PORT GAMBLE — The Spa at Port Gamble owner Carol Etherington has found that some believe the historic town is still a quiet area with little to offer since the sawmill shut down in 1995.

But for the past three years, the town’s managers have been trying to change that image and Etherington’s business is helping in a healthy way.

Located in House 10 on Rainier Avenue, The Spa at Port Gamble, which opened in December 2004, provides various services including hair cuts, styles and coloring, massages, skin care, nail care, makeup, waxing, tinting and “champagne” baths.

The latter feature is one of Etherington’s favorite services — an oversized bathtub with 160 small hot air jets that create champagne-like bubbles.

“It’s better than a Jacuzzi,” she said. “The personal attention they will receive, they just can’t get at home.”

Because the home is one of the town’s historic buildings, built in 1871, there was quite a bit of work that went into remodeling it. Layers upon layers of wallpaper were removed and a partial foundation was poured to solidify the structure’s original foundation that consists of 3-foot-by-3-foot wooden beams. The first floor, which originally had of two rooms, has been split into six smaller rooms for spa services.

Two of the massage rooms are connected by folding doors, so each can be private or two people receiving treatments together can do so with the door open.

There is a lounge where clients can relax on an overstuffed couch with magazines or peruse the resource library on healthy living and enjoy snacks and beverages.

The new interior has an earthy feel to it, with warm green, off-white and terra cotta-colored walls, complimented with hardwood floors, white trim and soft lighting.

But even with the improvements, the home is still very historic. The original fir hardwood floors were retained in the massage rooms and there are original light fixtures in several of the rooms. The fireplace in the reception area is also original to the house.

“It’s a classic, American-looking home,” Etherington said. “That’s what I want my clients to be coming to.”

The second floor is not open for use of the spa, however, Etherington plans to fix it up to provide additional space for services as the business grows.

Etherington has been a licensed massage therapist for 16 years and a skin care specialist for six years. Other technicians employed are massage therapist Rachel West and hairstylist and nail technician LeAnne Burrow-Parypa. Amy Reynolds and Roxanne O’Brien are the receptionists and Brian Eckerle is the facilities manager.

Since opening in December, business has been steady.

“We’re pleased. We’re definitely pleased,” Etherington said.

Aside from using state of the art products and providing an at-home feeling, she said she believes clients can come to Port Gamble for more than just body care.

“There is a lot more to do here than just come to the spa,” Etherington said.

Clients can make a day of it by getting a spa treatment, shopping in the town’s boutiques and antique stores, visiting the historical sites, eating at the General Store or indulging in high tea.

“We’re not out of the way, we’re out of this world,” Etherington said.