On a cold and rainy day recently, I can’t tell you how happy I was that Danielle Manteiga, owner of At Your Service Mobile Spa, was coming over. I didn’t get out of my sweats. I didn’t worry about parking. I didn’t have to go anywhere.
“People love it for the convenience obviously. You don’t have to wait for your nails to dry nor do you have to walk out of a nail salon in flip-flops in the middle of winter,” says Manteiga.
I’m getting the mobile spa’s top three treatments today: a manicure ($22), pedicure ($32) and spray tan ($50). Other services offered include waxing, facials, massages, even eyelash extensions.
The trend of mobile spas is ramping up with North York’s Wright Spa mobile services and Solace Mobile Spa, which even offers kids spa parties.
Manteiga mostly does spa parties, corporate functions and media events where any number of people can enjoy some pampering while not leaving the house.
“New moms love this, too,” says Manteiga. “I come over during their baby’s nap time, or they’re breastfeeding while I do my job.”
Before I know it, Manteiga makes herself at home. She has brought all her supplies. She doesn’t even ask for a chair or towel or, for that matter, water. I relax on my couch and she wraps a blanket around me.
She fills a bowl with hot water and soap for my feet to soak in while I choose from the 30 colours she brought. She also has an individual pedicure set that I can keep.
I ask her what females talk about the most at spa parties. “I’ve heard everything.” Manteiga laughs. “But mostly they talk about sex. I’m not kidding. There is a lot and a lot of sex talk going on.” They also talk about relationships, their kids, how stressed out they are.
She also has male clients, one in particular watches television and yells at Jeopardy while she does his nails. She also has a group of women who do a spa party once a month.
During large parties of 20 to 30 (birthdays, bachorlettes or baby showers), Manteiga brings enough staff to cover the partiers. “We usually have to call out for them because they’re drinking and mingling,” she says.
After my manicure and pedicure (and, yes, there is no better feeling than NOT having to ask someone to get your wallet from your purse to pay or help you put your jacket on), I’m happy in my bare feet, at home.
Manteiga then gives me a spray tan. We decide to target my stomach to make it look like I have more definition. This is perfect since I don’t want to leave the house in this weather to exercise, yet I still have to get into a bikini, like a lot of people who travel in January. It works.
Manteiga says people also love for her to come at night to get a massage or a facial. “It’s the worst when you’ve done a massage at a spa and then you have to get up and get dressed. This way you just get straight into bed,” she says.
Manteiga packs up in less than five minutes and says, “We also do all cleanup as well.” Obviously! “It’s all about the convenience for people. Now you can just relax.”
