Went there today without an appointment. The guy at the front desk was sooo condescending, like how could I possibly think I could show up without having made an appointment first - sorry, I was misinformed - but that guy at the front desk, I can't think of when I have met a bigger douche bag in a customer service capacity. Management needs to get rid of that guy, seriously. read more

I have to admit that I really like this place. The biggest problem is the silent policy which is a joke. You can't even whisper to your girlfriend ear. They have this gentleman going around and scaring people that he will kick them out if they whisper or talk more than 2 times. If it was not because of my girl fiend, I would get really upset with this gentlemen and put him in his place.The policy was ridiculous and whispering in my friends ear was a crime. It is unbelievable how they can stay in business. Make sure you go there if you are alone. I will never go back. read more

Refuge has been on my Yelp bookmark list for two years, but I finally had a chance to visit when I was in Monterey for a week-long conference. My friend and I visited on a Wednesday evening and it was the PERFECT time to go. Given the time of year (November) and the time of the week, there were hardly any people around. I honestly never had to share a pool with any other person. When it came to the sauna, steam and quiet rooms, there were only ever two or three other people there. I was a bit apprehensive and nervous that it would be too cold in the evening to make being outside enjoyable, but in between wearing the thick, soft robes that they provide, and dipping into the hot pools, it was fine. Booking a massage is really easy through their online system, but please note that you can't book same day or even next day appointments online. You are, however, able to pick up the phone and call them to see if there's any availability. I booked a same day massage that Wednesday and everything turned out fine. Refuge admission is $52 and includes access to all of their facilities: sauna, steam rooms, hot and warm pools, Nordic cool and cold pools, and the relaxation areas. The deluxe admission is $62, but comes with a robe rental and bottled water. I ended up bringing my Hydroflask and was fine refilling it at Refuge. I also brought a hotel robe along with me, but the person at the front desk ended up giving me a free robe rental anyway - yay! Staff here are pretty good about enforcing the quiet policy and I saw other folks getting shushed. The locker area is kept pretty pristine and well-stocked with the basics. All in all, this was a fabulous way to unwind for a couple of hours and I would definitely come back! read more

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Well... I've never been to a spa before--of any kind--but let's just say this was probably one of the best first experiences i've ever had. Recently, my amazingly kind and intuitive boyfriend treated me to a deluxe admission here--which includes entry, a locker for your belongings, a bottle of water, a robe, and two sets of towels. It's really the best bang for your buck. Let me tell ya, this little hideaway is as glorious as it sounds. Beautiful scenery, temperature controlled pools, steam room, dry sauna, and plenty of space to sprawl out to enjoy some organic vitamin D. What's the catch? It's a silent facility. Plan on going with someone? Be aware, you can't really have any conversations on the grounds unless you whisper. The staff will make sure of it--Let's just say my bf and I were warned twice. But to be honest, it's not bad. I understand the premise. Why talk when you can sit in silence and relax?? Once you've made your rounds and completed any circuit of your choosing, you can go back into their luxurious locker rooms to get cleaned up. All the amenities are in tip top shape. Clean / roomy showers, dressing area, and even a place to dry your hair and a machine to dry your suit! Pretty cool if I do say so myself! All in all, i'm looking forward to coming back for some more R&R and I encourage you to check it out and do the same! Your skin and your body will thank you afterwards, I promise! read more

Booked a massage and afterwards used the pools. It was one of the worst massages I've ever received. I kept wishing it would be over. My friend said her masseuse talked the entire time! Additionally, the locker rooms were tired and a couple of the pools had debris on the floors and stuff floating on the surface. Don't forget to pack some flip flops. They don't provide any. My friend had to buy a size 11 of the ugliest sandals since that's all they had on hand even though she is a size 8. Waste of money since she'll never wear them again. It's the first spa I've ever been to that doesn't provide flip flops for guests. They failed to mention this in the long list of instructions that we received before arriving. Maybe something they should consider adding to the appointment reminder email. read more

What can I say other than this place is amazing. Well, it seems I have much to say. I've been here several times and this was the first time I had anything other than a soak. A friend scheduled a massage for my birthday and then a soak in the hot tubs. Connor greeted us with a friendly smile and was sure to wish me a Happy Birthday. He explained in detail what we could expect with our visit and what the protocols were. After a quick warm up in the hot tub I went to wait for my massage. My massage therapist, Tom met me and escorted me back to the massaged room. He was incredible. It was a wonderful massage and so relaxing. He was very professional and asked if the pressure was right, was comfortable and did I need anything. Love this place and the staff is always amazing and friendly. read more

Last year was my first time at Refuge, I came back this year because I loved Refuge so much. It's such a perfect get away. This time around was a lot busier than my first time, which was unfortunate but it's getting the attention it deserves. I love the pools here to relax your body, and the massages feel so good. They recommend following the steps to get the full experience/relaxation. It's a no phone zone and they're pretty strict on that which is really good because there's no disturbance. Highly recommend coming here when going to Carmel. read more

Having experienced outdoor pools in Iceland and rotenburos in Japan this place was somewhat of a letdown. I admire their attempt to create an oasis inside an athletic club, but they are missing the most important ingredient: hot spring water. Facility: 4/5, for a spa its facilities are probably unrivaled in northern Cal: multiple outdoor pools, sauna, eucalyptus steam rooms, relaxation rooms with zero gravity chairs, very nice locker room with showers. I very much enjoyed the sauna and the relaxation room, but couldn't tolerate the intense aroma and the sensation of being suffocated inside the eucalyptus steam room. Water: 2/5, in a typical rotenburo the water temperature should be between 40 to 50 Celsius. In here I tested all the pools and found that they were lukewarm at best, I even snuggled right up to the holes where the "hot" spring water were being pumped out and it was barely warmer. If I try that little stunt in Japan my skin would have been scalded. If you are venturing out on a chilly day in your sexy tights shouldn't you at least deserve a pool of piping hot spring water? Environment: 4/5, no conversations allowed, no cellphones or cameras allowed, though I can still hear noises from the tennis and pickle ball matches being played next door. The general areas and the pools were kept very clean, there were plenty of common hanger racks where you can keep your towels and robes. I liked the front lobby that served as the entrance to the spa as well as the clubhouse for the Carmel Valley Athletic club, it's dotted with comfy sofas and lounge chairs next to fire places where you can wind down after a match or re-hydrate after spa/massage sessions. Staff: 4/5, staff were courteous without being too intrusive, they regularly patrolled the areas and hushed up folks who forgot the rules. Value: 3/5, I believe it was $52 general admission (for locker use and white towel), you pay more to get a white bathrobe and a bottle of water. We brought our own set of bathrobes but they offered to give us theirs for free. Apparently they didn't want our brown color bathrobes to disturb the tranquility. You can literally spend half a day in here to relax, if only the water was hot enough. We didn't try their massage sessions. Overall the Refuge has the potential to be a good spa and perhaps even an onsen facility, but not until they figure out a way to provide its guests with the most fundamental element: hot water. read more

One of the most amazing, secluded, relaxing retreats that I have ever experienced. We came for the day and experienced their day pass which includes their therma-cycling pools and rooms. We spent about 2 hours and left feeling more relaxed than I have in a very long time. The staff is amazing and attentive; ensuring that everyone is enjoying themselves and respecting the peace. No pictures for this one because no phones are allowed, but we loved that. I highly recommend adding Refuge as a must-go spot when you're in the area. read more

First time. A treat for my birthday, including a massage. I tried calling to reschedule my massage time and the wait time was almost 40 minutes! Lovely tubs and steam room - sadly one of the worst massages I've ever had! read more

Nice day trip. Loved all the pools and the facilitiy--except for two things: this "silence!" shhh...! went way overboard. You weren't allowed to even speak to one another. Ridiculous. Secondly, but to nobody's fault, the sauna bench released some coloring which unfortunately looked like I dirtied myself. ‍ imagine white towels and bathrobes and you sit in a puddle of brownish color. Cool. Not. Very friendly and helpful staff, though! Other than that, wonderful experience. No photos to show, because they want you to tuck your phone away in the locker. read more

I come here once a year and I'm always satisfied at this little "refuge" . I usually schedule a massage which is good but not the best. The whole area and the fact that once you pay you have access for the day is great. Take a book and relax by a fire pit and just go through the different phases of cold plunges, hot spas, steam room, sauna and repeat. read more

Refuge - Day Spas Near Me - Carmel, California

You have to make a reservation online using your credit card. Once you are in, however, you can stay as long as you like. I find that slightly baffling. I have a gift certificate I didn't use before they became reservation only and now I feel stressed trying to use it. I had to wait 20 minutes just to talk to someone on the phone. So...I don't even know if it's worth it to try to use my gift certificate. There's a lot of hurdles to jump through. read more

The pools are great. 4* The massage was 2*... I had an older gentleman masseuse for a 50 minute Swedish. I was waiting there and 10am rolls around. He appears a couple of minutes later, and we head down a long walkway lined with doors (to small rooms). We find ours, he is having a quick chat with me inside and let's me der-robe and lay face down. At this point, it's 10:08, so I'm thinking, he'll finish just before 11am since it's a 50 minute massage. He comes in, talks way too much, goes way too soft (even though he asked if the pressure needed to go up or down and I told him UP), he finishes. I get up to get dressed, and it's 10:49am. So I paid $86 + 20% tip ($102) for a 50 minute massage and got a 40 minute one instead. I didn't complain bc I was glad it was over. The crappy thing is you pay that + the mandatory gratuity BEFORE the massage, so he probably he didn't care of he provided a great experience or not. How disappointing! read more

My friend told me about Refuge so my boyfriend and I made an appointment weeks in advance. We went there yesterday (Saturday, May 15th) and were super excited to get massages and go to the different pool areas. I was super impressed with how big it was when driving in and was so excited to spend the next few hours at refuge. However, upon arriving to the front desk, the receptionist just asked us if it was our first time then directed us to sign the waivers. He didn't even welcome us with a smile or anything, seemed miserable to work there. The other receptionists were also just standing around. Whatever, we checked in, the security guard near the lockers directed us to the men / women locker rooms. Quickly got changed into my robe and waited for my massage therapist. She was super nice when she greeted me. Quickly got started. I was excited because my body was sore from working out at the gym, especially my shoulders since I did more shoulder workouts that Thursday. However, about 10 minutes into the massage, I realize I was in more pain than relaxed. I did tell her to use less pressure however, it was still hurting. My boyfriend had a similar experience and he said even with telling them to use less pressure it was still hurting. My massage therapist was basically digging her elbow into my lower back and circled to my top back. It was like a slow painful motion. This was ONLY a Swedish massage.. can't imagine a deep tissue one. Some parts of the massage it also just seemed like she was taking her two hands and moving them up and down in a motion on the sides of my back (anyone can do that). She barely massaged my feet and did not even touch my hands. Overall, my boyfriend and I both left the massage in more back / shoulder pain than when we came in. The outside hot / warm / cold pool area was amazing and beautiful. However, we just kept talking about our pain and couldn't really enjoy it. For the money we paid, and the service we got in return, won't be returning. We drove all the way from SF / SJ arwa and wanted a nice relaxing day.. but instead left back home with pain. Rather stay and get massages at the place we usually go to (Watercourse Way, in Palo Alto) where they don't hurt us, and the service is better. read more

My wife had gone there with her friends a few years back and told me how nice it was. I was kind of skeptical. I went and I fell in love too. From the attentive and professional staff to the affordability (whole day at a day spa for $60 including a robe) is unbeatable. The no electronics and quiet policy is what I needed this weekend. It is open from 10am-10pm, but we made it for 7 hours from 10am-4pm. From the eucalyptus sauna to the zero gravity chairs to the Refuge water bottles, I loved it. Since we have been home I have been drinking water from the two refuge bottles we got - my wife and I. I am hoping by using the water bottle some of the peace and relaxation and tranquility will stick. I am already ready to go back again, and we think we should come back minimum every 6 months, but I could see myself doing it every 2-3 months. What an absolute treat of the mind, body, and soul. read more

Such a great experience! I love how all the spaces besides the locker rooms are mixed gender so that you can be together.

We were able to visit Refuge as a part of a package with a local lodge. Our admissions were good after 6:30 p.m. through close. Which I believe was 10:00 p.m., but we left around 9:30 p.m.. It was the general admission, so we only used the hot/cold pools, saunas and steam rooms. Neither my friend nor I have ever experienced anything like this, and it felt like such a treat. I can't compare it to any other place, so for me it was such a lovely rejuvenating experience that it sits at 5 stars for me! The eucalyptus steam room was our favorite! At first it will feel like you can't breathe, but if you just relaxed and slowly breathe in and out, you will be okay. Sit by the door for a quick exit, in the case you need to get out fast. The staff we interacted with were friendly, but not overbearing, which I appreciated. All of the facilities were super clean! This was a Thursday night, and I think there were enough areas, where you didn't feel like it was crowded. We pretty much were able to try out each spot we wanted with the luxury of it being only us. Again, we came as a part of a package offered by our lodge, so I'm not sure how reservations or anything worked. It is a quiet, serene atmosphere, and being able to see the beauty of the natural landscape all around you, makes this place really beautiful. Tips: *I would bring an extra pair of clothes to shower and change into after. We didn't know what to expect, but they give you a locker and two towels, so you could easily come here, enjoy, shower and then get ready for a drink or dinner after. (They have one of those little dyer things to ring out your bathing suit in too.) *Take a water bottle with you, they will charge you for a water bottle, or they have drinking fountains- but between the hot and cold pools its good to quench your thirst. *They do not allow electronic devices, including cell phones. You need to keep it in your locker. They will, however, allow you a kindle! They have great reading spaces. Happy Relaxing!! Worth the try! read more

If you visit, remember to respect the silence! I love coming here! I did get a massage my first time, but didn't think it was worth it, so my 2 follow up visits, I did general admission only. I love massages, but the price is a bit too steep for my wallet. As of June 2019, it was $138 for 50 minute Swedish and $152 for 50 minute deep tissue. It also includes what's you get for the $62 deluxe (admission) package. So with that in mind, I think of it as $76 for 50 minute Swedish and $90 for 50 minute deep tissue. My favorite massage place in San Jose is $50 for 60 minute deep tissue, so I'd rather just get my massages separately. A perk with a massage though is you can make an appointment, and therefore can extra the spa even if there's a waitlist for general admission. If you do want to just do the spa only during the summer weekends, I'd recommend coming at opening if you can since it's first come, first serve. It started to get more crowded around 11:30-12:00, although I'm not sure when they consider it full capacity. I also haven't tried going later in the day or at night, so I'm not sure what crowds are like then. Between the general admission $52, and the deluxe package $62, I don't find the upgrade worth it as it's just a bottle of water and a robe rental. You're allowed to bring your own water anyways, and they have water fountains to drink from. You're also allowed to bring your own robe as long as it's white. I did have a robe my first visit but barely wore it, and I was just going between pools, the sauna, and the steam room anyways. I didn't mind lounging in the zero gravity chairs or the hammocks with just my swimsuit. Enough about how cheap I am when it comes to making decisions, and on to what I like to do here! Cycle 1 - Sauna - Cool pool (There are signs at the pools; 1 snowflake icon is cool, and 2 snowflakes is cold. I can't handle cold.) - Hot pool (Likewise, 1 sun icon for warm, and 2 suns for hot.) - Relax in zero gravity chairs (Not sure is this is always the case, but on my last visit, the room closer to the front had soft music playing. The room in the back did not. I prefer with music.) For cycle 2, I do the same thing except I start with the steam room instead of the sauna. Then I just alternate between my cycle 1 and 2 until I'm hungry and want to leave to eat. My favorite thing is the sensation of going from the cool to the hot pool. I literally feel like my body is thawing. Sometimes I'll just alternate between those 2 a couple times just to relive that feeling. I also love lying in the zero gravity chair. It's so relaxing, despite the squeaking noises as people lean back. There's only 2 hammocks outside I think, but those are nice to nab as well if they're available. Sigh. Can't wait to go back again! read more

Refuge - Price List as of 6.30.19 - Day Spas Near Me - Carmel, California

Superb location and very relaxing atmosphere. The silence policy along with no technology such as not using your phone are the primary reasons why you are able to truly enjoy a relaxing experience. The pools are beautiful and the relaxation rooms are very enjoyable. Everyone should experience a spa day at Refuge! read more

Love this place. The variety. The silence. I love that my entry fee, gratuity and others fees are all wrapped into my massage cost. Easy and reasonable. Robin is a great massage therapist. read more

Best place to escape to if you need to rest and recharge. I love the fact that there is no talking permitted and no electronics. I can completely disconnect and relax. read more

I love this place. especially the ice-cold outdoor cooling pool. It is very hard to find now a day. I wish they have a branch next to my house. read more

A+!!! 10/10!! Wow, LOVE this place. I came here with my husband and we just did the hydro circuit. Absolutely loved it. Love the silence policy. What an incredible spot to decompress. This is a must-do if you are in the area. read more

I found Refuge while visiting the area and looking for some time to relax by myself. I didn't make a reservation, I just checked in on a Sunday afternoon. Hudson assisted me- he had a friendly energetic demeanor, he had witty banter which made the experience even more enjoyable. Once checked in I went to change and get ready to explore. I love the water bottle idea, and loved that I could follow directions (I'm pretty good at that) and it took the guess work out of it. Everything was clean and not too busy. The pools were Lovely and enjoyed getting sun on the hammock. I wish they had one or two more around the area. When I tried to revisit after a dip they were taken. This is a beautiful space to spend time by yourself or with your friends or partner. I can't wait to come back. It's on my favorites list for Carmel. If you go by yourself bring a book so you can enjoy by the fire pits. If you're in the area please make time to enjoy! You can come back here and thank me! I also do encourage not bringing your phone into the pool area so you can fully disconnect and enjoy even more. Thank you Refuge team for your commitment to creating a lovely oasis for us to enjoy! See you next time! read more

I booked a massage for me and my mom. My mom, wants a female masseuse, so I requested for her. but she ends up getting a male one He's name is Dave(I think). I never really care about the gender of my masseuse, trying to live in a world of gender equality I was like okay. Well, it's Lunar New Year, I want my mom to be happy and get a message that she is comfortable with. plus I have experience with male masseuse before. So I went with Dave. At first, he was great relaxing my neck and back. It was cool. Later He asked my turn around, He commented: ' you have very soft smooth skin makes it easier to message." first warning flag He later massages my inner thigh and was like right outside my VJJ, he robs it pass by a couple of times, I thought that was super weird cz that never happened before during any other message. It was weird. And then he asks me do you feel good..? He later came up to massage my boobs. like he robbed past my nipple. at the time I was weird out and thought it was normal but the more I think about it. I have never received service like that by another male masseuse. Even It was a female one, I would be annoyed by it. That was yesterday and now I feel super gross-out, and thinking about how he was an elder man who had his hands touched all over my 20 years old body. I hope the owner can see this and do more regulation because I google the national policy that said it's not okey to touch the area of the inner legs or breast. unless it's written consent. This behavior was not normal and it's indeed sex assault So I'm here to speak up, so next young girl like me who believe in gender equality doesn't accidentally being assaulted and questioning all night as wtf happened. read more

It's always relaxing coming here but today the highlight was my massage. I enjoy the peacefulness of the pools and the foliage surrounding all of it. read more

Highly recommend to everyone! Everything is very clean, comfortable Super for relaxation. read more

Magic hands! I was so lucky to be assigned Robin Roby as my masseuse!! Robin asked me what level of pressure I wanted for my Swedish Massage, I responded "gentle" AND he listened!! This was the best massage I've ever had!!! Thank you Robin and Refuge!!!! read more

Ahhhhhhmmmmazing! It was a silent spa experience and I've never been more relaxed. It was amazing and the staff was so kind. We were there for 3.5 hours and it was perfection. read more

The price might seem like a lot at first, but with all the amenities included, it made it worth it. We spent around 3 hours there and we could've spent more. I really like this place, and will definitely be going back. read more

So peaceful and relaxing. It certainly helps me acheive bliss and is part of my yearly birthday gift to myself. I'll be back next year. Staff is friendly and helpful, weather is always perfect, and the no electronics policy is must for everyone trying to disconnect, even for a few hours. read more

I took my mom here on a Saturday morning for her birthday for a 100 minute deep tissue massage and I got general admission for me and her sisters/my grandmother. You can buy the general admission and stay as long as you'd like. There is a no phone/silent policy enforced here, so it's basically like a detox from reality. My mom enjoyed her massage and told me it was one of the best massages she's ever received. All the staff wear masks, though the mask policy for patrons isn't enforced when you're in the pool area. All in all, loved it and would definitely come back/recommend to friends & family! read more

Omg this is one of my favorite spa places! I love, love, love this gem, it's clean, relaxing, and a great place to just chill to your bones. Seriously, every time I have come here, I walked out half sleepy (needed to be 50% awake to walk out). Anyway, I highly recommend this gem, you won't be Disappointed!! Who doesn't love to be relaxed?!:) read more

I saw this on a couple of my friend's Instagrams and could not wait to reserve it for a special day myself. Well this day came when it's was my anniversary so we booked it with the massage package. The retreat is surrounded by mountains and felt like you're in the jungle. Very nice! Once you're checked in, the package came with entrance to the retreat, water bottle and free robe rental. They gave this to you to make up for the sauna being closed. The locker room was nice and clean. The shower was disinfected often after each use. They took out a few amenities due to covid as well. No blow dryer, lotion, etc. In the pool area, you're not allowed to bring your cell phone nor have a loud conversation with others. It's supposed to be quiet and relaxing. There are a few pools hot, warm, cold and cool which you can relax and chill before your massage. Also a few fire pits and hammocks surrounding the retreat. I would bring a book and sun tan next time to kill some time.. lol The massage was great. An hour went by so fast. There's also a cafe outside the retreat which has really good food and a nice small election of wines. I highly recommended this place as it's a great experience if you're looking for something different to celebrate a special day. read more

I decided to book my boyfriend and I a reservation in order to get some quiet time in a place with no cell phones allowed and a silence policy! We don't know what to expect but walked in open minded and pretty excited! It definitely went beyond our expectations and we truly enjoyed every minute of our visit! I don't have one thing to complain about and as a local we plan to visit here monthly for the ultimate self care! read more

Highly recommended spot. Haven't gotten a massage yet but done the circuit many times. Wish this place was closer to me because I feel so good afterwards. It's like the WEF klauss schwab great body reset. read more

The place is really good and very relaxing. My companion and I got massages and spent several hours there. Pros: - the layout is very thoughtful and spacious - there are multiple pools and relaxation areas...i.e., room to spread out - the facility is spotless, very clean, well maintained - chairs and lounge areas are very inviting and comfortable - the "no talking" policy is excellent and makes the entire experience feel more tranquil - steam is excellent with eucalyptus and gets nice and hot - plenty of room for people; it never felt crowded - the cold plunge pool is EXCELLENT. 47 degrees and is invigorating Cons: - there should be towels outside for guests to use. The place is pretty stingy with towels, even though the staff will bring some if asked. - there should be more showers in the locker room. - sauna was not really hot. very warm, but not hot. Why? - unfortunately, my massage therapist was not good. My "deep tissue" massage was so soft that I've experienced more stimulation from a powerful shower. I'm not joking. Twice, I asked that the therapist use more pressure, to no avail. My companion had a much better experience with her masseuse. Would I go back? Yes. Would I get a massage? Only if I could guarantee that the massage therapist was good. It seems like they are randomly assigned, even though you can specify male or female. read more

$155 for a 50 minute Swedish massage and all day access to the amenities?! What a deal! My hubby and I booked two massages about a week before. The process was extremely easy and there was a lot of availability. We arrived around 10:30am. One of the employees checked us in, gave us our keys, and directed us to the locker rooms. The locker room itself was relatively small with 3 or 4 showers and 2 restroom stalls. Inside your locker, you will find one robe and two towels. Since we arrived early, we pretty much had the whole place to ourselves. It was serene. We were blown away by how clean it was. I really enjoyed the eucalyptus steam room and hot pool. There are several pools and plenty of chairs. We saw an employee checking the temperatures of each pool. Our massage was AMAZING! We felt so relaxed. Highly recommend spending some time in the pools before and after your massage. Our masseuses were very professional and skilled. We were smiling from ear to ear. We will definitely come back again! Knocked down a star for the small locker room. I wish they offered some tea or fruit infused water. The bottled water tasted a little funny. read more

The phone service is absolutely horrible. I tried calling to just see if they had a cancellation and if we could move our reservation. I went from a 10 minute wait, to a 1 minute wait to a 15 minute wait. After 30 minutes of being told I'm the fifth caller then the second caller then the third caller I finally gave up as my wait time kept increasing. If you don't have anyone to answer the phone please just tell us. Now I don't even want to go to this place if this is how the service is. Thanks Refuge!!!!! read more