Essentiels Day Spa

Do NOT come here for a massage and here is why. To start, they booked us the wrong massage and the one we scheduled they actually could no longer do. But they assured us it will still be amazing and the massage therapist I had did this extremely light (almost could barely feel her touch) and very fast circular motion style for the entire massage. 5 minutes in I asked her to apply more pressure and she didn’t respond nor apply any additional pressure. It was miserable, also she barely had any lotion applied to her hands so it was like this dry chafe massage experience… plus the room was cold and my feet and legs were very cold the entire time. Then there is the «steam room» which holds 1 person and is also the men’s shower. So if 2 people want to use the steam room you can’t, or if one person needs to shower and 1 person wants to steam it’s one or the other and this was in the men’s room. After this experience I felt I needed to call them and let them know I wasn’t happy and the employee on the phone literally says «ok sorry I will tell the manager and maybe she will do something and maybe call you back». Maybe I’ll get a call back I said to myself… how lucky. This place is awful and not worth the money, this is a competitive market and there is tons of other massage places in Boulder with higher rating and better rates — so don’t come here. From my point of view they have some major problems internally with the business. Specifically with:
1. Bad process (hiring process, how to handle an unhappy customer process, welcoming people in process)
2. Bad amenities (steam room is also shower and holds only 1 person, Kleenex was so thin I’m sure it is the cheapest you can buy, that men’s room needs a ton of work)
3. People issues (no one ever at one time asked me how was your massage? How is the pressure? It shows they don’t care to be there or about there customers). I hope the owners are reading this because I think you should apply for the Marcus Lemonis tv show the Profit, only he can save you from the inevitable… losing money and potentially going out of business. Good luck, my wife and I will not be coming back anytime in the future. Your business has my info if you want to call me back…

Fabulous massage therapists! I am VERY picky and have gotten massages for years. I’ve tried 3 different therapists here at this spa and was very happy with each one. I also decided to get a long overdue facial, and what a luxury hour that was! Excited to book a facial again soon. Customer service exceeded my expectations and I do like the price point for services here. Most affordable for what you get over any other spa in Boulder.

DO NOT go to Essentials for hair services. I went for a blow dry. Showed several pics of me, just over a week ago, with a great blow dry. Although the stylist assured me she could replicate the stye, the results were way, way off. I came out with an old lady page boy, flat on top, pouffed out over my ears, and frizzing all over. I am a real amateur at styling hair, and I can do better than this. After complaining, I was given the big deal of 10% off, or the chance to come back this evening for a re-​do, which is not possible. Really, it ought to be right the first time, or, at the very least, no charge. Not only does my hair look awful, but my experience as a customer was depressing.

Losing their Fastball!
I’ve been a client here since the 90’s & things are going downhill the last few years. Today, two dirty robes are abandon in the locker room, trash on the floor, broken chair, one staff member manning two stations & the phones leading to long waits, magazines messy & five months old, spare towel stacks low, no more convenience tampons in the bathroom… there’s a $ 0.10 vending machine on the wall that definitely takes away from the aesthetic of luxury.
I used to love this place. While the skin & massage staff are still lovely, the place is no longer worth the markup nor do I see it as a luxurious retreat. Unfortunate!

I received a gift certificate for a service at this spa and was curious to see how it compared to other spas I’ve been to in the area.
First and foremost I found it a bit tricky to find though I walk by that area twice a day on most days. Thankfully my friend was happy to drive me so at least I wasn’t late for my appointment. Upon crossing the threshold of the spa I noted a sign which stated «spa check in» which was helpful.
The gal that checked me in brought me back into the expansive ladies locker room (I may not have otherwise found it, sounds like an ongoing trend with me) and set me up with sandals (in my size — haven’t seen personalized sizing at other spas in town) and a locker containing a towel, robe, etc. I really liked that the individual locker had a little tray for jewelry/​valuables to encourage that you leave them there rather than place them in the pockets of your robe.
The space was clean and crisp (white walls, white furnishings etc.) with almost a Cape Cod feel. There was a steam room as well as a private sauna. What I was most impressed with in regards to the locker room was the great products they had in the shower as well as the powder station (Bumble & Bumble for days including products for curly haired folks). The only thing missing was a diffuser attachment for the hairdryer (someone was actually looking for it when I was in there).
Once I was ready for my service I went out to the porch area where I had been encouraged to have a snack (apples and pretzels on this day) or drink (self serve tea or fruit infused water). There were plenty of magazines for me to peruse in this area (which I’d like to note is coed).
The gal conducting my Refresher Facial led me back to the treatment room and we discussed any skin issues/​concerns I’d like to address during this abbreviated appointment (apparently a refresher facial is just that and doesn’t allow for the effects/​benefit of a full facial which I heard several times throughout my visit).
The treatment room was clean and relaxing though it did feel quite small and cramped. Another thing I noticed was that the window dressings were stapled to the wall (which I was not particularly impressed with).
The aesthetician was very friendly and chatty which I appreciate. She was also encouraging that I return so I could have a complete facial (they are typically over an hour where this refresher facial session was about 45 minutes in duration) and provided me with a coupon. I also learned during this visit that there is a hair salon attached to the spa and many of the aestheticians also provide other services like mani/​pedis.
Check-​out went smoothly though there was a different area for that, opposed to the check-​in which was clearly labeled.
Bottom line is I liked the spas location (once I found it), the general vibe of the place, and the aesthetician. I think clients should be more informed when making appointments as to what the services entail and perhaps have other services suggested/​recommended if appropriate so as to make the best out of the client’s time and money.

I had a terrible experience at Essentiels Day Spa in a number of ways. What I’ll start with, though, they used faulty electrical equipment on me that began shorting while on my body and when I informed the tech, she initially dismissed me. Then I kept telling her and she checked the equipment and discovered that is was in fact shorting out. Then she rebooted it and tried again. It shorted out again, causing a strange electrical current to run through my body.
What’s worse is when I told the manager, she just made excuses and still charged me for the treatment. Then, when I said I would not go back, she said she would try to find another tech. She called me the day of my next treatment to tell me she couldn’t find another tech and that I would have to go the incompetent one who could have injured me. When I asked to cancel instead, she said she would have to charge me. This is outrageous.
The front desk and scheduling staff are not competent. They have made mistake after mistake in not scheduling appointments when we call in or scheduling at the wrong time or scheduling with the wrong person.
The manager is not effective at communicating or managing her staff. When I would raise problems to her, she would give me all sort of excuses and do nothing about it. The technicians even talk about how incompetent she and the front desk staff are.
p. s. This place seems more like a cheesy Florida cottage than a spa. I gave it a chance because they had a couple of services I was really interested in.

Top notch, I love the ambiance, a true spa experience. Just got the best facial and massage ever, thank you!

Horrible, Horrible, Horrible… First off they got our reservation wrong. Second, they overcharged for an Express «mani/​pedi». The website says $ 55 they charged $ 65 and I even said something to the lady that checked me out. Did not seem to matter. The Express mani/​pedi is not a mani/​pedi at all it is a polish change. Yes, I said $ 65 for a polish change. NO cuticle care, NO massage, NO nothing and my nails look like shit. It also took 1.5 hours for the «express mani/​pedi». I told the tech I was not happy with the work and they did nothing to help make the experience better. The tech actually told me «well this is boulder and you are paying for the atmosphere, which is not that nice. I get a lot of massages and mani/​pedi and they lost my business for good. I will never go back and highly recommend not going, it is not worth the $$$$$$$$$!!!
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We here staying in town and called last minute for a couples massage and this place was ready to make our day. Atmosphere was wonderful and so where the specialists. They have men and women’s locker rooms with showers/​saunas. It made our day and was worth every penny.

I’ve gone to a lot of the spas in Boulder and so far this one is my favorite! The staff is always friendly and helpful, and all the little «extras» make it worth the trip for me.
The extras meaning cucumber water, tea, fruits, Bumble & Bumble and Skinceutical products in the ladies locker room, soft robes, and slippers. I like getting there an hour before my massage or facial and taking advantage of the steam room/​dry sauna. (iced towel on face + dry sauna = best break from winter!)
I go in to get facials with Kim and she is spectacular. Not only does my skin look clearer and fresher when I leave– she gives the best scalp massages! The products that they use for facials are in-​store for you to buy and you can ask for a good skin-​care regimen to try at home.
It is on the pricier range so I spread out my visits. (Though, they do send out e-​mails with specials/​discounts plus you can always take advantage of the events they host for free!) I’ve only had good experiences so far and think it’s worth my time and money.

Went in for the first time today – needed a neck massage. Liked the calming little waiting room with delicious iced tea. Michael did a great massage and was waiting with cucumber water when I came out of the room. Love, love, love the steam room that’s in the locker room – didn’t want to leave! The staff was really nice & I can’t wait to go back!

I was so excited for my facial. When i got there, the staff was not very nice. They didn’t offer to show me where the locker rooms were, I had to ask. When they did, it was her pointing her finger and mentioned what certain areas were. The facial itself was mediocre. It was like she was reading off a sheet of paper as she was explaining the items she was putting on my face and then she would try to sell me that item. There was little to no conversation. She barely asked about my own routine at home (which is standard for a facial). When I told her what I wanted her to focus on, she barely acknowledged my comments. I was tense the entire time. When she gave me my hand massage and scalp massage, I could barely feel anything.
When I went to pay, I was asked how everything was. When I said «mediocre at best» it appears the cashier already knew how to handle it as she immediately reached fora $ 10 off coupon on my next visit. I almost laughed at her (but didn’t as that would be rude). I tossed the card as soon as I left.

I come to Boulder to visit family fairly regularly. Last visit to town I decided to book manis for my daughter and I at EDS. I just had to write a review since this is my first (and I get them often) nochip mani that has lasted well past the 2 week average. No peeling, no lifting! And I am hard on my hands. I unfortunately do not remember the name of my technician but she is who I will be visiting next time I am in town! Great job! (day of appt: 8/23/2013…today’s date:9/13/2013. yes, the nails have grown out but I am still wearing SAME no chip polish!!)

A fabulous spa! I got a gift certificate for my mom and me to get a makeup lesson. Anna in makeup is fantastic! So kind and patient. She really listened to us and wasn’t even pushing the product. We had a great time, I highly recommend their makeup and hope their other services are just as nice.

I have been coming to Essentiels for over a year now, and after reading everyone else’s reviews it is so drastically apparent that they have improved above and beyond! The new front desk staff is warm and try to accommodate your needs, and the therapists here are the best in Boulder (yes, even better than the St. Julien). For all things face related, Kim, Karlee, and Tiffany helped transform my skin and I’m forever grateful to them. For massage, you will be blown away by the intuition, technique, and honest compassion from Patrice, Renee, Beth, and Lauren. I adore the people here and will keep coming back here!

This spa is middle of the road. Service is good, details in spa are okay. I would go back if given a gift certificate, but would try a different spa for my next experience.

Horrible, horrible service! First off, this place feels more like a Florida Nursing Home rather than a cool spa. Gross.
I received a Queen For A Day gift. This goes for $ 400 for 5 hours including lunch. While they call it Queen for A Day, I felt like a JOKE for a day. First, they forgot to order my lunch so I had to ask for it (after 45 minutes of waiting) making my day all off schedule. Facial was sub-​par, and the woman did not even wipe my face clean. I came out with stuff still all over my face.
Then, when I made the reservation, I asked if I could exchange the Mani for a Pedi. They told me no problem. Once there, I was told they needed «manager approval.» I felt like I was asking for something I should not be getting since they needed manager approval, when they told me on the phone it was not a problem. I could not believe it!
The schedule for the day was all off schedule, having to wait 30 – 40 min between treatments! I was now there close to six hours and I still needed to get the makeup refresher treatment. I was told the makeup artist was not available so a girl put a ridiculous light layer of shadow and a mini coat of mascara on me and them said I could have a free lipstick! I had no concealer or foundation on, no nothing but a swipe of mascara and a little shadow on my lid. I looked horrible!
$ 400 and I get treated like this? No apologies? Are you kidding me?
Instead of feeling refreshed and relaxed, I felt jilted and exhausted! Don’t waste your time or money.

Not really the best spa experience for men. The dressing room is tiny, and if you want to take a steam, you need to flip a lever in the shower stall and stand there for your steam sauna. There is no dry sauna at all. The toiletries are limited to a can of Right Guard, some aerosol hair spray and some cheap lotion. Come on, we’re guys, but we still want some accouterments in the dressing room. The massage therapists are good, so for somebody just looking for a massage the place is fine, but I personally like to go to a spa and enjoy the facilities before my treatment. The male facilities are just too minimal here to be enjoyed. I have heard the women’s area is larger and nicer from my wife who loves this place. I’m taking her today for some pampering, but I will pass. I’m still looking for a good men’s spa in Boulder if any Unilocalers have advice.

Calming environment and great location for a day spa. Go here for an amazing facial, waxing, manicure, etc. Don’t go here to hang out all day (it’s a bit small for a full-​day spa).
The best provider: Karlee — she is Amazing!

From the outside, you would never expect that a very soothing spa exists within that boxy, boring exterior. We walked in and it was an immediate oasis. The place is a very intentional beach meets Parisian girl theme. Lots of whites and blues, sea side artifacts with Parisian accents. I didn’t quite get the combination but it kind of worked.
This is not your destination spa, but it’s a nice place to relax and get pampered for a few hours. My girlfriend had booked this place for one of the other girls bachelorette party. They were extremely helpful and everything went very smoothly. The spa is bigger than it looks but still small. They set up a fruits, cheese and champagne for us in a cozy (read: small) room. But the thought counted for a lot! We were allowed to come in and out of the room as we pleased. It was our little private area.
I got the signature facial which came with a little mini hand and scalp massage. I was really pleased with my tech. She was friendly yet professional and gave much advice to me. But Boulder ppl are generally really friendly and helpful I learned from my trip.
They even gave us a free sample bag each packed with bumble and bumble, phytomer products and a full size essie nail polish in assorted colors. I was extremely pleased with my experience at Essentiels and would recommend it for any group looking to get pampered for a special occassion. My friends and I had a great time and are already planning another spa session!
They take cash or check and my facial ran about $ 80 or so.