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!

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.

Coming from an employee do not work here they treat you like a number I worked in front desk but…read morethe way they treat the hair stylists and aestheticians is ridiculous. You are a number they do not care about your well being, management will act like a friend then rip you apart the moment you do something they don't find 100% perfect you will be let go at any point in the time I worked there 4 people left and one was fired and I worked there for 4months give or take. Also for any clients wanting to go there DONT go somewhere where they actually treat their employees well and not like trash that can be replaced at any moment This is for all locations...

Absolutely the WORST hair cut, dye job, brow wax and customer service I have EVER received…read more The girl who cut and dyed my hair, Julianna, was nice enough, but has NO clue how to cut or dye hair (and they were preparing to give her a student to train!). I ended up with an absolute HACK job. Sides 3 inches shorter than the back, when it was meant to be matching in length. HORRIBLY hacked chunk layers. The blending of the dye is terrible, it was meant to blend the length to my roots, and parts that should have been dyed, never got touched with dye at all. Honestly, I did better a better cut when I was 7 with craft scissors. And the lady who did my brows STUNK like cigarettes, it was gross. And she took WAY to much off rhe right brow, leaving me to have to paint it in for a while. I called the salon, was refunded for the hair cut only (Honestly didn't tell them about the lady who did my brows, as my hair was THAT HORRIBLE) When I talked to the Bedford location, The assistant director Tamika asked me to come in so they could have a stylist look at it, so I did. Tamika (who has absolutely ZERO stylist training), and one of their LEVEL 1 stylists looked at it, and supposedly took pictures (I've asked for a copy 4 times now, only to be ignored). The OWNER was in the salon, and just a few feet away....but NEVER BOTHERED TO EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE ME. I've had 2 other MASTER STYLISTS from other salons look at it, and they both ended up in tears because the hack job was THAT BAD. Neither master stylist charged me for the consult, btw. Life Salon gave me a level 1 stylist, and someone who knows nothing of hair, to look at it......with the owner RIGHT THERE IGNORING it all. Oh, and full disclosure: they offered to have their level 1 stylist curl my hair a few times while waiting to have extensions put in for me (over the 7-10 days I'd have to wait for hair to come in) BUT the first time she did, she didn't even put any product in my hair to help hold the style.....so it fell out within half an hour and looked hacked up once again. I wanted my hair that had been grossly hacked off, replaced with extensions (NOT cut shorter, I already lost 3 inches....i wasn't about to lose 2-3 more due to their mistake), and they were seemingly agreeing to this. (I even have someone who was with me during a phone conversation, and heard Tamika agree to the extensions). Then everything changed, they said they would sell me the hair at cost and fully charge me to put them in (Funny enough, they told me it's the OWNER who does the extensions). And I have to pay for the service, because they have to pay the stylist (owner). I mean, come on. If their stylist in Dartmouth knew what she was doing, we wouldn't have been going through ANY of this. At all. From that point on, Tamika was epiclly rude. I'll be honest, I eventually matched that. Tamika eventually told me they would fix my hair, but I would have to agree to a gag order. I think not EVERYONE should know just exactly how bad this salon treated me. Not just the person who overheard the conversation between Tamika and myself. Ive now (as of today) paid out $1000 to have my hair fixed. That's $1000 I wouldn't have had to spend, if Life Salon actually hired competent people. A high end salon? I think not. At least I know they have lost business because of this, and not just mine. 2 other 'regulars' I know have found other salons, and 4 other people I kmow who come 3 or 4 times a year for pedis will never return. And I will NOT be silent about what happened to me.

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!

My first visit to this salon/ spa. I had a spa pedicure done by Leah. She was so great ! Friendly,…read moreand warm. I really enjoyed every second I spent in the chair. We chatted and I will definitely be back for a mani/ pedi next time.

What a lovely salon. A Touch of Radiance is tucked away in…read morea Main Street strip mall. If you didn't already know it was there you probably wouldnt find it. When you walk inside the salon it is completely separated into specific sections. Although it makes it seem small I prefer it this way. When you're getting a manicure you don't have to smell hair dye. It suits the space very well. I went to the salon yesterday for a mini manicure. They had every colour of OPI you could ask for. But they also carried a vegan line of beautiful colours- so inclusive! My aesthetician was warm and friendly. She explained everything she was doing with professionalism. She did a lovely job on my very short nails which I know is hard to do. I just had regular nail polish applied. They also carry the OPI gel nail colour line. Where you can have your perfect polish stay on for 2-3 weeks straight. A great option if you'll be traveling or getting married. The price was fair and the service was great. I was truly impressed.

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!

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

Not the best atmosphere and the service is a hit and miss. The technician who did my nails couldn't…read moreshape them the way I wanted (she could only do the round shape) and I ended up with very short nails because of constant filing and failing to shape my nails as asked. Also, don't expect a hand exfoliation, massage or even simple buffing of your nails. What you get is quite basic! Not a great selection of nail polish colours but that depends on individual taste. Friendly staff though and very good pedicures, if you're lucky and got a good tech.

Love love loved my experience here. I came for the first time to be waxed. That can be a little…read moreawkward however the front staff were so pleasant and my aesthetician Debbie was so professional yet personable that I really enjoyed my experience. Everything was impeccably clean, the wooden sticks used for applying wax are thrown out after each application, etc. The pricing was very reasonable and I will definitely be back!

EDIT - THEY DEFINITELY MADE IT RIGHT!…read more I would like to say how happy I am with how Gentle Touch made my below complaint, completely better! They offered me a full refund for the extra charge that I was not expecting to pay, and I am a very happy customer now! ........................................................................................... I had a gift card for a massage and manicure. When I walked in to book I handed the lady (can't remember her name) the gift card and said "I want to book this" so, she set up an appointment with me for a couple days later. I had asked if I could change / pay extra to have a pedicure instead of a manicure (because I find manicures just chip in a day or so anyway, and aren't worth it (the GC was a gift to me)) this change apparently wasn't possible. Ok, that was pretty annoying, but I wasn't that upset about it , free manicure, whatever. When I showed up for my appointment, all was well. I had the massage and it was wonderful. An hour long of very professional, great, relaxing service. The whole time I was thinking I would definitely be booking again for a massage. Loved it Kelsey was fabulous and I thoroughly enjoyed the massage. The manicure was great too, until I was escorted out as soon as it was done, not being able to sit and let it dry at all, so 3 of my nails smudged before I even got to my car. (They did gladly help me get out my wallet and gift card, which was nice). I figured, I knew a regular manicure was just going to chip anyway so whatever. Up until then, everything was fine, it was when I went to hand in my gift card that I became severely disappointed and upset. I was told that the gift card covered $92-something of the amount, and that I still owed $63.25 ! I said, "What? I don't understand, the gift card was for what I had booked?" to which I was told (and shown on the back) that the gift card was for a 30 minute massage (not the hour that I got), and a manicure... Ok... so clearly someone made a mistake. Yes, it was written on the back that it was for a 30 minute massage and manicure, but I had handed the gift card to the lady when I booked and said I wanted THIS booked. So, she, being the one working there, should have booked the service that was on the gift card. I didn't know what she booked in, she just gave me the date and time. She had looked it up apparently and told me the reason I couldn't change to a pedicure was because the gift card was bought on a deal, so obviously she should have booked for that specific deal , as in the 30 minute massage, and manicure, not for an hour instead?? I would like to hope that it was just an honest mistake, but I feel cheated and don't think it's fair that I had to pay an extra 60-something dollars for a service that should have been free and a relaxing, enjoyable experience that was a gift to me. I would have happily only had the 30 minute massage that the card was for, but I didn't realize that she booked me for an hour, nor was I paying attention to the time while I was in the relaxing massage setting. I don't appreciate the only response from the girl who was taking my gift card, when I expressed my shock and confusion, all she said was just "oh, sorry" and then expected my payment. I really did enjoy the massage and Kelsey, and I realize it was a mistake/miscommunication, but no effort was put into fixing it, and this all just changed my relaxed appointment, and left a bad taste in my mouth and I will probably never book there again unfortunately.

I had purchased an online coupon for a microdermabrasion treatment at Gentle Touch in the fall of…read more2012 and was very excited to use it - I've never had microdermabrasion done before but had heard many good things about it. The lady who booked my appointment was very friendly and professional, so things got off to a good start from there. When I arrived for my appointment, I only had to wait a few minutes until I was escorted into the treatment room. I cannot recall the name of my esthetician, but she was a seasoned professional and it showed. The entire procedure - full face micro plus a calming masque - took about 30 minutes. Micro is an odd sensation but not painful. Application of the masque was very thorough and relaxing. When it was all said and done, my esthetician told me that Tuesdays are half off micro - naturally, they are kept very busy with this deal! I had a nice chat with the receptionist, who was a very pleasant lady, and left feeling happy with my experience. I may very well be back in the future for another treatment!