Zenspa – Carmel Mountain

First time here and I am loving it already. Thank you Anna for the lymphatic massage. I enjoy it very much. I will come back for more.

Just finished my signature massage! This was my first time there and Ying was so awesome, I felt like she found every knot on my body! I’m still so relaxed and the 85 dollars for a 30 minute foot massage and a hour body massage is totally worth the price.
The girl at the front desk was also very very friendly and I felt so welcomed– (I think her name was Julie)
Will definitely come again!

I had the best experience today at this place. I went for a facial and since my spa is in l. A I was so scared to try a new place. After reviewing places here on Unilocal I came across to this place. I booked and appointment and went. Nina was amazing. She did an amazing job in my face and recommended me products for my skin. Even though this place is expensive I believe it was worth it. I ended up paying 215 for a facial, eyebrows and 2 products. Also I want to point out about their wax, my skin is super sensitive I was very scared to try wax because last time I went next door (European wax) my face was a mess, I guess I’m allergic to their wax that my face was all red for weeks ! And I break out really really bad. Like never before in my life. So for this reason I didn’t want to try any wax but I did, and Nina did an amazing job. My eyebrows look all pretty now :) so Nina is the gem right there. I’ll always ask for her when I go in the future.

[Added Note Subsequent to Review]
Management is very attentive to Unilocal reviews. You can expect follow-​up via telephone should you mention a less than satisfactory experience. Vivian (manager) looked up my contact info based on the paperwork completed at my visit to the establishment and connected it to the Unilocal review. She called to discuss and explain on behalf of the business and the front desk clerk. I appreciate the effort as a good business manager. She shows attentiveness to incoming customers. Review stands with opportunity for future re-​review.
[Original Review]
3.5 stars. Average at best.
It’s located in the Carmel Mountain strip mall in between Ralphs and Rite Aid. We live really close by and had seen the establishment, but did not have an opportunity to visit until recently. The reviews seemed very encouraging so my family decided to give the place a try especially after a couple of very stressful weeks as new parents.
Hubster went in for a 1.5 hour massage. He said the masseuse was okay. nothing fantastic. nothing bad. He mentioned it was an Asian masseuse. We’ve had better experiences elsewhere but for a much higher cost.
I subsequently came in with my mom. and both of us also had satisfactory experiences with the massages. My mom had the sweedish and she liked the lady. I had a foot and hand massage– which was your typical Chinese foot massage (foot soak, some head and shoulder massage sitting in a chair, arm and hand massage and then feet). I requested hard pressure but the lady was a little soft on her touch. Not problematic but nothing that made me really yearn to return. The masseuse was very kind and very gentle so I had no issue with the service. I also commend her for giving me the full hour to the minute.
My key issue was a snafu that occurred as we were leaving. Although the front desk girl was nice and efficient to book the same the appointment, I think she was either thrown off her game at the end of our visit or just so automated that she forgot we were first time visitors. At the end of the service she was very quick to charge the higher price for non first time visitors. I had paused in the calculation when she stated the total… and I could have easily walked out of there with the higher charge (in fact we did and I had to return back from the parking lot). We even tipped very generously per service.
My recommendation for the ownership is to have your personnel pay special attention to your new customers. They should ensure positive service from start to finish including the appropriate charges — especially if you have a specific low cost set aside for first time visits. This would help to ensure we return again.
The overcharge and slightly unapologetic feeling I had upon departure left a sour taste in my mouth especially after what was supposed to be a relaxing experience. The services overall were average and not bad… not outstanding… but I can’t say I am inclined to come back any time soon. We’ll leave the review as middle ground with a possibility for re-​review in the future.

Wow, Zenspa really cares about their customers. I went in on Friday to see if they could get rid of some neck and shoulder pain that I was experiencing. Apparently, I needed some deep tissue messaging cuz it was still bothering me on Tuesday. I let them know. I got a phone call from Vivian 15 minutes later asking me to come in asap. She knew I was going to be on an airplane later that day and didn’t want me to be in pain. I went in and she took me back right away. She gave me the best deep tissue massage. I am no longer in pain and am now at the airport ready to board my plane. Thank you, Vivian!!! She wouldn’t even let me tip her!

Went back for Lymphatic Drainage Message. OMG! I think I fell asleep because I starting drooling, lol. Judy did an awesome job! I will be back for a massage plus my usual facial:)

I have had 3 major neck surgeries and I have issues with my back due to an injury. So finding a great massage place is very important to me so I can get a good healing massage, but also so they don’t injure me further. I have been receiving massages for the last 10 years and have been to Zen Spa a few times since our move to the area. I received excellent service. Please ask for Lu, she is very strong and does excellent deep tissue. The location is very clean and decorated in a very calm and soothing style. I highly recommend them.

We really love the Zen Spa! We have come here at least a few times a month for the last few years and have never had a bad experience. They offer a variety of massages and other waxing/​facial services, but they are very popular so make sure to make an appointment as they usually fill up pretty quickly on the weekends.
I also like the fact that they don’t try to make you buy a membership like most of their competitors, but the do offer discounts if you buy a package. The packages do no have restrictions so you do not have to use them by a certain date which is nice if you travel a lot.
The atmosphere here is very calm and relaxing and the location is very clean, this is a must for me because I am a complete germaphobe. In addition the masseuses don’t talk to each other during your massage, this is a huge pet peeve of mine. I would definitely recommend this place!

This place is a godsend! This is by far the best establishment for massage treatment I have found.
The staff is professional, kind and polite. The facility is immaculate, peaceful and elegant.
They have a shower if you need one after a massage or treatment before returning to work.

Great customer service from the beginning!
Amazing work very friendly people
The facials are great! I had no complaints, I will definitely be going back soon.

I went to Zen Spa today after working out and decided to get a deep tissue massage since my entire body is sore. I must say I made the right decision! I’m a new client so I really don’t know anything about their services but IRIS did help me. She’s very friendly and she explained to me all my options. I chose their 1 Hour Therapeutic Deep Tissue Massage for $ 59. Then I answered this short questionnaire asking for what parts of my body I want the massage to focus on more and how much pressure I like (I appreciate it since I really want the massage to be more focus on my back, traps and legs). Then I entered the room which is nice, clean and cozy. My masseuse is JUDY and she’s very very good. She listened to how much pressure I want and she really delivered! Happy to say my entire body feels so much better after the massage. I’ll surely go back there soon and get a longer massage next time. I 100% recommend this place!
Went back to Zen Spa today for a facial treatment and it’s another 5-​star experience! IRIS greeted me with a genuine smile which is very pleasing and she’s been so wonderful all throughout! My Esthetician is NINA who’s been super great! She’s warm, helpful and very knowledgeable in what she does! She checked my skin and recommended the necessary treatment I need which I appreciate cause I want to get something that will really improve my skin. I then decided to go with Zen Spa’s Customized Facial Treatment which in my case it focuses more on deep cleansing and moisturizing for $ 95. I must say it’s really worth it! My face feels softer, clearer, brighter and moisturized after the treatment. I will surely keep on coming back to Zen Spa for my massage and facial needs!

This review is long overdue… I’ve been getting facials from Nina for over 2 years; she is AMAZING and my skin has never looked better! Nina has sculpted my skin from dull and breakout prone to vibrant and clear. Every time upon arriving, Nina does a thorough examination of my skin and provides her recommendation for a customized facial. Although treatments are on the expensive side, she is upfront about the pricing and I have never felt pressured to purchase additional services. Each facial differs depending on my current needs; I’ve had peels, micro — dermabrasion, and oxygenated treatments. Nina is a perfectionist and never leaves anything unattended on my face. I always walk away with soft and glowing skin! I highly recommend Nina for any facial service.

So the experience alone is 2 stars. HOWEVER the customer service earn themselves another star.
I’ve been to a fair amount of spas over the course of my life. Fancy spas, day spas, and those cheap ones held by asians where they charged $ 25 foot massage.
i came here for their Signature Massage, which includes 30 minute foot massage and a 60 min customized massage. This package was $ 69.
I got to my room and was told to change into their provided robe. When i touched the robe, it was a bit damped; thinking oh it’s not dried yet — oh well. But honestly it left me thinking if the robe was used or clean. I smelled it prior wearing it and i didn’t smell any oil smell, and indeed it smelled like laundry so i believed it to be clean.
The masseuse was there on time. i started with soaking my feet in warm water for about 10 minutes, then the masseuse came in and massaged my feet, about 10 – 15 min per leg. This masseuse did not speak a single english. she only knows enough to ask me if the pressure is okay.
Then i hopped onto the bed and the masseuse began to massage me. I did noticed that the head cover was old, i saw frays and lots of holes — it definitely need replacement. When i was laying on my back, she put a pillow under my neck, and immediately i smelled something rancid. The smell reminded me of milk vomit from a toddler. I thought, okay maybe it’s the oil. But how come i didnt smell it the whole entire time? why is it when the pillow came when i smelled it? It was just gross; i literally had to take a few breaths and held it. In addition to that, the masseuse’s breath smelled bad too and she was breathing on top of me when she was working on my neck (but that’s not the business’ fault — so i’m not including that in the star reduction). When my session was over, i quickly smelled my body and other towels and sheets to see if it was just the oil that they used was smelly or if it truly was the pillow? yes, it was the pillow. i even gagged when i brought the pillow up to my nose. all other fabrics were fine except for the pillow. so gross!!!
Overall the experience, if you were to ask me, it felt like those cheap spas where i’d pay $ 20 foot massage which also include a full body massage. Much like Angel Massage off of Mira Mesa where trader’s joe shopping center is! If i really wanted a massage like that, i would have just gone to Angel’s. why would i need to pay $ 69 for the same type of massage? The style of Zenspa’s signature massage was the same exact style as Angel Massage!!! So why do i need to pay triple the amount for the same experience? The masseuse is similar too — where they both don’t speak english well. Honestly, i don’t care where the masseuse is from, what i care is the quality of the massage and to me it is the same and i was disappointed.
When my session was done, i was asked by the front desk how my experience was, and i did bring up my concerns. And she acknowledged it and was very apologetic and offered me to come back for another session complimentary. But honestly, after what i’ve experienced, if all their employees are the same, i’d rather not go back to zenspa. If i want that type of massage, i’ll just go to Angel. at least they didn’t have smelly pillow and damped robes.
later in the evening, i got a phone call from them and they apologized again and this time they said they would refund my money back. Which i think that’s very honorable for them to do so. Much respect on that. But Sorry, i am still hesitant to go back to Zenspa.
UPDATE 12÷28÷15: I really need to update this as I was feeling more pain from the massage the next day. I didnt mention in my previous review cuz i thought it would not effect me… My lower back hurt even more same with my spine because the masseuse was just so rough! She kept using the forearm and elbow to run through my back during my session. I had to tell her to stop and that she was hurting me. Yes I’m feeling the pain now. I really think my masseuse was new and that she’s not a real professional masseuse as she had told me she’s only been in SD for 2 months. As a warning… please make sure you are booking a more experienced masseuse.

This review is for the waxing services, which to me are A-​OK. I had a SpaFinder gift card (you can find these at Costco – 2 $ 50 gift cards for $ 75!), and I went on their site to find the nearest, most remarkable spot for my brows. Stumbled upon Zenspa– close? Check. Waxing? Check. Good rating on Unilocal?Double check. I perused Unilocal’s reviews, but didn’t find much pertaining to their waxing services. Nonetheless, I went on Zenspa’s site to book an appointment.
I finished my morning errands early and stalled while waiting for my appointment time. Finally– it was time! Walked in and let the kind gal at the front desk know that I had a waxing appointment for my eyebrows. She asked for my name and when I told her, she replied, «Oh right, massage today?» Unfortunately I wasn’t in their system. I let her know that I created an account and made the appointment online. She told me that it doesn’t usually work, which I thought was odd. These little things that make a huge difference! I could have been in and out earlier, and on my way to the next errand. She proceeded to give me paperwork to fill out – Zenspa has one of those membership ordeals which I’m not a fan of. I simply wanted a quick in and out. Even my eyebrows took awhile to finish – maybe they were that horrendous?
Anyway, I ended up with a lady that I had not booked my appointment with. She was quite abrasive which was totally fine. I let her know exactly how I wanted my eyebrows to look and that I’ve been growing them out so I can have them in a way that I liked, however she thinned them out and I noticed a lot of stray hairs that I ended up fixing once I arrived home. The wax hurt more here than most places, and I felt all of my plucked brow hairs being brushed into my scalp by the woman in her way of cleaning my face off. They use eye covers since they point a UV light directly to your eyes, however the light apparently didn’t help since I had so many stray hairs.
I had money leftover on the gift card which was then put into a certificate to Zenspa for my next visit. One thing that stood out to me was the relaxing music, which I appreciated. Overall, I would come back for a wax if I had a certificate, but really any nail salon is comparable to my experience here.

So when it comes to the balance of work and play you need to find the equilibrium to keep you moving along… My wife has taken me several times to get a massage and I’m now hooked.
I’ve learned to just relax…
The calming sound of continuous water flowing and soft music puts you in that far away place where you wish you could be — whether it’s on a beach in Mexico, Hawaii or Greece.
For the duration of your massage you’re there and you forget about all your worries.
The hot oils they use help relieve all the worries and pain.
What’s even better is the warm towels they use to clean you up.
Their gentle yet efficient touch removes all the toxins from your body to help you get through another week.
I can’t say enough about this place. Their legit!
You must have a foot reflexology massage then follow it up with their 60 – 90 minute full body massage.
Be courteous and shower l, brush your teeth and clip your toe nails before you go and be sure to wear some new undies lol!
The struggle is real some times though cause I seriously have had that one case of terrible gas and had to focus to not silently release one as they applied pressure to my rear end or my gut! Smh
The worst part is when they start slapping you to awake you from your dream of paradise and slowly come back to reality.
The masseuses leave and allow you to get dressed only to return with the most refreshing cup of ice cold water!
Can’t wait to come back!

Peter is amazing. I didn’t chance it and settle for some random masseuse. I trust the opinion of my fellow Unilocalers bc we are a trusted source!
I am recovering from a bad sports injury that is affecting my lower back, hip & left leg. I went for deep tissue bc they say that’s what helps you recover from sports injuries. I will tell you this: If you have a physical problem and you get a deep tissue massage then it might be very painful to be massaged, but I have become convinced that massage helps your body to heal.
I have been to an orthopedist, have done weeks of physical therapy, xrays, MRI’s but western dr’s have been unable to pinpoint the problem. So I am changing my approach. I am going to trusted masseuses ($$ expensive I know) bc they provide some relaxation, much discomfort, BUT whatever they do is helping the chronic pain issue. I will take discomfort over chronic pain.
5 stars for Peter.
3 stars for ZenSpa.
–2 stars for the business itself for the following reasons:
–waiting area is extremely strange (looks like a dining room)
–there were a few times where people outside were laughing and talking. that got a bit annoying.
–Huge pet peeve when massage businesses don’t just a flat massage rate. It is super annoying to have to buy 5 massages at once to get «the better deal».

Friendly staff, clean facility, great location, excellent massage.
If you are around Carmel Mountain and want a great massage, stop in!

Thanks to my friends at Zenspa in Carmel Mountain, I kicked off my two-​week vacation from work with some pampering.
When I arrived, I was greeted by Iris and Vivian, managers at Zenspa, The lobby had soft lighting and quiet music which definitely sets the relaxing mood I was ready for,
They had me fill out some paperwork to ensure my experience was customized to my needs. The questionnaire asked about any pre-​existing health conditions or any allergies. There was also a diagram of the entire body which I was asked to circle parts of my body I wanted my massage to focus on. My lower back, hips, and shoulder areas were spots I made sure I circled. There was also a question about the desired pressure for the massage: light, medium, deep, or extremely deep. I choose deep. I also wrote my concerns about my uneven skin tone and patchy ache. Iris and Vivian emphasized that each service is customized based on the questionnaire to ensure the customers needs are met.
I spent my first hour with Susanne for my deep tissue massage. My massage started gently and slowly, warming and softening up my body. Then Susanne started her magic. She paid close attention to the spots I circled on my questionnaire which was perfect! I got goosebumps a few times because of the perfect spots being rubbed and kneaded. Susanne used her entire forearm and elbows to get to the parts of my back that had some stubborn knots in the muscles. The pressure was just right as indicated on my questionnaire. I could feel my muscles relax and the knots slowly melt away.
My second hour was with Melody for my Zenspa Customized Facial which included brightening therapy, an enzyme pumpkin and apple spice peel, warm towels with citrus scents, and more. The brightening therapy was best to address my concerns about my uneven skin tone and scarring from my patchy acne. My face, from the top of my forehead to the tip of my nose to the bottom of my chin, tingled with each treatment. I felt like my face was saying, «Ooooh, Ahhhh, thank you so much!». While the treatments sat on my face, Melody massaged by shoulders, neck, and arms with a wonderfully fragrant rose lotion while a warm compress sat underneath of shoulders. My face was glowing with delight after my facial.
Zenspa offers a variety of different massages, facials, body treatments, waxing, and their newest service, acupuncture. They offer a monthly budget wellness plan to save money and also help you commit to taking care of yourself. Be sure to visit their website for more special offers.
Zenspa is a haven from stress so much so I caught myself snoring a few times during my treatments. It was THAT relaxing! I loved it! I left the spa all relaxed and muscles loose, with a face glowing with rejuvenation! If you need a place to relax and recharge, this is definitely the place!

Nancy was wonderful. She is very knowledgeable regarding the pressure points and what is root cause of your pain (headaches, backaches. etc). If you can handle the pressure and some pain, you will really love the way you feel after the treatment. You can tell she Nancy takes pride in what she does, and is passionate about healing her customers. The massage oil they use also feels great; not like the cheap kind other places use.
Give it a try!

WOW! I was pleasantly surprised! ASK FOR PETER!
**For all you folks, who, like myself, saw this little spa in the strip mall and thought it would be like some cheesy, bait and switch, shopping mall foot spa, think again, I am a now a returning customer!**
I was given a gift certificate, to which I was able to use for their Signature Combo and 60 min foot massage on 2 separate occasions.
I believe that the quality of your massage experience rests solely on the therapist you get, and by golly, go see PETER!!! I know many of us women prefer female masseuses, as I do too, but PETER has great technique, offers good sports massage — deep tissue work, he’s appropriate and boundaried — you’ll pretty much be covered up while he works on specific spots, and as far as a language barrier — not a problem. Very little chatting (thankfully) he’s no nonsense, and I walked out feeling great, relaxed and having felt like I had a therapeutic treatment.
So if you’re looking for a GREAT, THERAPEUTIC, ETHICAL/​APPROPRIATE reflexology or massage treatment, ask for PETER! — I’m a regular now =) Pricing is competitive, good packages, and the Signature Combo is great! 30 mins on foot reflexology and then 60 for full body. At previous places I usually do 90 mins full body, but this combo is perfect!
Thank you ZenSpa, I’m glad I got over my initial hesitation about a ‘foot spa’ located at a strip mall =)
p. s. I’ve also learned I’ve got 2 colleagues who travel all the way from San Diego and South Bay to come to this place for the past couple of years. it’s THAT good!