Balans is a phenomenal spa and wellness center. I visited with my mom and my sister, as a surprise for my mom's birthday. We walked in the door and were immediately in a clean and calm atmosphere when we removed our shoes to put on fresh slippers. The receptionist was warm and friendly as she welcomed us in, and offered us tea or water. My mom had a 60 minute massage with Kristen, my sister had a facial with Beverly, and I had an eye treatment with Laila. We were all over the moon about the quality of our spa services! The aestheticians and therapists at Balans are true experts in their fields. As a plus: the products used are natural/organic, healthy snacks (oranges, almonds, dates, granola bites) are offered, and Kris Carr reading material is in the lobby. All in all, our visit to Balans was a truly special, restorative experience. We will absolutely be back! read more

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I visited for some body treatment and massage services and I have to say Kristen works some real magic. I left so relaxed after the massage, she used the perfect amount of pressure and was super communicative. I am actually really looking forward to my next massage at Balans! read more

Recently went for a Float and Massage - was not disappointed!!! The Float Suite was so nice, relaxing, and very accommodating. The Float itself was so great! You get to choose your own music in the Float, adjust the volume, keep the lights on or off, and have such a nice shower before and after the float session. The water could have been a little warmer, but that might be for a reason. The massage with Kristen was amazing!! I've had so many massages in this city and I've always felt like I was missing something.. Like the massage was never fully completed, but not with Kristen!! I legit finally found an actual massage therapist who really fulfills the expectations of a massage. I'll definitely be going back :) read more

Have attempted to book an appointment here 4 times over the past week and a half via ClassPass and every time they have canceled last minute! Finally called and they said they prioritize direct appointments and cancel ClassPass reservations at the ClassPass customer's expense. Why are you even on ClassPass then? read more

Wow, what an overall incredible wellness experience in Back Bay! This spa caters to organic and natural beauty enthusiasts, as well as those just looking for a place to treat themselves and truly unwind. My parents got me the Signature Spa Package (the float, mini facial, and massage) for Valentine's day and I left feeling rejuvenated, relaxed, and glowing! Everyone here is unbelievably helpful and kind, the atmosphere is perfectly cozy and elegant, and the treatments were perfection. I especially enjoyed my facial with Laila who was incredible and so sweet. You must come here if you are looking for a wellness spa in the Boston/Back Bay area with all the works. Thank you Balans! read more

I loved my massage service by Christine Foster. She did an excellent deep tissue massage and I felt significantly better afterward. She has a great ability to assess your pain points, work through the knots and improve circulation. Highly recommended. read more

I personally hated the salt float. It just wasn't for me. Also it's basically a shower, not a pretty spa like tub, in a weird almost industrial looking room. My facial was amazing though. The second time I went, I got the algae slimming body wrap. It was awful. Lilianne dug deeply into my skin, it was so painful. I guess that's part of the slimming? It was like someone trying to knead sand deep into my skin, i wanted to cry! My skin hurt for almost 2 weeks after. I had these ultra sharp pains anytime I put clothing on. But the weirdest part of it all..... Lillianne FARTED, 3 TIMES!!!! We're all human... but it seemed unprofessional and a little gross. She only apologized after the 3rd time... it was a bizarre experience. I am writing these reviews well after my Booking but just want to warn of the slimming body wrap... and Lillianne's over comfortable vibe... read more

Kristen is the best!!! I've had several massages from her, and she creates the perfect balance between relaxation and intensity. It makes it hard to go to anyone else. She seems to know exactly what your body needs, and exerts a perfect amount of pressure (I like my massages quite hard). She can also use hot stones which are sooooo soothing. Overall, the spa itself is beautiful and relaxing. Such a great escape from the city bustle. and they have good snacks!!!! read more

I went to Balans today for facial and massage with Kristen, and I absolutely loved it!! Kristen was very knowledgeable, kind, and sweet. Both of my services were great. Kristen knew exactly what she was doing, and she gave me a ton of advice on skincare. I highly recommend Balans! I can't wait to come back for another facial in 2 weeks! read more

4 stars for the atmosphere, staff, and cleanliness. This spa takes advantage of being in an old townhouse, and keeps the bones intact in a good way, resulting in a really warm, cozy, and clean space that makes you want to just pull up a chair, grab a cup of tea, and hang out (note: I'm unsure whether they have any kind of locker rooms/steam rooms/other day spa-type amenities, so the 'hang out' space I'm talking about is basically upstairs in the lobby which FYI is very public). Staff are incredibly friendly and nice, as well as knowledgeable of what they offer yet not super sales-y, and I love their commitment to organic living (they're the only one in the area, I believe?). I came here to try floating for the first time for some stress relief, and while I didn't quite find it to be nearly as transcendent as many other float devotees (I think I personally need more of an active yoga or massage experience in order to be fully relaxed), I was impressed with the facilities and set-up; you get your own private suite, with full use of their lovely lotions and potions. They have deals for first-timers too, so you can try their various services at a more wallet-friendly price, important because things tend to be on the pricy side here IMO, especially for a space without additional amenities like other day spas. read more

I purchased a Swedish massage through a Giltcity deal and emailed to make an appointment. After a lot of back and forth (just provide me with some dates next time and I can choose) I was all set. I arrived early for the service and given there is a desk downstairs, sat down there assuming someone had to check me in. After 5 minutes, a girl yelled from upstairs to come up. I got checked in and settled with some tea. Amy came and got me and was very sweet and walked me through all the scented oils I could choose from which was considerate and I was able to choose which ones I liked. Once the massage got started, the spa was so loud with the two girls working yelling back and forth to each other and talking at a high volume with a male customer that Amy (THANKFULLY) stopped the massage saying this wasn't a fair experience to me and left quickly to ask them to quiet down. The girls were quieter throughout the session but clearly don't get they work in a spa with pretty much no sound proofing and a whisper is required. The massage was delightful and very relaxing. I also appreciated that before it started Amy informed me that I should lay on the table and relax for about 10-minutes after and then she would come knock when it was time to get changed. It was nice not to have to quickly snap out of a blissful state. After, she brought me to the small waiting room and had fresh brewed tea, chocolate and a tangerine waiting--all thoughtful nice touches. Regardless of the sub-par noise-level of the spa, Amy was great and I would gladly book again with her. I also really like that Balans is an all organic spa and has an excellent location. read more

As a man I've been going to Balans Organic Spa for over a year now. I go back and forth to Andrea and Katherine. Get the Organic Classic facial 50 minutes, also spirulina face mask, also wax-eyebrow( includes shaping) I started with Katherine, she went out on maternity leave and Andrea filled in. So when Katherine came back I decided to keep them both once a month switch off. When they work on my face I am so calm and relaxed I feel like I am in the bottom of the ocean. Like a octopus and all the tentacles working on my face so soothing and relaxing. As widower I'm taking my dates there now. I know ladies like pampering spa dates better than coffee dates. read more

Cristina from Colombia was a 10/10. Her love for her profession is evident from the moment she greets you!

I love Maria Ackleburg and her entire philosophy behind Balans; it's a very holistic approach to health and to taking care of yourself. They have multiple offerings: facials, waxes, floating, massages, etc. I went for a Brazilian and a facial with Katherine, and she's amazing. The wax was one of the best I've had, and the facial was invigorating; she talked me through all of the products she used and explained why she was using them. Though I came in looking to do the 1st time organic facial, I ended up adding on a deeper facial mask and extraction just because my skin has been a nightmare; I trust Katherine in that I knew she wasn't just trying to upsell me on services. It's definitely done my skin good and it's also a facial that doesn't leave your skin bruised or red afterward. She really knows what she's doing! read more

Balans Organic Spa - Healthy juices in the fridge for sale! - Day Spas Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The environment in Balans Organic Spa was very soothing. The people were professional, kind, and welcoming. Everything was clean and I felt very comfortable. The massage with Christine was wonderful. I will absolutely be back again. Highly recommend! read more

I was suppose to have a message and facial that my boyfriend bought me for my birthday. I saved it to use it the week before my Chicago marathon. However, I woke this morning with a horrible head cold and called to cancel. They told me that they had a 24 cancel policy and that I would charge the full amount. They also told me it was fine to come in sick to get the massage because they "sanitize" after each massage. Truly disappointed and I will not be going back. read more

They canceled my appointment 20 minutes before and simply called me while I was driving there and said "sorry, the massage therapist called in sick." Mind you as a first timer here I had no specific person or specifications chosen. I'm a very easy customer. But no back up plan, no offer of a discount on a future date...just making their problem now my problem. How is that good business? Once I find a place I like I'm a dedicated, consistent, and easy customer. They lost that...good luck! read more

Last fall my friend Maura and I were chatting after a delicious dinner and I asked her if she had ever floated (she had not). We are both fans of the TV show "Parks and Recreation" and the tradition of "Treat Yo Self!" days that the characters Tom & Donna celebrate (played by Aziz Ansari & Retta). We met at the Boston Public Garden and walked up Newbury St to Balans. As we walked in their first floor foyer we were warmly greeted and asked to take off our shoes before going upstairs to check in for our appointments. Since I have floated dozens of times, I suggested that she take the first float. Because your body relaxes so profoundly it allows a massage therapist to work at a deeper level of stressed out muscles and fascia. As we met after my massage with Tal and her float, she had just the look I had hoped for - "Wow I can hardly believe how good I feel." Off she went to her massage with Tal, and me to the float room. Their float room is absolutely the best! It has a "wave shaped" ceiling that channels any condensation on the ceiling to flow harmlessly down the wall (instead of potentially falling from the ceiling onto your face). Balans Organic Spa will be definitely be a part of our future "Treat Yo Self!" celebrations. Thank you Tal for your mad skills in the art of massage. Thank you Emily & Marie for making us feel so at home. read more

We visited this spa for part of a bachelorette weekend. There were 6 of us, originally 8 (2 had to cancel last minute - no refund, which is totally understandable). The maid of honor booked this at least 3 months in advance and double checked with the manager that all of our spa treatments were written down correctly. We arrived between 12 and 12:30 and didn't leave the spa until 6, despite none of us having more than 2 hours worth of treatments, and having a variety of treatments (we did not all need the same specialist to perform our services). There was cheese and crackers, fruit, and drinks when we got there in a nice spread on a small table surrounded by folding chairs and 2 comfier type chairs. This was the "private lounge" we were told we'd be waiting in between treatments. No one ever came to check on us/clear things and there wasn't a trash can anywhere near us. We weren't expecting a 5 star lunch or anything, but when the cheese was still sitting out by 5pm and starting to smell, we were turned off to say the least. It just felt like absolutely no care or thought went into keeping us comfortable during the about 4 hours a piece that we were just sitting there waiting. I also saw some of the staff members sitting in the much nicer sitting area between the rooms scrolling through their phones while we sat in our folding chairs where anyone who walked into the spa could see us. If this isn't the place for big groups celebrating events like ours, we should have been told this! The organization was also lackluster. We weren't given any idea of what the schedule of our treatments would look like, but once it hit 2pm, we realized we needed to know since we were told when asked at that point that we would be there until 6. This would have been great to know so we could've gotten a meal or did some shopping instead of sitting in folding chairs for hours on end. It took the front desk about 20 minutes to even get our services written down on a sticky note, and some of them were incorrect, which then had to be clarified. Perhaps the worst part is this: one of the bridesmaids is in her third trimester of pregnancy and because of this, THREE separate people in the wedding party, including her, called on separate occasions to clarify that her services would be pregnancy safe. On each phone call, she was told absolutely. Well, without getting into detail, when she was finally called in for her services at 3pm, she was told they couldn't perform 2 out 3 of her treatments because they weren't pregnancy safe. There wasn't much apology, but thankfully the prenatal certified message therapist was there and we were able to do a switch up and my services were done by the woman who was originally going to work on our pregnant friend. Over all, this place was unorganized, pretty uncomfortable, and in the opinions of all the girls in the wedding party, overpriced for what you get. We aren't from the city, but Newbury St has a reputation of being very high end. This place has high end prices, but as far as high end service, you'll probably be disappointed. read more

Love getting my brows done here by Kristen. This place has such an amazing atmosphere and everything feels all natural, you know you're not getting any sketchy chemicals. Love it read more

The float suite is AMAZING. The float pool itself is more open with a high ceiling and glass door so you don't feel claustrophobic. It's not very deep at all so I wasn't sure how it would be but it's truly like nothing else. You lose track of time and space, just floating weightless in the water. Amazingly relaxing and great on sore muscles and joints. The water is body temperature and your skin doesn't even get that pruned look/feel after an hour! You have a private shower and dressing area included so you can relax and get ready. read more

I had a great experience at Balans for a facial last week. I booked my facial with Kristen because she had a lot of great reviews on Yelp and I was not disappointed. The facial I booked was the first time facial and it was great. I got great results and will definitely be back again. Kristen took the time to understand the concerns I had and then explained what she would do for each of the concerns and recommended products and specific ingredients to look out for at the end. I was very satisfied with the experience and would highly recommend a facial with her. read more

I got my face waxed with Kristen Lipstcher and it was an amazing experience. The waxing (eyebrows, lip, sideburns..) was essentially painless. Kristen is extremely knowledgeable and anticipated all my needs. I was able to feel comfortable, have fun conversation and have an overall delightful wax experience! Highly recommend. read more

I am so happy I found this place! It's a bit of an oasis especially on a cold day or to escape the crowds of people on Newbury Street in warmer months!! After walking down Newbury Street for years and not realizing they were even there, their sidewalk sign caught my attention late last week!! The staff here is super nice and the atmosphere is just lovely!! I had two services so far and each was just wonderful. I am looking forward to many repeat visits and next I am excited to try the floatation therapy that many others have reviewed. read more

Phenomenal Spa- very relaxing, great staff, relaxing atmosphere. Kristen did my facial and massage and they were amazing!!!! Very professional while still being welcoming & friendly. read more

Expected more from reviews. On entering I was stopped half way up the stairs and told to take my shoes off. No problem, but better sineage at the front would have eliminated the halting welcome (instructions were tiny, light grey, blending into the decor - not readily noticeable, and more than 1 other person entering received same welcome). Then I was asked if I wanted water like so: "Was that a yes or no to water?" Really?? Utility/laundry/junk closet exposed on my way back to treatment. Washcloth I was given for float had makeup stains on it, as did the one I reached for to replace it... I'll just leave it at that. Intake/first impressions to be desired. Treatment was fine. But it ain't the Mandarin. read more

I've been here a few times now and have yet to leave a review! First of all, my massage with Emily a few months ago was probably the best I've ever had, but it's been impossible to get another appointment with her. Today I had a facial with Sally, and it was excellent. It was a great balance of exfoliation, extraction, steam, and neck/arm/hand massage. I enjoyed the organic, lovely smelling products (papaya), and she was very knowledgeable and made a couple of recommendations, while not at all being pushy about purchasing. I left feeling very relaxed with glowing skin (no redness at all). My husband got a mini facial (30 minutes) too and thought it was awesome. They also offer floats which I have yet to try. Have some lavender-vanilla tea with fruit, almonds and dates while you wait for your service near pink Himalayan salt lamps. read more

After I posted my concerning review the owner, Marie Aspling reached out to me humble, apologetic, and ready to make up for the first experience. I was allowed to have a re take and went in for 2 free services in place of the 2 I'd had the bad experience. Both were massages conducted by Kristen Liptscher who gave me one of the best massages I've ever had. Kristen is deeply talented and made sure I was always comfortable and that she had thoroughly addressed my problematic areas. She has a calming presence and Balans is lucky to have her! read more

The float suit was a great way to defrost and relax, however the facial was very disappointing. Immediately I felt like my skin took a back seat to the products being pushed. My skin wasn't examined under the lights or magnifier, it was barely cleaned, no steaming, no extractions just layers of products. I could have done this to myself at home. I still had mascara and makeup and products caked around my face. Overall products are very expensive and all the esthetician discussed was how good they were and what she wanted me to buy afterward. No real understanding of my skin or actual techniques to treat, lift, or revitalize skin. No facial massage, just products being layered on, minimally wiped away and then some added back on. The experience was very much sales driven and was hugely disappointing. read more

I think Balans on Newbury is just lovely. The experience is always so friendly, educational, and calming. I feel at ease here continuously. Laila is by far the warmest soul, consider yourself lucky if you get the chance to have her help you with your skincare needs. read more

One of the best facial experiences I had in Boston. Thanks Kristen for this amazing experience.

Balans is a terrific spa - excellent location, environment, and people. The Maria Åkerberg skincare line feels amazing - there's total transparency about the ingredients and it's good for you and for the planet. I had an excellent facial with Ruth and terrific customer service and hospitality with Maura. I also enjoyed an excellent float before my treatment in their sensory deprivation tank. I loved the private suite but note that a little bit light gets into the tank atmosphere because it has a clear door (which is different than most other float suites). read more

Went to Balans Organic Spa for a client event. From the beginning, the staff was very accommodating with organizing an event for six people. We were all new to Balans and were very impressed by not only the amazing services but the location as well. After the sessions, we could not stop talking about how great everything was. read more

There should be a warning sign outside the door of this place - it is straight up addictive!! I came to Balans SPA for the first time to use a gift card I got from my previous employer, ended up trying the nutrition coaching, skin care products and facial. Everything has been beyond my expectations, can't wait to come back here soon!! read more

Beautiful space, excellent staff, SO relaxing. I had a facial and deep tissue massage and can't say enough good things about balans. Very knowledgeable aesthetician and massage therapist. Highly recommend! read more

I wanted to get a facial before I got on my flight home. Balan's was very accommodating on getting me in ASAP. Lily was able to meet me and thank God. She gave me the best facial I've ever had. And also what a sweet person to work with. She made me feel very comfortable and I learned a lot about the products and how I can take care of my skin at home. Bummed I don't live in Boston so I can visit Lily once a month! It will absolutely be a must destination when I come back! Thanks Balans team! read more

I had a wonderful experience at Balans! The space is gorgeous and everyone was friendly and kind. I had an organic facial with Tricia and it was incredibly relaxing and informative. Tricia is a true expert on skincare and provided great advice on how to improve my current regimen. She suggested a simple 3-step regimen from the Maria Akerberg line (Swedish brand organic skincare) plus a hand cream. We also talked about how some foods in my diet may irritate my skin and cause breakouts. It's about 3 weeks out from my facial, and I'm happy with my results and each of the suggested products! Tricia also provides ongoing support via email and answered any additional questions. You should absolutely give Balans a try! They will not disappoint! read more

I waited a few weeks to post my review depending on the long-term affects of my facial. I am very particular about my facials and i get them a few times a year from different spas. This had to be the BEST facial i have ever had!! Initially, i thought the price was high due to the location of the spa and convinced myself i could get it done cheaper, Im so glad i was proved wrong! Kristen is a master in her craft, it was worth every freaking penny! She does not do a standard procedure, she will cater it to your face and what it needs. She did not compromise on products and did a thorough job, and adds a little massage too! Its been three weeks and people are complimenting on my face and i havent worn makeup. (im a little mad that i like it so much, bc it is a splurge) Defintely worth saving for, you will not be dissapointed. read more

Fantastic experience. Everyone there was wonderful and fun and we had fantastic massages. Thanks for a perfect day.

I received a facial from here a while ago. It was pretty good. Bought some great product afterwards. Pretty obscene prices but whatever. All I came here to say is that my facialist gave me a cup of water before the facial. I go into my room, set my water down, undress, and get on the table. 10 minutes or so go by. The lights are down and music is playing so I'm super relaxed, nearing sleep. The facialist walks in and knocks over my little paper cup of water. "YOU PUT YOUR WATER ON THE FLOOR???" I jolt up. My bad. I set it down and forgot about it. It's water. It's a very small about of water. "Water is everywhere." Okkkkk. You need to do a serious attitude check on all of your new hires. I think this woman lived in her mother's basement or something but that doesn't mean you get to flip out about water to a stranger. I paid $350 to get scolded and get some goo on my face. What a day that was. read more