By The Pearl - Luxury Massage Therapy Spa
I was visiting a friend in Whitby, and decided to book an appointment at The Pearl in Pickering.
I love the whole set-up of The Pearl and its neighbouring shops. They are not in a strip plaza. Instead, they are part of a brand new luxury townhouse community. Nice.
I was expecting a big spa, but that's definitely not the case. The Pearl does not offer any spa services except massage therapy. No facials. No manicures. No pedicures. No body wraps. Just massage - albeit in a really nice setting.
I have nothing against going to a spa with women, but I do like the fact that as a man, I can go there without having to sit beside a woman in a robe or a mud mask.
The reception area is very modern, stylish and elegant. It's as my friend had described. It looks like a boutique hotel.
I met the owner of The Pearl. She's a very pretty lady who was also very personable. While I was filling out my form, I enjoyed my little conversation with her. Apparently, she designed The Pearl to make it feel like a private spa for the client.
She asked me a couple of questions to personalize my massage experience. For music, did I prefer light jazz, instrumental or nature? What is the lighting level I prefer. How light or soft do I want my pressure to be? Man - I was really impressed by how much effort they were putting forth to ensure my experience was personalized to my tastes.
When I walked in the treatment room, I was in love. It's not opulent or grand. However, it has a simple beauty, elegance, and warmth to it. The room has a nice inviting sitting area that just beckons you to have a seat and forget all of your troubles.
The floors were of dark bamboo wood and were heated underneath. It felt real nice on my bare feet.
I also liked the headrest on the bed. It was so soft and cushy. I almost fell asleep as soon as I put my head down.
With respect to my massage - my therapist was amazing! She definitely had healing hands. She instinctively knew how to knead my muscles and which areas required more attention.
The combination of the room, the music, the atmosphere and the massage itself was absolutely relaxing. It made me fall asleep. I know some people don't like to fall asleep during a massage, because they feel like they're missing out. Not me! I love when I fall asleep, because that means that I am totally relaxed and at ease.
When I turned over to lie on my back, I kind of gasped in surprise. The ceiling was designed to look like stars in a night sky. It was so unexpected, but really, really cool. I've never seen anything like it before at a spa.
This was easily the best massage experience I ever had. I liked the setting, the atmosphere, the massage and the price. They're 1-hour massage is only $80. That's a hell of a lot cheaper than the crappy massage I got at Elmwood Spa.
I just loved the attention to detail they put into the little things at this spa. All of these little things added up to a truly memorable experience.
However, there is one thing I don't like.
I definitely don't like that I have to go all the way to Pickering to visit The Pearl. I hope they open up a location downtown sometime in the future. Until then, I won't mind driving out east at least once a month.