Spa Ambiance

I booked an extensive day of pampering after working several days of very long hours. I am so glad I picked this place for my special day. I combined the Eye Results service with a European facial and a 90 minute relaxation massage with aromatherapy. Jillian, the owner, was wonderful and attentive. She obviously loves what she does and gave me the best facial I have ever had. Michelle, the massage therapist, has magic hands but also too takes her time to make sure she provides you the services you want. I am already planning my next visit!

Fantastic overall experience! The table is heated, Jillian is warm and friendly, and amazing at her job.

My wife and I were out in the Portsmouth area for the weekend and were looking at various spa options. We came across the Spa Ambiance and along with a deal from Unilocal ($ 75 for $ 50, thanks Unilocal), we decided to give it a try.
It was clear from the moment we walked in that Spa Ambiance had to be relatively new, and in talking with the staff, we learned they have been in there current location for six months. The downstairs lobby area was not quite finished, photograph and pictures on the floor waiting to be hung and the bathroom still needed a few outlet covers. There was at least one more room on first floor that was empty of anything.
We arrived at 9:40 for a 10:00 appointment. We were told to arrive by 9:45 and my wife and I never like being late. After about 2 minutes someone descended for the second floor to greet us and get the paperwork started. She did mention twice how early we were, which seemed odd but we didn’t let it bother us. Shortly after 10am my wife was taken to her room and a few minutes later my massage therapist, Corinne, came to escort me to my room. The rest of the review will be solely my experience.
As we walked into the room, I was told that there were two massage tables, both slightly broken. After I was shown to my table, Corinne told me what to expect, reviewed the areas I mentioned were sore, and asked me if I have any questions. She then left to let me get ready for my massage.
The room was very bright, too bright for me. Also we’re was no locker room or changing room so this was done in the treatment room. Also no place to hang my clothes. As I got comfortable I noticed that the room was very echoey and there was no calming music, or any music to help drown out the outside sounds. Also, there was no table for the therapist to set up, so the hot stones for my massage where in a pot on the floor.
As for the massage, I chose the 90 minute hot stone massage. The massage itself was relaxing. Corinne did a nice job of conducting the massage as she outlined to me. I thought the massage was weak on the feet and legs, but I did ask her to avoid one of my knees due to an old injury, which she was very careful about so I am not complaining. The best part of the experience was when Corinne was working on my neck, shoulders and back. Between the stones and good, even pressure, it felt great. I remember looking at the clock when we started and it was 1010 or so, when we finished it was 1145, so I got my entire 90 minutes worth of the massage experience.
Overall:
Nice small spa with potential, but needs work on some little things. Finish the spa, fix all equipment, work on ways to help muffle some of the noise that echoes, maybe a rug around the massage table to help with that, install shelves in all treatment rooms so the therapists don’t have to have equipment on the floors and perhaps consider his and her changing rooms.
This spa definitely has potential, and my therapist did a good job. If I return, I will be curious to see if any improvements have been made