Cheap and Chic SOS
It’s in South Granville but don’t let the posh address fool you - Rescue Skin Care and Hair Removal Studio offers one of the best deals for spa treatments in the city. Tucked away on the second floor of a three-storey brick building on the west side of Granville Street, the studio is decorated with a minimalist hand. It has a black and white checkered floor, pencil sketches as art on the white walls and is dressed in black and chrome furniture. In the background, soft soothing music is piped in throughout the spa, encouraging clients to surrender their stress, relax in this calming oasis and indulge in one of the many affordable treatments, most priced 20 to 30 per cent less than other similar spas.

To the Rescue!
Rescue’s estheticians are qualified and trained in Europe and North America. Its facials are popular, featuring hand-made organic skin care lines from Europe. Try a European facial or a glycolic exfoliating treatment for your back. Rescue has also gained a dedicated following with its waxing services, particularly the Brazilian bikini wax. While billed as a “painless” wax, pain isn’t completely absent. However, the service is done with minimal pain and maximum care and takes about 30 minutes. Braver male clients can also avail themselves to the Boyzilian wax.

Other Services
Rescue, with only three private rooms, is on the smallish side and not suitable for pamper parties or group sessions. But despite its intimate size, it offers a full array of spa services including manicures, pedicures, brow and lash tints, threading, makeup packages and full-body massages. The spa can also rescue your body with more intensive treatments like laser hair removal, Botox and wrinkle reduction, all done under the supervision of a medical doctor. Reservations are highly recommended, especially if you are particular about your esthetician (the more popular ones can be booked a month in advance).