Inner Sanctuary Spa

I booked into the Spa for a mini facial and Indulgent spa manicure session. At 6 months pregnant i thought it was time i deserved some pampering and i was really looking forward to it. On arrival i was met in Reception and told to take a seat. I had a heavy cardigan and carrier bag with me and thought it would of been nice if someone offered to take them off my hands for a bit! It was also completely silent, no music in the background which i thought could of added some instant relaxation on arrival. I was taken through to have my facial and i must say that the next 30 minutes were amazing, very relaxing and professional service received and my skin just felt superb! I was then asked to go through to the manicure area which is just off reception. The curtains were ajar so all of the noise and light from reception came through and again no music on so i instantly felt my previous state of contentment vanish. The manicure started out ok ish, basic clean and file although some jagged edges were left, buff and brief massage although this felt rather rushed and then a polish which was a shambles really. I honestly felt like i had a child practising painting on my hand and it is not an even coat at all. As soon as the coat was applied i was told that i was done and could sit and relax, still in the manicure room! and that someone would come and check on my nails. After 20 minutes of sitting there a girl checked if i was ok but i don't think she had a clue why i was in there and my patience had gone by then, i grabbed my bag chipping my polish immediately and went to reception to ask about what i had paid for - an indulgent spa manicure should have included a massage and parrafin treatment - the Receptionist went to find out why i had not received that and the therapist did not even come out to apologise and his answer was that 'he just did not know why she had not done it'. I was immediately told they would give me the money back of £5 as though i had just paid for an aromatherapy manicure, i had had no aromatherapy!! No offer of re-doing a massage at a later date or anything i would class as customer service he was completely disinterested in my concern and that i was getting rather upset (pregnancy does funny things!!) so i had to leave, never to return again. Such dissapointment. What started out being a lovely morning ended up leaving me very stressed and vowing never to treat myself again if that is what i am to expect!! Such potential but if they continue to treat their clients like that i can see another small Manchester business closing.

10

Nicola R.

Been coming to this place for years - it started as a little therapy place with just couple of rooms on Oldham Street and then moved to a bigger place near Blu in the Norther Quarter. Over the years, the staff have encouraged me to try everything from colonics to acupuncture (something I would have NEVER tired before meeting them). But their therapists are all professionally trained and qualified in what they do (more than can be said about some places!) which is really important if you're about to have a hose pipe put up your bum!

0

Jenny W.

I've used this salon twice for leg waxing and both times I've come away dissatisfied. The first time I went they missed lots of hairs on both legs. I complained and to be fair they did refund the payment and had me back in to do it again for free. The second time I went ( about a year later May 2008) it was a last minute booking where I thought I would just take a chance and see if things had improved. It was a different therapist who did the waxing. I was kept waiting for over 30 minutes to start with and then the therapist who did the waxing covered each leg completely with wax before removing any wax, as a result the wax she put on first had gone cold and had stuck to my legs and the attempts to remove it have actually taken a layer of skin off my legs in two areas. This is very painful and I'm left with two scars that I'm hoping will heal soon. In summary, I wouldn't use this salon for waxing, they may be good in other areas such as massage etc, but I haven't tried these treatments. In general it is a nice salon, the therapists are very nice - they offer drinks etc and there's a nice comfy waiting area.

0

Nicola R.

This place is a hidden gem. The therapists are totally professional and highly trained. The treatment rooms are beautifully decorated and the treatment received from the moment you step through the door is excellent.

Beware, once you've been here you won't go anywhere else!

10

Louisa L.