Husband-and-wife team Damien Zouaoui and Jessica French had the right idea when opening Oakwell Beer Spa, formerly known as The Beer Spa. Now, they anticipate a second location in Highlands Ranch, which will open in fall 2024.
“We have been looking for about a year now, specifically for a place that targets south Denver,” French said. “What I am really excited about is the increased capacity for the taproom, and we are having a patio, which will be new for us.”
The original Beer Spa opened in 2021 at 3004 Downing St. The premise revolves around a rotating tap list of local brews, a lineup that’s included Longmont’s Left Hand Brewing, Loveland’s Verboten Brewing and Denver’s Great Divide. It changes every month, and the brewery featured also affects the ingredients in the giant soaking bomb used to infuse the two-person tubs in the treatment rooms.
Not that you have to book a room in order to enjoy a pint of beer or glass of Infinite Monkey Theorem Wine, also served on tap along with locally made kombucha and a hard cider. In fact, said French, the Five Points taproom constantly fills up with people looking for a drink and possibly a turn in the zero-gravity massage chair. This casual culture is exactly why Oakwell is heading to Highlands Ranch — that and the data Zouaoui collected showing the second most popular area from which visitors came to the spa was that area (the first being right where they are located).
“We were talking to some of those [southern] guests, they said there weren’t many reasons to come downtown, and 45 minutes is a long drive for people, and maybe you’re having a few beers and Uber-ing home,” said French, who hopes a closer location will bring them in more often. “Plus, we really want to offer a space where, maybe if they don’t have time to book a private beer room, they can walk over and have a beer.”
As for the name change, that was always in the cards, added Zouaoui. The couple knew they wanted to expand and have plans to franchise the concept, showcasing local beer wherever the spas are located.
For them, the name Beer Spa felt too generic given the growth of beer-focused spas in Europe, and copycat spas they anticipate popping up. The name Oakwell, said the couple, speaks to the powerful oak tree, mirrored by the wood panels decorating the spa, as well as the oak barrels used to age some beers in. The “well” aspect comes from wellness, the whole point of Oakwell Beer Spa.
“We wanted something to fit the vibe and culture, and it took a year, but we landed on a name that we are super excited about, as well as the brand and logos,” said French. The concept of a beer spa, she added, “is something that’s definitely growing in popularity.”
The new space, at 6660 Timberline Road, Suite 100, in Highlands Ranch, runs some 3,400 square feet, including an 867-square-foot patio. Four Beer Therapy Rooms are planned, as well as five zero-gravity massage chairs.
The patio not only gives an outdoor space to the spa, but also acts as an extension of the taproom, allowing more room for guests to grab a pint before or after a treatment, or even just stop by for a drink. Another boon to the new spa, the tubs will be larger, accommodating three people instead of the first spa’s smaller tubs that fit two. The same garage door wall will be installed so larger groups can toast to relaxation together.
