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Novo Spa & Salon
Category: Beauty and Spas Day Spas Day Spas [Edit]
66 Avenue RoadToronto, ON M5R 3N8
Neighbourhood: The Annex
(416) 926-9303
- Price Range:
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$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
14 reviews for Novo Spa & Salon
14 reviews in English
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Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 3/1/2011
I still really like this place, even though with Yelp I tend to like trying something new each time.
Today I came for a massage, it was in the middle of the day, and a great escape for a few hours. Its like getting the place to your self, there were people there, I could tell but I never saw them. However, i can see how it would be crowded during the weekend.
It's very no frills, but serene and has all the minimal amenities. Come early, and you can chill in the Sauna. They give you a robe in the locker and some comfy slippers are you get ready.
There is tea available in the small glass room, which you can bring to the Lounge area with nice comfy chairs. I spent a good half hour there before and after my treatment reading. It was really relaxing.
The RMT massage was good with Irina. She had a sturdy pressure but gentle for a spa. I could have asked her to press harder, but I didn't. She also gave me some good advice about how to get rid of tension. I've had a similar good experience with other RMTs here.
The only sucky thing is that booking a 60 mins massage, you really only get about 50mins or less. She gets you at your appointment time, then after chatting and getting read, it's only after your treatment starts.
Would suggest getting there early so that you can maximize that time.
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Edit: I've seen so many negative reviews, I feel like I have to defend. I only come here for massages, which I like a lot - the serene setting, tea, and sauna (if it were working). Don't come here for any salon type things like nails or waxing, they aren't experts, nor are they required to be.
My biggest complaint, is that when I come here in the middle of the day, it's to relax and sit in quiet. Instead, the last few times I have come here and been in the presence of some loud talking women that total ruins my reason for the visit. Please be courteous and lower your voice.
If the price is too much, sign up for emails from http://Wayspa.com - they will have discounts on their gift certificates. Buy them and for $85 you can have a $100 gift cert for services.Listed in: Spas, Facials and Massages in…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/18/2010
I really like it here, and I specifically come here to have a relaxing massage or after noon.… Read more »
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Review from Adrienne S.
Toronto, ON
4/2/2012
Decent place for spa treatments. 3.5 stars out of 5.
My mom got me a gift certificate to this spa (must have been a Groupon deal), so I booked a massage. The spa offers all of the regular services: massages, facial treatments, hair services, waxing. Prices seem to be very reasonable (i.e. 60 min RMT = $99) especially for Yorkville. The relaxation room is nice, and they offer you a nice hot tea and cookies (although not healthy ones, I think they were PC brand) after your treatment. My RMT massage was very good.
I didn't get the Aroma Colour sauna. The different colours are supposed to enhance my relaxation? I will need a better explanation the next time I go...
Overall the space is small and concise, but very clean. I like that they have sulfate-free shampoo and body wash in the shower. The only thing is, something felt like it was missing. Maybe it was a little cold potentially clinical; not as intimate or relaxing like other spas? I can't put my finger on it!! However, I will say that when I went during the week and had a 4 pm appointment, there was hardly anyone there. So it was nice, in some ways, to have the place to myself. -
Review from Anabel L.
Toronto, ON
8/31/2011
I pride myself on reporting on the good, the good-er, and the best. Of course, we all know that there is also the ugly and bad.
In my search for a new place to get RMTs, my dearest friend suggested Novo. This "premier spa in Yorkville" had so much promise. They even recommended we come early to take advantage of their "Aroma Color Therapy Sauna". Cool right? So not.
Our massages were booked for a Sunday afternoon and save and except the treatment, it was disappointing.
I took issue with their "Aroma Color Therapy Sauna". Talk about false advertising, this complimentary service is a 3' x 2' box with coloured christmas lights. Huh.
Upon check-out the RMTs mixed my friend and I up and we consequently didn't have the right therapist on our receipts. The receptionist tried to rectify the mistake by whiting out the first name (because she somehow concluded my friend and I had the same last name?!?!). When I advised her that an insurer would not accept a whited out receipt, she seemed confused. After a brief pause, she told me that my therapist was in tomorrow and they would mail me a correct receipt. I told her that I would just pick it up that afternoon. She then asked me to call and ask them to do that. Ask who? Didn't I just ask her?
This painstackingly annoying exchange could have been avoided if staff communicated. I saw my RMT head out as I came up to the counter. Mistakes happen, but it's how they're handled that determines the professionalism of any establishment.
I called a few days later to confirm my receipt was ready - that's how much faith I had in the competency of the staff. And my doubt was not misplaced. The guy stated he no idea what I was talking about. He put me on hold only to come back and tell me that there was no record of me having seen the massage therapist I indicated. I told him that the mistake had obviously not been rectified but that I would leave it to him to figure it out. He told me I could pick my receipt up tomorrow. How much would you like to bet that when I go in tomorrow, it won't be ready. Fooey!
Update: I went in and it was ready. Of course it took the girl (same one I saw Sunday) some time to figure out who I was and what I was talking about. I guess I have a forgetable face. -
Review from Chris P.
5/2/2011
I came to this spa for my first ever brazilian wax, and since it was my first I'll never forget it but unfortunatley not for any good reason.
First off, this place is expensive, I'd even go as far as to say its overpriced. I've never undertood why waxing prices vary so much from spa to spa, to me that says that some spas just charge more to give the impression that you'll be getting a super first rate service, but from my experiences I can say that this is not always the case.
My waxing was done sloppily and I was left with extreme amounts of irritation afterwards. My esthetician was so unprofessional and wouldn't stop gossiping about other clients of the spa, other staff members, the spa managers, her life in general, etc.
Along with my brazilian I had my legs waxed as well, and the next morning I still had to shave as my legs were rough as sandpaper. It was so not worth the hour of physical and aural torture topped off with the $100+ charge.
Final verdict, I will not be back. -
Review from Jennifer M.
Toronto, ON
9/9/2010
I have been to Novo Spa on a couple of occasions without complaints. Both times I got a RMT massage which was really good. I say A-Ok because the massages are nice, and the price is right, but it is not as atmospheric as other spas. Luckily, both times I went was after 5pm, which I guess is not a popular hour. On both occasions It was like I was only one there.
Another Yelper mentioned the robes, which are GIGANTIC for tiny people, and Crocs for your feet. Wearing these you get to lumber through the dark hallways to the relaxation area and wait for your RMT.
The changeroom is nice, the products are nice, the sauna is nice, the teas are nice. Nothing is overwhelmingly mind blowing.. its all just fine. This is definitely not a fancy spa, and I don't think it claims to be one. The Massages are good, and the prices are very reasonable, especially for the location and the hours work into my schedule. You can usually get an appointment within the same or next day which I like. This is more of a "get a massage" place and less of a "spend a day at the spa" place.
My SO (a man) enjoys going here as well. Its man-comfortable I assume because of its un-fanciness. I think hearing ambient birds chirping in the waiting room might just terrify him. You can buy Man-themed gift packs from their website and have it mailed to the gentleman in your life.
Sign up for their mailing list to get special offers. -
Review from Amanda A.
Toronto, ON
7/29/2009
I got a full day here as a gift - I wasn't familiar with the name so I was a bit wary. It ended up being amazing. I guess the way they usually do it here is that the same person does all your services. So, a girl named Maria gave me a massage, facial, manicure and pedicure. My mom got a facial and manicure by a different esthetician. They were both absolutely wonderful and did everything possible to make sure we were happy and relaxed.
The lounge is really nice, and the tea selection is good too. I was very warm and toasty on a cold December day.
The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because it isn't quite on par with my favourite, Elmwood. There are no water services, and there are only 4 chaises in each lounge (1 for men, 1 for women), so if its a busy day, I don't know what they'd do.
I left here feeling great. I ended up picking some OPI polishes from the current line while I was there. When spas have the current collection out - they get bonus points. I find a lot of them just use the core colours. I'm a bit of a nail polish nut. -
Review from Naureen H.
5/6/2010
My massage was great, the masseuse was wonderful. The spa though....not so much.
They have a separate room for refreshments that honestly feels like a kitchen in an office because people were talking loudly and it was quite noisy...its the same room you would have your spa lunch in if you ordered one. They had a selection of teas and thats about it....where are the sesame sticks or banana chips?
Then the relaxation room is a set of chairs all in a row facing the door...not so awesome...kind of sterile over all in the spa.
Like stated in my other reviews...I like going to spas for the over all experience and atmosphere and this was just not up there. -
Review from Gali B.
York, ON
2/1/2011
Do not go.
My wife and I wanted a couple massage and booked an appointment with Novo Spa on a short notice (maybe now it makes sense why they had an opening).
The place was empty.
I tend to rate things in my life as top 10 best, not top 10 worst. But this was probably the worst massage I ever had. No kidding.
It was a RMT massage with a girl who had zero strength in her fingers not to mention her arms. My wife was also disappointed and said her massage was "ok".
The ambiance is OK, they basically removed a divider and wallah you have a couple's room....we did a similar thing at the metropolitan- HIGHLY recommended.
When I came to pay I told the girls at the front about my experience. They were so indifferent and merely said that they have more RMT practitioners so maybe next time I should use somebody else.
Are you kidding me?!
I am not going to waste my time there and neither should you.
Many more spas and massage places in the city than to waste your money there.
I had to give one star as the showers were clean....
Harsh...I know...but hey....in today's world you have to deliver quality -
Review from nila b.
Scarborough, ON
4/11/2010
I looove Novo Spa!
The first time was for RMT, and the second one is for the steam-bed therapy. And i must say, the steam-bed therapy is AMAZING. I recommend it for all of us who just need 75 minutes of your time in life all to your self.
Steam bed therapy is a full body treatment. First, they exfoliate your whole entire body, and then you get wrapped mud treatment, and then finally steam the body. It feeels good-- reall gooood
The lounge/waiting area is very relaxing. You can fix your self some organic tea and fruits. The change room is nice and clean.
Give it a shot :) -
Review from Vanessa G.
Toronto, ON
9/11/2008 1 photo
I'm not usually one to splurge on spa services - however, the few times I do get them, I often wish I'd do it more often.
I went to Novo for a pedicure (a gift from a friend) and I have to say my feet feel wonderful right now! They're soft and clean and there's no more dry skin. Plus, my nails look absolutely perfect! Even when I look close up, there's no mistake to be seen.
But services at Novo aren't cheap. This pedicure cost $55 without tip, which by industry standards is fairly pricey. However, my pedicure lasted an hour and a half and I can't say I've ever felt so great after a service. The massage chairs are great, and you get to choose your colour (they have a ton, I choose a blood red from OPI's new Fall line) and then sit back relax and enjoy the treatment.
I usually frequent less expensive Asian establishments and they do a good job, but its nothing compared to the pedicure at Novo.
You might not be able to do it all the time, but I recommend you visit Nova once, just for the experience! -
Review from Jason D.
Aurora, ON
8/30/2009
Was a nice treat for my wife and I for a midday getaway. I was a little skeptical that it would be as snooty as the rest of Yorkville, but was pleasantly surprised that it was not. Had the Taste of Luxury plus the Champagne, chocolates and rose in the "private" couples suite. Massages, then foot scrubs followed by use of a really cool and high tech couples shower. The champagne and chocolates were served in the attached lounge and in total we were pampered for about 2 hours. I've been to a few spas with my wife, but this was by far the best treatment we've received. I'd give it 5 stars, but about half way through the "spa music" was turned off, I commented about it but nothing was done to get the sound back... small thing, but sometimes it's those little things that make all the difference.
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Review from Karen M.
Ottawa, ON
6/17/2009
The most important thing for me and this spa is they use my favorite spa products Guinot. I started using Guinot in Ottawa and when I moved to Toronto I found a spa that used it, Nova was it! Aside from that the service, location and amenities have kept me as a customer. They have a nice relaxing room to hang out in prior to your appointment and the Aroma Colour Therapy Sauna is pretty neat. I have only ever had facials there but they are fab and I will definitely continue to go back.
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Review from Andre D.
Edmonton, AB
5/2/2010
So before heading to the Falls, we decided to get a couples massage, mani and pedi. YES men get manis and pedis and I'm not ashamed of saying it.
For the first time, they offered a larger sized bathrobe, which I was definitely please at having. So that was a bonus. Then we moved to the "men's lounge" which was more for couples. The couples massage area was called Jaipur. I had an East Indian woman and my gf had another woman. Generally when I've had couples massages, they were relatively close together. This time they were far apart. We both got the hot stone massage and liked our masseuses. Since I have tendinitis, I asked for some extra attention there. Karen was very good and relieving that area although I still felt a bit of pain. She was pretty good.
Then manis and pedis were ok. I didn't have talkative estheticians but my gf had 1 person who did both. I felt that I kept on getting into their conversation. I guess I had more in common with that conversation, until I ended up asking why the Japanese esthetician had a Polish last name. That conversation is for another day...lol
Novo has friendly staff and a pretty good environment, but the clientele was a different story. Ya it's in Yorkville but the annoying set of women besides us made me want to gag. All in all I would agree with the other reviewers in giving a 4/5. -
Review from Lisa K.
2/8/2009
They didn't book the massage we wanted & blamed us for their mistake. They expected us to know policies that aren't posted in the salon, on their website & aren't told to you before your service. They tried to make us pay for their mistake, & we may still get charged for it. If you go here, do NOT make your appt w/ Giovanna, don't expect help from the manager Shannon, & if you don't like your massage, walk out w/in 15 minutes to avoid payment.
Details:
On Saturday, February 7 my husband and I called Novo and booked two 60-minute therapeutic massages with two requests: a woman masseuse for my husband and a person who could do strong pressure for me. The salon receptionist said no problem.
We got our massages on Sunday the 8th. During my massage, I asked the woman to apply more pressure for my massage. She said she couldn't. She also did not massage my feet, and massaged me with almost no pressure. I was very dissatisfied with my massage. My husband had the same pressure problem. Our massages only lasted 45 minutes, but we paid for 60 minutes.
The receptionist asked me if we enjoyed our spa experience. I said my husband had a decent massage, but I did not enjoy mine. The spa coordinator, Maryelle, asked me what happened. I explained to her we booked two therapeutic massages, what the masseuse said, and our dissatisfaction with the services. Maryelle looked at me oddly, and then looked at our booking. She said, "No, therapeutic massages can have pressure. But you had aromatherapy massages, so that's why you couldn't get more pressure." We didn't book aromatherapy massages.
I refused to pay for the massages and asked for a solution to the problem. She said, "Well, you already received the service. If you were not happy with your massage within the first 15 minutes, you could have called it quits and you would not have been charged for the massage." They never told us that information when we arrived, and it is not on their website. I thought I was receiving the service I booked. I just thought the therapeutic massages were not the same as other spas. I said, "You just told me that I received a different kind of massage than what I requested. I didn't receive the massage I asked for, and I will not pay for it. Please call your manager so we can find a solution to this problem." Maryelle kept repeating over and over that we received the service, and that "your service was written in the book, and we need to do an investigation on what happened." We realize what was written in the book, but the book did not have the service we requested.
Maryelle called Shannon, one of the managers, and she said the manager repeated the same things Maryelle already told us. We asked her to call back the manager so we could speak to her, and she did. The manager, Shannon, refused to speak with us when Maryelle called back. The salon owner, Gabriel, is in Mexico and isn't going to be back until Tuesday.
In the end, Maryelle said she would not charge us for the massages for now, and that the owner, Gabriel, would call us to further discuss the charges. We asked for the name of the woman who booked our appointment that she needed to investigate. Maryelle said her name was Giovanna.
We update this post if more info becomes available.
