New ‘Masculine’ Spa Opens in Downtown Halifax
HALIFAX – Bruce Herron has always enjoyed going to a spa when he wants to relax, whether it’s getting a pedicure, a massage, or the full spa-day treatment. But he was never really comfortable in a typical spa setting, which he feels is geared more towards women. Herron used to even worry that he would tip over in the pedicure chairs because they were too small.
For seven years Herron, who owns a car dealership in New Glasgow, had an idea to create a more “masculine” spa where men would feel more comfortable getting their feet worked on and getting some hair removed. So, back in January, he decided to put his plan in motion.
“I’ve had this in my head for seven or eight years. As the years went on my daughters got sick and tired of me talking about it and they told me to just do it,” said Herron.
“I also have a passion to take care of people. It even comes through in my car business.”
Herron and his design team put together The Highlander Spa – a place that has dark blue colours and large wooden doors; not to mention larger pedicure chairs that won’t tip over when a large man sits in one.
The Highlander, located on South Park Street in downtown Halifax, has a barber station and each pedicure chair has an individual television. On top of everything else you would expect at a spa, The Highlander comes with a fully stocked bar, which serves alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
What also makes this spa unique is that it opened on August 17, 2020, right in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s a risky time to start a niche business, admits Herron. But, after seven years of envisioning his dream spa, the entrepreneur didn’t want to wait any longer to get started.
Right now, The Highlander employs eight people, but Herron is optimistic he will be able to employ more once his brand grows more. Herron also realizes some people may not want to go to an intimate setting, such as a spa, considering the current health guidelines. But, The Highlander staff cleans and disinfects the building regularly and, of course, they wear masks while working.
“Business has been a little spotty to get going because it’s a new brand,” said Herron. “Foot traffic, I think will build over time.”
Herron also wants people to know that despite the “masculine” brand of Highlander, women are more than welcome at the spa. In the first week of business, Herron says he got positive feedback from female patrons who enjoy the different atmosphere. Everyone, male or female, seems to enjoy having a wine or whiskey with their pedicure.
“It’s not a 10 out of 10 on the masculine scale; it’s more of a 7 out of 10,” said Herron. There’s no boxing gloves hanging from the walls or anything like that.”