Kavala Day Spa Chelmsford Essex www.kavalabeauty.co.uk

I had my first visit to Kavala last month and had a Hot Stone Massage with Hazel. I have had lots of massages in the past so my expectations were quiet high. I couldnt fault it, the Receptionist was pleasant, Hazel was very welcoming and the massage was faultless. It was worth every penny and I have booked another full body massage next month. If my next massage also proves to be this good, I will continue to book a treatment each month. I felt compfortable, well looked after and I really felt it was a well deserved pampering treat. I will write a review after my second visit as this particular massage is provided by another staff member. I was concerned that being near the Bus Station, I would hear outside noise, but I neednt have worried. The room was warm, quiet and dimly lit and added to the relaxing experience.

I visited kavala today for a facial to be paid with vouchers I had received for my birthday. I arrived dead on the time of my appointment. 4.45pm which was also the time showing on my watch, and mobile. The receptionist claimed it was 4.53 and sarcastically suggested I needed a new battery for my watch. She was even laughing at me! I was told there was no time for my treatment and was offered a shorter treatment totally inappropriate for my skin type. I decided to rebook and as the receptionist handed me my appointment card she smugly said "dont forget to change your clocks"! I have never experienced such a rude receptionist ever! I have since been on Kavala's website and it does say that you should arrive 15 mins prior to appointment . I have used Kavala before and have never ever been advised of this when booking. It was not the inconvenience or disappointment caused today that particularly bothered me but more the receptionists attitude. I felt like I was being told off and mocked! Threfore because of this I will not recommend or use Kavala again!

Shame I didn't read the reviews before I went there! I've had my legs waxed on a few occasions and always ended up with smooth skin for at least 4 weeks. But not this time. I grew my hair for almost 3 weeks before I went to Kavala just to make sure it's long enough to be easily waxed. The beautician was very nice, professional and she knew what she was doing but the fault could've been with the products. During waxing she had to use tweesers on a number of occasions and waxing was unusually painful. Next day I discovered that the wax actually did not pull the hair out but broke it near the skin so my legs were prickly like after shaving! And the following day it felt more obvious because it had grown! When I went back to Kavala and questioned it, I was told it was normal! They offered a half-leg free waxing next time but no money back! But who would like to go back there after this??!! At one point the lady admitted that the skin felt like after shaving. Never again!

I visited this spa at the beginning of the year using gift vouchers from my Mum. Having just moved to the area I was very excited to try out what looked to be a great day spa. How wrong I was. The infared sauna wasn't hot, the receptionist was rude, the 'relaxing waiting area' was in a coridoor and the 'Sense' treatment was just a joke - neither a massage nor a facial. Such a shame - a real case of all talk and no substance. I will say though that the therapist was very friendly. Perhaps I just went on a a bad day, but I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone.

I feel that Kavala is a very expensive salon and perhaps I'm a bit niave here but there aren't any other beauty salons that provide the same standard of service or treatments. Although I only really use a salon for eye brow waxings - it's still much nicer than sitting in the corner of a hairdressers or back of a shop. I'm charged £10 for my eye brow wax (my previous salon charged £7). I found the Kavala beautician to be friendly and delicate (bearing in mind it's not the most comfortable experience) but the reception staff aren't the most professional - sometimes chatting and ignoring customers.

My biggest gripe with Kavala was when I wanted to get a wedding make-up trial and found the beautician unfriendly, unapproachable and less than helpful. Needless to say, I didn't make the overpriced appointment and found a beautician elsewhere.

I've had reflexology, hot stone and swedish massages, and waxing at Kavala, and have never been disappointed. Every visit has been a relaxing and pleasant experience (well okay, the waxing isn't exactly relaxing but you know what I mean!). The staff are very nice, very professional, and the decor is lovely, very stylish!

Such a disappointment going to Kavala Day Spa in Chelmsford, Essex.

Maybe I was unlucky, but it was extremely expensive so I expected top quality staff.

Waiting room grubby, with finger marks on the walls and marked sofas. I think it needed a good wash down. My massage was very superficial despite me asking for it to be done more firmly. Though the music too loud in the room and there was giggling staff up and down the corridor outside my treatment room.I also thought the lighting was too bright in the room and I believe the therapist really needed alot more practice and experience, although pleasant .