About Us

Our Story

NAKAI Group was founded in 2006 and, thanks to our amazing and loyal guests, as well as our wonderful, talented Artists – both past and present – has been delivering above and beyond spa and salon experiences ever since. NAKAI Group is a New Brunswick-owned business that currently owns and operates two locations of NAKAI Spa Salon Studio in the Maritimes. NAKAI Moncton and NAKAI Saint John.

NAKAI was founded by husband and wife team Melanie Lang and Robert Pejsa. In 2019, we took great joy in announcing that NAKAI Executive Director Sharon Kelly joined Melanie and Rob as an owner.

The name NAKAI is very near and dear to our hearts as it is a combination of Melanie and Rob’s children’s names—NAthan and KAIa. Incidentally, NAKAI also means “central well” in Japanese—a wonderful gathering place.

Although each is unique, all locations of NAKAI Spa Salon Studio are luxurious urban retreats designed to relax the body and recharge the mind. All NAKAI locations are either Aveda Concept or Aveda Lifestyle Salon/Spas.

NAKAI Moncton was the first to open, in 2006. Until 2011 it was known as ESCAPE Spa Salon Studio. It underwent an official name change to align with the rest of the Group. NAKAI Saint John opened in 2009 at the East Point Shopping Centre next to Indigo Books & Music.

Spa

The spas offer a wide range of world-inspired treatments aimed to relax and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit. Massages, face and body treatments, aromatherapy, and hand and foot care are just a few of the treatment services NAKAI creates for guests. The spa uses quality Aveda products in all services.

Between the locations, NAKAI has 15 private treatment rooms (including three luxurious couples’ suites) where we focus on skin and body care with services such as facials, body wraps and glows, massages and hair removal.

NAKAI also has manicure/pedicure studios in each location. Come with a friend, make new friends, or relax in silence—the choice is yours. Our pedicure chairs will relax you while the warm water and massage soothes your feet. Let our Artists create experiences that will keep you coming back for more.

Salon

Our Hair Designers use their up-to-date knowledge to consult and design cuts, styles and colours that will feed your confidence and enhance your beauty. The urban chic style of the NAKAI Salons serve to inspire our designers to greater creativity. The salon uses quality Aveda products. These natural and highly effective products are a refreshing alternative to the synthetic, harsh choices that are predominant in many salons.

Massage Studio

The Registered Massage Therapists at NAKAI use their expertise, and knowledge to assess and treat the soft tissues of the body. At NAKAI, all this is done in an atmosphere conducive to relaxation. We use the power of touch to balance, relax, and release tension resulting in reduced feelings of stress, pain relief, increased limb function and improved sleep quality. Our RMTs use a variety of techniques based on thorough consultation.

Infinity Lounge

Our stylish Infinity Lounges offer a place to relax and unwind, both before and after your services. You can enjoy a glass of wine, sparkling wine, beer, Aveda Comforting Tea or Water of the Moment from our lounge menu, or just relax and unwind while the polish on your toes dries.

The spaces are also used for unique parties and gatherings such as birthdays, anniversaries, wedding and baby showers, and corporate team building.

Retail Boutique

NAKAI Boutiques are a great place to find quality Aveda skin care, body care, hair care, and aroma products. We also feature Skeyndor clinical skincare, and the Buck Naked natural soaps, bath bombs and salts.

If you are looking for a gift, for yourself or someone else, look no further. NAKAI carries many unique gifts and spa accessories including Warm Buddy products.

If you aren’t sure what to get, allow us to customize a gift basket or help you select the perfect package of spa services to put on a gift card.

Come experience the NAKAI difference—you’ll be amazed!