I have been to the Village Spa twice. The first time was to celebrate a 1-year anniversary for my boyfriend and myself (and also to indulge in a little post-finals relaxation after a particularly tough semester of law school) by getting a traditional couples massage. After doing a TON of research about spas and massage centers on Long Island, the Village Spa came up time and time again as the place to go. We went for their traditional couples massage. It really did NOT disappoint, and far exceeded any expectations. We went a 2nd time for a Valentine's Day couples massage again, and once more, the experience was even better than the last.
Let's start from the moment you walk in. The spa is located in a historic building in Roslyn Village, facing a BEAUTIFUL view of the lake. It really feels like you've managed to find a secluded little spot and escape from the world. The building looks rustic, which I love, but when you enter the spa, it is beautiful, clean, and smells amazing. Like just, one of the best scents ever. You're greeted by Rick, the spa owner, who really is a very nice guy and clearly enjoys what he does. Every thing is set up when you get there and you're ushered into the couples massage suite, which you get to yourselves for the entire duration of your treatments.
The traditional couples massage is supposed to last for an hour and 15 minutes (one hour for the massage, and 15 minutes for a pre-massage wind down with neckwraps, champagne and foot soaks). However, you get FAR longer time to unwind and relax both before the massage and after the massage. The suite that you get for the massage includes a lovely shower, beautiful lighting and decoration, and an adorable table for you to sit down and enjoy your wine/champagne, your bottle of water, and a bowl of chocolates. The neckwraps smell AHHMAZING, feel great, and were always the perfect temperature (not too hot, not too cool - but perfect to begin the relaxation process). You get your own plush robe, and each person gets a basin for the marble foot soaks. They put lavender essential oils in the soaks, and I love it. The first time, my boyfriend felt the water was a bit too hot, but I thought it was perfect (then again, his feet are baby soft, whereas mine have seen better days after 7 years of working in retail lol).
Then the massage therapists come in, explain how the massage is going to work, whether they're going to start with you laying face up or face down, etc. They then leave again so that you can situate yourself up on the tables, which are plush, HEATED, and layered with soft blankets, towels and sheets. The massage therapists come back in and get started. At this point, I just go comatose and enjoy the massage lol. The massage therapists really know what they're doing, and apply a very good amount of pressure (but they always ask if you want more or less, or if you have any concerns or conditions that they should be aware of). Very professional, very thorough. Some people complain about the amount of oil but I think it's a great amount. Enough to moisturize but you don't feel greasy. The hot stone teaser at the end is MARVELOUS. It really helps to soothe and relax the muscles that have just been massaged. The massage (in my opinion) lasts slightly longer than the hour, which is fine by me. The therapists are very respectful and quiet, and it makes the experience truly relaxing and enjoyable, but they do communicate well with the massage recipient. Perfect balance right there!
After the massage, you have the option of showering or just getting dressed. I don't like to shower because honestly, my skin is drier than the Sahara, and the oil makes me feel soft lol. But at least you have the option, right? Then you leave the suite, and return to the real world. The thing I appreciate is that tips are included in the price of the service, so you don't have to deal with the awkwardness of figuring out what to give as a tip or deal with cash. It makes the experience very very enjoyable. At the end of the massage, Rick greets you once more, is very friendly and provides you with either some fancy chocolates, or, in our case on valentine's day, a DELICIOUS custom chocolate cookie!
So all in all, this place is wonderful. We will definitely be going back again for a 3rd, a 4th, a 5th time. I STRONGLY, STRONGLY recommend The Village Spa. I've had massages at the Red Door Spa, fancy (and expensive) spas in my neighborhood (i.e. Cappellini, which no longer exists), and various other spots. The Village Spa is far superior than any of those. Please just do yourself a favor and go there. You'll feel like you've had a vacation in a day.
Oh, and ignore the negative reviews on SpaFinder. I have a feeling they're competitors writing negative things because I've been here twice, and I have never experienced vacuuming or loud talking or rude/chatty therapists. Thanks for reading this review! Now go and relax! read more