Edit: The main manager called and had me and my daughter back in. Senior technicians redid our…read morenails and everyone was very nice. Gave us gift bags! They look Great now!!

I have yet to find a spa that offers the same wide range of services. The staff are beyond…read morefriendly, and have created an environment that encourages you to stay and enjoy yourself. Offering small things like desserts, tea and a many samples of their products. I will never be able to visit another spa again. Did I mention they are also dog friendly?

Spas in the Halifax area are a dime a dozen. There's one on every corner; often they're across the…read morestreet from one another. So how do you choose the right one for you? I'll be honest, my spa experiences are limited. Being a country gal, I'd sooner be at a truck pull then having my toe nails painted. However, now and then, everyone needs to spoil themselves. I was nervous about my first facial at Mudwraps to Manicures. As someone that doesn't pay particular attention to their skin, I viciously exfoliated and moisturized the week before my appointment. Like when you try to trick your dentist into thinking you take care of your teeth by flossing furiously before your yearly appointment. But they know, they know.... I had a stereotypical image of a spa in my mind, complete with bored, Botox ravaged housewives, swathed in mud. As I walked in, they would tap their painted talons on glass stables and glare, knowing I didn't belong. Like usual, my overactive imagination got the best of me. In reality, I was greeted and taken to a cozy, little seating area. While I was filling out my paperwork, I was given a delightful herbal tea (toffee flavoured!) to enjoy. I wasn't waiting long when an aesthetician introduced herself to me and took me to my room. The lights were turned down and the blinds were closed. I was told to change into a comfy robe and then she wrapped me up in blankets. My hands were massaged, and then put into warm mitts. The room was dark and warm, soothing music played throughout the entire spa. The facial was really nice. It was incredibly relaxing; it took all I had not to fall asleep. My aesthetician was chatty but not too chatty. She knew when to let me relax and drink it all in. Afterwards, my skin felt great. She was also very helpful when recommending what products would be good for my skin type. They have a wonderful selection of skin care products, but also bags, shoes, jewellery, scarves, etc. They have your standard services, such as mani/pedis, facials, waxing, massage, scrubs, wraps, you name it. They also have some intriguing treatments such as Max7 (light therapy) and endermology. That's a non-invasive lipo massage treatment for cellulite and re-contouring. I've since returned to try both of those services. Getting to wear a see-through, white jump suit makes trying endermology worth it. It's hilariously ridiculous; I dare you not to prance around a little! I've gone from someone that gets their skin care products from Wal-Mart to a total spa snob. They've got me hooked and because their prices are reasonable, I'm able to pamper myself without breaking the bank. Because, let's face it, not everyone can afford a silk body scrub every day. If you're looking to spoil yourself, or maybe a loved one, at a good price while still receiving pleasant, competent service, Mudwraps is for you! Plus, you get a chocolate when you pay, what more could you want?

They had me at Mudwrap. While the manicure is not an act of indulgence to tickle my taste, I'm all…read moreabout skin-care treatments and getting spa-tastic squeaky clean! Such indulgences require going beyond an arms length, and in a trip to Bedford's Mudwraps To Manicures, this was a bus ride I could justify. The spa is much more than a two trick pony; services include a variety of facial treatments, medical esthetic treatments (yes, botox), massage, body treatments, endermologie, microdermabrasion, light therapy Manicure Pedicure Services, and-- phewf-- waxing. Ay carumba.. take your pick! I did the mudwrap because I've always wanted to try it. Walking into the spa, it seems more like a beautifully decorated home than facility. Victorian accents of furniture and detailing spoke of luxury, and the emphasis on visuals was well attained. From beginning to end, staff and service were kind and natural- perfect for such occasions. So I got the most popular body wrap, which is evidently a slimming wrap as well. We'll see. about that.... the 1 1/4 hour treatment includes a full exfoliation process, an Austrian mud application, followed by a detoxifying and rejuvenating process and Austrian Moor Mud body lotion application. Whew! I was lost in some sort of trance... I think I may have been frolicking in the Swizz Mountains somewhere... I cannot truly be sure... Side-note: They also have their own line of mineral makeup. I'd just come into the know about the greatness of such, so did not make a purchase... but mineral makeup is awesome, and they have their own line of it. Bonus points! All and all, this was an incredible experience and more than worth the $90+ tax. It gave me such a lift, not sure about the slim down, but a rejuvenation that stayed with me for days. For those who can indulge in such pleasures regularly-- do it. Its an instant relaxer and a healthy way to deal with stress or busy times. I will utilize this time to throw out my September 25th birthday to any loved ones who may be reading this. (because I know thats what you all do in your spare moments) I love Mudwraps!

I wanted to update my review to include my most recent experience at Unique Spa, which was one of…read moreIris' Valentine's Day specials: massage plus facial. I've had many lovely massage experiences but today was the first time I'd tried a Unique Facial. It was a wonderful way to conclude the service - I felt like I'd sank right into the table! Iris uses Arbonne products and explained what each one was and how it worked before using it on me. My skin feels very clean, light, and soft now - none of that unpleasant "buildup" to worry about with Arbonne. It took me a while to have my first facial, but it certainly won't be my last!

From the owner: Relaxation Massage Facial…read moreManicure Pedicure

Although the new location looks much like the old one, the parking is drastically different…read more They've gone from plenty of free parking to a few underground spots at The Avella. The last time I was there, the one spot left underground was tight, and I ended up damaging my vehicle. Never again.

Great spa. You'd never guess such a calm spot hides in such a hotel, but it's great. I've had…read moremassages, facials, waxing, pedicures, manicures, body scrubs and hair cuts. I've been pleased with everything. The staff is very friendly. There's a reason this place is always busy!

Went with friends -- a nice place for a relaxing spa and massage. It gets kind of crowded if you go…read moreafter noon, but the staff were friendly and welcoming. I'd likely go again. The downside is that the rooms aren't connected, so in sub-zero weather you have to walk back and forth between them. Going from cold to hot repeatedly isn't the most comfortable experience.

The best Nordic spa in the maritimes! Lots of space to get around & enjoy everything!…read more As of right now it has 4 hot pools, 3 cold pools, mud mask room, 2 essential oil steam rooms with salt scrubs & showers. And a few (maybe 3?) dry saunas. One that has towel rituals every hour on the half hour. Also another mud ritual in the hamman room (steam room). There's also food, & drinks available. Free hot tea, and flavoured waters. You can enjoy these anywhere or by the fires. I haven't seen any yoga classes when I've been (over 10 times lol) but they do have heated hammocks. 100% recommend ! The best part if that you leave smelling amazing haha.

Couldn't recommend this place any more! I tired a few different massage therapists at various…read morebusinesses and found this place to have the best quality, easy system for booking, and overall relaxing environment. My massage therapist was Sarah Aucoin; couldn't recommend her more. I had massages before but never felt as relaxed and muscles felt rejuvenated after our appointment and the next day.

We've had a few Couples Massages here. It's the only place we feel comfortable. Staff have always…read morebeen kind and curtious. The business is clean and peaceful. They have made accomidations for me and my Neurodivergent brain without hesitation. We wished we lived closed so we could go much more often. Thank you Urban Retreat!

Formerly Bodymends Massage Therapy, Hands on Barrington has a new cozy vibe while keeping many of…read morethe same smiling faces. RMT Stephen Head owns and operates the business and is my favourite RMT in HRM! Stephen is friendly and professional. He has created a comfortable space and curated his staff to meet clients needs. He always makes sure I'm relaxed, warm enough and will even let me choose the music! After massages Stephem always makes recommendations on stretches, water intake and other helpful tips. Frequently they have offers on facebook or for last minute bookings but their prices are competitive, low enough to be below the reasonable customary charge as considered by Blue Cross and Sun Life medical plans. They can direct bill to most medical plans and uses an online booking system that emails reminders and confirmations, which are easy to cancel or reschedule. As an added bonus they offer aromatherapy with essential oils, customizing a scent to the mood you'd like or just using the oil you prefer. Downside for inaccessibility with the stairs to get to this second floor business but it's worth the hike.

From the owner: Formerly Bodymends Massage Therapy, Hands on Barrington Massage is a fresh face with a great…read morehistory. Located in the heart of downtown Halifax, we offer therapeutic massages in a variety of time frames while promoting a calming and peaceful atmosphere. We also offer free aromatherapy to help increase relaxation during your treatment, and if you're a student, DND or a first time client, we're happy to give you a great discount on your massage!

As so often happens, I had purchased a gift certificate (Coastmart) for a facial at Essence…read moreHolistic Esthetics some time ago and made use of it in January. I've never tried a holistic spa and was intrigued by what they could offer me. The spa is located in a private home on North Street, (it also has another location in Bedford; call for the addresses) and has been very tastefully decorated. I felt calmed just by stepping into the foyer! The building is also home to another holistic health service, though I cannot recall its title. Danarra Allison is the on-site esthetician. She has a quiet, calm manner and is very professional. My facial was 75 minutes of bliss - all products used are fragrance-free and designed for sensitive skin, so if you've got a finicky face, this is your best bet. Danarra's prices are very reasonable, and she mentioned that she offered a special discount to those interested in monthly and bi-monthly treatments. A great experience overall.

I love love love LOVE Jaspr…read more I found out about it through a friend who went there for both Massage and Esthetics and managed to get me a gift certificate to get my eyebrows waxed. I've never felt at home at any massage or esthetics place until I went there. Tammy (esthetician) is wonderful. I pretty much get everything done whenever I go see her. Sophie (Massage Therapist) is simply hilarious. And knows what she's doing it. If you're looking for a nice queer-friendly, locally owned place with awesome and hardworking ladies, this is the place for you!