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Darling Spa
Categories: Beauty and Spas Skin Care Beauty and Spas Hair Removal Skin Care, Hair Removal [Edit]
20 Maud StUnit B2
Lower Level
Toronto, ON M5V 2M5
(416) 428-1465
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 2 pm - 7 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 am
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
About This Business:
Non-surgical face lift, Non-surgical breast lift, non-surgical body lift, eye lid lift, blepharoplasty, Botox, Juvederm, Revanesse, Teosyal, Aluma… read more »
15 reviews for Darling Spa
15 reviews in English
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Review from Hana B.
1/4/2011 ROTD 8/10/2011
I love the cute and chic decor, the soothing music, and the gentle yet very thorough facials Leslie is known for. I never was quite a believer in facials before this since they didn't do much for my skin i felt. But all that changed after ones from Darling Spa.
I can't rave about this lady enough. I've been recommending her to my mom and friends, I do admit I've been holding out on my Yelp review as I feel she will be even busier and harder to see. But, what the hell, if anyone deserves a stellar review, its Leslie. -
Review from Zoe R.
8/10/2011
I spoke w/ Leslie, since my tongue was wagging after reading all these positive (outstandingly so) Yelp reviews for Darling Spa.
However, she's not accepting any new clients, and won't be until she is better able to.
Wanted to let other Yelpers know this.
I will definitely book a facial w/ her when I learn that it's possible to, and then for sure likely up my rating :) :)Comment from leslie f. of Darling Spa 8/10/2011
Thanks for your review zoe, i am back from medical leave but… More » -
Review from Avitania B.
Toronto, ON
8/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
One of the best Brazilians I've ever had! Not only does Leslie perform a very thorough and meticulous job, she's also extremely gentle. And while getting your panocha waxed can be a nerve-wracking experience for the shy and/or unaccustomed, Leslie goes the extra mile to make sure you leave with your dignity intact. (Which is far more than I can say for other places I've been where they ask you to get into bendy positions that only my husband has seen me in -- *ahem*Pink Cheeks in L.A.*ahem*)
The spa itself is immaculate and calming, tucked into a mixed use loft space in the Fashion District. Finally, her prices are super reasonable! I'll definitely be back. -
Review from Cindy C.
Toronto, ON
10/22/2010
Leslie is a little bit of heaven on earth...
Honestly, after a long day of work, going in for a facial was the best! Leslie, really takes the time to explain and walk you through her process. I went yesterday and today, my skin feels great, I didn't even wear foundation! People said it looked glowing!
3 most important things that I'm impressed with:
1) Her knowledge and expertise on skin and products
2) She doesn't PUSH products on you but more so encourages that you try them first and stacks you with samples. If I ever buy the product, I don't care if they sell it anywhere, I would buy it from her.
3) Her extractions don't make your face blotchy and red (even right after, it's just minor) because she does it properly.
She is hard to book, so call in advance. The facial took about 2 hours total, plus she squeezed in a nice massage that I fell asleep in. She answers any questions that you have, about almost anything and she makes you feel like she's there for your skin with no ulterior motives.
She recommended something that's great value for my skin that I can get in health food stores, which I will buy!
Anyways, all thumbs up, she is great, I read the reviews from yelpers and took a chance and I'm glad I did, because Leslie is amazing. She really cares about skin and her place is darling. -
Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
10/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
Leslie is fabulous. This place is fabulous. I'm such a fan, and I've already booked my next appointment.
My advice is to book at least 3 - 4 weeks ahead. Leslie is wonderful, but she does everything herself! Gives a certain sense of quality, but she's so busy! I don't know how she does it.
The place is decorated like the way I would want my apartment. It's cosy and sweet, and since she does everything herself, the whole place is quiet and to yourself when you go in!
I got a facial today, and it was one of the best I have to say. She knew the issues with my skin right away. She actually read the questionnaire that she gave me, which had really informative questions. And I'm guessing she keeps it as a reference for my next visit.
She's super friendly and we chatted almost the whole time, except when I fell asleep in her wonderful hands.
During my mask, she have me a hand/arm massage. And she gave a wonderful face and shoulder massage. Pressure could have been more, but it definitely relaxed me. During the 2nd mask, she gave a scalp massage, and I"m not sure what else because I drifted off. I hate! when that happens!
I can't wait til my next appointment, which is booked already! -
Review from Sarah O.
Toronto, ON
5/23/2010 ROTD 10/29/2010
I was a facial virgin before coming here. Leslie made the whole first facial experience a purely blissful one. I think I even let out a few snores, I was so relaxed.
I filled out a survey that asked about my skin condition and included a question about my pain threshold (i'm a "medium" but really, I'm a wimp so I did wince in pain during the extraction part). The facial included the extraction, steam machine (i wish I could've seen what this magical machine looked like but I kept my eyes closed because I didn't think my eyeballs needed steaming), facials scubs, exfoliating mask and one of the best massages I've ever had!
Seriously, everyone should treat themselves to at least one facial a year. I wish I had the money to go each month but sadly, I am not a lottery winner nor do I have a bubbling crude oil well in my backyard. It's 30% off your first visit though! -
Review from susan c.
9/19/2009 ROTD 7/21/2010
It was that time again; I had to get rid of the extra feathers and twigs around the magpie's nest. Based on all the positive reviews on Yelp, I knew that Leslie at Darling Spa was the woman for the job. She's also offering a 30% discount* for first-timers so that was extra incentive to do something that's on par with walking on hot coals, on the spectrum of painfulness.
I figured while I was getting a Brazilian ($45**), she might as well wax my legs too ($30** for lower legs). Leslie was quick and thorough. She's good about chatting you up so you're concentrating on having a conversation instead of being horrified by the searing pain in such a sensitive area. It also helps that she's warm and down to earth so I didn't feel self-conscious about showing her my cellar door.
The spa itself is small, cute, and intimate. I can tell that Leslie really thought about her space. I walked in and the place smelled good--almost like creme brulee--and didn't reek of lavender like most spas. It's clean which is an absolute must for this business. She also scored big points for pumping out Lily Allen on her iPod and not some spiritual new agey Reiki music.
Let's face it; getting the jewels snatched (har, har) off the treasure chest is never gonna be a pleasant experience but Leslie makes it as tolerable as possible.
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* Remember to tip on the pre-discount total.
** Pre-discount priceListed in: Keeping Track of My ROTD…
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Review from Kelly O.
Updated - 8/16/2010
Finally made it here for the much-raved about facial. It took awhile to book, but it COMPLETELY worth it. Its customized to your skin and its needs, and comes complete with a delicious arm, hand, neck and scalp massage while you're masks are setting. Its crazy good.
I know many people are afraid of extractions, and I've never had anyone else do them better. They are, of course, unpleasant, but this is the first time I left a facial without a red or blotchy face. I was glowing baby, GLOWING!Listed in: FTR's n' all dat., ROTDs! Holla!, Spa-Tacular Spas
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/14/2009 ROTD 3/2/2010 First to Review
This spa lives up to its name...its completely darling! This tiny spa offers all the usual… Read more »
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Review from Christina S.
3/5/2010
My usual waxer was closed and I was only in town for the one afternoon, so I decided to try Darling Spa. What a good idea! Leslie's little space is beautiful, incredibly welcoming, and clean. She is incredibly personable and gave me the least painful wax I've ever had. We were just chatting away up until the moment I left the place. What a sweet lady!
It's a little pricier than my usual place, but you also get 30% off on your first visit, and with that deal, how could you not try it at least once? -
Review from lindsay s.
Toronto, ON
7/26/2010
I love this girl!
Not only did we end up having a lot in common, she's amazing at what she does.
Now if only she wasn't so popular - getting to see her requires a bit of strategic timing, as she's so busy, but good things are worth waiting for. Especially in this case. -
Review from Carmen M.
8/2/2009
Darling Spa is by far *the* best spa in Toronto!
Leslie, the owner and aesthetician, is affable, lovely and her work is simply amazing. I've never had anyone treat my nails with such tender loving care and I've certainly had my share of mani/pedis! She has a custom pedicure chair that is so comfortable, I could fall right asleep if I wasn't having so much fun chatting with her! Leslie's facials are just awesome and she only uses the Dermalogica skincare line.
The décor is just perfect -- sleek and modern, but very comfortable, and makes you feel as though you're having your services done at home. And, she serves David's Tea, too! -
Review from Tanya B.
Toronto, ON
3/4/2010
Sometimes the combination of weather and stress can do a number on your skin and body... So it's nice to have an esthetician who knows her craft. Leslie is sublime- a really caring person whose skills are far above par.
Her facial nearly saved my skin. The whole experience is relaxing, she knows how to pamper her clients.
I'm feeling a manicure coming on! -
Review from Kat F.
12/1/2009 4 Check-ins Here
Does your esthetician have amazing skin, a personality that just dances with effervescence, incredible taste in decor and music, AND a magic touch that can erase every iota of worry from your skin? Oh, sorry - mine does.
But I love sharing, so sit tight and I'll tell you all about her. Another barburning, character-limit-testing review coming your way. I only reserve these excruciatingly detailed reviews for my "10 star" favourites, and Darling Spa is naturally one of them.
Come here for a facial to end all facials. I was blissed out, woozy and teetering like a daytime lush when I walked out after my 90 minutes of magic.
Leslie Ferranti was my esthetician at Camden Spa and when I heard that she was opening her own shop I audibly squealed with both terror and glee. Terror because I could already hear my debit card groaning in anticipation of future overuse (how could I NOT get a facial, waxing and other treatments every month??) and glee because, well, read on...
You won't find Darling Spa noisily beckoning you inside its doors with sandwich board specials or assaulting you with flyers while you shop on Queen Street West. No, you'll find out about Darling Spa from your friends (the ones that truly love you and don't mind sharing their secret to great skin!) and fellow yelpers, because it's quietly tucked away in a building on Maud Street just south of Queen & Augusta. Once inside, you'll start making mental notes of every inch of space for future home decor projects. Leslie's got great taste in furniture and accoutrements - beautiful light grey walls accented by white furniture and black bits of art and other accessories.
The guest washroom is perhaps better appointed than even my own, with a host of products and thoughtful touches that make you feel right at home - dental floss, feminine products, tissues, makeup remover, wet wipes, the lot. The treatment room and main space are equally beautiful and relaxing. I almost fell asleep during a leg wax, for crying out loud.
So, about the waxing. As expected, it's quick, professional and affordable. I have a high tolerance for pain but it wasn't called upon here as Leslie is a fast worker and kept my mind busy with interesting conversation and really great music as a soundtrack. Who wouldn't love getting their legs waxed to the tune of "I Love NYE" by Badly Drawn Boy and "Sexy Boy" by Air? I left hairless and with nary a skin irritation in sight. I'll be back in four weeks.
The star of the show here is the signature facial. As previously mentioned, it's the facial to end all facials and I think I drunkenly declared those very words to those in the waiting room (can't remember, I was in a state of confusion when I emerged from the treatment room. Imagine waking from a century long cryogenic slumber and you'll know what I was dealing with here). If you love yourself (and you should!) you'll come here regularly for this absolute treat. Leslie herself has incredible skin (try not to stare), which is a lovely testament to her expertise and support of the dermal advice she dispenses. Nothing worse than getting worked on by someone who doesn't practice what they preach, right?
It feels weird describing a 90 minute orgasm, but I'll try.
Leslie knew exactly what she was getting into with my skin from my days as a client at the other spa, so she went straight to work. I openly accepted a series of hot towels, fine mists, foaming treatments, fruit enzyme scrubs, masks and cold creams (all by Dermalogica) on my cranky and grateful skin. I don't think I even winced during extraction, and there was lots of it to be done. Then came a series of massages, which is about when I had to seriously stop myself from audibly voicing my extreme pleasure. Apparently Leslie also fancies herself a Registered Massage Therapist?! WHO KNEW? Honestly the best massage I've ever had**. I sleep on my stomach and have notoriously tight neck and shoulder muscles. The three-pronged attack of arm/hand, neck/shoulders and then scalp massage nearly turned me into a puddle. OK, I have to stop writing about this now, go lie down and stare longingly at the square on my calendar that marks our next facial date.
Now stop reading. GO!
**shh, don't tell my RMTListed in: Treating Your Body Right In…
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Review from Tracy D.
9/11/2009
Quick, efficient, and awesome waxing job! I have found my new go to place in Toronto. Great prices, superior products and a woman with such a stellar reputation it precedes her. I can't wait to go back for a dermalogica facial. Oh and the proprietor's/esthetician's mother, Susan, is a doll and helped me get the squeezed in appointment I needed and was just a pleasure to deal with. Thanks Leslie!
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Review from eune y.
Toronto, ON
3/18/2010
Leslie is a waxing genius and the queen of all facialists! My face is so fresh and glow-y now that I've been going for my monthy facials. I like that from start to finish I'm working with one person and Leslie's just super chill yet professional. It's just a really perfect little spa experience that's totally focused on you and getting whatever treatment you paid for exactly right. And her little space is lovely and she gave me a cookie the first time I got the Brazillian which made the pain worth it...(it's true, all it takes is a cookie and you can punch me in the face if you want).... Actually, it was way less painful than I thought but I think that's a reflection of Leslie's skill and the quality of her wax. I was really nervous about it but as I am a very nice girlfriend, I thought I'd give it a go. Like everyone else, I came to Leslie because of the reviews 'cause seriously, why would anyone go just anywhere to have this sort of thing done? It was not as embarrassing as I thought it would be, super fast and my bf now owes me big time so it's a very good deal! :) No joke, out of desperation (Leslie was fully booked Valentines) I booked a brazillian elsewhere and it took 3X as long (sugaring...why, Lord, WHY??!!) and started growing in within days whereas it took at least 3 weeks with Leslie's expert waxin'. Sorry, this is getting more detailed than I'm really comfortable sharing but I'll sacrifice my prudishness to praise the excellent Leslie! Did I mention that she gave me a cookie the first time around? I lurve her. :)
