I booked this spa via a Groupon special that was too good to refuse: a custom express facial, body scrub, and massage for two for $189- Especially since this spa was located within walking distance of my home.
I called to book my appointment on a Thursday, looking for a Saturday appt and figuring the upcoming Saturday would be booked, offered 3 possible Saturdays in the future. At the time, the gentleman on the phone mentioned that they did have availability and I was excited to book for that weekend. I received a text message shortly after my phone call to confirm the appt. Unfortunately, what the gentleman was trying to tell me (there was a bit of an accent that made it slightly difficult to understand via phone) was that while there wasn't availability on the first Saturday, there was for that Sunday. Which had I actually read the text confirmations, I would have seen.
Can you tell where this is going?
Fast forward to that Saturday morning, freshly showered and excitedly entering the lovely spa with my girl friend to jump into our spa day.
Said gentleman was besides himself for the misunderstanding- which was my fault for not reading the text confirmation fully. While we did have to slink back home that morning, he said that he would add a "surprise" to our package when we returned in 2 weeks time.
After arriving, we were led into a changing room. The location is beautifully decorated, serene, and again, literally within walking distance of my home. I would have preferred a longer robe- theirs are half robes that come to the knee. As I am comfortable being fully unclothed during treatments, sitting around in a short robe did leave me feeling slightly exposed.
My first treatment was an express facial with Veera. She was elegant, professional, and very adept at her work- the treatment was so relaxing and thorough that I can't wait to return and enjoy a full offering. She even noticed that I was breaking out on my chest and recommended that I spray my perfume in alternate places to see if this helped clear up the irritation.
Back in the relaxation room (which had plenty of blankets to cover my exposed legs that the robe did not) I enjoyed hot tea. They also offered a dry sauna to warm up in prior to and after treatments if desired.
My next two treatments were administered by Aliana. The first was a body scrub. Now I have had scrubs in the past where you get buffed with a sugar lotion mixture, then washed and lubed up. This was entirely different. THEY MEAN BUSINESS. Using what felt like a pair of shower scrubby gloves, I was dry scrubbed..thoroughly. After, my skin was moistened and then re-scrubbed with the aforementioned exfoliating scrub. It is not for the faint of heart- It is cold. It is scrubbing you to within an inch of your nerves. It is going to set your teeth on edge..BUT.. I WALKED OUT OF THAT SPA HYDROPHOBIC. I was so baby's butt smooth that water sprayed on my body would have beaded and run off. For HOURS after, I found myself rubbing my own legs, astonished at how silky my skin was. So- buyer beware if you are overly sensitive, but I know that I'll be back for that again. I mean, it's nowhere near as extreme as getting your hiney waxed.
After having the top layers of scratchy skin removed, Aliana provided a massage that was probably more spot on that many previous experiences. She specifically asked me where she should focus and what issues I was having. While slight in build, she knows how to use her hands, elbows, and leverage to make sure she gets into tight muscles so that you can TELL you've been masseused.
Once the official spa treatments were complete, I found out what my special extra was: a Siberian Bochka treatment! Conducted by Sasha in the sauna, this had to be one of the more unusual treatments I have ever received. After donning some very haute disposable undies, I laid in the sauna while Sasha stood between me and the heater. He had a huge bouquet of Oak leaves soaking in a bucket that he removed and set aside to slightly dry. After anointing various pressure points with honey (!?) he smacked me with the oak bouquet. Repeatedly. Really.
Noting that it's good for the reduction of cellulite, this aromatic treatment is certainly something everyone should try once. And honestly, the wonderfully, Russian Sasha is a peach to have as a technician.
After this last treatment I was presented with a tray of fruit, hot tea, and a glass of wine- but assured by Sasha that traditionally, "Good sauna end with vodka!"
10/10 Would visit again
TL:DR- Go experience this spa!! read more