Interlude Spa

I bought a group certificate for a Spa Haircut and Style at the Interlude and recently decided to redeem it. The Interlude is located in the Harbor Marriott, which is great for me, since it can be accessed through the pedways.
After checking in I was promptly brought back into the modern waiting room, and was offered a beverage. My stylist brought me to the chair and discussed my hair cut with me before washing my hair and giving my scalp a nice massage. She did an admirable job blowing my hair straight (no stylist has ever managed to get it completely straight and frizz free) before finishing it off with a straight iron, and chopping off a few inches of hair.
When I went to pay, they handled my coupon without batting an eye and I was pleasantly surprised that I was not charged extra for the flat iron. I enjoyed my time at the Interlude, and because it’s close to home, I will be back.

I confess, I cheated… And I don’t feel the least bit guilty! I needed to get my hair did for my engagement-​iversary, and my usual salon (Life) was hardcore booked up. So I went clicking around Aveda’s site and found (*cue the choir of angels*) – Interlude!
Let me just say that my hair is my most cherished entity (in terms of looks), so when my tresses get trashed-it’s tragic– stop the world, call CTV, send in the Troops kinda tragic. Naturally, I don’t trust my hair to just anyone– so the fact that I love this salon speaks volumes.
Located in the beautiful Marriott Harbourfront, this little dig is certainly a stunner– beautiful design concept, and ahh-​inducing relaxing atmosphere (complete with delightful tea if you so choose). And the list of services are extensive– there’s a cornucopia of hair, skin, and body indulgences (including pilates– how epic is that?!?). May be one of the priciest spots to get pampered, but worth every penny.
And service here is great– at some samlons I’ve visited in the past, the stylists have been bland (great quality, but bland personality-​wise), and I’ve had to keep entertained by flipping through People and US Weekly to check up on who’s doing who & wearing what & being rehabbed/​jailed where. Not so with Anna, the lovely lady who tended to my tresses– she’s really outgoing and and friendly (and she does a killer semi-​formal updo for dinners and such– sexxy!)
Can’t believe I’m saying this, but Interlude’s making me reconsider all my «Life» experiences… they might have found themselves their newest loyal client!

Can’t afford an entire lifestyle of luxury, but still want to enjoy an hour or two of posh indulgence? Book an appointment for a service at the Interlude Spa.
Decorated in earth tones, the spa exudes a soothing atmosphere accented by instrumental music usually featuring sounds of nature. A full service spa with lots of treatment rooms, a small Pilates studio featuring wall units and reformer machines, a large manicure and pedicure room and a full hair salon, the place is spacious you never feel crowded.
The Interlude is an Aveda spa so pleasant scents waft throughout. Of course, the spa uses Aveda products. OPI polishes are used for manis and pedis. A highlight service is the Aveda radiance facial, guaranteed to make your skin glow and leave you feeling relaxed. I’ve often fallen asleep during the few facials I’ve had.
Another notable service is the massage. Massages begin with a ritual featuring three scents. With your eyes closed, you choose the one you prefer. The scent is then mixed with the massage oil to personalize your massage experience.
No doubt, the services are pricey. The pedicure is one of the priciest in town. But you’re paying for high quality and professional service. Plus extra touches like complimentary Aveda tea and a departing lipstick touch up make you feel pampered.
While being located in the Marriott hotel can be positive (underground parking on rainy days), one drawback is that the spa sometimes seems impersonal. The individual experience of having a pedicure in a lazy boy type recliner with the nice extra touch of a blanket to curl up with is relaxing. However, the pedicure/​manicure room can be busy. The room can hold up to eight guests with eight estheticians – not good if you don’t like crowds – and has a view of the pool, more people sharing your spa experience.
Specials, aside from gift packages, were rarely available in the past, but the spa has recently begun using Facebook to promote its services and offer specials. For example, if you booked a radiance facial today you would receive a complimentary shampoo and blowout. It might be worthwhile becoming a Facebook fan. A deal like that could certainly warrant luxurious indulgence!

Halifax’s Interlude Spa positions itself within the high class, ultra luxe category of beauty & wellness facilities. Located on the upper level of the Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, they offer the full spectrum of spa essentials and a little bit extra.
There is attention to holistic philosophy with the products they sell and the methods they use. Its an Aveda concept spa (fantastic brand– science meets natural elements), which means it must meet a certain degree of criteria according to Aveda. As a fan of the brand and their approach, this was part of the appeal for me!
Besides regular treatments, they also offer Yoga, Pilates, Yunama body rolling classes and instructor training. A nice touch in fully catering to mind and body wellness.
My own experience at Interlude came as a gift. A very generous friend had given me a full day experience, which included a manicure, pedicure, full body massage, facial and a hair do! (Whew!) It was my first time for every treatment, so it was all quite interesting to go through the motions. From start to finish, it was all about smooth transitions and being discrete. Service was courteous and well executed. Staff definitely knew their stuff.
The spa is huge– much more than meets the eye upon entrance. Its an absolutely gorgeous space and had the whole Zen thing going on. If I were to picture what celebrity rehab centers looked like, I’d imagine something similar to this place.
Prices are high, which means I probably won’t head back anytime soon. (Unless I get gifted, of course!) But overall the service and experience was therapeutic in the best sense. I’d certainly recommend giving this spot a try if you’re feeling some high class treatment!