Varuna: The Salon of Sensory Experiences

Worries and stress fade away as you enter Varuna Aveda Salon Spa’s inviting atmosphere.

By Kathy Knotts

From the moment you walk into Varuna Aveda Salon Spa in Annapolis, you can sense that you’re in for a special experience. Varuna is a sanctuary where sensory experiences come alive. From high-touch treatments to memorable aromas, Varuna offers a unique and almost spiritual atmosphere that goes beyond the typical salon spa experience. Founded by Rebecca and Riccardo Santoro in 2007, this family-owned eco-friendly business believes in the power of human connection, happiness, and the rejuvenating qualities of self-care. 

Rooted in Ayurvedic Principles

At Varuna, every aspect of the salon and spa is designed with Ayurvedic principles and elements in mind. Immediately upon entering, guests are greeted with an intriguing aroma—some call it The Aveda Smell. The result is a peaceful and calming atmosphere that offers clients an instant sense of tranquility. By embracing these ancient principles, Varuna creates an environment where clients can connect with themselves and experience more than just a haircut, facial, or a massage.

Varuna offers a wide range of services, including haircuts, color, hair and scalp treatments, makeup, lashes and brow care, facials, massages, body treatments, and wellness services like craniosacral work, reiki, and aromatherapy. Their dedication to high-quality expertise is evident through their staff, many of whom have worked on movies, television shows, runways, and fashion events. Varuna ensures that every service is tailored to each client’s specific needs, creating a unique and personalized experience.

“Beauty is not painted on the outside. It comes from the inside out,” says Rebecca. “And that’s what our goal is. Because if we can ground you in confidence and remind you of how special and wonderful you are, then we’ve done our job.”

Varuna’s affiliation with the Aveda brand stems from their shared beliefs and mission. Aveda, an all-natural, plant-derived hair and skincare company, aligns with Varuna’s commitment to using natural products and providing eco-friendly services. This partnership began 19 years ago when Aveda approached Varuna to create a co-branded lifestyle salon. While Varuna primarily uses Aveda products and color, they also incorporate some small indie product lines based on customer suggestions.

One of the highlights of Varuna’s services is the attention given to sensory experiences. Varuna understands the power of scents and uses them strategically throughout treatments to deepen relaxation and create a profound connection with the client. By customizing services based on each individual’s preferences and using the principles of Ayurveda, Varuna guarantees a tailor-made and unforgettable experience for every client.

“We complete an extensive questionnaire with guests before services,” says Rebecca. “This way we can suggest customized add-ons and options, like maybe a massage with CBD oil, or our Stress Fix products. I think it surprises some people—but there is only one you and we want to give you what you need.”

The Varuna Family

While Varuna may not have the Santoro name on display, it is undoubtedly a family business, and includes Riccardo’s sister Lucia as the Director of Operations and sought after massage therapist. “We were married at St. Mary’s,” says Rebecca Santoro. “When Aveda approached us, we said we didn’t want to do anything unless it was going to be in Annapolis.”

Annapolis is where the Santoros’ love story began, and Rebecca says the business is a love story, too.

“My husband and I met at culinary school in Baltimore and we were both late for class and ended up in the back of the room and were paired up for a project and have been inseparable since that day. We’ve been married 30 years.”

So why were Rebecca and Ricardo in culinary school? “Our families wanted us to open restaurants. That’s kind of always the Italian dream, to open a restaurant in America, you know? But we fell in love with the beauty industry instead.”

Ricardo and Lucia’s Sicilian father was a pioneer of sorts in the salon industry. “He cut hair with fire,” Rebecca says. “He was even on Ripley’s Believe it or Not and in People magazine. So maybe it’s in the DNA to work in this industry.”

Lucia and the Santoro children were instrumental in the creation and growth of Varuna. Their staff is also considered an integral part of the Varuna family. With a strong emphasis on these familial bonds, Varuna creates a supportive and nurturing environment for staff and clients.

“Varuna was born at the kitchen table;” Rebecca says, “Lucia and the kids helped us dream it into being including naming it after the Vedic god of water. Now it doesn’t belong to us anymore; it belongs to everybody in the community, staff and guests.”

“It’s the ripple effect,” says Rebecca. “You take care of a woman and if she didn’t feel great when she arrived, she leaves feeling wonderful and beautiful. And that’s our goal. That woman now goes home and can feel like a better wife, a better mother, a better friend. This salon is full of talented artists—this is our art—let us take care of you.”