Cynthea’s Spa

I have to preface this review by saying that I received a gift certificate to Cynthea’s, which was the reason I visited the spa for the first time in the fall of 2015. I choose the The Dermalogica Facial Treatment and it was a blissful experience. The facial itself was thorough and relaxing and everything I was looking for. The extractions were so thorough, my pores were visibly empty and I didn’t want to wear makeup for a few days after because I didn’t want to clog my pores again! I couldn’t have been happier with the experience. Unfortunately I do not recall the name of the technician I had because surely I would have chosen them again for my next visit.
This brings me to my most recent visit on 4÷30÷16. I returned for the same treatment because my first visit was so positive. When I arrived, I used the restroom before getting started. There was no toilet paper and the trash was overflowing onto the floor which was just gross. The carpet in the hallway leading to the door could really use a vacuuming. When I checked in there was three women standing around hanging out at the desk that seemed to have some time on their hands to clean that bathroom.
I scheduled the ⁴⁄₃₀ appointment online for the The Dermalogica Facial Treatment again, and this time ended up with Shahla as my technician. This visit started off very differently compared to my first visit, there was barely any communication beyond confirming that I have oily skin and get shiny. There was no discussion beyond that, no talk about problem areas, etc. which we did during my first visit. I didn’t love Shahla’s massage technique, but that happens sometimes. The cleanser and lotions she applied kept getting up my nose which was uncomfortable. What I was really unhappy with was there was absolutely zero extractions. This was the part of the facial treatment that I needed the most. It was my fault for not speaking up sooner, but when you’re laying there on the table, you’re not exactly keeping your eye on the clock, nor do you want to. I kept waiting and waiting for that part of the facial to come, and before you know it, Shahla is telling me to visit is complete. I was so disappointed. The facial is very expensive and for that amount of money, I could have exfoliated and moisturized and given myself a mediocre massage at home.
I won’t be returning because I have no idea who I visited during my first visit and the treatment is too expensive to end up with someone like Shahla again. I saw when I was emailed my receipt that Shahla is an apprentice and this probably explains the experience. If it was clear on the website who is and isn’t an apprentice, I probably would have chosen someone else to begin with.
I wish Shahla the best in her career.

I had my first ever massage at Cynthea’s! I went with a friend this past Friday, and it was great. Shannon gave me my massage, answered all my questions and made my back feel so much better. The reservation process with quick and easy and the environment was calming and clean.

DO NOT GO HERE!
Let me first start off by stating that I NEVER write reviews and I am not one to complain.
However, I recently moved here from California and frequently got Brazilians at European Wax Center. They were amazing! Very quick and painless. I was extremely disappointed to discover that there was not one located in Burlington. I am always skeptical of new places and do extensive research to find the right place. After countless hours of research I decided that Cynthea’s sounded like it would be a good choice for me. Boy was I wrong. I have never received a worse wax. The woman didn’t have a clue what she was doing! She waxed over the same place at least 3 times and we all know that that is a huge no no. After going over the same spot multiple times, I finally told her to just do one big strip to get rid of the rest of the hair and the hair that didn’t come out just to pluck because I couldn’t take it anymore! I had never been in so much pain! I left in tears and with a hack job of a wax! It was a scaring experience and I definitely won’t return to Cynthea’s.
The only positive about this horrific experience was that the woman at the front desk, who I believe was the manager, was very sympathetic and concerned. She told me that I was free to leave without paying which was the right and kind thing to do.

Let me start by saying I love Cynthia’s spa! This is my go to place for Brazilians. I am always able to get an appointment at a convenient time for me! Kayla is the person I go to and she does an amazing job. Very thorough, and I never feel uncomfortable. She’s so quick, I’m usually out of there in 10 mins or less! Perfect.
However, the last time I went there, I heard the receptionist chatting with another customer about one of the products they sell called «Tend Skin.» I asked Kayla about it and she swore by it. I trust her expertise so I went ahead and bought a bottle when I was checking out and paying. I suppose this really is my fault, since I didn’t ask or look at the price — I just assumed the small 4oz plastic bottle could only be max, maybe $ 15 which I was willing to pay. I then noticed a larger charge than I was expecting from Cynthia’s on my credit card, and when I reviewed my receipt, the Tend Skin, cost $ 31! When I looked it up online/​on amazon, a bottle of the same thing costs only around $ 12.
I love this place, but I feel like an almost 200% mark-​up is absurd, and kind of shady. Unfortunately, I already opened and used it, so there’s no returning it. But definitely ask for prices!

I booked an hour long couple’s massage– one Swedish, one deep tissue– for this past weekend as we had received gift certificates to go. My partner and I showed up about 15 minutes before the appointment and were greeted by someone we assumed was the receptionist. We checked in with the «spa», and checked in on Unilocal to get the free mini scrub offer (yay– free stuff). We sort of sat in the very small waiting room in silence and eventually one of the masseuses showed up and said that we were just now waiting on the other to arrive. Once they were both there, they asked if we had ever been there before. The answer– no. I also mentioned that this was our first time getting any type of massage (been missing out, clearly).
Anyways, we were brought into a decent sized room and told to take our clothes off and get into the bed. All is well and good there, but for someone who has never gotten a massage I was not very clear on the «do I get under the covers» or do I «stay NAKED on top of the covers». And so, my plight started here. I really felt like the process wasn’t explained clearly enough especially for someone who has never received a massage before. I like to receive very clear directions.
Something I found to be the opposite of relaxing was the physical space itself. It was drop tile ceiling, had too much lighting, and the worst part– they had a window air conditioner that would go off every 10 or so minutes very loudly! I found that this was super disrupt-​full to my ability to relax but my partner had no issues with it. I really felt like I had walked into someone’s apartment, stripped my clothes off, gotten into their bed, and allowed them to touch me (can you say awkward). It was honestly not the most welcoming environment– at least not for me. I really do think that this spa needs to invest more money into becoming a spa– not an apartment space that gives massages.
I did find the actual masseuse to be very good and enjoyed the actual massage part. I do think that the atmosphere, or environment, is not very relaxing and welcoming. I expected a real spa feel and really felt that this spa has a bit of a ways to go to get there. Overall, while the service is fine, I think that this type of space is not for me.

I had a Brazilian wax with Cynthea herself — it was as comfortable as a Brazilian can possibly be! Super thorough job. Will definitely go back when I’m in the area.

I am pretty surprised to see so many mediocre reviews. I have been getting brazilians for 10 years in NYC/​DC/​Chicago and I have never had a better one than the one I got from Alison F. It was barely painful at all. She also did a masterful job with my eyebrows. My only regret is I don’t live in Burlington.

They were awesome. I personally think it’s a little bit overpriced for eyebrow waxing but if you are very picky about how they look it is worth the price. I am very particular about who does them and what they look like, so I did some research in Burly for the best spot. I have this spa a chance and I am very very pleased.

In 2010 while prepping for my wedding I decided to have Cynthea’s Spa (Allison) do my makeup. Being that I was getting married nearby in Burlington Allison came to my hotel and took GREAT care of me. The trial run prior to the big day was fabulous. She really listened to my needs and the basic feel of our wedding. I love looking back at those photos!
After my wedding my normal hair stylist (who’d been doing my waxing) moved out of the salon she was in and I didn’t know where else to go for a good Brazilian. I tried out Cynthea’s and was NOT disappointed! Just the sanitation end of things alone is a breath of fresh air — no «double dipping» in the wax pot. I stick with one person now (Kayla) and she has been AMAZING for me. My eyebrows look great and the whole experience is quick and relatively painless! Is it more expensive then some other salons? Yes. Worth it? Hell YES!
Amber is a GREAT deep tissue massage therapist as well. Always leaving relaxed and pampered.
Please note: the spa is UPSTAIRS and is small. Staffed well but sometimes you will have to wait a moment to speak with someone. After all, a small local business cannot have everyone at every spot all the time. I’ve never felt that the wait was long either. Well worth making an appointment in advance!

The staff was all super nice. But all the Brazilian waxed I’ve had used two different kinds of waxes, one for the more sensitive areas which is generally blue I think. But they used one kind of wax for the whole thing so it was a little more painful than others that’s I’ve had. It was still a good service though!

I had a great experience (Brazilian wax) at Cynthea’s. My waxer was Alison and she was efficient, quick, and did a great job. I recently moved to the area so I am happy to say that I have found my new waxer! Alison had great attention to detail and was most importantly, speedy.

I am so happy we chose Cynthea’s for our massages. I booked three ½ hour massages for my friend who’s birthday it is, and she is getting married in 3 days, her sister and I.
When I called to book the woman on the phone was very accommodating and happy to help us. We all had a wonderful experience!
The bride and birthday girl said it was the perfect way to relax before her wedding. She had Amber and said that she used just the right amount of pressure. She didn’t talk a lot which was exactly what the bride wanted so she could relax.
The maid of honor had Joy and it was her first massage. Joy made her feel really comfortable. The massage was relaxing and great!
I also had Joy and had a fabulous massage. She really focused on my shoulders which I asked for and loved. She was very kind and I asked her a couple questions and she was so helpful.

I went here for a facial in February and it was mediocre at best. The facial itself was ridiculously expensive, and when I asked for extractions (which I new I needed and which are part of a facial…) the woman said that she didn’t really think I needed them and that was the end of the conversation. Considering how much we are paying for services, I found it unprofessional for a service-​provider to simply not perform the action a client is asking for. This place has a good location, but the rooms are small and cramped and I did not feel the level of comfort most other spas go out of their way to provide.

I waited for someone to just show up at the desk for FORTY-​FIVE minutes before I gave up. This place is ridiculous if you don’t make an appointment. Not to mention that they don’t even do as good of a job as places back home and they’re the most expensive place in town

I went here a few times for a Brazilian wax. Wax was good, clean (used new applicators for each stroke) but it wasn’t totally thorough. I needed to do quite a bit of tweezer clean-​up myself.
Also, the girl was not entirely friendly and I like a little chit chat if you are going to be in my who-​ha

I’ve had two bad experiences here getting my eyebrows waxed (despite the fact they are more expensive than other salons/​spas in the area). The first time my wax was OK but I also had requested my eyebrows be lightened. Despite reassurances from the girl they would be lighter after the processing, I ended up with eyebrows so dark that all my friends noticed and told me I should get them redone– it was embarrassing with my blonde hair. The second time I walked out with significantly thinner eyebrows than I wanted. The cleanup afterwards was also lacking– I had oil running down one side of my face with wax left on the other (as well as stuck in my hair). The atmosphere is not that great either– the walls must be super thin since I could hear girls in the hall gossiping. I have since moved from the area but wouldn’t go back if I was still in Burlington.

I had a farm-​to-​spa hand a feet treatment and it was pretty «meh». I thought it would be like salt scrub and massage but it was just a quick salt scrub to each hand and foot the wash off. It was very impersonal and with the fluorescent light right above the table it wasn’t very relaxing. I’d skip Cynthea’s and head to Jivana Spa across the street in the future.

Looking for a fab Brazilian? Well look no further — Cynthea’s Spa is perfect. Not only is all of the staff very knowledgeable and professional, but their prices are hard to beat.
Try to make an appointment as they tend to be fairly busy, but they’re always available on the evenings! I pop down after work during the weekdays.
I have used two different ladies as my waxers and have also gotten a deep tissue massage. All were fantastic. I highly recommend checking this cute spa out, totally worth it!

Best place in town to get your eye brows down!!! Don’t forget to make an apt though… seems I always forget and then it is hard to get in! I have also had a massages at Cyntheas and worth the money.
Cynthea is great and really cares about the Burlington community. Additionally, the staff is very friendly and knows a lot about trends and what products to try.

I had a painfully great experience at Cynthea’s.
The tech definitely took great care of me and allowed a girlfriend of mine to come in to give me moral support (I didn’t accept her offer to hold my hand bc I was afraid I’d hurt it!).
I had the back and shoulders waxed in preparation for vacation and even though it was insanely painful (ala Steve Carell’s ‘KELLY CLARKSON’ moment), she took great care of me and the final product was nice and smooth!