Maksim Spa

I have made facials with Lena a regular part of my routine now that my skin is noticeably different after 2 visits! On top of that, the attention to detail and personal attentiveness is unmatched in this city. It's just a relaxing, calming experience at Maksim, where you walk out feeling fabulous, knowing that your skin has really been taken care of -- I've honestly never had someone care so much about my face as Lena! Believe me - you'll want to try it, and then you'll go back for more.

Pros: Attentive, Personal, and Detail Oriented!

Cons: None - Worth Every Penny

Posted 11/18/09

The owner involvement is what makes the experience so fabulous. Under her watchful eye, all products are purchased and services performed to their utmost quality. This place compares favorably to any others I have tried for years in the city. Clean and meticulous, I encourage everyone to try and the price point is kind to the pocketbook.

Pros: best facial, waxing, relaxing, pampering without the price t

Posted 11/14/09

Bright and meticulously clean rooms, friendly and accommodating staff, and the best facial I've had in NYC. The time I spent at Maksim Spa not only made my complexion sparkle but also renewed my spirit. Lena will be seeing me frequently, as visiting her spa has become a "must do" on my list. I highly recommend it!

Pros: Fabulous facials; warm friendly service

Posted 09/27/09

After being a client for 2 years I am leaving because of poor customer service. I was in love with the warm and gentle personality of Angela the technician but since she has left the owner continued to make me wonder why pay the extra money to be continuously insulted by her rude and cold behavior. It is required that you leave a credit card number to book an appointment...even after leaving a credit number my appointment was given to someone else. I was furious because I was planning a very romantic evening with my husband. I was told nothing can be done. Then they had the nerve to call me 2 hours later and say we've done you a big favor and have opened a spot for you...WTF why wasn?t more done 2 hours before. As a continued customer why was I just given the cold shoulder and brushed off. By this time I had already found a new gem in Columbus Circle for a reasonable price. Ladies don?t fall into the hype it?s not worth the aggravation.

Pros: Use sanitary methods

Cons: POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE!

Posted 09/22/09

i always leave here with really great results. i would totally recommend it. i never leave with red marks or anything like the other place i was going to and i have african american skin

Posted 09/22/09

I never had acne as a child but in my thirties I started suffering from adult acne. After going to several dermatologists with no real results, I was referred to Lena and all I can say is wow! The facials are intense and Lena does an exceptional job. The bottom line is; I've been going there for a couple of years now, am acne free and receive compliments like "you're face is glowing". I would totally recommend this place, it's worth every dime.

Pros: Non pretentious environment with exceptional service

Cons: Limited availability

Posted 04/26/09

One of my best friends used to rave about her facials at Maksim spa. After trying many of the other spas in New York and not feeling 100% satisfied- Great Jones, Bliss, and Mario Bedescus...I decided to take my friends recommendation and try Lena at Maksim Spa. (Lena is one of the 2 sisters who owns the spa.)
Let's just say I went for a facial about 5 years ago- and have gone regularly ever since!
She is extremely thorough, knowledgeable, and leaves my skin looking extremely hydrated and perfectly clear.
I have an appointment tonight and I can't wait to walk out glowing!! :)

Pros: I always leave glowing!

Cons: None

Posted 03/30/09

I HAD THE BEST EXPERIENCE AT MAKSIM SPA. I WENT THERE FOR THE FIRST TIME LAST YEAR WITH A BAD CASE OF ROSACEA.
I DECIDED TO TRY THE HOLISTIC APPROACH FIRST, BEFORE GOING ON MY DERMATOLOGIST'S RECOMMENDED ANTIBIOTICS AND CREAMS.

AND IT WORKED!

THIS APPROACH NEEDS MORE PATIENCE THAN ANTIBIOTICS, BUT THE RESULT IS AMAZING. MY SKIN STARTED TO CLEAR UP AFTER 4 MONTHLY FACIALS. TODAY I GET COMPLIMENTS ON MY SKIN ALL THE TIME.

LENA IS VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND PATIENT. SHE ADVISED ME ON BEAUTY PRODUCTS THAT WOULD IMPROVED MY SKIN, BUT NEVER PUSHED ME TO BUY HER PRODUCT.
SHE IS FLEXIBLE AND ALWAYS WORKED WITHIN MY BUDGET - WHICH IS NOT GRAND.

I CAN NOT RECOMMEND LENA MORE HIGHLY - I WISH I COULD GIVE HER 10 STARS.

Pros: PROFESSIONAL AND KNOWLEDGEABLE

Posted 03/17/09

I randomly decided to take a peak at the Maksim profile here on CitySearch the other day and was shocked to see the last 2 reviews written. Being that I have been a satisfied, dedicated client for YEARS (Thats right Juicy and Sara...NOT EMPLOYEE... CUSTOMER) I was stunned to see the last 2 reviews written. For anyone out there thinking or needing a facial, waxing or whatever I can tell you there is just NO PLACE like Maksim. The quality of service and result just simply cannot be matched. What sometimes seems to happen with people that have skin problems is that they fail to realize that results take extended periods (sometimes more than 6 months) of time (especially when treating things like acne). If someone is not consistent with facials and skincare regimens, they cannot expect the full result they had been hoping for... I say this because I used to have a skin problem and with the help of Maksim my face is as smooth and shiny as a baby's bottom! This is only because I have continued to and still do continue to get facials every 4-6 weeks (in addition to my regimen of products recommended). I know for a fact I am not alone in thinking this as many friends and family members (who have also written reviews here) have been going to Maksim for years (AGAIN NOT EMPLOYEES...CUSTOMERS). If you don't believe me, just ask Allure magazine that recently did a spotlight on this top notch Spa.

Posted 02/13/09

It is so weird because I had the same exact experience as the last reviewer. Honestly, I think that some of the positive reviews written here about Maksim are probably written by the workers, because I cannot believe that their facials actually benefit anyone with acne or rosacea problems. The facials that they complete strips your skin,and so do all the regimens they recommend that you do (which for me was all this Karin Herzog junk). One of the owners worked with my skin every time I went (for months!), and I had nooo improvement. Everytime it was like, lets try this or that and I spent tons of money on learning how to strip my skin and abuse it. At first she was like, i promise you in two three months your skin will totally change. She made me feel like if I really wanted to improve my skin I would have to buy all these products, otherwise I wasn't serious about improving my skin. THe only good advice I had gotten was from Nordia, who was so great and kind. A great spa to try is Glow Skin, which I went to after Maksim. Although I like the front desk ppl at Maksim better, the people that work with you and the atmosphere is much better at Glow. I worked with a woman whose name began with a K, I don't remember now, but she is amazing.

Pros: Carry Eminence products

Cons: ineffective treatments for acne

Posted 01/24/09

Okay, I have been deliberating over writing a review for some time, but have decided I needed to speak out. This is hard for me as the ladies at Maksim came across as very genuine, knowledgeable, & experienced. And I truly believe they think they're helping :-(. I was so convinced, that I had seen them regularly for facials over a period of 6 months & was told it would get worse before it got better, explaining why I continued to go regardless of my worsening complexion & the painful facials. My complexion got worse than when I started getting the facials!!! Bottom line is my face is severely scarred now :-(. What got me to stop abusing my face? Well, I missed an appointment, saw my face improve as a result, and never looked back.

At Maksim, I was given the impression that I was lucky to be there...stating that if I wasn't disciplined about getting regular facials, she would drop me as a client as my face needed consistent attention in order to clear it up & that she would "take care of" the scarring once we got rid of the acne :-/. I was also advised to stop consuming dairy products & avoid sugars (which I did). Today, I eat & drink dairy again, have sugar on occasion, & my skin is continuing to improve daily WITHOUT the facials. I'm sure Maksim would like to think that my face is clear now because of all their "work", but sadly it is false.

What hurts the most, besides the scaring & literally thousands of $$$ I spent, is that I truly felt it was my fault I had acne :-/. Please, if you are suffering from acne, be kind to your complexion and see a doctor, not some one who likes to play doctor. Probing, squeezing, picking, will only result in scarring, and skin lightening creams aren't going to fix the dents and non-smooth surface of my skin :-/. I apologize if this review is harsh, but it's true and I just don't want to see any one go through what I did. Sadly, city search's shining reviews were the reason I went there in the first place :-/.

Pros: Caring Staff

Cons: Caused severe breakouts and resulted in scarring

Posted 11/24/08

Maksim Spa was very warm and welcoming. I had my micro-dermabrasion treatment done by Angela-who i highly recommend. She has made my skin look amazing! She is sweet and gentle and gives you GREAT advice on taking care of your skin. I left with a smooth and glowing complexion and am definantly coming back to try the body treatments Maksim Spa has to offer.

Pros: comfortable atmosphere, detail-oriented, great facials!

Posted 10/10/08

I am absolutely sold! I have only had amazing experiences with
Maksim and look forward to my visits. I thought I'd NEVER submit to the
epitome of waxing torture and I after my experience with Maksim, I realize,
I never will!! BTW the lavender is amazing! They are wonderful, hands down!
Put me in the appointment book for life!

Pros: Highly personable experience, private, natural and relaxing.

Posted 10/08/08

After a bad experience with a leg/brazilian wax at another salon in early July, I checked out Maksim last week on the recommendation of a friend. I LOVED it! It's small, immaculate, so friendly, and they use the Australian wax for brazilians that hurts soooo much less than regular wax. This wax so much more gentle and doesn't rip the top layer of skin off the way the other kind does with cloth strips. How did I not know about this amazing wax before? I got my legs waxed too (they use regular wax for legs, which is fine) and Angela was totally thorough, sweet and charming throughout the entire process. She really made me feel comfortable. I would absolutely recommend her and Maksim to all my friends.

Pros: Immaculate, gentle, very friendly

Cons: Much more expensive than I was used to, weird/random office location

Posted 07/28/08

I got the "famous" extraction facial which just consisted of washing my face and extractions for the price of $115. The day after I had more zits than I came in with..so obvisously did not do a good job with the extractions. A waste of money and just ended up more miserable. If I wanted anything more besides the extractions I had to pay additional money, 40 for an enzyme peel and 25 for the mask, ridiculous!! Ok I'll pay for the peel, but aren't masks included in the initial price.

I tipped her and I have no idea why, not going back.

Posted 06/25/08

Hey Y'all,

Ladies, you have to go to Maksim Spa for all your treatments . They are the best at everything, they put you at ease for your first time waxing experience ever; and it was not as bad as i thought. After that i had the Eminence facial using only Eminence products and i can only sum it up in one word: AMAZING. The products smelled soo wonderful i wanted to eat it off my face, its a little intense, but at the end of the facial my skin felt and looked soo much better than when i walked in. I was refreshed and ready to take on the real world with my head held high. Yet, I was afraid of the dust that would greet me as i leave the building. They suggested products of which i purchased because i loved the facial soo much ( just to let you know there was no pressure into making a purchase). The Eminence facial is great for all skin types and for those with sensitive skin, she told me, as well as detoxifing the skin; and yes my face needed some of that. Overall the service was great and yes it is all true what i heard and read about Maksim Spa. I'll tell you they have some wonderful people working there. :)

Pros: they are professional and know their stuff

Cons: the treatment was not long enough- I did not want to leave

Posted 05/06/08

This is the best facial in the city! I always feel so pampered and relaxed when I leave, and my skin is getting better and better. I now get compliments from people about how good my skin looks.
I was feeling a little tired today so, I had a special stimulating facial today. It was tingly and different. I really felt revived!
They are experts at Maksim. You must go!

Pros: European trained expert estheticians. Very comfortable atmosphere. Convenient location.

Cons: Too much perfection sometimes.

Posted 02/19/08

I've tried about 4-5 different facials in the city, and this is the only place I've been raving & recommending to all my friends. Very detail oriented, buck honest, and I have to say, I LOVE their recommended products. It's been hard to find a place for my type of skin, which breaks out often. But there has been a great improvement overall.

Posted 02/14/08

I just went to Maksim spa yesterday, and had the best facial ever! Not to mention my first Brazilian...I'll get to that later...

Facial:
At first I was apprehensive of going to Maksim yesterday, because I wanted to have a facial with Lena, the owner- however, after speaking with the extremely friendly and personable receptionist, Nordia, and looking at my own scheduling availability, I decided to give Angela a try. Girls, you MUST have Angela do your facial. This will sound like an oxymoron, but here goes: Angela does EXTREMELY THOROUGH yet GENTLE facial extractions! Virtually painless!!! And she consults with you on your skin care regimen, what you should be eating (or in my case drinking more water)...She informed me that the reason why I was breaking out so often was due to the fact that my skin was so dry, that the dead skin cells were blocking essential oils from moisturizing my skin. Apparently since the oil was trapped and had no where to go, it resulted in pimples, etc. This was news to me, because I always assumed that only very oily skin broke out. Angela gave me an extraction facial, a fruit enzyme peel to "digest" all of those icky dead skin cells that built up on my face (I never noticed that until they were gone! ), a hydrating oil ampule with soothing lavender and tea trea oil for better absorption of the hydrating facial mask I had. I left Maksim with a brighter, clearer, glowing complexion and impossibly soft, and finally HYDRATED (NOT OILY!!) skin! I can still feel my skin tingling!

First Brazilian: Lena was gracious enough to give me a last minute Brazilian wax..my first one! Ok, waxing never feels pleasant, but Lena did a great job. I was very nervous but she made funny jokes, and lightened the atmosphere so I could relax. Great products!

I have already reccommended Maksim to my girl friends, and scheduled two follow up treatments for the next two months! I am sure that results like this can only improve over time!

Pros: Great facials/waxing, glass of wine to relax you before treatments, excellent music, attentive staff

Cons: Not necessarily a con, however it is a small "intimate" facility.

Posted 02/12/08

I ?m a young African American woman, and taking care of my skin has been extremely hard. I had (key word HAD) dry, acne, overall problematic skin; (the dermatologist could not help) but Not anymore because I have experienced it all. From microdermabration that offers deep exfoliation and evens out my skin tones, to enzyme facials for those really dry days, and maksimum extraction facial, for when my skin have been really bad. My skin has improved dramatically! Ladies and gentlemen, Angela, Lena, and Olya they are the miracle workers, Literally! According to the ladies, I had to cut a few foods from my diet, which was sooo hard, but I did, and my skin has been remarkable ever since.
So if you want great skin care and a few dietary suggestions, Maksim Spa is the place to be. Your skin and your body would love it. I know I did! I have been going to Maksim Spa for three years.

What ever your occupation or occasion is, I implore you to go, you wont be disappointed. I Promise!

Pros: Two thumbs up to Maksim Spa for their customer service, and for having a glass of wine handy at every treatment, for those who wouldn't mind a sip every now and then.

Cons: Maksim Spa exhibits too much perfection.

Posted 11/05/07

I was very nervous going in, first bikini wax while pregnant! the receptionist was very friendly, the spa is nice- and olya rocks!!!! she put me at ease immediately, was speedy, and very GENTLE ( the purple wax she used is great). If the pain was this minimal at 9 mo along, i will for sure be back again to see her after! i definitely recommend maksim- to everyone :)

Posted 08/16/07

When people compliment how great I look, I say, ?Skin by Lena? I?ve been getting treatments from Lena since 1997 when she was working for Bliss. I was thrilled when she opened her business. Finally, a professional spa catering to my individual needs, offering a human touch and positive energy.
I first came to see Lena after trying Accutane and spending hundreds on medicated and over-the-counter acne medicines. After a few painless extractions along with microdermabrasions treatments, I finally saw results. Not only did my acne clear up, the dark spots banished and she also saved my obsessive plucked eyebrows to grow into beautifully shaped eyebrows to frame my face.
A treatment at Maksim spa is therapy for the face, body and heart.
It's not just my monthly facial but a lifetime solution to my skin problems

Pros: Personalized service with a human touch

Cons: May become addictive

Posted 08/09/07

For a first time experience this was painless and relaxing. I am an African American female and I always assumed Brazilians were too painful for women with my hair texture. I was wrong! With a glass of wine from the receptionist Nordia, Angela made my 1st Brazilian wax a WOW! experience. My boyfriend loved it. It was a cozy spa and was empty when I was there. I hope service and courtesy is as great when crowded. I recommend this place to all women especially African American women who are ashamed to get a wax because of their hair texture and length down there. WAX WITH EASE LADIES! Thanks again Maksim.

Pros: The wax used was virtually painless

Cons: none at this time...keep it up.

Posted 06/12/07

For a 28 year old Indian woman, I have awful skin: adult acne, scarring, uneven skin tone. My friend with similar issues was raving about Lena and how she fixed her skin, so I decided to give it try. Omigod! The difference in just one visit was AMAZING!!! Lena's extractions didn't hurt at all and I came out looking like I haven't had skin problems for the past 10 years. And now I'm addicted! I go once a month to prevent my skin from reverting to it's old, evil ways. It's made a HUGE difference in my confidence. I even go out in public without makeup on! And people who don't know I've been getting facials have commented on how my skin just glows now. For anyone's skin that still resembles a teenager going thru puberty, Lena is a godsend!!!!!

Pros: great facials, great music, great vibe

Posted 05/27/07

I have been a customer of Maksim spa for years, but have recently become a monthly visitor. I am consistently pleased with their services and everyone who works there has a lovely personality. Maksim's facilitiy is intimate, soothing and impeccablly clean.

Posted 05/22/07

After years of going to Bliss a friend recommended Maksim and I love it! I feel relaxed the minute I walk in the door. The staff is warm and friendly and the services are just as good if not better than any of the trendy spas I have been to in NYC. I have very sensitive skin and I never experience any irritation when I am done.

Posted 05/03/07

I have been going to Maksim for over a year now and all I can say is....AMAZING.
I started out with very clogged pores and on top of turning this long time problem around, Olya has set me up with a daily routine that keeps my skin hydrated and healthy. I no longer worry about break outs. In addition to this, I have had various other treatments that in short have made me feel great! I always walk out of there with a huge smile on my face. I have also had treatments done with Lena who just like Olya is a true genius. Together the two of them have taught me how to properly care for my skin so I won't face problems in the future. Hands down- Maksim is the best spa in Manhattan.

Posted 04/26/07

From the moment, I stepped into this spa, I knew something was different. I have never been to a spa with such consistency in terms of: personalization, products, service, and treatment.

Lena and Olya are the best!I'm a picky person and to find people that really care about your health and skin is such a wonderful experience. I have difficult skin and they've both figured out a way to tame it. :) I couldn't be more pleased. In addition, Nordia in reception is always pleasant and helpful. I highly recommend a visit.

Pros: Hygenic, knowledge of skin conditions, product selection, space, and music selection

Cons: None

Posted 04/19/07

Hi, Folks!

Today, I had my very first brazilian wax service - and believe me, having had bikini waxs prior at other spas, I was a bit nervous, BUT, it is true what has been written by others, Maksim really knows how to make the experience enjoyable, yes, I said enjoyable. It was significantly less uncomfortable that the bikini wax services I had at other spas and I am sure this is due to the expertise of the Maksim team. Olya is just fabulous! In fact, the customer service in general is very, very good! What a pleasant environment - I will go back, for sure!!! Sheila Marie

Posted 03/29/07

Lena (the owner) did my waxing and she was quite professional and very fast. None of her products broke my skin out (a problem I often have with lesser waxing salons), i had no burns, barely even any redness and the hair was slower than usual in coming back. I was very happy here and will be returning. Its been about a month since I went to Maksim's for the first time and I've had no ingrown hairs or any other complaints. Definitely recommend them. I will also start trying some of their other services now too!

Pros: very quiet and professional

Posted 12/17/06

When I went to Maksim, I had never been to a Spa before for any type of Facial. When I left I knew I was hooked for the rest of my life! This was one of the most soothing and addictive experiences ever. The cozy 2 room space creates a warm and extrememly relaxing environment. During my Facial (with alpha-hydroxy peel) I felt so at ease and completely pampered that I forget where I was. I am a girl who appreciates treating herself, so discovering this Spa was a real treat . Their Lavendar Hard Wax is the best Waxing product out there for painless, long lasting hair removal. I always break out in blisters from waxing but not any longer. I couldn't believe what I had been missing out on for 23 years. I walked out of Maksim that night knowing I would never let myself go without Maksim Spa in my life.

Pros: location, hours, availability, convenience, friendly staff, very informative

Posted 12/11/06

As a girl with sensitive skin, Brazilians used to leave me with horrible ingrowns. Maksim to the rescue! The waxing technique at Maksim does not disappoint -- set in a small, relaxing setting, the purple wax they use has brought down the occurence of ingrowns at least 90%. I can't say enough good things about Lena and Olya -- no product pressure, and when they recommend something, it always lives up to my highest expecations. I recommend Maksim to all of my friends -- they've had similarly fantastic experiences. After coming here when I first moved to New York a few years ago, I never go anywhere else.

Posted 12/04/06

How would you like to get the best Brazilian wax in NYC and it be virtually pain free? Well, go to Maksim Spa.

Lena and Olya run a beautiful spa that is calm quiet, relaxing and spotless. They take care of you like you were family.

They pride themselves on customer service and like any good business, want repeat customers and recommendations so they always go above and beyond.

If you are looking for the best waxing in NYC - Maksim is your place. The quality of wax they use and the care they put into the service makes the procedure more than bearable. Any concerns or fears you have - they treat them with love and respect.

So when planning your next fun in the sun holiday, condsider getting that wax and consider getting it at Maksim.

Posted 12/03/06

i am quite impressed by this spa!!!

the receptionist, (nordia), was extremely attentive to my needs from the moment i arrived.
the atmosphere was calm and zen like. with soft voice and kind smiles you felt as though
you were close to enlightenment. you forget your tasks at hand and become ever present.
i know this sounds a bit hard to believe, but trust me...

i came to the spa once before only interested in purchasing a face cream, and found that
they were out of it. i was quit upset at the time and exhausted from my day. nordia
was understanding and apologized for not having what i needed. she showed me some of the
other products and when i didn't find anything else i could use, she gave me enough samples
to get me through till their shipment came in. ( by the way, the product line i am talking about
is called eminence.. try it !! you will not be disappointed!!) i liked the fact that she did not pressure me
into taking something else. she kept a great attitude even when i was not the kindest of customers...

after i left i decided i would get a facial when their products arrived. ( one of the best decisions i have
made this month...)

lena performed my facial. she looked over my skin suggesting what type of facial would
be most beneficial. she was up front about services and pricing and gave me a couple of
different options. she was incredible!!! her advice was dead on. my skin has not looked this
good in a long time. my girlfriend is just as pleased and she and i have entirely different skin
types.

in talking briefly with lena i learned that she has 25 years experience and loves her job.
well, what can i say, it shows... :)

Pros: great location easy to get to

Cons: 12th floor, elevator line

Posted 11/16/06

Visiting NY and found my face was breaking out due to the sudden weather change. Spent an hour or so with Olya at Maksim and of course the results were not immediate. She took care of all the pesky pimples and naturally my skin was red in various places and it needed a few days to heal. Just a few days later, I was absolutely surprised by how beautiful my skin looked. Even now - two weeks since then I'm still all smiles by my skin's condition. The best part is products weren't forced down my throat. However, the one I did purchase has been amazingly helpful with what was problem skin.

I will definitely return to Maksim during my next trip to NY.

Pros: Great service (even the secretary smiled and was very courteous!)

Cons: Price of some products (e.g., facial sponge which I've received for free in some places, Maksim charged $2.50 each)

Posted 11/05/06

Olya and Lena are both very sweet and welcoming. Their facials and other treatments don't disappoint.

Posted 10/30/06

Maksim is just always such a pleasant experience. I have been going there for a while now, and I recommend it to everyone. Olya and Lena are so lovely, and do such a great job.

Posted 10/23/06

maksim offers the best brazilian wax in the city. I spent a year looking for the best and most painless brazilian bikini wax and found it at maksim. the lavender wax they use also smells really great.

Posted 09/06/05

Lena and Olya are geniuses! Under their expert care, your skin will glow!

Posted 03/16/03