Breathe Spa

First of all, it’s not in Porter Square anymore — it’s in Davis, near J.P. Licks and across from the Somerville Theater. The space IS challenging — it’s definitely not suitable for going as part of a group, or even with one friend. There are two stations for nails on the first level, and a couple of treatment rooms in the basement. It’s not Pyara, Belle Sante, or any place on Newbury Street, so ratchet your expectations accordingly. What it IS is a neighborhood-​type place with fun, offbeat décor and friendly technicians.
I had a pumpkin latte facial andI don’t know if they’ve read a couple of these reviews, because while I was lying with the mask on my face, the tech gave me a scalp massage, rubbed my neck and shoulders and arms. (I.e., she didn’t ignore me.) Even though the space was cramped, I was able to relax, and there were no street sounds to be heard (instead, there was the white noise of a fan + New Age music).
The last time I had a facial, it was at a ski resort and the skin technician there was able to recommend products and a regimen based on my skin. Breathe Spa had a thorough intake questionnaire, so I was expecting some recommendations based on my answers + what the technician observed. My quibble was that she doesn’t use the spas products herself and there was no recommendation for what I should be using. I go to spas for pampering, mostly, but I’d also like to get some recommendations on what I should be doing differently, if anything.

It’s moved to Davis Sq. They were very nice about fitting me in as a walk-​in, but I got the worst eyebrow wax I’ve ever had. I didn’t notice til I got home, but they had left behind a ton of stuff that clearly didn’t need to be there-​if I was capable of plucking it myself then I wouldn’t have needed them in the first place. Had to have my brows fixed elsewhere.

I visited breathe during spa week and I must say I was disappointed in the service. I was trying them out since they were recommended by the weekly dig but the service left me wanting. I scheduled an appointment which was cancelled and rescheduled by breathe staff because of an oversight. I had the chocolate covered strawberry pedicure which was a little less impressive than the pedicures you get at those herd-​em-​all-​in-​and-​give-​em-​magic-​massaging-​wands nail salons except minus the vibrating chair. The staff were unprofessional and spoke in hushed tones by the desk while clients were waiting to be served. I don’t think I’d ever go to this place again, I certainly wouldn’t recommend it. Go to Studio On the Square and get your money’s worth.

I like Breathe Spa because the people are nice and the services are well priced and well-​done.
I’ve never had a problem. Sometimes they keep weird hours though, call ahead. I think they’ve moved to Davis Square too. They have some interesting treatements and the staff is outgoing.

Kinda disappointed with the Spa because their website is kinda cute! But don’t let that fool ya. I went here when I needed some waxing done last minute.
When I arrived, the girl (who was about my age) brought me into the room and closed the door. She then said this…
«You can say no if you want, but so-​and-​so is new (the front desk girl) and she’s never seen a brazilian done before. Would you mind if she came in and watched?»
Me: *almost choking on my own saliva*, «Uh, no. I wouldn’t feel comfortable»
So that was that. Weird. Awkward.
Once I’m getting waxed I’m thinking, «this isn’t so painful» So props for the low pain level. But, I was a little upset because the chick who was doing my wax (she never introduced herself to me) thought a brazilian and a full brazilian are the same apparently because when I left the place… there was nothing left… But there were quite a few stragglers as I’ll call them which made me angry. If I’m paying this no-​name girl to wax my private areas, I expect to be spik and span.
I haven’t been back and I probably won’t.
Well I hope you all benefit from this review because it’s kinda awkward talking about your tidbits for anyone to read, ya know.

Such a fan of this place! It is just a few blocks from my apartment which I forsee being trouble. They have an incredible offering of everything from facials, to steams, waxing, manicures, and pedicures etc etc etc. I had their express manicure and pedicure this past weekend and it was great. The women who work there are friendly, interesting, and extremely professional.
They squeezed me in between their busy Saturday for a facial as well — which was so wonderful of them!!! I will def. be going back soon. Their prices are good and the location is sooo convenient for me.

Not the easiest spa to find but it was easy living once I did.
The Breathe Spa is located beneath a dentist’s office in Cambridge. They’ve had so much business lately, thanks to Spa Week, they stopped putting out signs on the sidewalk to advertise their daily specials. So you won’t find it if you’re not looking closely for it.
You also won’t find any snobby, stuck-​up spa employees. They were short staffed when I went this afternoon, so they were running a bit late, but made up for it with their graciousness. When I walked in, I asked if they had change for a $ 1.00 to pay for the meter (meters over there only take quarters), and the girl at the front desk offered just to give me the change, after she apologized profusely for the 10-​minute delay in getting me in for my treatment.
I was at a spa! What did I care about a delay? Seriously, if you have to RUSH to and from a spa treatment, you should reschedule. Defeats the purpose entirely.
It’s a small place and I had to walk through a sort of clean-​up/​utility area to get to my treatment room, but once I was in there, I may as well have been under a tent in a rainforest. I did the Mini La Culla (body scrub, steam, facial and massage). What an amazing treatment. It’s called the mini (Spa Week promotion) because it’s only an hour long — and only cost $ 50! I could have spent ½ the day just for this treatment. This is one spa that can count on me for a return visit.
They have tons of other treatments as well, from manis/​pedis to waxing to facials to massages. If you like a smaller spa shop with very personable employees, definitely check this out. If you book an appointment soon, you can still get the Spa Week deals (through mid-​May).