Essentials Massage & Facial

I’ve been going to essentials every so often for the last few years and I am consistently pleased. My last visit was absolutely what I needed. Michelle was amazing. She listened to my pain points and really made sure I felt better. They go above and beyond for their price. On Tuesdays and Sunday’s they have massages and facials for $ 25/​each. You cannot beat that. I highly recommend!

I would give this zero stars if the system allowed. I have had many, many massages and spa experiences over the years so I have a good basis from which to evaluate. First issue is they couldn’t find my appointment. I booked a massage and a facial back to back. When I arrived they insisted I did not have an appointment. Hey — mistakes happen and I can deal with that. What I can’t deal with is being treated like an idiot who clearly is the one who was at fault and obviously must have booked somewhere else. I pulled out my cell phone and hit «redial» on the number I had called the day before and sure enough their phone rang. They said they could squeeze me in for a massage only — no facial. OK whatever. I settled in for a massage and it was the biggest joke of a massage I’ve ever had. Amanda either had zero interest or zero training. I was supposed to have a 50 minute full body massage. She basically did the same stroke up and down my back for 20 minutes, flipped me over and did the same thing on my thighs, and called it a day. Never touched my feet, scalp, hands, IT band (which I specifically requested). I checked the time and she only gave me a 40 minute massage. Half way thru the massage the door opened and the receptionist said «oh — we found your appointment — sorry! your facial is next». Good grief. At that point I coulodn’t wait for the massage to be over because it was so poor. I will say that Tina gave me an excellent facial and I would recommend her for sure. When I was done and went to check out, I asked the receptionist if she would be discounting my massage by 20% since I received 20% less time than I paid for (massage was supposed to be 50 minutes of massage time). She said no… she had no authority to give me a discount.
Again — mistakes happen. It was the overall attitude and lack of professionalism of the staff that I object to. Don’t waste your money here. Go up to the Essentials on US 19 in Palm Harbor — they are so much better, from the ambience to the attitude of the staff to the services themselves. I won’t be back!!!

I have been going to Essentials for about 5 years. I’ve been to their Feather Sound, Countryside, Palm Harbor and South Tampa locations. You can’t beat the prices and all the locations are very nice. They don’t have all the bells and whistles of other spas but with the right massage therapist or facialist, the experience is just about the same but at half the price!
I had a facial and a relaxation massage at my latest visit. I had my facial with Tina and she did a great job! It was very relaxing and my face felt clean and rosy afterward. She was great about recommending products and services but didn’t push anything (I hate that!). My massage was with Michelle. It was a great massage with good pressure. I will request both of them again.

Usually I go to the Palm Harbor location (nicer office, nicer rooms, more professional front desk staff), but if I’m looking for a last minute massage and they’re booked I’ll head to Clearwater.
I’ve been here 4 or 5 times, all massages have been good. I prefer deep tissue because to be honest I think the relaxation is just a glorified back rub, I prefer my knots and tension to be worked out, not just pushed around. Tonight I was less than impressed– there was pop music playing at the front desk. I like Meghan Trainor just as much as the next person, but it’s not appropriate in a spa environment. When I was taken back to the massage room the overhead light was on– very jarring and unpleasant. She turned it off once I was on the table, but the room should be 100% ready before clients are brought back. She also had a mini fan running the entire time that sounded like it was about to launch into aerospace and made it difficult to hear the pretty flute music. The massage was good and I felt better afterwards, but the little touches like lighting and sound are just as important as the actual service.
I like Essentials and recommend it to people and will absolutely return despite the irritations tonight, just be aware that the experience may not be completely without speedbumps.

Had gone to Essentials to have a nice relaxing massage while I was on vacation in FL. Boy, I could not have had a worse experience. My massage therapist didn’t really seem to know what he was doing. Running his elbow down the bones on my spine — they don’t teach that at any school i know. Instead of working with the knots in my shoulders and scapula — he merely twanged over them repeatedly flopping the knot back and forth — it was very uncomfortable. Then, when I called to try to give them feedback on my experience, I was told by an EXTREMELY childish and rude manager that they believed in their therapists and didn’t want any of my feedback. She was so worried that I was trying to get something for free that she couldn’t even listen — I didn’t want anything from them other than to share that it was unpleasant! Don’t go to this place if you have an option to get a massage somewhere else!

My mom and I wanted to get a facial and massage for our birthday and as always we wanted to get a good deal while we were at it. We saw flyers and ads for Essentials that said they offer $ 25 1 hour massages and facials on Monday and Thursday (so $ 50 total for both services), so we decided to give it a try and booked an appointment for yesterday.
This place is hidden behind a doctor’s office so it’s hard to find, but once you do you will be happy! Upon going in for our european facial and relaxation massage, we were a bit hesitant of what to expect due to the extremely low prices and Heather R’s 1 star review, but we had such a great experience we were totally blown away.
Alexis and Kristen were our aesthetician and masseuse for the day, I started off with the facial and did the massage second and my mom and I switched off with each other. The spa and rooms are well decorated and overall heavenly.
For starters, Kristen was very informative, gave me some skin care tips and worked magic on my skin during our 1 hour facial. In fact, it was so relaxing that I actually fell asleep on and off throughout. The different products that she used as well as the hot steam and warm towels were marvelous. Alexis also did a great job with my massage, although it wasn’t quite as relaxing as the facial, it still felt great and she did a fantastic job working out the kinks. Next time, I would probably be more specific with what I’d like from the massage as some parts were a bit rough for my preference, but I’d prefer it be a little rough rather than too «wimpy» so I can’t complain.
Finally, when we went to go pay, we were expecting it would be $ 50 each plus tips since we were taking advantage of the Thursday special, but the receptionist told us she would have to charge the regular $ 60 fee and couldn’t really give us an explanation why. She did apologize profusely but said she had no authority and we could call the manager to discuss it the next day.
We called the manager who was very gracious and apologetic and as a bonus we got 2 FREE MASSAGES for next time. That was above and beyond and I’m very glad she remedied the situation so quickly. I am beyond pleased with my experience here and will most definitely continue going here regularly, perhaps once a month for facials.

Stupidly last week while working out I pulled my back, by Sat my lower back muscles where tightening SO bad, I decided to get a VERY last minute message. I was told Essentials would probably be able to get me in because they would have more staff on hand and as a bonus they where VERY affordable. Thankfully, when I called the receptionist was very nice/​helpful and got me right in. Everything started off wonderful she was working out the knots and was amazing. Within the first 10 mins I even requested her to do a 90 min instead of 60 because she was so great, however, that’s when things took a HORRIBLE turn. Out of no where my «great massage» went to a HORRIBLE one handed massage because she was to busy TEXTING, she even rested her arm on me while she texted so I could feel her doing it. It went from amazing/​helpful to horribly awkward within mins little did I know the worst was yet to come. When I called to speak to the manager about what happened, she was SO rude saying there was no way that could happen and 100% blew me off.

Heather, I do agree. I am an Unfortunate «Independent Contractor» there at that same location. My manager Vicki does act that way all the time. She NEVER Checks the licenses using the DOH website or check and see if the Employee has Insurance. She blows it off. Half the staff (which have moved on Thank Goodness) we’re stoned. One is still working on clients that way. They figure because we the LMT’s and others who work there get paid $ 12 for relaxations and $ 17.50 (which i a very low commission, its a lot less when you have to put 20% of each check away for taxes) that they don’t have to do well. I know which therapist you’re talking about. Its happened before with the same one and Her 2^nd day there she left a client in Distress, Just left him there.
I“m sorry you experienced that. The manager is very NAIEVE, and won’t believe a client. She thinks little of everyone because she «runs the show» and dresses in expensive clothes from Saks and drives a New custom Lexus sedan. The owner Is Never there, and when an employee wants to speak with him about his business and staff they get FIRED!!!
We are mistreated and the place is CRAP… I’m ashamed to be there. I am looking for other work. I do understand your frustration. It has happened to me as well at another place. Its rude and very Unprofessional on the Manager’s part and the therapists. There are Very good thereapist there at that location. Its unfortunate you got a bad one because Vicki wants to give everyone a chance. In my book the First screw up she would’ve been gone.