A Little Bit of Paradise at New Leaf Salon

Nestled on the second floor of 290 West Main St. sits the one of this small town's best kept secrets.

Enter the building, grab an elevator ride to the second floor, and feel the transformation begin. Quickly, you will recognize the fresh, natural scents of eucalyptus, clean linen and lavender. Your eye will naturally be drawn to the overwhelming array of herbal teas on the tea bar and the music will slowly seep into your exhausted pores.

"Our philosophy is simple," said co-owner Laurie Filiere. "Treat people with integrity and care for them as you would wish to be cared for while providing excellent service."

A full service salon and spa, New Leaf offers everything from a basic haircut to hot stone massage and all things in between.

"We are committed to excellence," Filiere said. "We create a relaxing environment, but we are also constantly searching for new trends and new looks to bring to our clients. Our stylists commit to educating themselves every year to stay up on what's fresh."

When Filiere and her sister, Donna Candito, opened the salon in 2003, they were located at 83 West Main St., but their philosophy was the same. Six of their 25 staff members are still with them today.

"We offer the best quality skin treatment, the best technologies and the best service in the area," Filiere said. "We love to make people happy, which is easy because we have the best clients around."

"Some will come early or stay late simply to enjoy the peace of the environment," Filiere said. "We are happy to have them. We'll serve you tea and keep you company as long as you wish to stay."

The journey, for many clients, is one that draws them from all corners of the state. A few even travel from Martha's Vineyard for the sole purpose of following their favorite masseuse or stylist.

"I practically live here," said client Deanna Rivernider of Marlborough. "I drove 45 minutes to come here today, and I'll be back on Tuesday. Today, I needed my normally very curly hair blow-dryed and straightened. I've been following April for years, The staff here is awesome. It is the people that keep me coming back."

Brand new client, Northborough resident, Jennifer Thorsen was referred by a friend and notes enthusiastically that she would absolutely return for a foil and blow dry.

But hair style is just a tiny piece of the puzzle, the real followers come for one of everything.

"I have been coming here for massages for a while," Shrewsbury resident Liz Halle noted with a relaxed smile, "but today I'm here for the mani-pedi, and so far it's incredible! This is a great place to come. You can stay the day and have one of everything."

From masseuse to hair style to nails and back again, Elaine Dwyer, of Natick notes she's done most everything.

"I drive from Natick regularly because I love this salon," Dwyer said." The staff is very friendly, attuned to me, and professional. Hanne has been my girl for nearly eight years, and she knows me, she knows my hair and she's a great cutter. Best part? It's like talking to a psychiatrist. The people here are like a family away from my family."

So, if spending a day being pampered, drinking herbal tea, and simply escaping the world for a bit appeals to you, check out the New Leaf Salon and Spa. Mention this article and they'll take 20 percent off your bill.

Hours and a list of services are available on the .