Cavana Ridge in Severn offers slice of serenity in challenging times

When began turning customers away due to an overabundance of business, owners Joanne and Lee Johnston knew the time had come to grow to better meet the rising demand.

The local couple have done just that with the recent opening of Cavana Ridge in a repurposed building that boasts double the floor space.

“Because of how we reconfigured the nature of the setup of this business, it has allowed us to triple the business opportunity,” Lee Johnston told Simcoe.com.

Formerly based out of a century home on Mississauga Street West, the local operation has relocated to a rural site on Burnside Line in Severn Township.

An existing building that previously housed a water-testing business underwent extensive renovations and an expansion that saw it transformed into the picture of luxury the couple had envisioned.

Designed by Madison Taylor with a Parisian/Mediterranean flair and old-world influences, the new spa and salon sports contoured windows, archways, gold accents, and high-end finishes of marble and stone.

Bringing this oasis of serenity to fruition was not cheap, or easy – all told, the project rang in at approximately $4 million, including the renovation and property purchase.

“The fact that we did this whole thing during a pandemic was incredibly stressful and nerve wracking,” said Johnston, who praises family and friends for their support. “We are just happy we are now open.”

While the pandemic has presented its share of hurdles – forcing a months-long shutdown at the original Orillia location, even as construction was underway on the new salon and spa – the couple is realizing something of a silver lining in all of this upheaval.

Clients who pre-pandemic might have indulged in a cruise or other vacation getaway are increasingly booking what Johnston refers to as “authentic spa” services.

“Facial treatments, full body massage, body therapies – things to feel relaxed and something that is perceived as a real treat,” he added.

The Johnstons have doubled the business’s staffing levels to meet demand and now employ approximately 34 people.

“I still have the small-business mentality, but certainly the business itself is growing,” Lee said.

Cavana Ridge is located at .

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