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BRANFORD

Bastian's Countryside Day Spa, Branford, CT
I was at Bastian Day Spa in Branford last weekend with a friend and we were both highly disappointed with the manicures/pedicures we received. We paid $53 to have our nails painted - no massage, no cuticles trimmed, no hand-soak, nothing. Just a polish removal, a foot bath, some sort of scrub on our calves, and polish. That was it. The whole thing was done in about 20-30 minutes. Most other places the pedi alone takes 45 minutes to an hour, and the cost is nearly half. I don't know about the rest of their services, but that was definitely not worth the money. - Lynda S., July 2008

Bastian's Countryside Day Spa, Branford, CT
I've been to Bastian's a handful of times for a few different services. From facials to manicures to my favorite, Shiradora Head Therapy. Hands down, the most relaxing experience I've ever had. The quality and knowledge Doreen has is unparalleled. She's the best as far as I've ever seen with what she does. Bastian's is a small place, but it's comfy and cozy. Doreen runs her business out of her house herself with the help of one staff member. She's great at returning calls right away and making accommodations for everyone. I stopped going because it was too far for me to travel. The only "downside" Bastian's was the pressure I felt to purchase products at every visit. I'm sure the products were excellent, but I was not ready to buy something each time I visited. I always left spending more than I originally intended. -- D.A.

Editor's Note: I confess the major reason I stopped seeing a particular esthetician on a regular basis was the aggressive "up sell." Because I was fond of her, and we were chatty and comfortable with one another, it was easy for her to encourage me to buy a particular brand of products at every visit, and difficult for me to decline, even though it wasn't a brand I appreciated. I now see an esthetician who merely says "Do you need any <products> this visit?" This no-pressure question makes it comfortable for me to be able to respond "Not this time, thank you." Sometimes, the best responses in these situations are those we use when we talk to others. In this case, I'd recommend you say exactly what you stated here, because it's both polite and appropriate: "I'm sure the products you recommend are excellent, but I'm not prepared to spend more than I budgeted for this particular visit." Any professional will respect that response. -- SpaIndex.com

Bastian's Countryside Day Spa, Branford, CT
I happened upon this web site and was happy to see the review regarding Bastian's Day Spa. I am a long standing client of this Spa. I have regular facials, pedicures and massage. I have found that Bastian's is results orientated. It is comfortable and cozy. The true test for me is whether or not the service has given me a visible result. My facials have taken my skin to a new level. The products offered have been easy to use and have helped maintain the results. Doreen is tops in her field, one visit to her will show this. -- Mary C.

NEW CANAAN

Aetheria Relaxation Spa, New Canaan, CT
Aetheria is located in bucolic and upscale New Canaan CT, several miles off the beaten path (Merritt Parkway). My favorite aspect to Aetheria is its intimacy. It is a two story white house. The parking lot is small and they can only accommodate a few clients at a time. I had the Gentleman's Ritual. After a invigorating shower in the well appointed locker-room, I had an outstanding facial. Beth did an fine job, her hands were amazingly smooth and silky. Immediately after my facial I was led to the message room for a 1.5 hour deep tissue message. I was treated to a very relaxing message, I was not sleeping but I was in that "zone" of total relaxation like I was floating. This was my first message of more than 1 hour and the time went so fast. Also this the first time my abdominal area was messaged and that was awesome! Upon checkout I received a "gift". I was a little disappointed in the "gift", I thought it would be skincare-related but it was some type of "shoe shine" kit. --Drew

SOHO Hair Group, New Haven, CT
I am a very regular hair customer of SOHO hair group. I used to go to SOHO for facials quite frequently until my favorite esthetician was no longer employed there. The new girl who was taking her place turned me off to getting facials at SOHO so I figured I'd give it some time (2yrs) before I returned for a facial again. Well, I was displeased again. The room was tiny and quite bright. I was looking forward to a relaxing, sleepy time. The room was kind of dingy and smelled funny. Margot was very nice but talked way too much about non-skin related topics. The bed/table was quite comfortable but the sheets looked used and were stained. My hands were not put in mitts, but cloth towels that were not warm. I must say I am used to spending time at quite top notch spas and am very used to top notch treatment. I know SOHO is top notch for hair care, but I wouldn't go back there for a facial. -- (Name Withheld)

ORANGE

Beaux Visages, Orange, CT.
I don't know where to begin to explain what a TERRIBLE flash peel/facial experience I had at this establishment. I originally had an appt with one person, but when I got there, it was with someone else. I've been to many spas and the Beaux Visages line is the worst. The treatments are so-so and I've never felt more pressured to buy products before! I left that session with my face red & blotchy for two days!! Also, a spa experience should be relaxing...this woman didn't stop talking the entire time. Never again. -- Trish

Beaux Visages, Orange, CT.
It’s very surprising that an upscale salon such as Beaux Visages would have someone not trained perform services, and even more shocking that they would not reply to a letter about such a situation. The woman who gave me the pedicure had never done one before- although she was very nice, she didn’t know what she was doing and had to keep either consulting other staff members or her notes (which she was often unable to read). It took her 35 minutes to polish the nails on ONE FOOT (I was sitting across from the clock), and then had to re-polish a couple of them that she brushed against. My manicure (except for the polish) was done at the same time as the pedicure, which was awkward to twist around for her to reach my right hand while sitting up in the pedicure chair! On my way out, the pedicurist thanked me for not backing out on my appointment when given the option. WHAT OPTION? I wasn’t told I could reschedule anything until AFTER I spent an entire day with an untrained pedicurist! After spending over five hours in a place I was told would be a 3-1/2 hour appointment, I was not happy, to say the least. --Ally

Editor's comment: Two often-received complaints are overly talkative or noisy technicians, and, trainees working on customers without advance notice. While we understand trainees must get their experience on "real people" we stand firmly behind the suggestion that trainees train on staff members and the owners/managers of the facilities, and not on the customers, until they are fairly adept. Even then, a trainer should check in during the treatment and observe the trainee. This imparts a level of comfort to the customer. When that isn't possible, customers should be notified and given the OPTION of having a trainee perform the service, and naturally, it should be at a different price than a seasoned technician or owner. -- SpaIndex.com

RIDGEFIELD

Adam Broderick Salon & Spa, Ridgefield, CT.
TOP NOTCH as far as service and quality of service is concerned. No pressure to buy products, just suggestions. Nadine does my facials and she puts me to sleep every time! The extractions kill but I know are desperately needed. I drive 45 minutes out of my way to go to this spa, even if it's for a manicure. This spa is open every day. I love it and would recommend it to ANYONE. Check it out. -- Trish

Adam Broderick Salon & Spa, Ridgefield, CT
I think a lot of the spa experience is what you bring with you to the facility. I've gone to Adam Broderick Salon & Spa many times over the years, and am also usually satisfied wholeheartedly. I've had perhaps one or two less than stellar experiences, but those are in marked contrast with usually great treatments. Everyone has an off day, and even I have arrived jangled and rushed and with my mind on other things, and I often wonder if this doesn't contribute to a negative experience. Bottom line, not every massage (anywhere) is going to be nirvana, and I keep going back because the management is great, the place is always clean and well organized, and they are better than other facilities in the area. For instance, I thought Blades was "fine" but not "I'll go back regularly" fine. I think it's such a subjective thing, you know?. -- Susan

Adam Broderick Salon & Spa, Ridgefield, CT
I visit the Adam Broderick Salon & Spa quite frequently and am usually satisfied wholeheartedly with the services they provide. However, on my last visit I had a "heated stone massage". It was an hour and a half, but I was not happy at all with the TYPE of massage it was for $120. I honestly didn't think it was worth that amount of money. The service provider was very polite, professional and didn't talk much, which I truly appreciate. But I didn't feel any different (relaxed, soothed) after the session. I left saying, "that was it?" -- P.R.

Adam Broderick Salon & Spa, Ridgefield, CT
I've also been to Adam Broderick in Ridgefield for numerous services, and ALWAYS left completely satisfied. However, I received a "day package" and was only somewhat pleased. When I first arrived I had to wait in robe and slippers in front of an open doorway to the cold outside while men were putting in a door. I was embarrassed and uncomfortable. The establishment is perfectly kept and managed very professionally. My "day in the life" was not planned right because I "missed out" on some parts of certain procedures because of poor planning. My feet were freezing during a treatment facial because my feet were not dry from a pedicure. I wasn't able to have my face massaged during an aromatherapy massage because I just received a facial beforehand. The nail bar setup is totally wonderful and innovative, but I didn't like that I had to remove my own nail polish. The nail bar staff were very knowledgeable, but very talkative. I was made to wait for my manicure because 2 other clients that were late were "squeezed in" before me. And a basic manicure took over an hour! I didn't know who to tip because at least 4 or 5 technicians worked on me. Still, I would definitely recommend Adam Broderick Spa to anyone because the actual services (outside of manicure/pedicures) really are impeccable and worthwhile. Misha at the front desk is a PHENOMENAL worker and person, she made me feel like a PERSON, not a SALE. Nadine knows her stuff and was not pushy to buy products and kept quiet during my facial. And finally, after emailing the spa with my feedback, I received a response from Irene that made me feel like my opinion mattered and I wasn't just a complainer. Great business etiquette! -- D.

SOMERS

A Somers Day Spa, Somers, CT
I was trying to find a spa close to home that had good service, cleanliness and a couple's package for my boyfriend's birthday. When I searched online I didn't expect to find much but once I came upon this website I was introduced to the perfect place. It happened to be newly renovated and had a upscale, cozy cabin feel inside. The staff were all very nice and accommodating. My boyfriend and I also drank champagne and ate chocolate covered strawberries in front of a private fireplace after our hour massage! It was amazing and I would definitely go back. -- Christina E., October 2008

STAMFORD

Noëlle Spa for Beauty and Wellness, Stamford, CT
Noelle is located just off of the Merritt Parkway in an office building with a side entrance. I took a day-off from work to have a complete gentleman's package which included a massage, facial, pedicure and manicure. Unfortunately things did not get off to a good start.

I arrived about a half hour before my first service (massage). I came early to take a steam shower, relax and change into the robe and slippers. I was escorted by the front desk person to a waiting room and told "somebody will come and set you up." I waited and waited but no one came. I went to the front desk and a different person said "we will look into it." I was stuck in this room past my scheduled massage time and I was anything but relaxed. They eventually came profusely apologized, promised that my services time would not be affected. So I had a rushed steam shower and changed into the robe and slippers.

All the rooms and accommodations at Noelle are wonderful. My massage was good and definitely made me forget the front desk mishap. This was a massage I was looking forward to -- about a week prior I had my chest and back waxed, so this my first massage on these now hairless areas. Next up was the facial and it was outstanding. Every aspect was totally relaxing, I was in a total blissful state. This is the type of experience I want to get from spa treatments. Next was pedicure time. This was wonderful also. I was sent to a private pedicure room where a my lower legs were bathed in portable whirlpool. Then I relaxed in a comfortable lounge type chair and had my toenails clipped, filed and shaped. I had my feet and lower legs massaged. Hot towels and mittens were used. Finally clear polish was applied to the toenails. My final service was a manicure. This was very good too. I had had four treatments and by the end I was kind of tired after long day. Noelle was overall a very nice experience and I recommend it. -- Drew

WETHERSFIELD

Blades Salon, Wethersfield, CT
I have been a regular Blades customer for over 15 years and have enjoyed the services of manicure, pedicure, facial, Brazilian waxing, as well as hair and makeup. The reason I keep coming back is quite simple. Blades services are second to none. From the moment you enter the salon door you are greeted by warm, friendly faces at the reception desk. You await your appointment in a beautiful room filled with marvelous antiques, and glorious arrangements of flowers. The owner of Blades has made a commitment that each customer be pampered and made to feel welcomed and special. I have found that Blades' personnel exhibit the highest level of professionalism and service. The rooms for the facials and bikini waxing are private, and serene. When I have a manicure or pedicure the stylist takes my cue as to either I'm in the mood for conversation or not. Bottom line: I feel great after each visit and grateful that such a full service salon is so close to home. - Kathleen B.

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