Yellowknife (Feb 18/04) - D'Orient Spa has been open for close to three weeks now, and owner Melody But is excited about what lies ahead.

But has over nine years experience in the skin and body care industry. She worked at Colour Works five years ago as their first esthetician and has since managed three spas in Hong Kong.

But holds numerous qualifications, including international diplomas from Comite International D'esthetique et de Cosmetologie (CIDESCO), as well as from the International Therapy Exam Council (ITEC). "Basically what that means is that I can go anywhere in the world and work in my trade," said But.

"I came back to Canada to be near my brother and my aunt. Both own businesses here in Yellowknife."

"I think business will be good. We're offering therapeutic skin care, massage, manicures and pedicures and all-natural botanicals," she said.

D'Orient Spa features theme rooms: a Japanese Room, a Thai Room, an Indonesian Room and a Chinese Room.

"It's so cold and dry here, I like to keep it humid like in Asia," said But while sitting beside a humidifier.