and Layout Considerations
With the property offering countryside and rolling vineyard views, the design will aim to maximize these vistas. The spa’s
back patio is envisioned to overlook the lake- ideal for guests emerging from a cold plunge, while remaining mindful of privacy. Approximately 2 acres will be cleared for the spa, with the remainder preserved for eventual private residential construction behind the business area.
4. Property Details and Development
●Location:A 4 acre lot in Suttons Bay Michigan-a highly sought-after area.
●Current status:
The land was a previous farm, so is totally cleared and no tree removal necessary.
●Financial Considerations:
Listed at $128,999. Opportunity to negotiate a lower price and potentially secure a small land
contract with the right cash offer.
●Zoning and Use
Zoned as an agricultural/residential, necessitating the inclusion of a farm element. The botanical
garden and herb farm will satisfy this requirement while enhancing the brand and product line.
5. Branding, Packaging, and Marketing
●Business Name and Identity
“Stoney Springs- A Wellness Playground and Botanical Farm” reflects the blend of natural, stone-inspired design with a fun, social wellness environment.
●Packaging and Signage:
-Labels and packaging will merge botanical motifs with stone/rock textures.
-Emphasis on a natural aesthetic that incorporates the look of local stones (like the Petoskey
stone) and organic elements.
-The business sign will incorporate actual stone elements highlighting the Petoskey stone’s
unique beauty to reinforce the local connection.
●Marketing and Events:
-Begin with occasional live acoustic performances to create an inviting atmosphere.
-Explore more regular events (e.g., weekly or monthly live band performances) as the business
grows.
-Leverage local ingredients and design elements to build a strong local brand that stands out in
a competitive wellness market.
6. Pricing and Numbers
-$70 for a 90 minute spa session
- Capacity for 20-25 people at a time
- Open from 9am- 9pm 6 days a week
- Massage Pricing:
$100 for 60 mins
$125 for 75 mins
$150 for 90 mins
7. Future Outlook
As the business evolves, there is potential to expand the live events schedule, refine the botanical product lines (including bath salts and essential oils), and further integrate sustainable, locally sourced materials in both the facility and product offerings. Continuous evaluation after the initial property visit will help refine the layout to maximize views.
A little about me:
I have been a licensed Massage Therapist for over 12 years, and have run my own private practice for 9 of those years. I grew up in Traverse City, MI, moved to Portland, OR, for 10 years, then moved home in 2021. So much has changed about northern Michigan in the years I was away. With beautiful Lake Michigan and prime real estate opportunities, we’re seeing a lot more out of state people moving here. People who are used to having wellness at their fingertips. There is NOTHING available in this area, so I am extremely confident my business will do well. Suttons Bay/ Traverse City is also a huge tourist destination. Other businesses that have popped up in the countryside are always PACKED in the summer. I’ve been dreaming of how to expand my business and set up a comfortable future for myself, and this concept hit me like a ton of bricks. I desperately want to make this happen, and I am HIGHLY motivated. Through my clients, I have local connections with virtually everyone I need to make this happen, i.e., zoning, builders, landscapers, electricians etc. It would be amazing to get this up and going before the busy summer! I appreciate you greatly for considering to invest in my dream and future!