Spa Tiki

Eek! Methinks not. Also methinks not because they are now closed for good. The therapists were the only thing keeping Spa Tiki afloat for the last couple years. Blame it on the bad management, moldy sauna, 18% customary gratuity, or lack of properly stocked skin care products, the place is now closed and a tear is shed for those who are out of a job, my former coworkers. Good luck to you all and your talent will bring you new opportunities.

1.5 weeks later, my watch was found. Apparently they wrote down the description wrong? (somehow gray & purple freestyle watch turned into silver & purple reef watch… at least someone had the idea to call me about it) I’m about to brave rush hour traffic to be reunited with my dive watch.
I’m happy it’s safe. I’m still disappointed with the overall experience, though not the massage itself.

Ahh! I am so relaxed as I type this. Earlier today, I had a 50-​minute Tiki massage with a Head To Toe add-​on.
I arrived at the spa pretty early, much earlier than the 15 minutes prior to your appointment that they request you check in. It was hot, and I wanted to get out of the sun. I found the place easily enough using the directions on their web site (when confirming my appointment, the girl who called told me to check the web site for directions, as Spa Tiki is located on Harbor Drive, and using Google Maps or anything like that might give me confusing directions). I parked my car using the valet service, for $ 8.00.
Once inside, I signed in, and a nice girl showed me the steam room, locker room, and relaxation room (where I’d wait for Michelle, my massage therapist). I was told that I could grab a (very plush!) robe and some flip-​flops in the locker room and then hang out in the relaxation room.
After changing, I walked down the hall into what I thought was the relaxation room. (This place is like the Horton Plaza of spas; I got confused by the lay-​out.) I sat in the room, which had no magazines, no snacks, and pretty much nothing except benches and a big picture of six ladies dancing hula, for quite some time. Then a nice man with a French accent came by and told me that I wasn’t in the relaxation lounge after all! Ha! I’d been thinking, «Wow, this sure is boring! There’s NOTHING in here!»
The actual relaxation lounge was much nicer. I was the only one there, and there was water with cucumber slices and lemon, snacks, magazines, and very comfortable lounge chairs.
Michelle, the massage therapist, met me there and showed me to a room. The table was warmed from underneath, which was SO comfortable. I was given a choice of four massage oils and chose passion flower (the rest were coconut, pineapple, and star fruit). Michelle’s massage made me so relaxed that I slipped into that semi-​conscious state right before sleep, where you no longer control your daydreams. At one point, a voice (in my daydreaming head) said, «They make a great tenderloin here.» I also had visions of a girl I’d never met, talking and laughing. Yeah, I was THAT relaxed. It was like being in a shamanistic vision, and I’m not even a hippie!
The add-​on consisted of very warm coconut oil being poured onto my hair and scalp, and then coconut body butter being massaged into my hands and feet. Heavenly!
After the massage, I was offered some time in the steam room. I sat for a while before a man came in. Even though it was so steamy I couldn’t see the door, I happened to look out of the corner of my eye at the dude, and he had unwrapped his towel! I left the steam room pretty quickly. I don’t mind having guys at a spa at all, but a co-​ed steam room can get a little weird.
I decided to let the oils sink in on my ride home rather than showering, but next time, I’ll bring old clothes. My hair was saturated with oil (to be expected, and not a negative in my book), and it stained my tank top. Oh, well. That’s my fault, anyway.
I would highly recommend Spa Tiki (and Michelle) if you are looking to get away for an afternoon and relax. Oh, and I LOVED the Hawaiian décor. I felt like I was in Maui again!

I’ve had a gift certificate for this place burning a hole in my pocket for almost three months, but I’d been too busy to make use of it, until today. I’m a big fan of a good massage, but it seems that they are few and far between these days, even with places like the Knot Stop (where they are about half the price). I wasn’t expecting much from the folks at Spa Tiki, but I must say that they made me a believer today.
It’s not the most comfortable facility (small locker room, single shower, coed steam, etc.), but the massage was probably the best I’ve ever had. Michelle took care of the stiffness in my shoulders, and worked to find just the right amount of pressure to ease all the rest of my aches and pains. Some really nice touches during the massage, including heated sheets, hot towels, and a refreshing mist at the end.
The Polynesian theme is a bit kitschy, but the amazing massage more than made up for it. I’ll be back.

They didn’t yell at us this time for being too loud.
Also the massage was freakin’ amazing, the best I have ever had: Cassie is the one to ask for.
Lotions were still the best smelling lotions ever.
Service was great, and it was the perfect atmosphere for our weekend of relaxation.

Have been to Spa Tiki twice now and have enjoyed both visits. The first time, a massage and soak were scheduled. The massage went as scheduled, the therapist sent my husband back into the waiting lounge before the soak and then inexplicably forgot to get the soak ready. By the time she realized it, we had to leave. She was very sorry and really nice about it, and the spa knocked off 15% from his total bill. Their waiting area is very nice, with comfy chairs, spa water and fresh fruit and tea, if you want it.
My husband went back a second time for another massage and soak, and this time they had him do the soak first and then the massage. Staff was nice, professional and very attentive and made it a very pleasant experience overall. My only gripe was that the first time we went, they did a bit of a hard sell to try and get me to have a pedicure while I waited for my husband. It took several polite «no“s before they relented.
This spa is run professionally, with emphasis on customer service. We will be back!

I had a gift card for Spa Tiki, and got the Thai Contouring ritual. This was my first time at a Day Spa (with the exception of quick waxing jobs and pedicures), so I felt a bit nervous, not sure what to expect. I found the staff to be very friendly and accomodating, the locker room amazing (they have almost anything you would need post shower!), and the massage room intoxicating. My massage therapist, Michelle, was sweet and attentive, while being so quiet and demure that I was able to try and relax, enjoying the quiet sounds and light smells of the tropics. I really loved the candles.
Any discomfort felt during my experience was due entirely to my own insecurity. I did feel uncomfortable sitting in my robe in a co-​ed waiting room. I dropped a towel in the bath tub (clumsy me as always), and so spent part of my «soak time» wringing it out and finding a place to put it, so I wouldn’t disturb anything. I felt anxious most of the time, simply because I didn’t really know what to expect, and so I didn’t really get to relax. I wonder if Michelle noticed how tense my muscles were getting during the massage…

Took the BF here today for a couple’s massage with the milk bath. The ladies working there were very nice and accommodating. The robes were nice and fluffy. We started off with the milk bath which was very relaxing. Our massage room was nicely decorated with candles and flowers. The Hawaiian music that was playing was a lil loud. The 50 mins massage was wonderful. Kelsey did a great job and applied just enough pressure. After our massage we went into the steam room for 10 mins, then we sat in the lounge room and sipped on some Mai Tais. The facilities were nice and clean. Nice décor. In total + the 18% tip, the total came out to $ 336.

I love this place! I’ve been here a few times and always have a fantastic experience. I mean, what more could you ask for, a relaxing atompshere, massage and a mai-​tai!!! Im totally set! Mera is my favorite there! Not only does she get the job down but she makes it relaxing as possible. Sometimes guilty pleasures are worth spending a little extra.

It’s been a while since I Unilocaled… in part because life has been hectic… so much so that I had to look for a last-​minute pedicure place right before going to a luau wedding in San Diego. Luckily, my girlfriends completely understood the fuss — they completely agreed that no one would look good in a Hawaiian summer dress without impeccably trimmed toe nails. So off we went…
Frankly, $ 50 for a regular pedi is a little steep. After all, I get spoiled in San Francisco where I can easily get an awesome pedi for $ 30 – 40. The nail technician I had was cordial and professional. Extra bonus that she just focused on my feet, rather than trying to make random useless chitchats. Silence is golden, and I much appreciated it. And while she worked on my feet, I sat there and read trashy and fashion magazines… and imagined my next vacation in a setting where there will be a real tiki and real beach hut… and… ahh…

I had a gift card for this place that was collecting dust in my desk for the past 5 years. I have spa anxiety since this is the first spa I have been to in my life. I believe in being pretty and treating myself well, however I am a poor college student so most treatments are done with a $ 3 bottle of whatever from the drugstore.
I was going to be a bridesmaid in a wedding. So I made an appointment for a leg wax. Something reasonable, and would allow me to «test the water» so to speak, and see what this place is about.
I love coconut, I love it in cookies, lotion, and I especially love it when the smell fills my nostrils. This place did just that for me.
My friend came along with me, and while she didn’t get a service, the staff treated her well and she liked hanging out in the lobby area drinking tea while I was waxed.
The wax was successful, and it was the most relaxing wax adventure I have ever had. That lady had techniques that made it 100% painless. I’m willing to bet she is a miracle worker if I were to get other, more intimate, areas waxed.
I am going back to use the remainder on the gift card. And I am not going to blow it on products like I originally intended to (I have spa anxiety, don’t ask, just be empathetic).

Listen, anyone that rubs my body continuously for an hour with coconut scented oils and THEN offers me a free Mai Tai is a-​ok in my book. The massage was fine, the therapist was not like, gifted, but knew what she was doing. I did feel somewhat transported on a chilly, cloudy (yes it does happen) day in San Diego.

Spa Tiki is really hit or miss. I have had wonderful facials there (Dawn) but I have also had BAD massages. My pedicures are always chipping by the end of the week (as opposed to the ones I get at Le Chic Nails, which are half the price and last all month)!
The lounge area is nice when it’s quiet. It’s not huge and if there is a bridal party or bachelorette party, it’s not very relaxing. I was offered a Mai Tai on my last visit, but it never arrived, and after 15 minutes of not being able to find the employee (or any employee, for that matter), I just showered and left.
Speaking of showers– they do have a great bathroom set up and their products rule. I ultimately stopped going to Spa Tiki because my pocketbook was crying– their prices are pretty high– but I do still stop in to purchase an item from their fantastic array of Naturopathica products.

Spa Tiki is a expensive for a college student, however you get two free drinks for your service (corona, white wine, or a mai tai) in the past they have had a menu from the restaurant next door if you are doing a day thing or just think you will get peckish.
French manicures cost extra compared to just nail polish, however even the manicurists admit this is silly and often won’t charge (just don’t tell the desk and tip them well)
Its a great place to go enjoy with a friend. Enjoy two glasses of wine (or the mai tais… with umbrellas!) and sit in the cabana seats enjoying the smells and service.
Massages are amazing (Ask for Debbie or Oleg)! Waxing is good (I used to use Mary, but Ginger is good as well. as is Dawn!)
Parking on Sundays means meters are free and you can park in yellow. There is valet parking but they validate which makes it slightly more affordable. Really close to the trolley though!
Complimentary tea and water are also available for all services.

My best friend took me here one day because I was feeling a bit down. She was visiting from out of town at the time and I think found this place by searching it online. I have been a few times since. My first time there I got a soak, and it was a bit awkward because I’ve never done one before. I wasn’t sure how to position my body in the tub, so I felt a bit uncomfortable. I have have a few massages here as well and the MTs were pretty good. Although, one time I didn’t expect any deep tissue during the Tiki Massage, so I thought the lady was trying to kill me at one point since I’ve never had deep tissue done before. I like the ambiance of the place. The only thing that sucks is whenever something is downtown, parking can be an issue.

The 5 stars are for Lindsay! Some of you may know her as Daeman «deeza tha geeza» C.‘s girl. I found out she did massages at Spa Tiki, so I went to check it out. She was fantastic! I needed a deep tissue massage for my 5001 knots in my back and neck. With her strong hands and great technique, she was able to work them all out. I loved the scented oil she used too. She gives you a choice of four different oils, so you can find your perfect aromatherapy match. After my awesome massage, she offered me a Mai Tai or a glass of chardonnay. I opted for the wine and then enjoyed the steam room for the next half hour. All in all, a great day. I plan on getting another massage with her very soon and highly recommend her to all you Unilocalers out there.

omigod I luv this place. i just wish they had one in pacific beach where i live. if you ask for a glass of wine they’ll totally give you a huge glass of white wine for your pedicure — then you sit in wonderful seats. they rub your legs with this coconut butter that is better than moisturizing, it totally like lubricates your skin and sits on your skin making your legs and feet slip and slide all greasy, like all day. after my pedicure, I got some glitter sprinkled on my legs and feet, without being asked, which was like so perfect for my job as a lawyer — i went in during lunch for a little break in my day and left smelling and looking like a stripper with coconut, glitter legs — lawyers just love that! so, I had to wash my legs off in my office’s bathroom because i couldn’t stand the smell or the glitter. such a small price to pay for bliss. right?
tip for spa tiki (said in normal adult voice): ask before using your stripper lotion on people — some women don’t like smelling like a cheap piña colada for the rest of the day — also, glitter? are you kidding? i’m a nearly 32 year old professional woman, I don’t go to raves anymore and i’m not a whore — no glitter. ever.

My mother was in town and she wanted a good mani-​pedi, since I had only been to a couple of «quickie» mani-​pedi spots around my place, I didn’t really know where to take her. I read a few reviews of this place and decided to try it.
They have these private «cabana» style pedi suites, that were tons of fun. We hung out and a had a Mai Thai while we got our nails done and the staff made sure we were absolutely taken care of. They are so well trained and use all of the best skin and nail products so my mani ended up lasting much longer than normal. My mother and I both agree that it was one of the best mani-​pedis we’d had in a long time.
** I would’ve given them 5 stars except, the «coconut» kind of smell they have all over the spa and in their products is a little overwhelming, we both felt a little light headed when we left. My mother is esp. sensitive to perfumes, so this was a minus in our books, but minor minus.

I feel bad for everyone who’s bad review I read! This place was not that bad! The best part about it is the smell. As soon as you enter the spa area it smells like coconut, pineapple and flowers. I loved it! I did a coconut milk bath, Fiji sugar scrub and deep tissue massage. I would highly recommend my masseuse — Debbie. I have a bad back she worked out the knots until I was jello. Everything was also done in the same room which was also convenient.
I will say there was some noise that I didn’t like. You could hear running water or a noisy air conditioner or something. Makes it hard to truly relax when you’re constantly wondering what the sound was. The coed thing was also kind of weird, knowing we were all naked under our robes, sitting there in the waiting room pretending we weren’t really naked. But, after I relaxed, I got used to it and just kept making sure all my parts were adequately covered. Best part… the mai tai afterwards.

Over priced, pretentious tourist trap! I took a friend and the bridal party for mani/​pedi– which are way overpriced, and then they did the bath soaks and the staff basically had their hands out waiting for a tip for drawing the bath water– gimme a break.
So unless you are a tourist who is stuck downtown and is intent upon spending a lot of money for cheesy Polynesian shtick, save your money and get it done at home.