Metamorphosis Spa

complete fail here. i’ve walked by a number of times when i’ve been in walnut creek and over a week before i knew i would be in the area for the day, i tried to schedule an appointment for a massage. i followed the instructions on their website, registering and creating a new account and then finding a therapist available for the time that i wanted. i checked back a few days later and their appointment system still showed «requested only.» okay…
a few more days later, the request has disappeared, like someone just decided to delete it. hmm. i give them the benefit of the doubt that maybe the thing just timed out because it hadn’t been accepted by the therapist. so i check the schedule again, thinking maybe he’s no longer available for that time. but no, he’s still free. so i try again to request a massage. and then i wait. and wait. and wait.
the day before the requested appointment date, i still haven’t heard anything so i call. naturally, no one answers so i leave a message, letting them know that i’m assuming the appointment isn’t happening (in case they decide to charge my credit card for a «cancellation» fee) and that it’s not good service to leave people hanging like that, especially a new customer.
*3 days later*, i get a return phone call saying that they’re wrapping up their massage business in walnut creek so they’re not taking any more new clients, blah blah blah, hope you understand. i could understand if they called me or emailed me right away when i put in the request. but to go radio silent for a week and a half and then call 3 days after the fact to apologize? bad form, truly bad form. and from the other reviews i read, par for the course.

Bought a groupon for a 50 min Swedish massage and 30 min foot soak with reflexology. I called and left a message 2.5 weeks before the groupon expired to schedule my massage. I never received a call back. I tried to call again to schedule. The receptionist condescendingly asked me «Why didn’t you call earlier to schedule??» I explained that I did call a week ago and received no call back. She begrudgingly found a time to fit me in.
Foot soak: Consisted of 15 min of sitting in a dark room listening to the chatter of the neighboring hair salon through the thin walls with a basin of PLAIN water that was too hot to put my feet into. To their credit, the masseuse did try to cool it down twice with a cup of cold water and with one ice cube. 15 min later, it was still too hot to put my feet into. So I just sat with my feet balanced on the edges of the basin in the dark waiting for someone to come back. Not a great start…
Swedish massage: This was actually a good massage. The masseuse listened and read the form I filled out and really worked out my left shoulder. I really felt relaxed during this part of the experience!
Pros: good massage, nice lobby, parking garage
Cons: thin walls in massage room such that the beauty salon chatter carried through and was distracting, terrible value in the «foot soak” – don’t waste your money, poor customer service from the front desk/​receptionist which was the real deal breaker.
I should have read other Unilocal reviews before I purchased that groupon…

Yet again… AMAZING FREAKING MASSAGE!!!
Relaxing, major stress relief and just fantastic! Worth every penny!
This place is a MUST if you’re looking for a great massage! Lana listens and really gets the job done!
Thank you Lana! I wish I could just take you home with me! :)

I bought a living social deal to this place for a 90 min slim, an hour massage, and a spray tan back on March 31, 2011. I called probably 10 times in 1.5 months to schedule an appointment. I left numerous messages. I finally get a message back one day (in August 2011) on my voicemail from the owner. She was very condensending, rude, and aggressive in her message. She said she’s called me back numerous times and spoke to me personally on how I can make an appointment online. I’m sorry… but I would see missed calls and I regularly check my messages (and I would REMEMBER if I spoke to her directly about making an appointment)… I Definitely did NOT get a call back from her prior. The number that is listed here online is her personal cell phone. The owner apparently only answers when its convenient and not during SPA hours.
Anyways, I made the mistake of not reading the reviews before purchasing the deal. (That’s my bad since I“m an avid Unilocaler).
$ 109 dollars down the drain… No appointment, No service, And it expired in October 2011. Will never recommend this place to any friend, Unilocaler, family member, etc. Avoid this place like the plague.

I have had massages every other week for almost a year now at Metamorphosis. The quality of the massage experience is consistently first rate: five stars. The massage therapists are excellent. (I don’t use the other services such as facials, wraps, etc., so can’t comment on those.)
This challenging economic climate makes it very difficult to fully staff a business like this, and I do agree there are issues with reception and scheduling – although this situation has improved lately. Some days of the week they schedule «by appointment only», there is no one at the front desk and your therapist arrives just shortly before your start time (but I was advised about this). I understand this and I feel that it balances out with the fact that I am getting as good of a massage as I experience at a nearby resort property at one third the price.
As a regular customer, I highly recommend Metamorphosis for a good value, high quality massage. If you are pretty easy going and flexible, I think it’s a great experience. When the front desk is fully staffed, I will give them a full five stars.
I really do want to support this business as it works to fully establish itself and grow into a thriving enterprise in our community. Meanwhile, I have a great and relaxing massage twice a month without breaking the bank… aaaaaaaaaah.

Metamorphosis was terrific! The receptionist was incredibly welcoming. My appointment was with Brienna, very sweet and I had a terrific massage. I have been having chronic neck pain and she was able to get into my knots and work out some of the tightness from Crossfit training.
Post-​appointment I needed a receipt emailed to me. I called and within five minutes had a receipt sent to my email on file.
I will definately be going back!

I’ve been back a few times since my first visit and they have made changes to the way they do things. During the massage, they wipe you down with a warm, wet towel, so it’s nice if you happen to not be heading home right after.
On my last massage, I tried to schedule it after my 12-​hr graveyard shift. I ended up oversleeping and woke up at 12:25pm for my 12:30 massage – and I live in Livermore! I felt horrible, so I called right away and Kelly said I could extend my Groupon for $ 20 extra dollars, which I did. She also said that I’d need to be $ 20 more dollars for my late cancellation, which is fine since it was my fault.
I have had massages from both Brienna and Lana. They are both great, but I definitely prefer Lana! I like her technique a lot. They are both good, don’t get me wrong. If Lana isn’t available, I’ll still go for Brienna, no problem.
I like the fact that I can go online and book my appointment myself. I hate having to call and going back and forth about availability, so it’s just easier to see what’s available and go from there. HOWEVER, there was an issue I had with the online booking system. I know they’re only, «requests» when you submit them, but I wish they could somehow update the system right away in order to have the most updated schedule. I’m assuming that someone goes through the requests and confirms (or denies) them. One spa I went to had an online booking system that confirmed you automatically. No need to wait for confirmation. That would be helpful because in previous reviews, some people complained about this, so I would suggest getting a better online booking system.
Overall, still love to come here for massages. They have great deals from time to time, but I think the hot stone + hand/​foot reflexology was the best one! I love the location, as well. Easy and quick walk to downtown…

Okay everyone. I just showed up for a massage for my 4 massage package (with 2 left) and becuase of my review she cancelled me. My appointment was at 7 pm on Friday (today) and she called at 6 pm and canceled on my cell. I did not get this vm. and showed up and she said I should go home and that she woudl credit my account. REALLY !!! She credited my account AND that’s what I wanted in the first place but she didn’t have to wait right before I showed to tell me. I had to drive 15 miles to get there to hear about it as my cell phone was not with me.
PEOPLE — SHE IS THE WORST BUSINESS OWNER I HAVE EVER ENCOUTERED IN LIFE and I am a Business Development Director for many comapies and we embrase integrety. This company, with my experience, has none.
Now I am not perfect, but Walnut Creek is known for its quality businesses and her’s is certainly not one of them. I willl be calling the BBB and report such horrible services as well as the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce.
This is totally not like me. I tired to help her out at first, as far as the poor customer service, but she does not keep good records of her clients or has access to schedules of her new or repeated customers good service.
I don’t mean to go on and on… but she is a poor business owner and I suggest you go elsewhere. If you want a good massage or spa treatment, even with a coupon, think twice. Really — the massage therapists may be good, but who knows if you are able to get an appointment or not. I don’t want one stab BUT NO STARS FOR THIS COMPANY.

Was here a month ago and had a massage, I just noticed that masseuse forgot to give instructions like ‘I’ll come back and you can take off your clothes and will knock on your door in a few minutes’, instead I asked her if she’ll leave the room, etc. In fairness, I had a good massage.
Really bad experience happened when I got my wrap, the lady that was applying herbs on me was very unprofessional-​just-​wanna-​get-​things-​done-​type, started brushing me the herbs like I’m a turkey for thanksgiving, opened the door (numerous times) while I was naked and if people were in the corridor they’ll definitely see me!
Then she gave me a spray tan, (and opening the door, me naked, again), as a first timer I kept checking my tan and ended up having to do a couple of retouchings since there were no proper instructions!
I’m not gonna come back here-​just for massage only.
That was why it was cheap. Bad service.

So I found metamorphosis through living social and I purchased the 50 minute massage and detox slimming body wrap. I was so excited because I have been wanting to try a wrap for some time now and I am always on the hunt for a good massage.
I had no problems getting through and making an appointment over the phone, however I booked my appointment for 12:30 and on the day of my appointment I get a call around 11:45 saying my appointment was for 11:30. Now I don’t know if I made a mistake or if they made a mistake but a mistake was made. Luckily I was already on my way. At any rate they were unable to accommodate me for the full session so I did my body wrap and scheduled to come back for my massage.
After the whole appointment time mix-​up, Rima did my body wrap. The wrap itself is not what I expected. I read previous reviews and understood that it was not a foo foo wrap and i did my research and i certainly understood that weight loss is minimal and inches lost are calculated from the overall body but still expected a little more. I guess in my head I was expecting to be wrapped in something not just lay between a sheet of plastic and on a heat pad. I’m really glad that I purchased this deal cuz I think I would feel really shitty if I paid full price.
The massage was great tho, I would probably go back for the massage.

The only reason I ever returned to this place was because i bought the massages all at once for waaaay cheap on groupon. I love massages and that’s really the only good thing about this place. The massages I’ve had here, 3 in total, have been awesome. Ask for Briana. However, the CUSTOMER SERVICE IS AWFUL. Every time I’ve called, they seem less than pleased to be answering the phone, let alone finding my appointment, which each time they have trouble finding.

Overall it just seems really UNPROFESSIONAL. I shown up 10 minutes before my appointment and the door was locked. so i had to wait outside, in the rain, until the therapist opened the door! The poor girl was all alone in there doing the receptionist’s job and trying to get a room ready for the next client!
Fake flowers, dying flowers, candles still in the packaging and cheap art decorate the waiting area. There is a water cooler with tiny paper cups for you if your thirsty though. There are many other places with quality massage therapists but that have way better service!
I will never go back no matter how cheap the massages are.

I had to think twice about reviewing this place for two reasons:
A) what would people think if they saw my review for this place. And
B) what would people think if they saw my review for this place :)
oh, well. This place is actually awesome. I went there with GF looking to relax a bit. both masseuse were very friendly and professional (got the deep tissue message). both of us were pretty happy with the service and environment.
minus 1-​star for the lady at the front desk, as she seemed to be in a hurry to leave, and we felt a bit rushed.

I have been here a few times and usually enjoy my massages. However, yesterday frusturated me so much, I’m still bothered, hence the review.
The person I had yesterday asked where I wanted her to focus, I told her I carry a lot of tension in my neck, shoulders and upper back. I know theres knots up there so if she can try to work them out that would be great.
She begins the massage, works on my back and does not use any pressure, so Im thinking shes warming up. Before I know it shes down to my legs and using some pressure there. So I ask her if she was going to go back to the back she said yes. Once she finished with my legs she said «you have 8 minutes left to you want to turn over or have me work on your back?» I ask her to work on my back and to use pressure. Now she is just rolling her knuckles up and down the center of my back, not even the whole back, just the center. This was the most horrible massage I ever received. Basically spent $ 65 for her to rub lotion on me and attempt a massage that my niece does a better job at. she did not relieve any tension, if anything, I left with more.
Overall the other expiriences have been decent, I would recommend Jennifer, she does a great job.

My experience at Metamorphosis was just okay… I had a Groupon deal for a 50-​minute swedish blend massage. I called a week before to schedule an appointment. No one answered the phone, even though it was during business hours. A woman returned my call the next day, but I was at work so I couldn’t answer. Playing phone tag, I called again the next day. Thankfully, someone answered.
But the call sounded like it was a cell phone (very scratchy), and when I explained to the woman I was trying to make an appointment, she replied, «Okay, I’m not in front of the computer right now. Can I call you back in 20 minutes to get your information and put you on the schedule?»
Wait, huh? I’m calling the business number, during business hours… why is it that you’re not at the computer to put me on the schedule? Well, I said «…Sure…» and, needless to say, she didn’t call me back in 20 minutes. Not even that day!
The NEXT day I called again, and spoke to (I think) the same woman who said she wasn’t able to schedule me the day before because she was eating when I called.
Huh??? Who tells their customer this? And AGAIN, so what if you’re eating? If you ANSWER THE PHONE for a customer, shouldn’t you be able to perform your job duties while speaking with the customer? Put your sandwich down, and go to the computer, right?
ANYWAY. She puts me on the schedule for the day and time I wanted.
The day of my scheduled massage, I got a phone call from the same woman who said they were running late and would it be okay if they pushed my appointment back by half an hour. Well, okay, I guess that’s fine. I was actually at the auto shop and they were running late with my car, so it’s fine. When my car at the shop was taking even LONGER than it was supposed to, I wanted to call Metamorphosis and let them know I may be a few minutes late. The same woman answered the phone and kind of made it sound like it was the end of the world if I were five minutes late, even though they had already pushed ME back half an hour like it was no big deal.
ANYWAY. I arrived, five minutes late, and I was extremely apologetic, explaining the car situation. My massage therapist was the one to greet me, and she was SUPER sweet and very understanding. The massage itself was just okay… it was ~10 minutes too short (I understand I was a little late, but c’mon), and, like another Unilocaler said, the lotion/​oil bottles weren’t filled up, so the «squishing» noise was a little distracting. The music, though, was nice, although a little too quiet.
So, would I go back? Probably not… although the package deals make the price worth it, and most of my gripes were with the scheduling lady, it just seemed like a hassle and more rushed than a massage should be.

I just had a great 50 minute massage here. I don’t get massages very often but I hope to frequent this place (we bought 4 more sessions at the groupon rate!!)
I’d highly recommend it to friends and you weird Unilocal users!

I have never gotten a professional massage before. Why you ask? Because I am ticklish as all mother effin’ get out. I always wondered if I would really be able to relax when I’m trying to suppress a series of giggles or my back muscles are spasming uncontrollably. I would probably end up leaving the spa more tense and anxiety-​ridden than when I walked in!
But my oh-​so-​sweet fiancé really wanted to treat me to a couples massage experience (awwwww). So I worked up the courage to say okay, and he booked it for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
It was a cozy and relaxing atmosphere with soft music playing and the lights dimmed low. The massage bed was heated and plush. The therapists were professional, made us feel comfortable, and made sure to ask us which areas needed to be addressed the most. I hold all my stress and tension in my back and shoulders, and ironically enough, that’s also where I am the most ticklish. I gave that info to my therapist and also said that firm pressure and constant contact would help my…‘situation’. She said no problem, and when we began the massage, she definitely delivered! The pressure was nice and firm, there was constant contact with at least one hand on my body at all times, and about 20 minutes into it, I was able to let all my anxiety melt away.
80 minutes later we walked out of Metamorphosis feeling looser, more relaxed and happy in our dream like state.
Massage still seems like a bit of an unnecessary luxury to me, but I did definitely enjoy my experience!

I’m not one that frequently gets massages… so when I do get one, I have high hopes that it provides some serious relief for my sore, tense muscles. Since I’ve been working like a madman and my SO has never indulged in an actual spa massage, I thought it was perfect timing to book one for the both of us.
We were lucky enough to get one of their special deals on a 80-​min massage + 10-​min foot soak. Since this place has been really busy, we actually had to book our appointment a full week in advance.
When we arrived, we checked in and were promptly greeted by our pair of masseuses. We started with our 10-​min foot soak followed by 80-​min of deep tissue treatment. My SO and I felt that both our massages were very good with perfect pressure & technique. Together with the soothing music & surroundings, we were impressed with the overall experience.
We walked out feeling nice & relaxed. The regular massage prices seem a little pricey… so we will be definitely keeping our eye out for more specials :)

Décor: simple and clean
Staff: pretty friendly
Cost: Fair prices (look for their packages)
Massage: I really liked it. Best Swedish massage I have received in the Bay Area.
It is not one of those fancy massage centers I have been to, but their massages are very very good.
There is parking available in the back!

Ok, had a bad experience here a while back with a massage but when I saw the Groupon for the weight-​loss body wrap, I caved. Here is the deal:
–Lose up to 5 lbs: I didn’t even lose 1 whole pound.
–Look up to 6 – 20 inches slimmer: I lost 5 but this was after decimal points and fractions of inches were added up from all over. My clothes nor I feel or look different.
–Reduce stress and fatigue: no
–Sweat your ass off so much that it’s painful and you want to pass out: yes
I arrived at 5:12, my appointment was at 5:30. I was accused of being late. Then was made to fill out the wrong form because they still thought I was someone else. I had to fill out ANOTHER form after they argued in front of me and called me by someone else’s name several times. Whatever…
You lay on a bed wrapped in a plastic sheet and big thick heated plastic blanket and you sweat. You rub cream on YOURSELF to make you sweat. They come in every once in a while and wipe the sweat off your face. That’s about it.
She kept trying to sell me more wraps. I wouldn’t do it again… it’s not worth it. If you’re a voluptuous girl like me, it won’t do shit for you. Don’t waste your money or your time.
I don’t want to be contacted about this post… just want to be able to voice my opinion to others. It’s a gimmick and I fell for it… won’t again.

When I first walked in, I was pleasantly greeted by the gentleman at the front desk. He was very friendly, and made sure that I felt comfortable and relaxed. The waiting room has cushy seating, but there isn’t much reading material so you may want to bring your own if you arrive early or are going to be waiting for someone.
I was scheduled with Clarke — and I had never been massaged by a male therapist before, so I was a little tense at first. I was quickly put at ease by Clarke’s amiable personality, and excellent massage techniques. I would highly recommend asking for Clarke! I was so relaxed by the end of the massage that I had actually fallen into a light sleep.
Quick Tip: I was told that Clarke specializes in a variety of massage therapy techniques, and my boyfriend experienced the sports therapy massage and said it was amazing. The hot stone therapy also comes highly recommended. My boyfriend and I already scheduled our next appointment.
Quick Tip #2: This is not a spa/​fitness facility, so you will be changing in the massage therapy room. I would not recommend wearing difficult layers of clothing.