Full spa day 6/30/2021
On the recommendation of another NH local massage therapists, we (my fiancé and I) booked our full "the works" spa day at Inner Beauty Connection on Nashua, NH.
The purpose of this spa day was to celebrate not only my 40th birthday, but also 6/29 was my 20 year career anniversary of being a full-time massage therapist.
I work physically and emotionally very very hard and really look forward to having treatments for my own self-care. Which is exactly why we drove from NY to NH to spend this week relaxing, recharging and paying to RECEIVE our own nurturing.
When I called about a month prior to book our appointments, I spoke to a very friendly and helpful booking person who helped me pick out the best, most pampering, most EVERYTHING spa treatments for myself and my fiancé.
I was very clear that I wanted ALL THE THINGS for myself and was specifically looking to be ultra pampered for my 40th.
I also made it crystal clear that I really NEEDED the deep tissue bodywork because of the amount of bodywork I give each week.
* What I booked for my partner: 90 minute deep tissue ($115) with added CBD oil ($15) =$130.
What he received: 90 minute deep tissue massage with Mary who is an incredible massage therapist and really worked with him to customize his treatment. No CBD. We were charged $115 for just the DT massage.
* What I booked for myself: 60 minute deep tissue ($95) plus CBD ($15) plus body polish ($85) plus a 90 minute facial ($105) = $300
What I received: 60min, less than Swedish massage with a LMT who was playing on her phone with one hand throughout my entire treatment - very frustrating and noticeable, especially since I'm a massage therapist and can notice when I therapist is not present and picking up her phone/ typing responses, etc.
the pressure and technique was less than a standard relaxation/Swedish massage. The reason this is frustrating is because I booked a Deep Tissue and I REALLY NEEDED THIS WORK! I needed focus work and my massage therapist didn't ask me anything about my body/injuries/preferences/focus areas prior or during my treatment at all (even though the description of her massage per the company website states that she specializes in customized massage for each clients needs). I did ask for more pressure on my back area where she started - although she did go a bit deeper for about 10 mins, it was clear to me that she was not a deep tissue massage therapist. Disappointing, especially since when I booked I talked to the staff about my needs and experience as a DT massage therapist myself. No CBD was mentioned or used for my massage either.
My body polish was fine. I'm especially glad that I had it, since my other treatments ended up being short of technique and time.
My facial was 60 mins, rather than 90 mins. And was really two back-to-back mini facials. There was no double cleanse and no exfoliant. I even had a mask applied OVER a moisturizer at one point, which of course creates a barrier from the mask penetrating my skin. There was some manual extraction, but only on my nose and nothing more than I could have done at home.
Because of my 20 years experience working in the spa industry, I do know what a luxurious and thorough facial treatment feels like -- and what I received at Inner Beauty Concepts was neither thorough or luxurious.
The facial room is also in their staff kitchen area - so, I could hear the staff having their lunch (forks on plates etc.) I do know that spas cannot be completely silent, but my treatment door was OPEN to the kitchen.
I know sometimes I have high expectations when I get massages because I know how hard I work and how present I am with my clients during our time together. But texting and shorting me services and time is over the top and so so disappointing.
After my services, I did have to mention to the desk staff some adjustments that needed to be made and clarify what was booked. Her answer to all of the mistakes was, "it must have been a miscommunication." To which, I said, "well, that's A LOT of miscommunication... and it's super disappointing because I REALLY needed this work today and based my entire birthday trip around this experience here at the spa."
She did not apologize to me for all the "miscommunication" but did adjust my bill to accommodate for the services that we actually did receive.
I wanted to spend $430 and had generous crispy cash tips ready for the providers. But ended up paying $370 and had to leave only 15% tips because the experience was so disappointing. This was a loose/loose/loose for everyone.
Super cute spa! Wish I would have had the relaxing experience that I paid hundreds of bucks for!
If you go, see Mary for massage! My guy said she truly is a great/thoughtful MT (and he knows the difference).
Warmly,
Bummed out birthday gal. read more