Retreat Yourself

I’m so excited to share a new Toronto post with you today - this one can be filed under “Spa Day”, “Pampering and Relaxation”, and “Treat Yourself”…or should I say, “Retreat Yourself” :)That’s the M.O. of Toronto’s best nail and beauty bar, The Retreat. They launched in order to address a void in the marketplace for a luxurious, yet affordable place for guys and gals to get their beauty fix. They offer custom manicures and pedicures, waxing, threading, facials, and massages.This uptown salon is a breath of fresh air (literally, there are no harsh chemically scents to be found here!) in a market otherwise filled with boring mani-pedis. Just take a peek at their Instagram feed to discover the extent of their nail art skills!I visited with high expectations, and they were definitely exceeded in every way.First of all, I had a pretty tough request - I brought in two pictures of nail art that I wanted done, which involved asking my esthician to combine them to include fine details and French tips. Secondly, I opted for a non-gel manicure, which makes nail art a little trickier because it takes longer to dry. As you can see from the pictures, Maya did an INCREDIBLE job. And what’s more, my manicure lasted for TWO WEEKS.Maya expertly shaped my claws with medically sterilized tools until each nail was even and smooth. She patiently painted the “evil eye” design that I asked for, waiting for each layer to dry before adding the finer points.Because I didn’t want to use gel, but still wanted a long-lasting mani, Maya used Vinylux polish to ensure my wicked black tips stayed fresh and chip-free. Expert tip: I always apply my own top coat every three days to extend the life of my manicures!I love getting pampered, and sitting back in the comfortable chairs with the vibrating cushions (such a cool add on!) was a great escape. The Retreat always has a fun playlist on, and the beautiful modern furniture and funky art really add to the atmosphere.Hanan, the salon’s founder and a dear friend of mine, always greets her customers with a warm smile. She makes everyone around her feel welcome, and is one of the funniest people I know. She could easily become best friends with each girl who walks in, and I’ve seen her cracks jokes with the men who timidly come in for pedicures to put them at ease. Hanan is also a total #girlboss and she’s always in professional mode to ensure every guest is receiving the best possible service.My favourite part about The Retreat is that it’s easy to become a regular. They have a crazy-good loyalty program in place: after 10 visits, receive a FREE service of up to a $40 value!!I also must say that this is NOT a sponsored post! I’d be writing a fabulous review for The Retreat whether I knew Hanan or not. I share only the best with my readers :) If you visit, please tell her I sent you! And if you have any other pampering recommendations, I’d love to hear them xoxo