My daughter gave me a gift certificate for a massage to Serenity because she was with me about four years when they first opened. She saw that I liked it then and thought that it would make for a great gift now.
A lot happens in four years. What was new and different then is old hat now. While I really appreciated the thoughtfulness of my daughter and really appreciate a good deep tissue massage; what I don't like is the lack of customer care that wasn't apparent when Serenity first opened in the mall.
When Serenity first began, it was a new thing, at least for me, to be fully clothed while having a massage. The convenience of being in the mall, (although, I rarely go to malls), was innovative; not to mention the reasonable pricing. However, given the lower price there are amenities that one must forgo - Peace and quiet being the most important items that are not an option. When Serenity was "new" there was more care, excitement of having customers, the desire to offer quality services...
Presently, there is still the convenience of the mall, however with all the mall noises - there are no doors at Serenity that close off the noises of crying children, loud mall goers and the "normal" business of a mall. The masseur weren't so eager, however once they got to work on my feet and legs it was ok. Still, the conversation and laughter that the masseur continued to carry on with her friend added to the mall noises and made the experience anything but relaxing. Plus, while my tolerance for pain is higher than most, I cringed when she held my leg up by my big toe as she worked my heel. I thought it was going to come out of it's joint.
All in all this experience was a far cry from my initial experience and has caused me to not venture away from where I've gone since my first visit four years ago. For the same price I get more time; a foot massage and full body massage, with my clothes on. The room is darkened and their isn't the conversation and laughter going on to distract from what should be a relaxing, peaceful experience. Granted my goto for massages is just a storefront and doesn't have frills, it offers way more than Serenity. read more