Tova Yaron Day Spa and Salon

I would never go back to this spa and wouldn’t recommend it to anyone I know. I had the Dead Sea body scrub and a vitamin C facial…
The body scrub is really just 40 minutes of lying in a loud, crinkly blanket and 5 minutes of scrub. There was no massage afterwards, and no lotion applied after being scrubbed all over.
The facial itself was fine, but the aesthetician left TWICE for about 10 — 15 minutes each. I had booked the appointment with a friend, specifically asking if we could do our treatments together, so in the middle I honestly thought she was doing us both at the same time. It was definitely half the experience of other spas.
The receptionist was nice, but the owner was awful. Rude, and it seemed like she made it a point to be mean. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to go back. The only reason why we went was because we had a gift certificate. Now i wish we had just thrown it away…

DO NOT GO TO THIS SPA!
I had a similar experience to Chuck N. from last year. We went to this spa with a gift certificate that was fairly old. Because of this, we called a week beforehand to make sure we could use it, and were told that of course it would be fine, and that we could use it as a credit for different services. We would not have come in if we didn’t have a gift certificate. When it came time to pay, they couldn’t «find» the records in the computer so Tova told the receptionist that we had to pay the full amount. I refused and only agreed to pay what I owed her. Tova said to leave a credit card number so that if they couldn’t find the records they would charge the credit card. I don’t think so!!!
Not only that, but Tova said the gift certificate was a «donation» (which we know it was not), and because there was no money that had changed hands, the gift certificate was now expired. Tova wasn’t even on the premises, she was talking to the receptionist over the phone, so how would she know if it was a donation or not? and even so, it was a gift certificate! Now we all know in California that gift certificates don’t expire. There was no mention of it being a donation, nor was there an expiration date printed on the card. Tova essentially accused us of fraud, and her exact words were, «I don’t trust you.»
Well, Tova, I don’t trust you either; I think your spa and spa services are not worth it, and I can’t believe you’re still in business given the way you treat your customers.

I bought my wife a gift certificate here for a manicure and pedicure a while ago. She finally was able to take the time to go and get all fixed up for Mother’s Day and was looking forward to it.
She liked the place and the receptionist, but came home with nothing but complaints about the manicurist. She was rude and rushed through it and did a terrible job. My wife came home and had to redo the polish since the manicurist got polish all over the skin on her toes and it was also smudged (because she was sent home early with wet nails) .
Not planning on ever getting her a gift from here again.

5 STARS FOR LUPE THE HAIRSTYLIST
She has cut my hair many times and she always cut it exactly how I envisioned it. She listens to what you want for your hair. If you’re worried about length (like me) do not worry about her taking off a lot of length, she cuts only what she needs to cut. I needed my ends trimmed because they were very damaged but I wanted to keep the length and shape my layers at the same time. Sounds complicated right? Lupe cut and styled it and gave me EXACTLY what I was looking for. I have not had color with her but my friend has. They left very happy with the results. She is very good at what she does, will make you feel very comfortable and will recommend product that works for your particular hair type and the way you want to style it. Call and book with Lupe, you will be very happy with your results.

I can totally understand why the reviews about this place are awful (based on other services they have that I came here for) but as for me, I have nothing but good things to say about Tova. Tova, herself, does my facials. She takes care of my skin the way my dentist takes care of my teeth. She is very proactive. She calls me and tells me that I am due for a facial. A year ago, before I started going to her, my skin has been very dry. She gave me some products, we did a series of facials, and she gave me some tips on how to protect my face/​skin. A year later, my skin is fully hydrated. I must admit that she can be a little expensive — but that is the cost having beautiful skin! I also like the fact that she tells me exactly what’s wrong with my skin — I appreciate her honesty.
Now for the other services… I used to come here for their Brazilian Wax when Melissa was still there. She was the only person there who knew how to use hard wax. For Brazilian, I prefer hard wax because it was less painful but now, nobody knows how to use that anymore. I am still looking for an alternative place that uses hard wax…
There was also this one time that I came for the St Tropez Sunless Tanning. When I met with the aesthetician, she said that I shouldn’t have used lotion on my skin prior to the treatment. Well, the problem was that nobody told me this ahead of time. Anyway, they made me take a shower and scrubbed off the lotion/​oil on my skin. These are things that the person confirming the appointment should have told me!
Two or three times in the past when I canceled an appointment, it does not look like their system canceled me at all so a day prior to the appointment, they call me to confirm the appointment that I have already canceled. It looks like they fixed that now.
Overall, I come here for the facials. I like Tova. She is the expert!

I actually will be posting two reviews due to two seperate visits and two seperate reasons why I came here.
SECOND VISIT: WORST AND NEVER COMING BACK and WILL NEVER RECOMMEND for Waxing services.
NOW I HAVE TO MINUS ALL THE STARS AND SAY I WILL NEVER COME BACK based on the waxing treatment I received on 10÷3÷2010.
I was excited that I called the day before to get an appt the next day for a brazilian wax.
First off their definition of a brazilian wax is just an overrated bikini wax. The lady who waxed me, said that the reason why my waxing was painful was because I was MEXICAN and because I was BIG. First off, this was not my first waxing (only at this salon) so I knew what to expect and she used small strips that looked like they were for eyebrowns and had only 1 kind of wax. She made me uncomfortable with her body language, she was sweating, seemed slightly confused and quite nervous.
AFTER EVERY single time she removed hair, she would bring it up close to my face and say: ‘See, because your mexican it’s coarse’. She also charged me $ 5.00 extra because she had to use scissors, which was odd because I got waxed in July and I couldn’t have been that crazy.
To be told it’s because of my size (which I’m not model skinny or super huge, Im about the same size of the waxer if not a bit smaller) and because of my race is just outrageous, ridiculous and disrespectful!
I ended up telling her to just stop the process because I couldn’t take it anymore. I was so upset that I couldn’t let her finish and she said she had to because she gets paid on commission. I paid the full price anyhow and left with patches basically and it wasn’t even done ‘clean’. Never ever will I come back or recommend for waxing. I’d rather drive all the way to Fremont with the person who has tact, is quite clean, fast and doesn’t make racial comments or show me every strip after being waxed. HORRIBLE! I wish I could give MINUS 5 stars for this.
FIRST VISIT was about 3 stars for the MASSAGE SERVICES ALONE.
My cousin treated me to a massage early on this year. We were early birds so I was kind of surprised that the cup that was in the waiting area had remnants of lipstick so I opted to not have anything. Although we were booked with two seperate persons at the same time, my cousin was taken before me and I waited for almost 20 minutes before the lady came and got me.
The lady came and took me back to get ready for my massage. It was peaceful, good pressure and relaxing. So I give it 3 stars for the Massage services (minus 2 for the dirty cup and waiting a while).

While my visit was 2 years ago, it was so horrible, it’s still worth sharing.
I received a gift certificate for services at this salon, and despite the fact that I read horrible reviews I decided to be optimistic. Never again.
To start off, the receptionist was obviously not a people person. She made no effort to make me feel welcome. I was told to wait in a room and someone would be with me. The room was small and uninviting. There were three magazines to read, and a bowl of old apples. I waited for about 10 minutes and than my therapist came in.
She did not introduce herself and it was difficult to understand what she was saying because English was not her primary language. I was led to a room where I would be receiving a detox wrap. I had to leave my clothing and purse on the floor in the corner because there was no where to put it.
The treatment itself was horrible. It was a seaweed/​mint wrap of some sort. There was very little body prep except for the application of a slimming gel. The wrap was extremely uncomfortable as the entire time I was freezing. The mint in the wrap causes a cold sensation when air hits the body. My therapist did not wrap me well, so the entire 20 minutes I was supposed to be relaxing I was frigid cold. When she unwrapped me I was left in the buff in a freezing cold room for about 2 minutes so that she could ready the shower. When that was done, I was left to towel dry and she than returned to apply some sort of cheap lotion.
This was the absolute worst experience I have ever had. I left feeling worse than when I entered. I will NEVER EVER return again, and strongly urge anyone thinking to visit this salon NOT TO!!!

NEVER GO TO THIS SPA. They will steal your money. I’m glad I have a legal background and knowledge of consumer laws. And yes, I’m not exaggerating.
Let’s skip the 2 star review of the average spa (they told me over the phone it was gorgeous, private, dim, etc — only to find out it’s small, shower stalls are shared, it’s really bright and you can’t relax and fall asleep).
I purchased a Xmas package and asked if I could use it and was told that they weren’t sure and they tried to upsell me on another package — so for $ 15 more I went for it. I asked them to confirm over the phone the price and they did. After the services were over they said it would cost $ 30 more instead of the $ 15 more and charged the card. I asked to speak with the manager or owner and there were none present. What place doesn’t have a manager /​lead on duty during working hours? I was told to pay the full amount and to leave my contact info and the manager would call me and figure it out. I think not. I told them that they could either figure it out now or here from my lawyer or the credit card company. The nice receptionists, Tatiana, called the owner a female named «Tova.» Let’s just say that Tova is probably a terror, she screamed at her receptionist and stylist over the phone and spew profanities when it came down to a few dollars mistake. Problem is it doesn’t look like this was the first time according to other reviews. Stay far, far away and if you have any problems with this place — see me. I’ll make sure they don’t get away with taking people’s monies.

As part of a spa week deal, I came in to check out Tova Yaron Day Spa for a massage. Coming into the place, I was a little hesitant. It’s in a mall, the place looks more like a salon than a day spa, and it was empty — all bad signs. The front desk lady basically just pointed me towards a waiting area to wait for my service, which is fine. if you’re waiting to get an oil change. It wasnt a relaxing atmosphere from her or from the place, which would have been nice especially on a week day after work.
After 10 minutes, my massage therapist comes in and the whole thing is very to the point. Hi, here’s the room, take off your clothes, massage, and thank you goodbye. As she leaves, she mentions there’s water on the counter. Thirsty I grab the first cup I see (mind you the lights are dimmed pretty low) and I sip massage oil! Ack! WTH — the water was in a cup towards the back of the counter?!? WHY O WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?! UGH! OK Dont get me wrong the massage was great. My back and legs thank her! On massage alone, I’d probably give 4 stars. But getting a massage is an overall experience and there are certain amenities that are required which this «day spa» was lacking. O well good thing I only paid $ 60 for it.

This place is TERRIBLE!!! Go elsewhere for your massage… not at all worth the money. First off, I went about 5 years ago and my massage was horrible. I walked out of this place with bruises! My parents got me a gift certificate for this past Christmas, so I went back. Their Customer Service is horrid. When we arrived, we were sent straight to the back «waiting area.» My boyfriend was taken in pretty quickly; I had to wait for more than 10 minutes for my massage therapist to come in. No slippers or robe like promised, no offer to use the lockers, it was simply, «here is your room, undress and get under the sheet.» Like others on here have mentioned, the walls are paper thin so you can hear EVERYTHING going on outside… doors shutting, people talking, everything! AND to top it all off, the room was FREEZING! My massage therapist had cold hands, and would wash them periodically in COLD water! I had goose bumps during my entire massage… how are you supposed to relax in a place like that?!
After our massages, we had booked the $ 25 spa pedicure (as listed on their website —
). During my long wait for my massage, I happened to look at their brochure, which had a pedicure listed at $ 55…so I got to wondering… what could the difference be for double the price, and will my pedicure only be $ 25? After my massage, I went to talk to the receptionist, who kindly put down her book to inform me that they did not have a $ 25 pedicure and the best she could do is to give us 10% off of the pedicure. I pulled up their website on my phone (thanks technology!) and showed her the Spa Pedicure they had listed and she responded with, «I don’t know why that is up there, we don’t offer that. Sorry.» Needless to say, I was not about to give this place any more money, so we left. I will NEVER go back to this place. Spend your money on a REAL SPA!!!

I have to admit that I was worried about going to this spa after reading the reviews here on Unilocal.However, I had no choice, really. My husband had purchased a gift certificate based on the convenient location and I couldn’t very well waste it.
I have been to several different spas in the Saratoga area, and while I love them, they aren’t very convenient to go to.
I’d like to mention that I only went for a massage and do not plan on using their hair salon services. I am very happy with my current hair stylist, whom I have been «seeing» for years. This review is based only on my experience for a massage.
NO WAITING
When I walked in a few minutes early, the lady at the counter was extremely nice and took me into the waiting area almost immediately. Flyura, my massage therapist, came in only moments later. I had time to pour myself a cup of water and then she was there.
MASSAGE
Flyura was fantastic. She let me pick the scent for my aromatherapy massage — lavendar, eucalyptus, or lemon. She explained that aromatherapy was for light and medium pressure. Once the massage started, she asked if I had any trouble spots — and I answered my shoulders. When she got there, she noticed how tight I was and asked if it was okay if to use more pressure. I was happy she did. She made sure to ask a couple times if the pressure was fine; it was always perfect. I felt fabulous when I left.
ENVIRONMENT
There was an earlier comment about the walls being thin. While this is true, I don’t think this is an isolated problem for just Tova. The walls are equally thin at several other salons I have frequented.
The place is really nice and it’s amazing how large it seems after walking past the front entry. The décor is peaceful.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
After my massage was over, the lady at the front — the same one — asked me how the service was and started to ring up the certificate. There was a problem at first and she called the manager who came in shortly after. They worked on trying to fix the code problem, apologizing for any inconvenience and even told me I could go and they’d make a note. While I was there, I think there was also a hair stylist there and he was also friendly and smiled.
I found the receptionist and the manager both competent, professional, and helpful. They had strong customer service skills.
OVERALL
All the staff I encountered at the salon were friendly and seemed happy to be there and happy I was there.
The massage was fantastic, nothing less than I have experienced at other spas.
Sorry this review is so long, but I felt it important because sometimes I think establishments only get the «negative» ratings when people are disgruntled. I’m not disregarding the bad experiences of other Unilocalers, I just wanted to let others know that I had a good experience and will be back.

Tova Yaron has saved me a few times… and kind of disappointed me a few times. On the bright side: you will be able to get an appointment ASAP to get your hair done (that’s all I’ve ever done here). On the flip side: you may not be 100% thrilled with what you get.
The first time I visited I just wanted a trim and a blowout for a wedding I was going to– later that day! I was shocked when they said they had someone available and gave me some gorgeous locks just in time for the ceremony.
Second visit was for color, cut, style. My hair turned out amazing. I had this amazing platinum blonde on top and a rich brown underneath (oh shut up, it was trendy for a second!) It cost a pretty penny tho– about $ 230 pre tip!
My third visit didn’t go so well, but I DO have to take some responsibility for that. I had attempted to touch the roots up myself and ended up with pretty orangey color. Assaf did his very best to mix a nicer color in with it but it was still slightly orangey when he was done.
Fourth time was the BIGGEST disaster– I attempted an at home all over color and ended up with a big head of Big Bird yellow! It was so bad I knew that he wouldn’t be able to totally reverse the ugly… and I was right. He went suuuper light blonde but it was still brassy.
Did I learn my lesson? Of course not– I dyed my hair BLACK a few months later. When I decided to go back to blonde I went to some moron (who shall remain nameless) and ended up with a partial chemical haircut! Ok, so I guess side-​swept bangs DO look kind of cute, but still. I hung my head low and slunk back into Assaf’s chair to see what he could do and he did OK (kind of said it would turn out better than it actually did…) I still have weird roots that he couldn’t quite cover but overall at least I have a human color again. That ordeal cost me another $ 200– tip included this time.
Take this review with a grain of salt– although I’ve been generally pleased with my results I’m assuming that this is the best that can be done with the circumstances. I’m kind of thinking of branching out and trying someone new to see if I can’t be pleased with what I get the first time around… I’m open to referrals for stylists that are good with blonde!

This place is garbage. I took my sister here a week before her wedding as a surprise and we both had such horrible experiences. First of all, they made us wait 30 minutes after our appointment time. This doesn’t even bother me very much. The lady who did my facial was way too talkative and she kept asking me personal questions that made me feel uncomfortable. She asked me how many siblings I had and I told her I have one biological sister. Right then my sister comes in the door and she told me that my younger sister (that my parents recently adopted) just got into a car accident and we had to leave right away to the hospital. So we went to the front and tried to pay for the services that were given to us. We explained to the front desk person that our sister got into a car accident and we have to leave right away. THIS IS THE PART WHERE THEY ACCUSED ME + MY OLDER SiSTER OF LYING!!! They said that I told the facial lady that I only had one sister so therefore I must be lying. They demanded us to pay for the services that we did not receive because we made an appointment for massages also. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! First of all, they NEGLECTED to tell me (when I made the appointment weeks ago) that if I canceled any appointments they would still have to charge me. Secondly, when my younger sister gets into a car accident they accuse us of LYING about it. THAT’S STRAIGHT UP BS! This is the type of service you’ll get when you go there.
DO NOT EVER GO TO THIS SPA!!! IT IS THE WORST COSTUMER SERVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED ANYWHERE. I Hope this place goes out of business because without a doubt they are the most unprofessional people I’ve ever dealt with.

was able to get a last minute reflexology appt by a really good therapist named Jessica.
The appt was only 30 min, and when asked of she could go longer, she said. sure.
I’ll go back.

I’m changing this to a two because after my two more favorable massage therapists have left — I have been getting horrible therapists and the guy at the front desk was just plain stupid… you never argue with the customer!
anyways, my bf and i had massages there. we wanted deep tissue. the lady who did my bf for some odd reason could not do it hard enough (and my bf is a lightweight when it comes to deep tissue!) you don’t have to it that hard! but for some reason it was still just rubbing oil on and nothing like a deep tissue.
we told the guy at the front desk… he said oh well let me put into the computer that this therapist is not for you. next time you can try something else… hello??? all you had to do was to take $ 10 off and make it swedish and we would’ve been much happier campers.
then we didn’t even realize that they had raised prices. their pamphlets, online, as well as brochures were ALL old prices! FALSE ADVERTISING? I think so! We told the guy that we didn’t know about the price different. His answer was oh who was the person who forgot to tell you when they booked the appointments? I can tell her next time to make sure people know.
Well guess what, I think it was himself. Anyways, 1) he should’ve just said oh i’m sorry we will take $ 5 off of your bill. or oh let me give you $ 5 credit so you can use it next time. What’s $ 5 to them?!
My bf and i suggested that they at least put up a sign at the front desk or online or a note on the pamphlet. the guy said oh we don’t need to do that, we inform everyone. ummmmmmmmmmm obviously not!
he should’ve just said — oh we are working on that. or just say. you are right, we can try. instead of arguing!
I wouldn’t go back to a place like this for $ 90/​hr on deep tissue. it used to just be a bargain place with very good massages by alex & yohan, but they are both gone! and prices went up with bad therapists!

I have been coming here for over a year now. I wasn’t sure how this compared to other spas at first and ventured off in the beginning. But I’ve come to realize that for the price I pay, the quality and the friendliness (no snobby, hooty tooty atmosphere) it’s a total winner for me! I have returned and have been faithful to Tova since. Come see Ina-​she does facials, massages, and waxes. She’s my gal!
Note: The location at the Fairmont does cost a bit more than the one in Saratoga.

I got a decent Swedish Massage here awhile back. The lady who did me used medium pressure when I like it hard! I should have gotten a Deep Tissue Massage! It is nice and peaceful in here. They are also very professional. The prices are pretty expensive (normal) for a massage so I’m glad I had a gift certificate from my friend! This spa is located inside of Westgate Shopping Center. I would not come back here because I am trying to find the perfect masseuse who understands all my back needs. And Tova Yaron just doesn’t make the cut.

Love the spa pedicure — lasts for-​ev-​er — but it is pricey.
Not a fan of facials in general — something about being smothered in steam. Tova herself bagged on their cheapest facial saying it was just a cleansing… what was that about?
They do not communicate well — took a group of girlfriends and thought it would be best to fax our order since it was a large group. The send was fine, but no one bothered to check it. The excuse was that the fax machine is in Tova’s office and that if we wanted to make changes we should call — huh?!?
Massages were hit and miss. Not stellar. Maybe I’ll try again with the recommended person — Alex.

I get my waxes here. They are very clean and don’t double-​dip the wax sticks and use clean strips. Melissa is great. I’ve been to Linda a couple times too.
I like the private waiting room. It’s quiet and relaxing.
I have never tried the facials or body wraps.

Definitely would not recommend anyone here e.v.e.r.
As I was getting my facial by Tova herself, she kept trying to peddle her Dead Sea products off on me. She somehow made me think I needed this extra $ 20 aloe mask… she never even told me the price or that it would be extra… The way she said it, it came off as if she was just doing her job. I was completely surprised when I saw my bill.
Whatever you do, don’t let her talk you into getting your eyebrows «did» … I totally regretted this decision. It took like 6 months for me to have mine looking halfway decent again.
The massage was crazy-​insane. I definitely wanted to get a decent massage while I was there, but I was freakin’ sore for like 2 weeks after wards. I had to keep asking the massage therapist to go lighter. I felt like I was being punished for something.