From getting prepped for Thanksgiving to ultimately working ourselves into a frenzy before Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year's, this season is all about the hustle and bustle.

Often we become so wrapped up in creating the perfect dinner, getting the home ready for visitors and finding the perfect gifts for everyone else, that we forget to take the time for ourselves.

With this in mind, if you're struggling to find the ultimate gift for the person who thinks of everyone but themselves – give the gift of relaxation and tranquility. In the Spa City what better way is there to treat the most important people on your shopping list than with a gift of relaxation at one of the many unique and luxurious spas in town.

“Giving a gift certificate for a spa treatment is not only an easy gift, but it is the perfect gift for the individual who won't treat themselves,” said Amy Snider, owner of Spa Cascada. “Many people would never splurge on a spa treatment for themselves. There are men and women out there that are good about taking care of themselves, but those who aren't typically are the ones who need it. Plus it helps get them ready for the holidays, looking and feeling better about themselves.”

Before you pick a spa though, do your research and find the spa that is right for the gift recipient.

What qualities would he or she most want for their experience, a small or large spa, personalized service, specific treatments, would one spa's sense of style appeal more to her or him than another? Once you've decided on the spa, don't be afraid to ask for treatment recommendations with the specific recipient in mind to tailor the gift certificate to what would suit him or her best.

Cascada, which Snider opened in 2005, was heavily influenced and enhanced by the two years she spent in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. When she first opened, Snider wanted to focus on medical-grade, result oriented skin care, but in a spa, tranquil atmosphere. As it has grown, she has added new products and services, many of which she finds from conferences around the country.

“Even starting out as a smaller spa, my main objective was to bring treatments and different services and products to the area that you can't necessarily get in a smaller town. I wanted to bring a bit of New York City into the area,” said Snider. Her most recent addition is Intraceudicals Oxygen Treatments, a big trend right now in the Hollywood set.

“It's an amazing treatment because it has instant results, which in skin care doesn't always happen. Oxygen is the top trend for this year in skin care and it is just nice being able to bring it into Saratoga.”

While Cascada's trademark treatments are its facials, it also offers body treatments, sunless tanning, makeup services, brow and lash treatments including extensions, tinting and eyelash perms.

Snider notes that she has found that once a client comes in for a facial for the first time, they typically remain a client. She attributes this to the amount of treatment and massage that is involved in each facial.

“We really take the time to incorporate good skin care with relaxation. Most clients walk out of the room after a facial and feel like they're a different person. And that's what we're looking for because we strive for good skin care but at the same time they should feel completely rejuvenated once they leave.”

Cascada's clientèle is 90 percent female, but Snider hopes to continue building on the male base.

“I think many men are starting to become a little bit more open to spa services. Then, as soon as they come in and realize how enjoyable it is they kind of let their guard down.”

For the holiday season, Spa Cascada will offer 10 percent off all gift certificates which are available by dollar amount of for specific services, packages and personalized packages. Snider also notes she plans on creating new packages for the holiday season, as well as bringing in spa gift sets.

“A small gift pack can be a great stocking stuffer for the people in your life,” said Snider. “Whether it is makeup, candles, lotions or different body products, it can bring a little bit of the spa experience into your home.”

Spa Cascada shares space with Sage Yoga at 8 Phila St., though Snider notes they may be looking to move and expand in the near future. It is is open Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 542-0602 or logon to the Spa Cascada Web site at www.spacascada.com.