The Bodywork Cafe

I normally don’t write bad reviews unless the experience I had was absolutely awful. I got married at The Margate last month. The Bodywork Café is conveniently located in The Margate, so I decided to get my hair and makeup done through them. I sent them all of the information they needed… what each girl was doing, the 50% deposit, the contract etc. However, during my planning process my Mother in Law became extremely ill and was wheelchair bound. Since The Bodywork Café is rather small and located on the second floor with no elevator access, we unfortunately had to find somewhere else. We booked somewhere else and I let the Bodywork Café know that we would no longer be using their services. I got married in August and I let them know in June that we were switching places. The contract stated that as long as services were cancelled 2 weeks prior to the date originally booked, we would get a FULL refund of our 50%.
I waited a few weeks to get the refund and didn’t get anything. I called them AND e-​mailed them and both managers told me it was coming and that it takes a few weeks to process. We went through this cycle about 3 times before it was about 3 weeks before my wedding and they still had $ 1,500. I finally called my credit card company to file a dispute. They then called the salon and the managers begged them to not file a report because it puts a black mark on their «company history» etc. Two days after our three way call between the credit card company, The Bodywork Café and myself, the 50% deposit was refunded.
I was astonished that I was lied to by not only one, but two «professionals». I can’t imagine the money they STEAL from people that aren’t as proactive. I will never book anything here, and will advise everyone I know to not go to this salon. I have never in my life had a worse experience with a company doing this. Buyer beware!

Needed a pedicure in a hurry, and luckily The Bodywork Café was open is open on Sunday’s and could fit me right in. Had never been there before but I was desperate! The only reason I didn’t give them 5 stars is because of the location… It was in the hotel and you had to walk through the indoor pool area to get up to the salon. Weird! Other then that it was great. The esthetician was extremely nice, thorough, and kind. The space is a bit on the small side, but ok. I would go back! :-)

What makes a spa experience 5 stars? its a mixture of expertise, friendly proffesionals and a relaxing atmosphere. When you walk in to bodywork café you may think it’s too small for comfort, but it’s not. Went with my sister, i started with a massage by Gale that was perfect! Honestly she was beyond perfect. My sister also found some time to get a manicure by Stephanie who also styles hair. Simone who manages the place is so friendly and helpful. I would definitely recommend this spa and would go back again and again.

I have had many body massages to compare: 2 from The Bodywork Café, a half dozen from an independent practitioner oriented towards sports medicine, and 2 from a practitioner working inside a physical therapist office which office is affiliated with a local hospital. I find no substantial differences amongst the actual massages. One key difference is that The Bodywork Café came to my home both times I’ve used them, their massages were performed thoroughly and respectfully. The massage environment was conditioned pleasantly: soft relaxing music, scented oils, warm and comfortable environment, and of course, secure in my own home. If such a service could have been had when I was done stacking my firewood, I’d cheerfully have partaken! I feel my 2 massages with The Bodywork Café were, without question, 100% everything they could be.
I cannot speak towards the reviewer who had hair and makeup issues, as I have only purchased massage services. I realize that reviewer Amanda D most likely dealt with a separate contractor who was working for The Bodywork Café, and TBC was not the direct cause of Amanda Ds problems. I’m rather sure that this contractor will not be a problem for anyone else who uses TBC.