An Afternoon at Novo Spa in Yorkville

I spent yesterday afternoon at Novo Spa in Yorkville, getting a facial and relaxing in the beautiful facility. I drank tea, enjoyed a soothing facial, and even had a refreshing shower after it was all over. It was a perfect way to spend an afternoon, and was like a holiday escape without actually leaving the city!

After a brief walk through the lovely neighbourhood of Yorkville, I arrived at Novo Spa, ready for my treatment. I received a friendly welcome and a tour of the facilities. The layout was designed in a “U shape“, with the hallway leading back to the main lobby. Treatment rooms were along the left hallway, with couples rooms on the back wall, and waiting/relaxation rooms  on the inside.

After I got a sense of the calming environment, I headed into the women’s change room to undress and robe-up. I padded around in my comfy new slippers and large squishy robe.

Next, I made my way over to a small glass tea lounge, compete with tables, chairs and a healthy snack bar. I was given a choice of teas to drink, and decided on Roobios Sweet Embrace. It came served on a cute little platter with the tea pot and a flower. The tea itself was delicious, I couldn’t get enough. With a little added honey, I sipped it slowly as I listened to the gentle music around me.

There was also a waiting/relaxation room available for all guests.

I was summoned to the treatment room and my facial was about to begin.

Climbing up onto the table, I slipped under the covers and got comfortable. It felt more like a bed, and I’m pretty sure–given any more time alone–I would have easily fallen asleep. The room was small, dark and quiet. The walls were a dark shade of tan, almost swallowing up the light that was available. The only light in the room came from a small square on the wall, and a couple of flickering candles behind me. Soft music played over the speakers, in a melody of pan flutes and gentle instruments.

Some of the rooms even have tiny twinkle lights all over the ceiling. The lights change colours in a sweeping motion and almost give the illusion of staring up at the stars on a warm summer evening.

I was very relaxed.

After a quick assessment, my facial therapist determined that I had normal skin, with a slight dry area on my cheeks from the changing weather.

First, she removed my eye make-up with an herbal make-up remover, and used a firm acai cleanser on the rest of my face. With a quick stone crop mist, it was on to the exfoliants. She applied a raspberry eye exfoliant and a citrus lip exfoliator. It felt cool, and smelled delicious.

Next, came a pear and poppy seed microderm polisher, which was massaged into my skin, and then wiped away with a warm towel. Each time my skin started to feel a little cold from the treatments, the warm towel would bring a welcomed touch of heat.

After the towel, a lime stimulating mask was applied. This one smelled even better than the last. At first, I thought it was a lemon scent, but soon picked out that lime scent.

Following the lime mask, a seven herb treatment mask was applied.  I was close to falling asleep again, but was happily surprised when my facial therapist started to massage my hands and arms. If there’s one thing I love more than a facial, it’s a massage. A facial with a massage is even better!

Afterward, a raspberry eye masque and citrus lip plumping masque were applied. Still feeling completely relaxed, I wiggled my toes around under the heavy duvet comforter.

And then came the final (and my favourite) masque. The strawberry rhubarb masque. YUM. Obviously, I didn’t taste it, but the smell was absolutely delicious. It smelled like a dessert had been spread directly onto my face, and was soothing my skin. I felt even more relaxed as this serum worked away at replenishing my skin.

With the final warm towel wiping away the masque, I took a few deep breaths, knowing that the treatment was coming to an end.

My facial therapist applied a finishing herbal eye contour cream and a stone crop serum and moisturizer, before she offered me some lemon water, said goodbye and exited the room.

I took a moment to slowly rise from the comfortable bed and make my way to the door. I walked down the hallway of doors that were labelled as different exotic locations, and imagined myself in each one of them.

Entering the women’s change room, I headed straight to the shower. With complimentary organic shampoo and conditioner, I washed my hair and also washed away any of the remaining serums that may have been on my shoulders. I then retrieved my belongings from my locker, got dressed and ready to leave.

The spa provides complimentary essentials for getting yourself ready, like brushes and hair-dryers, as well as lotions and sprays.

Feeling 100% refreshed and rejuvenated, I exited Novo Spa and headed back down the streets of Yorkville, with a smile on my face.

Personally, I loved Novo Spa! I’ve been to some pretty amazing spas around the World–including the infamous Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Novo Spa was right up there as a number one contender for relaxation and a world class, calming atmosphere. Don’t forget to leave a tip for your own therapist; especially if you loved the service as much as I did!