I’ll be the first to admit it. I love spas! Massages, facials, pedicures and body wraps are all decadent ways to pamper yourself, and who doesn’t deserve it every now and then? When dropping the kind of cash spas charge, you want to make sure you’re heading to the right den of hedonism. Montclairions, have no fear. I’ve done the leg work so you can spend more time deciding which tantalizing treatment to indulge instead of worrying about the lack of luxury at each spot.
Bangz Salon & Wellness Spa
www.bangz.net
23 S Fullerton Avenue
Montclair, NJ
973-746-8246
Hours:
Monday- closed
Tuesday- 10AM-8PM
Wednesday- 9AM-8PM
Thursday: 9AM-10PM
Friday: 9AM-9PM
Saturday: 8AM- 6PM
Sunday: 10AM – 5PM
While I haven’t had a chance to visit the new Bangz, located in a renovated church on Fullerton Ave, walking distance from the old spot on Church Street, I have been a longtime customer. This is a hip establishment with a New York City style. Everyone is dressed in trendy clothes and always sport the most interesting hairstyles. I’m not a huge fan of the spa end of Bangz.
I’ve had hundreds of massages and the one I got from here was on the lower end of the scale. My massage therapist was the kind that goes through the rub down routine, instead of feeling for and relieving knots. The pedicure was OK at best, but when I accidentally smudged my polish my pedicurist seemed annoyed that she had to fix it.
On the other hand, the salon end is amazing. Everyone is incredibly attentive, offering water and coffee with a smile while you wait. At Bangz emphasis is put on education, much like the salons in Europe. They use a tiered system which means that when a stylist starts at Bangz, they begin at the bottom tier. As they take courses and further their knowledge and skill base, they are able to rise in the ranks. This means two things for you. On the plus side, you can be confident that your favorite stylists are staying on the cutting edge of hair care technology and techniques. Top quality does come with a price. As the stylists climb the ladder, their prices go up as well. Bangz has a wide variety of stylists across the levels to accommodate all budgets. Ladies haircuts, complete with shampoo/conditioner, cut, blowout and style start at $40 and can go all the way up to $100 for a Master cut.
As a woman with curly hair, I’m hesitant to let just anyone cut my hair. Bangz has never let me down. If the stylist I loved was busy or unable to accommodate me, they’ve always recommended someone who was just as good and they’ve never been wrong.
Woodhouse Day Spa
www.montclair.woodhousepas.com
56 South Park Street
Montclair, NJ 07042
973.509.8488
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 9AM-6PM
Tuesday, Thursday: 9AM-8PM
Sunday: 9AM-6PM
I’m not a fan of chains. I think something gets lost when you trade the personal touch of a privately owned spa for the policies and procedures of a franchise. So when The Woodhouse Day Spa moved into Montclair, I chose to stay away. With the flight for my wedding only days away, I decided at the last minute that my future husband and I should indulge in some pre-nuptial pampering. Unfortunately my favorite spot was booked up, and only kept one pedicurist on staff. Reluctantly I called Woodhouse and was surprised at how pleasant and accommodating the woman on the phone was. She was able to fit us in for duel manicures and pedicures with only a day’s notice.
Upon arrival the receptionist greeted us warmly. She knew exactly who we were before we spoke and graciously showed us to a cozy waiting room filled with comfy couches. I was disappointed that we had to ask her to take our coats, but she redeemed herself quickly with a divine offering of assorted hot teas, which was quite welcomed on such a bitterly cold and wet evening.
It wasn’t long before our manicurists found us and led us into a room with several whirlpool chairs. The women were incredibly sweet and quite patient with my finance’s ticklish feet. Although he wasn’t accustomed to a shiny nail, his manicurists buffed his nails to a shine that lasted for several weeks. My pedicure didn’t last as long, and my manicure chipped before we even arrived in the Dominican Republic for our wedding, but that isn’t something I can necessarily blame on them. The service was spectacular. They even made sure my future hubby brought the car around so I didn’t have to suffer the cold on my sandaled feet.
Although their menu of services is quite expensive, I will admit that I was wrong to group The Woodhouse with all of the other chain spas. I look forward to my next treatment with them.
Sahana Spa
www.sahanaspa.com
427 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042
973.744.1001
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday: 11AM-6PM
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10AM-8PM
Saturday: 9AM-7PM
Sunday: 10AM-5PM
Sahana Spa is a longtime Montclair favorite of mine and is the first place I turn to when I need some local luxury. When you walk in, you won’t think much of this spa. There are the usual products for sale and a modest reception. The woman at the desk is always very sweet. If it’s your first visit, you’ll fill out some paperwork sitting on very simple chairs. My first time I thought I’d gotten myself into something lame. Then it will happen. The amazing carved Royal Indian doors will open and you’ll be lead down an incredibly silent hallway. You’ll be directed to the locker room decked out in beautiful marble. You’ll be taught to operate the key-less locker system, change into the softest terry robe and be escorted back down the silent hall into a waiting oasis. Couches piled high with pillows will beckon to you while lemon-water, and tea are made available. It won’t be long before you are collected by your therapist and led to comfortable rooms. If you happen to be there with your honey for a couples massage, Sahana has a beautiful duet sweet with adjoining beds for you to enjoy yourselves together.
The massage therapists at the Sahana Spa are quite skilled. You won’t find yourself trapped into someone’s routine, but instead will have problem areas focused on so you will leave feeling relaxed and loose. When your massage is over, your therapist will be waiting outside with a glass of water ready to lead you to a decadent steam shower.
I’ve treated myself to almost all of the treatments Sahana has to offer, and I must say that Meghan has the lightest touch I’ve ever experience in a wax. While there is no such thing as pain free hair removal, a was with Meghan is the closest you will come. This is coming from someone who has been waxed pregnant, which is the most sensitive time for a woman’s skin. Tamara is highly skilled at giving facials. She has the meticulous and caring touch of a person who loves what she does.
The only area which this spa could improve in is its manicure area. It isn’t quite as cozy as the rest of the building, and the technicians don’t seem to be of the same high caliber as the rest of the staff. For the money I would suggest going elsewhere, but if you bought a package this shouldn’t be enough to deter you.
Sahana is my very first choice in Montclair spas, and will receive my business for as long as I am a resident.
