Dolce Vita Day Spa

My husband and I had the most amazing massage and facial. I had Anne, she is outstanding! I usually am very picky about massage but Anne was perfect. We will certainly be back!

Unfortunately this will be a poor review. I booked this spa because of the favorable reviews here on Unilocal and was sadly disappointed. I’v been to most of the top spas in town (trellis, urban retreat, sanctuary, Mokara, Nordstrum etc) and sadly this place does not rank. Perhaps it was expectations because of reviews and services offered but I could never recommend it. Firstly, the building which houses the spa is old and unkept; the doorway and entrance were neglected. After entering the door there are immediate stairs up one flight where a hostess at a podium greets you and signs you in. This is a very small and dark room with 4 chairs. The whole place has a similarly disheveled ambiance. The surfaces (jute carpeting) were incredibly worn with traffic area stains. There is no other relaxation area. The masseuse was not present and was 10 minutes late. The package I purchased consisted of a body scrub, therapeutic soak and massage. The scrub consisted of a lot of oil with the salts but was pleasant. The soak was also pleasant but I was told to cover myself in the water with a towel in case someone entered by mistake. What?
I was finally taken to the massage room for my hot stone massage. This was fair at best. Sorry Annie but I believe there is no excuse for a masseuse to massage with just one hand at any time, ever. This happened often. In addition, she used rubber gloves which prevented her from massaging with out a ton of oil or truly massaging my neck/​head because the rubber pulls. When I asked for increased pressure for my neck, I sadly received stretches instead.
That’s it. Not the worst spa experience I’v ever had but close.
At least now there’s a review which is accurate.
This place is in bad need of some cleaning, sprucing and better therapists.

It wasn’t bad, but I don’t think I will be back. My experience was very relaxing, so if that is your main goal, this is a great place for that. However, if your main goal is effectiveness of treatments, which mine was, I would go elsewhere.
First, the good. SO RELAXING. The environment is very tranquil. Complimentary mimosas and wine don’t hurt either. Annie was very nice and very respectful/​professional. However, she did wear headphones during my treatments and at points I could hear them. That wasn’t very relaxing. One of the treatments I received was a back facial, and it would have been nice if it was done on one of the massage tables that has the pillow for you to lay face down comfortably. I kept having to switch which side my head was turned to while I was on my stomach and that wasn’t really ideal.
Now, the OK. I just didn’t really feel my facial, back facial, or body scrub was that effective. The herbal scents were very aggressive. Was it nice to have someone else apply masks and products and scrubs? Sure, but they didn’t seem any better than what I can buy and apply myself, especially the body scrub. My skin felt great immediately after, but 24 hours later my skin doesn’t feel any softer or smoother than it did before. I’ve tried other scrubs that were more effective.
Last, the not great. I was not impressed with the extractions. I voiced that these were my main concern with the facial. It didn’t seem like very many were done, and several of the ones that were attempted seem to have been botched. It seems like she tried to extract some pimples/​blackheads that weren’t ready to be extracted, leaving me with some pores that are still clearly clogged but now are inflammed and red.
Additionally, I feel like she went a little overkill on the steam. I have had extractions done during facials before, and I understand that steam is necessary. There was SO MUCH steam. I got incredibly overheated, and I am pretty sure it dried out my lips because after the facial yesterday, I woke up this morning with my top lip split open and looking very dry. Not a great side effect.
To summarize: this spa is relaxing and clean. The people are polite and professional. If your goal is to leave relaxed, go here. If your goal is for the treatments you receive to actually do anything to your body or skin, I would save your money.

For my partner’s birthday, we went to the spa to spend a relaxing day together. I had a hot bath, reflexology and we both had massage and anti-​fatigue leg wraps. Three letters describe the service: OMG. This place is amazing! Not only did we love every single person who worked there but the massage and Neomi’s leg treatments were phenomenal! I had been suffering from restless legs at night and her anti fatigue leg treatments were just what the doctor ordered. We will definitely be back. They rock. Period.

Natalie will climb on top of you like Diddy Kong to stretch out your legs, that is what I call commitment !!! Stephanie is great for prenatal massages, overall, I will always love this place

This spa is amazing! When you walk up the stairs you enter pure serenity. You are offered water or a mimosa to help you relax prior to your treatment. But the most luxurious part is getting a deep tissue massage from Natalie Fox! There is literally no better massage therapist in Houston if not the world! No matter how tight or stressed you are, she pays attention to your every need. By the time she’s done, the stress and knots have melted away. She’s greets you again on your exit with a bottle of water as well. Might I suggest a 90 minute massage? It’s the perfect amount of time for everything to be focused on down to your fingers and toes. You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced a massage by Natalie! I cannot recommend her enough!

Cozy little place with a welcoming atmosphere. Natalie gave me a full body massage and worked on my wonky back most of the time. She also threw in some thai massage for good measure.
I left refreshed and relieved, I would highly recommend asking for Natalie.

After having a massage with Natalie Fox Maisel, I left the spa reeling with renewed vigor and a stress free relaxed body. Her hands have honing instincts of their own, knowing where extra care is needed! Natalie is a gift to the human race and her massages needs to be experienced to be believed! Five stars!!!

Best ever deep tissue massage with Natalie Fox. You must experience her magical mittens. She may look ‘fun size,’ but don’t be fooled. She’s linebacker strong with plenty of stamina. She’ll press, pull, and knead you into a better state of being. The energy of the room is absolutely calm and soothing. I love the smell and feel of the massage oil. Is it peppermint? I like being offered a glass of bubbly at the end of my session or was it the beginning? I was so relaxed I don’t recall.
Speaking of, my only regret is not seeing her more. If I’d stop spending so much money on champagne, I could afford weekly visits. Sigh.

Let me tell you, my November was so insane (and most of December). I not only decided to do a yoga challenge that had me taking 1 class a day (sometimes 2 – 3), I also taught 3 – 6 classes a week on top of my office job. I told myself I’d do something nice for the tired body. And guess what I chose? A FANTASTIC massage with Natalie. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to do so until a couple weeks ago.
Regardless, it was just what I needed. The price was great (they were running a holiday special) and Natalie is super knowledgeable. Don’t be fooled, just because she looks teeny tiny, it doesn’t mean she gives weak massages. She was really able to work into my tight muscles and target the areas needed most.
We started off with a mimosa while I sat in the reception area for a couple minutes, then went over what needed attention, pressure, etc. She then led me to the room and I got ready. The table was nice and heated — which was one of the best parts since I run super cold, music was perfect and the scents she used were fantastic. The massage included hot stones and towels too.
I left feeling completely renewed and in a little daze. I had meant to shop at one of the boutiques in the center, but completely forgot until later that night.
Will definitely go back. Ask for Natalie!

Came here for an impromptu prenatal massage. Spa was able to take me within 10 min of calling. The spa is tucked away in a little small courtyard/​artisan like building, which was not an issue. I thought the quaintness made the experience more personal.
I was greeted by the receptionist and my massage therapist Bell, who is also experienced in Reiki therapy. The massage started off with small conversation while she worked the problem stiff, troublesome areas of my sciatic, solar and lumbar regions.
After that, all I remember is probably snoring and a deep relaxed sleep. She woke me up and said to take my time getting dressed. I probably slept another 15 – 20 min before I realized I was not in my cozy bed but still in this spa. Never the less, I have booked another appointment 50min prenatal with Bell.

I initially thought that the spa was a bit pricey and hardcore with scheduling (you must give your credit card number in order to make an appt). However, all of that made sense once I arrived in person, as Dolce Vita is clearly targeting a type of clientele. You’re immediately greeted and offered complimentary water/​champagne/​mimosa when you enter. Wait time was less than 15 minutes. and then the actual facial (I got the classic french, ~$ 130) was one of the best I’ve ever received. Steam was perfect temperature, music was relaxing, aesthetician tailored the regimen to suit my skin. and then I got a bunch of samples after! no sales pressure at all! I love this place and will be going back every few months to beautify. :o)

Wow, the essential oil detox massage is the real thing. I am so impressed.
Thanks to a friend who knows I am a) going through a bit of a financial crisis and b) am stressed out of my mind, I received a
gift card in the mail. I was so pleasantly surprised! After scouring the listings on that site, I chose Dolce Vita. I’d been here once before for a good massage (Groupon!) and really wanted to try this essential oil massage. I love the smell of most essential oils, and am a scent junkie in general, you see.
So, I was served a mimosa while I relaxed in the waiting room along with a few regulars, whose names the staff knew already. After downing the glass, and already feeling a bit relaxed, I was brought back into a cozy room, where I was left to undress and get under the blankets naked. The bed was heated… mmm.
I was first massaged with a dry-​brush VERY thoroughly on the back of my body, and then on the front. (I think the masseuse was Robin?) Then essential oils were massaged well into my skin; I don’t know which they were honestly, as I couldn’t tell, and I was already too vegetative to bother to ask. I was then wrapped tightly up to sweat and let the essential oils work.
Well, I don’t like feeling hot, but this seemed like a good kind of physical heat, so I daydreamed for ten minutes or so until I was mercifully freed into the cool (er) air. I was then given a nice Swedish-​style massage, and provided some lemon water on the way out.
The massage was super relaxing, but the real surprise came after… I started to feel very dizzy and headachey– precisely how I feel when going through medication withdrawal. I wound up at home googling «dizzy headche after massage». I read that this is a result of waste products being released and eliminated by the body.
Well, I don’t know if this is true, but the next day I felt amazing– and for the rest of the week I was really energetic and just felt VIBRANT. I was so surprised. I’ve never had this kind of response to a massage before. I’d just gotten back from Japan after 18 months and apparently my body needed this treatment. HIGHLY recommended.

What a great little hidden gem! It’s tucked away in a quaint little shopping «plaza» with only crafty, small businesses waiting for you. The plaza is paved with cobblestone and makes you feel like you’ve left the hustle and bustle of Houston. Here’s how NOT to miss it:
If you’re driving west on S. Shepherd, you’ll pass Westheimer and AS SOON AS you pass the Exxon, you’ll immediately turn to your right. The drive is flanked by small white buildings with black awnings.
Once you enter the spa, you’ll immediately go upstairs and be greeted by the receptionist. She’ll offer you a beverage and if I were you, I’d order a mimosa. (:
This place is not new or shiny. It’s quaint and established which adds to the relaxing atmosphere.
Bel is a phenomenal massage therapist. I’ve brought my husband and two best friends here and all agree it’s an experience like no other.

A girlfriend and I went here for a much needed girls’ day. It was hard for us to find a spa that would accommodate facials for us at the same time that wasn’t in a hotel. The spa is kind of hidden and may be hard to miss if you don’t google it ahead of time.
They offered complimentary beverages (including wines/​mimosa) which is always a plus in my book. The spa wasn’t as modern or large as I expected. The classic facial ($ 130 for 75m) was kind of pricey because it didn’t have a very «spa”-like experience but the esthetician did a great job. You only get to change into a robe if you’re doing two or more services. It’s probably too expensive for me to go every month but it’s worth it for an indulgence every now and then. There wasn’t too much of a push to sell you the products at the end.

I’ve been a few times for a massage and ALWAYS request Natalie Maisel. She took a personal approach and assessed my needs the first time I went. Not only did she give me a traditional massage, but she also used some Thai massage techniques that really helped me to relax. My husband and I also went at a later date for a couples massage which was incredible. I went another time after having a highly emotional week. She really helped me to forget all the other things that were going on in my life at the time. I highly recommend dolce vita and Natalie. You will not be disappointed.

I called for my first appointment at 2 PM on a Sunday afternoon, after a day of hauling gravel sent my whole body into spasming agony. Given the short notice, I wasn’t surprised when at first they said they had no openings. What did surprise me was the call back I got a few minutes later, offering me an appointment after closing hours with Stephanie.
I had no idea the spa was tucked into this cute little courtyard I pass everyday on Shepard. The receptionist was extremely friendly and offered me a yummy mimosa as I waited. But the highlight was Stephanie. You can always tell the difference between a masseuse who’s just good with their hands and someone who REALLY knows what they are doing. Trust me, Stephanie knows. She always focused right on the areas where I was having the most pain and really worked out a lot of the tension. I got the deep tissue massage, which I highly recommend if you have problem areas. I can’t wait to set up my next appointment.

I received a gift certificate for Dolce Vita Day Spa 2 years ago and have been going there regularly ever since. I used the GC for my first 3 visits, and on my 2^nd visit, the receptionist forgot to write in the new expiration date on the certificate. I unintentionally waited too long to use the remaining balance so the GC ended up being expired when I went in for my 3^rd visit. However, the owner called me the next day and said they would honor my gift certificate and extend it another 3 months for me.
This spa is consistently quiet, on-​time, clean, and easy to park. Nicholas is an excellent massage therapist, and I request him every time. Prices are reasonable and comparable to other spas in the area. I highly recommend Dolce Vita for its great customer service and Nicholas for his reliable service as well.

Best aromatherapy hot stone massage that I have EVER had and I’ve had a few! ANNIE did a fabulous job of relaxing me. She had the right pressure and it was great! I fell asleep and that to me, is a great massage!

After receiving a gift certificate from the hubby at Christmas from
I immediately researched local spas. The reviews for Dolce Vita were very good so I called to make an appointment with the praised Kristi. Unfortunately she no longer works there. However I booked an appointment with Stephanie and she was fabulous! She took more than her alloted 50 minutes to carefully knead out my knots in my neck and shoulders. She has very soft hands but uses firm pressure when needed.
All of the staff at Dolce Vita were very personable. This is a small, modest boutique salon so I found their prices to be a little on the expensive side ($ 85 for a 50 min massage) however it was very relaxing and the service was great.