We've now visited Refuge Spa in Carmel for the second time, and it's easy to see why my husband loves it so much. It's the perfect place for him to truly unwind with complete silence, no distractions, just pure relaxation. The atmosphere is incredibly peaceful, and you feel it the moment you walk in. Reservations and Checking in was easy and the front desk welcomes you! We started with a deep tissue massage with Angie who was awesome, which was the perfect way to ease into the experience. It left us both feeling completely relaxed before heading out to enjoy the amenities The thermal pools are perfectly maintained, ranging from warm to hot. He especially enjoyed going through the full thermal cycle... the cold plunge, sauna, steam room, and then back into the hot spa. It's such a refreshing and rejuvenating experience. We ended up staying for six hours and honestly enjoyed every single minute. It's one of those rare places where time just slows down, and you leave feeling completely reset. We'll definitely be back again as it's been my husband's annual birthday gift from me! read more

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Loud AF. I left after 20 minutes because it was too loud. Set straddling an active tennis court this spa get a ton of noise from the athletics center. The spa is promoted as a silent spa with no talking but since there is no enforcement yelling, laughing, splashing around is common. If you are looking for calm and quiet this is not the place. I planned a weekend around going to this place so leaving right away due to noise was disappointing. When leaving I asked if the remaining gift card balance could be refunded to the CC since I wouldn't be back; they apologized and blamed staffing shortages for the noise. The lady offered a full refund to the CC which I appreciate. They never sent the refund. Following up a couple weeks later they ignored all the words in my email and only refilled the gift card, refusing to refund the CC. What a terrible place to not go back to. Lesson leaned: this place sucks read more

Review for Refuge America's first co-ed outdoor thermal spa--worth the trek and then some. This review is for Refuge in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and yes--it is quite a trek from the Bay Area, but it is absolutely worth it. This place is designed to slow you down, quiet your mind, and let your body reset. One of my favorite things about Refuge is their silence policy. You really do have to be quiet, and that's part of what makes the experience so special. It creates a calm, peaceful atmosphere that you just don't find in many places anymore. The facility is co-ed, very clean, and thoughtfully maintained. The locker rooms are spotless, and they provide towels, shampoo, and body wash. You can bring your own towels if you prefer, but everything you need is already there. What makes Refuge unique is the thermal cycle experience--a whole variety of pools at different temperatures. They're all man-made, but beautifully designed, well filtered, and incredibly relaxing. You move from hot to warm to cool to cold, and before you know it, hours have passed and you feel completely reset. A few things to know before you go: * There is no in-and-out policy, so once you're inside, you stay inside * There is no full food service, which can be a drawback if you get hungry * They should seriously consider adding a café or light dining option--it would be a much-needed amenity * Parking is easy and the property is simple to access The last time I went, admission was very reasonable--around $30 for the day. I understand prices have gone up since then, but even so, the experience still feels like a great value for the level of relaxation you get. And honestly, part of the magic is the location. Making a day trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea is always a treat. Some of the most beautiful beaches in California are right there, and pairing that coastal scenery with a long soak at Refuge makes for the perfect reset day. Bottom line: Go for the quiet. Go for the thermal pools. Go to unplug. It's a destination worth the drive. Get out there. Explore. Relax. read more

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Pre-review- I called to book spa time and two massages for next weekend, however we were given some not so accurate information. We were told we could book two massages and two spa day passes, they said they had openings in the morning for us, and that they had open availability for the day, then i called back about 15 minutes later and a different person answered told me they were booked. Now we are only able to get in for a short evening spa time, we are totally bummed out since we are coming here to celebrate my daughters 30th birthday! We are off to a rough start. However we are excited for our upcoming visit to Refuge Spa! They have MIXED reviews but we are going to give it a try, it seems like the perfect place to celebrate! I am coming here with my daughter, to celebrate her 30th birthday with a day of massages, spa time, and much-deserved girl time for our group of four. It feels like the perfect place to relax, unwind, and celebrate a special milestone. Looking forward to the experience and will be sure to share a full review after our visit. I will be sure to come back and update with a full- honest review! UPDATED FULL REVIEW- 01/31/2026 We visited Refuge in Carmel with really high expectations, especially given its reputation and the location. While there were definitely some highlights, the overall experience fell short of what we expected from a world-class spa. The check-in process itself was easy, even though there were a few mix-ups. What made it frustrating was the lack of guidance. The man who checked us in wasn't very helpful -- we weren't shown where to go, weren't given a pamphlet or any overview of the property, and were left feeling pretty lost right from the start. Since this was our first visit, some basic direction would have gone a long way. Unfortunately, the only spa entry time available for our group was 7:00 pm. By then it was dark, and navigating the property was confusing. The grounds are large, and without clear instructions, it felt more stressful than relaxing trying to figure out where everything was. One big disappointment was that out of our party of four, we were only able to book one massage. That was a major bummer and really limited the full spa experience we were hoping to enjoy together. Now for the positives -- the hot tubs and cold plunges were amazing. This is definitely where Refuge shines. The contrast pools were fantastic, and the sauna and steam room were also great. The property itself is absolutely beautiful. The grounds are well kept, peaceful, and at night the moonlight and stars make for a really special atmosphere. However, the room with the zero gravity chairs was not relaxing at all. It was damp, cold, and uncomfortable -- not somewhere you'd want to spend time resting or unwinding between pools. Another thing worth mentioning is the no electronics policy. We were told no phones or Kindles, which I respected -- unfortunately, the only thing I brought to read was my Kindle. That said, I noticed several women openly reading on their Kindles, which felt inconsistent and frustrating since the rule didn't seem to be enforced equally. While enjoying the pools, we also felt there was no guidance on how to properly cycle through the cold plunges and heat areas to get the best therapeutic benefit. No signage, no explanation -- again, we often felt lost and unsure if we were using the experience as intended. The locker rooms were another major letdown. They were messy, with dirty towels and robes piled everywhere. There didn't seem to be anyone regularly coming through to clean up. It was hard to find space to sit or change because people had left their belongings all over. After finishing, we showered and noticed the shower doors do not lock, which felt uncomfortable. The blow dryers didn't work, and there were no lotions or basic toiletries available in case you forgot something. I ended up leaving at 10:00 pm with my hair still wet, which wasn't ideal. Overall, Refuge has so much potential. The pools, the grounds, and the natural setting are truly beautiful. We still had a good time because we made the best of it -- but it wasn't what I expected from a high-end spa in Carmel-by-the-Sea. With better staff guidance, cleaner locker rooms, clearer instructions, and more consistent policies, this could be an incredible experience. I might consider returning during the daytime, especially if I'm able to book a massage and experience the property in the daylight -- but as it stands, the visit fell short of expectations. read more

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This places was pretty and reasonably priced to spend a day soaking and relaxing. Couple gripes I have was the lady that checked us in was extremely rude and dismissive. Probably also prejudice as well. We came in said we had a reservation but she ignored that and said they were sold out for the day. We had to say 2 more times that we had made reservations. Then she purposely continued to mispronounce my friends last name. I also think calling the dry sauna a salt room is a bit much. It's a small 3x3 foot salt wall. Also the wet sauna is super loud lol for how it's suppose to be silent. read more

Most calm and relaxing space I have been too, the saunas, heated pools, and smell of mint in the air put it all together. I would recommend for all who need to unwind. read more

Looking for relaxation?! This is it guys. This super affordable spa where you just pay and can be there all day. This is a silent retreat spa so no talking at all. I did the admission for the spa for $67 and they will give you a robe, water, and locker to place your stuff. Once you changed into your bathing suit, no cameras or phones can be taken with you to the spa. There are hot and cold plunges. In the spa area you will find a sauna and a steam room. There are lounge chairs throughout the area for you to sit and relax. We saw many people reading a book by the fire place. On your water bottle they give you will tell you how to go about doing your spa. First you will do a hot pool plunge and there will be instructions on how long it recommends you stay in. After that you can do a cold plunge. You can repeat the cycle a few times as it recommends to feel the best. The sauna room is super duper hot, you will sweat like crazy. The steam room is super steamy and has eucalyptus aroma in it. Your sinuses will be cleared! I rarely saw staff in the spa area. But upon arrival, and checking in for the spa, the interactions were nice. After the spa there are nice clean single stall showers for you. In a separate connection area there are blow dryers and lotion for their guest. I would definitely recommend coming here if you want a full body rejuvenation! read more

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What a beautiful place to rewind! The ambience is very peaceful, I loved all the different spots to relax and the size of the pools, sauna and steam rooms, which were not as big as on some other places. This was perfect! Everything was clean and guests obeyed the silence rule what made it especially relaxing. The staff were friendly and helpful. The locker room was clean and spacious. The looker area might would benefit from a private dressing cabin to feel more comfortable changing, especially when the doors are open. I loved the size of the showers and how clean they were. We'll be back! Thank you. read more

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The reason I'm giving this 5 stars is simply for the massage therapist . The spa itself was nice but what made my experience was her I had Rose and she was nothing short of amazing. She asked questions and really worked on the areas I needed and exceeded my expectations. It's nice to see therapists who genuinely enjoy their jobs. I will definitely come back. read more

Phenomenal gem of a place to go enjoy nature and golden silence away from all electronics. Fire pits, cold, cool, warm, and hot pools. Eucalyptus steam rooms, a Himalayan salt wall sauna, and relaxation rooms with Lafuma zero gravity chairs. It's a total zen environment to zone out or read a book. The hammocks were comfortable also. Staff was super friendly throughout the experience and our deep tissue massages with Maria were outstanding and one of the best massages my mom and I have ever had . Thank you Maria. Jordan who checked us in, checked the ph of all the pools and handed out towels was standout as well in his customer service. Only two toilets in the women's locker room so there was often a wait so I recommend going before you really have to go. Will definitely be back ... this was one of my favorite relaxation experiences and the massage from Maria was fantastic. Just what we needed for this weekend commemorating my dad's tenth death anniversary. read more

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Amazing experience! Quiet, serene, calming. I thought we'd be there for ~2 hours, but were there for almost 4. The silence is magical - patrons generally respected it (except for one couple murmuring) and you could only hear the burbling of the water, whooshing of the wind. Heat up, cool down, relax by the fire. Repeat. I want to go back, wish it was closer to the Bay Area. read more

I visited Refuge in mid-June, on a sunny Saturday morning. And let me just say this: if you're planning to go, book in advance! We made our reservation back in April for four people. A few weeks before the date, I contacted them to reduce it to two, and the staff responded quickly and kindly by email. From the moment you arrive, the energy of the place is different. You're welcomed with a robe, towel, a bottle of water, and a little map that guides you through the hydrotherapy circuit. The staff is very friendly and everything feels calm and effortless. What makes this place so unique is the silence. Talking is not allowed, which makes the experience deeply grounding. Just you, nature, and your own breath. There are several pools: hot, cold, and cool, so you can do the full thermal cycle as many times as you want during your stay (they recommend 2-3 hours). My favorite part? The eucalyptus steam room, absolutely heavenly. The scent, the warmth, the cleansing... 10/10. I also fell in love with the silent relaxation rooms, especially the zero gravity chairs. I didn't expect to feel so at peace just lying there, but wow, it was something else. I went at 11am and it was perfect. The place was almost empty at that time, which made it even more serene. Being wrapped in the robe, feeling the mountain breeze, soaking in the sun between cycles, it felt luxurious in a minimalist way. This is the kind of place you go to reconnect with yourself. I recommend it for a solo day, a self-love ritual, a day with your mom, your best friend, or your partner. I promised myself I'll come back at least twice a year. It's that special. read more

Refuge - Day Spas Near Me - Carmel, California

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I had such a wonderful and relaxing experience at Refuge! My friends had told me how lovely it is, so my expectations were high, but even those expectations surpassed! I was so calm I even took a nap in one of the zero-gravity chairs. There were some families who didn't necessary follow the silence policy, and there was a slight ticking or beeping sound in the first relaxation room (to the right of the women's locker room), but that is my only very mild feedback. 5/5 stars--I'll definitely be back! read more

After reading the reviews, I was excited to try the Refuge in Carmel, and I love it. I've been twice now, and both times were equally relaxing and awesome. They give you a robe, water bottle, and key to your locker. You aren't allowed to bring food or drinks, and can stay as long as you want. Everyone is very nice and respect the no-talking rules, and I've seen staff discretely pull someone aside for using their tablets (not allowed). I love doing the cold/hot cycles, relaxing by the fire pits, and everything about the place. I plan to go here at least monthly now as I see the health benefits of going. I always feel like a million bucks after going there. read more

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My partner and I enjoyed our 20th anniversary here at refuge. We have been to many spas before, but this one was our favorite so far. We loved the fact that silence is a rule and no electronics are allowed. This made for a peaceful enjoyable environment. We loved all the fireplace seating and especially enjoyed the steam room and sauna. It rained on and off through the day, so we spent some time lounging on the zero gravity chairs taking in the views and even taking a cat nap. Just know no food or drinks are allowed so try to have a meal before u go in. We stayed 7.5hrs and only left cause we were hungry. For $67 day pass we definitely got our moneys worth and we felt brand new and relaxed after this amazing day. So excited to go back! read more

Me and my husband came here for a relaxing evening to kick off our Thanksgiving trip with our family. This spa is amazing!! I also scheduled my parents as a birthday present for my dad. They enjoyed it so much too! From the get-go, the online concierge service was quick, friendly, and responsive. There were many different therapeutic areas for hot and cold therapy as well as relaxation areas. I loved the anti gravity chairs. I was practically levitating from relaxation haha. There's a locker room and showers with the essentials. No razors, hair ties, tampons, etc. so bring those if you need My only recommendation is that they have a walkthrough tour before visiting since it was hard to see at night and there's no talking. It was a bit difficult to navigate. Especially, since I went out to the wrong area before my massage I got a deep tissue massage. I highly recommend it. The masseuse was skilled and experienced. Lovely lady too. Tips: - Book in advance (at least a 2-3 weeks out depending on desired timing and dates) - If you want a service, be prepared to book farther out too - Last minute cancellations do happen, so you can also check day of for any additional availability. - For your first time, I recommend getting there before it gets dark. It will be easier to navigate read more

Refuge - Article - Day Spas Near Me - Carmel, California

OMG, can't believe I never shared my review for Refuge! My mom and I came here a couple years ago and absolutely loved it! It was a gorgeous day and we were able to fully enjoy everything the spa had to offer, something that might be hard on those chilly California coast days. But the sun was shining and we were able to soak it up in the lounge chairs. We got the deluxe package which included a locker, robe, towels, and water bottle. The robes were nice and thick, and well worth it in my opinion. Once we arrived and were checked in we were told the ideal way to go through the cycle of amenities: heat, cool, relax. To heat up there was a sauna with a himilyan salt wall, a steam room, and a handful hot hot and warm pools. To cool down they had a few different cold plunge pools that were varying degrees of cold, both were pretty frigid! Then to relax there were adirondack chairs, hammocks, fire pits, and an indoor room with zero gravity chairs. You have unlimited time and can go through the process as many or as few times as you'd like, or skip the process entirely and just do one thing if you'd like! We ended up doing the cycle a handful of times and then used their showers to get cleaned up and ready to explore Carmel once we were done. Although I'm not someone who tends to like or participate in a silent environment, this was very relaxing and you could still have quite conversations around the lounge areas without getting glared at. Writing this review is really making me want to get back here now! read more

What a great concept. I have been trying to get booked in for over a year while I visited my mom in Salinas. This was my birthday gift to myself and two long time friends. The atmosphere was great. I thought there were a wide variety of people and culture. Very good time. read more

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Had a wonderful massage by Rosie!! So relaxing and she was able to work out some very tight and sore spots!! I'll be back!! Thank you Rosie!! read more

I was lucky enough to get an 11am Saturday reservation on the previous Thursday. I was consistently checking throughout the week and all reservations were a few weekends out. Which was fine, but then finding one for the weekend i wanted was great. Once we got there, check in was easy, they were very helpful in explaining were to go, towel situation and the cycles. The bathrooms were clean, towels were soft and the bath rub was very comfortable. Showers were clean, shampoo and soap provided which was nice, and the lockers themselves were big enough for the backpacks. Saw a few employees in and out of the locker room, cleaning up towels and everything around. We enjoyed the steam room, the sauna and the pools. Found a nice little "hidden" spot with one of the warm pools, a hammock and a fireplace. One thing we didn't enjoy was when two men came to that pool and were chatting, no silence police around so we just had to tune them out. Maybe because we were a bit further away from most of the other guests, but still, silence should be enforced by all. Check out was easy, we ended up spending about 4hrs which went by super fast. Will definitely come back. read more

The price of admission to the pools is worth it for the kind of unique experience you get. Cycling through the different temperatures and atmospheres really does relax you when the location is serene and peaceful. I will say though, the silence requirement is one of the aspects of this place that stressed me out. I was with my partner and I constantly had to find myself whisper and force myself to keep it down just to do something as natural as communicating. If they had one day a month where that rule didn't apply - I'd be the fist in line. There's also seemingly no shade to be found! There are a few areas that have tree shade, but those were almost always taken. Everywhere else, and even in the pools themselves, you get full sun exposure. I hated it. The room with the chairs was peaceful. That is, until anyone walks in and tries to get themselves situated in their chair. There's a lot of noise involved with that and it takes you out of the moment. Would have loved earphones when I was in there. read more

One of my fav places to visit. Staff and the facility both equally inviting. My once a month retreat. Highly recommended!!!! read more

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Felt highly discriminated. Went with a friend and several other groups were talking and laughing but for some reason only my friend and I were told we were being "too loud" and that others can overhear us from the pool next to us mind you I couldn't even hear what the staff was saying bc of how loud the waterfalls are so how could they have heard us and we were in an area where there was no one and still whispering so I am not sure how we were being loud. read more

This place is awesome! I recommend the experience. The environment is relaxing. This was my second time... if it's Gods well, I'll be back!

Went for my first time yesterday and was very impressed. Staff was friendly and attentive. The facilities were clean. Enjoyed all the amenities. We didn't book a massage but I will definitely do this next time we visit. read more

An amazing retreat vibe that my husband and I will return to again and again! Bring a book with you as it's a quiet policy so no talking. I would advise spending at least a few hours here. Great must do experience on your next trip to Carmel! Also the best prices for massages that we found. read more

Love the no tech + silence policy. Facilities are clean and the massages are always good to great. It's not cheap, but worth it!

The best Spa ever, every time my wife and I go to this area we try this place. You should be silent there though

This was our first visit here, and we loved it! The staff was welcoming and friendly from the moment we arrived. One thing we really appreciated was that the baths weren't overcrowded maybe four or five people in a large in-ground hot tub or ice tub that could easily fit 15, so it still felt spacious and relaxing. The facilities were spotless, and there was a great variety to enjoy: everything from steaming-hot pools to bracing, Antarctic-cool ones, plus a steam room and sauna and fire pits you could relax by . Overall, it was such a peaceful, well-kept space. I'll definitely be coming back. One thing to keep in mind is that this is a quiet zone so no taking or electronics while using the spa , well maybe a whisper here and there Unfortunately we were not able to enjoy the massages as they are reserved only and when we came there were not available as they were already booked, maybe next time read more

The concept of Refuge is really cool and a lot of people really love this place, but in my honest opinion, Refuge feels very over-hyped. Let's start with the good! Friendly service at reception and staff around the spa keep to themselves. I really enjoyed the eucalyptus steam room and the himalayan salt room. The variety and amount of pools was also really nice - you never ever felt crowded in one pool. One steam room was out of order so everyone did crowd into a smaller steam room. Based on several reviews, it sounds like this happens a lot. With all that being said, there are quiet signs everywhere and the website emphasizes the quiet atmosphere - and that's not the case. The site also says staff will gently remind guests to keep quiet but at my time there, there was so much talking and laughing out loud. Normally, I don't mind this but when a place signficantly posts quiet signs, I expect them to keep up the standard. It sort of ruins the whole mood. There was so much talking going around and not one person was asked to keep it down. The relaxation rooms were hot and smelled of mildew and the chairs were squeaky and cheap. I have seen better "relaxation" chairs at a public pool. These should not be called relaxation rooms because you cannot relax in them. They stink, they smell of mold, and all you can hear are the squeaks of very cheap chairs. The locker rooms were also lacking ameneties and were dirty. They smelled like a sweaty, musky gym locker room. The towels were also very cheap and the robes look fluffy, but they just get lint all over you. The men's room had one stingy blow dryer and nothing else. For $67 admission, I'd splurge and go to the Spa at Pebble Beach. read more

I'm not sure how I've let so much time go by without writing a review from my experience. I came across Refuge on social media and decided I would treat myself to a day. I had never done a thermal cycle before and was super hesitant on the cold plunge front (I also don't care for how I feel in saunas!) but I'm all about trying new things! I had an early appointment for a 90min massage, so I did one quick cycle before my massage. In total, I ended up staying on the grounds for SEVEN hours! The experience took me to an entirely different headspace. I loved the fact that it was a silent facility that really forces you to disconnect from the distractions and reconnect with yourself. The thermal cycle I did SEVERAL times post massage with some time on the zero gravity chairs inbetween. The only way I can think to explain the thermal cycle was that I got to a point where it seemed as though I could literally feel the blood tingling through my veins, but in a euphoric way. (Perhaps an odd description, but so accurate for me!) The pool area is beautiful and peaceful and I wish I had taken advantage of the fire pits with a book to read. It does suck when you have people show up that don't respect the silent facility aspect, but due to it being a week day, I had space to separate myself from them. I can't wait to treat myself to another amazing day at Refuge. The massage was also amazing, but the thermal cycle was such an experience that it is what I look forward to returning to most. read more

Refuge - The cycle... such a great experience! - Day Spas Near Me - Carmel, California

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This was the most relaxing day ever! Beautiful, clean, quiet, relaxing, restful, plenty of shade, weather was incredible too. I had an amazing Swedish massage by Diana, probably the best one ever. I highly recommend this place, and definitely ask for Diana if you get a massage. Can't wait to return. read more

Decided to take a getaway trip up to Carmel, and our big goal was to just relax. Refuge ended up being a must on our trip because is there even a better way to do that? We wanted to get massages but we waited too long to make reservations and our time slot was gone. Can only imagine how wonderful those would've been. But we settled (is it even settling when it's still great?) for their basic admission with all their outdoor facilities. They give you a water bottle when you first get there that guides you through the best way to use the facilities. But those hot pools... so relaxing. And at only $67/person to enjoy it, it's really not that bad a price. They provide you with lockers, and they don't allow phones inside the facility - perfect for disconnecting. It's supposed to be silent, which is super nice. But it's not that regulated, so there were quite a few loud conversations that could be heard which was a bit disappointing. Because it's all outside, you do have to contend with the weather. It was intermittently raining while we were here, so not enjoyable to be outside during that time but they have enough indoor areas - sauna, steam room, relaxation rooms - as well as outdoor umbrellas with chairs that there were other places to go until the rain let up. Overall, a wonderful experience, and we'll definitely plan ahead next time to take advantage of their massages as well. read more

Horrible spot! Beware because they've charged me something different than what the receipt says twice now, saying it was an "error" but they can't fix it. Honestly, this place is mediocre at best. There is no talking or no technology allowed and no alcohol. The amenities are just ok for the price. Pebble beach and Carmel valley ranch have much better amenities for the same price or lower and you won't get ripped off on your bill. Don't waste your time and go to the other much better spas in the area. read more

Excellent cleanliness and ambience. Some guests do not respect the silence policy, that is one area of improvement. 9/10 experience

Very dead scene in the tubs, can't even raise the roof and talk to other people. I brought a portable music player with speakers playing some John Digweed and they told me to turn it off. What a buzzkill. read more

True relaxation therapy. I am so thankful I found this place. What a needed experience. You will notice I have no pictures of the place itself. That is how rejuvenating it is. Electronics not allow. So no distractions. No talking. Yes no talking. There are monitors there to ensure you keep the serenity and will shush you if needed. You may be thinking, oh no. I could not do that. So let me tell you. You can and you need to. We did it for three hours. It was priceless and as mothers we so needed the rest. Here's a list of things to do the the rest is up to you to go experience. Oh logistics check real quick. They have locker rooms and lockers for your stuff and you can bring a water bottle. You need a swimsuit, comfy flip flops or slides. They provide a robe to lounge in. Then you explore. A garden oasis with dry sauna, steam room, hot to cold pools. Zero gravity lounges. Fire pits hammocks. Bring a physical book read or just close your eyes and take some naps. Massage services also available for additional cost if available. Unfortunately they were booked the day we went. Hope that helps inspire you for some needed self care. Enjoy! read more

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it was an amazing experience. Very clean with great service and an awesome atmosphere. I would definitely return and recommend. Here's to a great day at the refuge! read more

3.5 stars Overall this place is just ok. My massage wasn't great, the pressure level wasn't to my liking. I also feel they take the no talking to an extreme, meaning they don't explain much and you're left to figure things out on your own. Let me give you some pointers to make your visit a bit smoother. 1. When arriving for checkin (for the spa) it's going to be the first left you see with the "parking sign". Note there are tennis courts, in front of the entrance. We made the mistake of going all the way to the back area where there were wellness barns. (No clue what that is...) 2. We weren't given clear instructions upon checking in and were quickly welcome and told to go through the doors to their left and walk straight to the locker rooms. Mind you our massage was booked for 2 pm and we arrived 1:57 pm. So our fault for not arriving 20 mins ahead like their email requested. The women's locker room is all the way down to the left of the gazebo. If you are getting massages your masseuses will be waiting for you outside of the locker rooms (not outside the door "spa entrance", this is the entrance to the pools) When we got to the locker room there were a lot of people in there.(Over crowded tbh) We quickly changed into our robes. BRING SANDALS! They do not provide sandals nor any hair bands, combs, or other accessories for after shower care so I advise you to bring your own. I'm noting this because I'm accustomed to visiting places that provide these types of amenities and was completely unprepared. 3. Bring a book or something to help enhance your relaxation. It's suppose to be a technology free zone but I did see a few people on theirs. Note this place is quiet zone, no talking. 4. Be sure to pack your bathing suit in order to enjoy the pools. You can enjoy the pools an hour before any service and after (up until closing time). Hope you enjoy your stay! read more

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Amazing day at the refuge. So relaxing. Everything was wonderful. Can't wait to go again