New kid on the block: West Salon and Spa (Carmen Cheung)
Sandwiched neatly between Brooklynn Bar and The Beaver, the recently opened West Salon and Spa is a bit out of place among the late-night watering holes and restaurants along this part of Queen West. But the owners, Priscilla Medeiros and Rob Banton, carefully selected the location by keeping a close eye on real estate for over a year.
The hip thirty-something couple are no strangers to the neighbourhood—they live in the area and Banton is part owner of nearby Nyood restaurant, which shares the same open feel, soaring ceilings and discreetly glamorous style of the new beauty parlor.
Medeiros, a former songstress and dancer, lights up when she explains the different spa services. In addition to hair treatments like blowouts, cuts, and colour jobs, customers can also schedule appointments for massage therapy, manicures, pedicures, facials, spray-on tans and laser hair removal.
Owners Rob Banton and Priscilla Medeiros (Photo by Carmen Cheung)
The price of being pampered? An average haircut begins at $45 for women and $34 for men. A 60-minute deep-tissue massage with a registered therapist is listed at $85. A hydrating facial costs $80, a spray-on tan applied by an aesthetician is about $50, and an Essie polished mani/pedi combo costs $65.
Most of the potions and lotions used in the spa are available for purchase. They sell a variety of Schwarzkopf Professional products, including the certified organic Essensity line containing no artificial fragrances or silicones; luxurious Guinot Paris skin cleansers and moisturizers; and animal-friendly Moroccan Oil shampoos, creams and conditioners.
The pair believes the full-service salon will be well received in the artsy district. They’re also hopeful that the Bohemian Embassy condo development across the street, scheduled for completion in 2010, will attract a fashionable clientele searching for some relaxation or rejuvenation.
West Salon and Spa, 1188 Queen St. West, 647-348-4088.
Congratulations to you both – The Salon is Fabulous!
October 5, 2009 at 2:11 pm | by Alex & Cecilia EspinaGreat customer service,Sarah was an amazing stylist and really listened to my needs and concerns. walked out feeling great. will definitely go back
October 20, 2009 at 11:44 am | by JulieBest facial I have every had, it was so relaxing and best of all my skin felt and looked great.
October 20, 2009 at 11:49 am | by TanyaI always seem to have a hard time on deciding which nail design to use, sometimes it can take me hours to decide. I usually try changing my nail designs at least twice a month.
November 18, 2009 at 10:51 am | by NagelforlangningI had a haircut here, I think the girls name was Julie, and she did an Amazing job! Will be coming back.
June 6, 2011 at 10:17 pm | by daveStylist Sarah-Anne is AWESOME. Really skilled, listens to your needs, understands that clients have boundaries in terms of how experimental they’re willing to be, makes it easy to take the right kind of chance. She makes me look beautiful, and she’s a lovely person too. :)
August 25, 2011 at 10:37 am | by Jennifer RadfordI had a great experience using both spa and salon services. My facial was amazing! I also had a pedicure and manicure with paraffin treatment. Staff are so friendly and fun! My hair was done by Sarah and although I was very nervous of change she had some great ideas and listened to my needs and concerns. I had both a cut and colour……turned out amazing and I will definitely go back:)
September 11, 2011 at 3:12 am | by Amanda