I really wanted to like this spa. I am a fan of Thai massages. They had really good reviews here on Yelp, and I hate that I am ruining it for them. So, take this review with a grain of salt, as this may just be a one off.
This spa is tucked away in a bunch of offices, so it was a little difficult to find. However, my fault. The woman who booked my appointment did try to offer me directions, and I said I got it. Speaking of the appointment. I would have made the appointment online myself except it required a credit card to book the appointment although it says no charge. If you are not charging for the appointment, I thought it was unnecessary to provide a credit card. Booked the appointment on the phone, and no credit card was required.
The spa is very warm and welcoming. My masseuse Tammy offered me some slippers, so I can take of my shoes while I fill out the first time visitor form. She even reminded me to leave my socks on. Onto the form, I filled out the necessary parts of it. Not sure why they needed my home addresses, when it was already asking for my email and cell phone. I specifically mentioned in the form in 3 sections to avoid my tail bone. It is very, very sensitive, and it gets very uncomfortable when pressure is applied in the area. When I handed her the form, I mentioned again to avoid my tail bone. She nodded which I took that she understood. Before she started, again I said my tail bone is very, very sensitive and just avoid it. Again, she agreed. When she massaged me, she kept going on my tail bone asking me if it hurts, to which I responded a resounding YES! She kept going back to it, as if she is motivated to massage the pain away. She kept asking if it feels better, to which I replied, NO. At a couple of points, she even used her elbows and lower arms on it. She was leaning on it with her elbows while she massaged my upper back. I almost stopped the massage coz it was getting unbearable. But I toughed it out, and she eventually laid off of it.
I've had Thai massages before, and the stretching part just felt so good. With her, all the stretching part felt like she was trying to separate some parts of my body from my main trunk. It was uncomfortable and not very relaxing and did not release the tension. My tail bone was very, very sore the next day. So sore it was painful to sit, and I had to do an hour and a half drive back home from Santa Cruz. My upper arms were also sore from her using her lower arms rolling on it.
She is a very nice lady, so I still gave her a good tip. I may give it another chance if I am back in the area, but if there is no improvement, I will definitely stop the massage! read more