Serenity Day Spa

My review is focused on their infrared sauna. I was doing a 6 week detox and it was recommended to compliment it with an infrared sauna. I used the old google machine and found that Serenity Day Spa had one. So, I went here a good handful of times to use their sauna. The location is pretty convenient in JC. I always found street parking nearby.
The people at the desk were all pretty nice and helpful. I was instructed to call at least 15 minutes before coming in, so they could get the sauna ready for me. Only one time did I have to adjust the time I wanted to come in, but only because someone else had booked the time I wanted. They charge $ 1/​minute, which seems pretty reasonable.
You get a robe and slippers, which is nice. Overall, I had a pleasant, relaxing experience except one time one of the workers came in to the room where the sauna was and cleaned her equipment for several minutes. I’m not sure she knew I was in the sauna. That was kinda weird, because I’d thought I had the whole room to myself.
All in all, my experience was better than average although I’m not sure about the massages or other offerings. If you’re looking for a place to sweat and release some toxins, this is a great option!

Went because I received a groupon as a gift. I am a member at massage envy (and have been for years) and consider myself a connoisseur of massages.
The front office staff was friendly but sick. I could hear her continuing to cough throughout my session.
The zen lounge was nice with a variety of snacks and fruit water or mimosas.
I was brought to the massage room 8 minutes after my appointment. This is only frustrating because I was asked to arrive 15 minutes early to fill out the paperwork which took 2 minutes.
The massage itself was fine. Nothing special about the therapist’s technique. My therapist was also cold in her interactions with me before and after the massage session.
Maybe I am just spoiled by my massage envy membership, but this spa does not even compare. I will not be back.

I got a Groupon for this place. While the spa it self was very nice. Convenient location, lots of street parking. The front office is a bit small. However I liked the zen room that they have. Inside the zen room is much more relaxing. the owner should have people wait in the zen room instead of the foyer area. the zen room was filled with ambiance, snacks, fruit flavored water, mimosas was available for clients, magazines, comfy couches. The owner was really nice and took comments well.
What I didn’t appreciate about this place is that the place seems really cluttered in the foyer area. I also didn’t have a great massage. I just didn’t enjoy her techniques. Her hands felt like she was using more of her fingers and I like when they use more of their palms and forearms. The massage came with a great food scrub though. I like incorporating massages with scrubs. Also if the masseuse didn’t want to massage feet it would be a great way around that. I enjoyed that she massaged my head though, that was nice. It was an ok massage over all but I don’t think I’ll be back. Recommended tip is $ 20.

Absolute waste of moment. My lady friend was creeped out by the guy masseuse. Groupon’s not worth it.

I had enjoyed the actual massage itself and the foot scrub was a welcomed addition. However when I walked in the door I almost turned around and walked right back out. The reason for this was the terrible receptionist that greeted me, or should I say barely greeted me. She had blue hair and a nasty attitude. She never asked my name but demanded to know what treatment package we had, when I asked her to check because I wasn’t sure she got very rude with me and it wasn’t until my daughter asked her to check the computer did she ask my name. She retorted everything I said with a snarky remark and I was so tempted to say forget it and never come back. I would like to return but I don’t think I could support a business that condones this treatment of its guests.

I received a groupon for this place as a gift and was excited to try a local spot. I booked my first massage appointment and they immediately charged the tax to my cc and redeemed my groupon. I thought the redemption of the groupon was too quick since I hadn’t been there for my visit yet. Also, I know they have the right to charge tax as per Groupon rules but till date this is only the second place that has charged the tax and I use a lot of groupons!
The first gentleman (who I think is the manager) that I booked the initial appointment with was nice and recommended a therapist based on my requirements of female with a stronger natural technique since the groupon was for a Swedish and I normally get deep tissues.
I then called a week before my appointment to change it as I had other plans. The girl, Natalie, was questioning why I «needed» a certain therapist and not taking male therapists and after explaining my technique theory and that I feel comfortable with females she said that since I only paid for Swedish — that was all I could hope for. Bottom line she rescheduled the appointment. I then arrived before my scheduled time and start to fill out the papers only to find out from Diane (very nice and helpful) that I didn’t have an appointment and no one was available to take me! I was then assured that this behavior is not acceptable and I would receive a free upgrade when I came in for my massage. So in order to expedite my reschedule — I finished filling out my forms and rebooked to which I was told they would call me to remind me.
I never got a call and forgot the date/​time — so I called and Natalie rescheduled my visit (again!) for a weekday 6:30pm appointment. I thought all was well until the day before I get a call from the male manager to tell me there was another «human error» and that they don’t do 6:30pm appointments on weekdays. When I told them that this was the 3^rd scheduling error on their behalf, he said he’ll call the massage therapist to ask if she’d stay an extra 30 minutes. Thankfully, Carmen (amazing therapist!) agreed.
I arrived 10 min before my appointment thinking my paper work was already filled out and the male manager told me «I’m not even going to pretend to know where to find it» so I had to fill it out again! I then mentioned my upgrade to which he said «we already are going beyond our closing hours. You can get that next time.» To which I said that I will not be returning based on the treatment and he said «ok».
I cannot believe this spa did not try to remedy their behavior. The massage therapist was amazing and had great technique and the front desk staffs (except Diane) were rude and non-​caring. How can they maintain a clientele with such a bad front desk staff? As now as I read other reviews about how people got to wear robes and slippers and sit in tranquility rooms I’m even more disappointed about my visit. I will be telling my friends and neighbors to NOT visit this spa.

The spa was nice but I did not enjoy my experience. The spa lacked customer service, which I experienced from the start when I booked my appointment. The lockers in the locker room are flimspy, it almost tilted over on me. The hamper was overflowing with robes and it was hard to distinct clean robes from the dirty ones.
Be sure you carefully read the consent forms as they directly influence your experience such as consenting to a butt massage, etc. I frequently get massages and for some reason I couldn’t fully relax during my session.
To conclude, they only take cash tips which was silly because I charged the tax on my card. I suggested they state their cash tip policy prior to the appointment and the guy behind the desk gave me a starky response.
The experience was not worth the Groupon discount.

I have gone to Serenity Spa a few times already with mediocre experience each time. I got a gift card and am trying to use it up as quickly as possible. After this, I wouldn’t go back. During my last experience, the masseuse was over 30 minutes late for my appointment. He apologized, all okay. Today I called at 4:30pm to make my final appointment and the receptionist answered. She then explained that her manager insisted they could not book my appointment and that they were closed although their Sunday hours do not officially close until 5pm. Convenient location, inconvenient service.

Went here for the 2^nd time this past weekend.
Upon arrival I was immediately ushered to a very nice changing room complete with lockers, robes, and flip-​flops. Next, I went across the hall to the Zen room, which had water, magazines, and a fireplace. It was nice and cozy.
Unfortunately, then in walked the woman from the front desk to tell me that my masseur would not be in today. She offered to set me up with a male therapist or reschedule me for a later date. Seeing as my schedule is very busy and I had basically scheduled my day around this appointment, I reluctantly agreed to see the male.
I do not understand how it was not known until I was fully changed out of my clothes and in a robe preparing for my imminent massage that it was discovered that my therapist would not be in. My appointment was less than 5 minutes from that time, how was this just realized?
I went to the treatment room and my therapist (I think he was named Tony?) asked a few questions as to my reason for coming in. I told him that I was not in any pain but just looking for some relaxation, so moderate pressure would be fine. He offered a complimentary food scrub or stone massage, my choice, in compensation for the appointment mix-​up. I chose the foot scrub.
The massage itself was executed well. But, unfortunately a little corner of my mind is always on guard when being treated by a male so it wasn’t quite as relaxing as I’d hoped for. The foot scrub was just that — a scrub, not a massage — and it was fine. (This was within the 60 minute massage, not an extension to the total time.)
I headed back to the locker room, got dressed, and nobody was at the front when I left so I saw myself out (having already paid).
My only other «complaint» would be that this visit was on a voucher (living social, I think?) and when I called to make the appointment I was automatically charged for tax and tip. To me, a required tip is not a tip, it’s a fee. I always tip appropriately off of the regular price, but if service is below par I’ll tip in the 12−15% range, and above par in the 20% range. 18% is perfectly appropriate for good service (and is what I would have tipped anyway based on the service I received, inasmuch as it’s not the therapist’s fault that my appointment was botched). BUT, on principal, it aggravates me. (I suggest charging 18% more for the voucher and saying «no tips accepted/​tips included.»)
I’d give them a third try since my first visit was a positive one and I’ll assume that this was a stroke of bad luck.

I went twice and had a really good experience both times. No wait time and the therapists are knowledgeable and listen to special requests.

This place is cozy and cute. I booked a couple’s massage with foot scrub via Groupon. It was worth it. Easy to book, timely service, and friendly staff. It was also conveniently located next to Cocoa Café, so we were able to sip on a cup of tea and enjoy a cupcake right after the service.
My second visit was not as good. Did not have a great experience with one of the male therapist — ask for a female.

First time today. Great experience. Wonderful customer service. My feet are feeling so much better. Will be back for more.

Ive been to Serenity day spa 4 times now. The first two times were okay and the last two times were very disappointing. My opinion based on massages only, is that I think are less than average quality. If you like a firm or deep massage, I would not recommend this place as that has not been my experience here.
On my 3^rd visit the woman giving me the massage got the essential oil in my eyes, which burned. I’m sure that this was of course an accident but I was so worried about it i couldn’t wait to get out and flush my eyes. Also on my 3^rd trip, the hour long massage I purchased was closer to ⁴⁵⁄₅₀ minutes. When I left I called the manager and left a message asking her to call me back, I did this more than once and I wasn’t able to get in touch with her. The last time I went, the 4^th time, the hour long massage was again closer to 45 — 50 min. Given the price difference between an hour long and 45 minute session, I won’t be coming back here. I don’t think it’s right to give customers less than what they are paying for. While it is very pretty and appears clean and I’d like to support a local business, the front desk is unorganized (they lost my paper work every time I came in), the massages are less than average quality, and most importantly an hour long massage should be just that — a full hour.

I had a signature facial here. After I left my skin felt no different than before, as if there weren’t a enough products used on my skin or something like that. My face even felt a little dry which is crazy because that was the reason I went for a facial.
Also the girl who was doing my facial gave me advice about skin care. I really wanted to leave but she just kept going about all the things I have to do and the products I have to use etc. despite me telling her I already have all the products she recommended and tried all of them before. And I felt I knew more about skin care than she did.
Not worth the money.

I came here recently for a couples massage with my boyfriend. I called only a few days prior to making the appointment — and they were able to accommodate on short notice. The employee with whom I booked the appointment (lovely girl who worked the front desk) was informative about their cancellation policy and even called 24 hours before our appointment to confirm. Upon arrival, we filled out brief paperwork for health and massage-​preference purposes. We were then taken to a small dressing room where we changed out of our clothes and into our robes and sandals. We changed in the same dressing room — which was obviously not a problem — just something a little unconventional in my experience. We went into the waiting area to sit down, but our massage therapists quickly came and got us. It would have been nice to have a little more time to adjust from the outside world to the spa atmosphere, but I understand they have an appointment schedule to keep to. Given the space is generally small, it would probably be awkward to have more than two or three customers in the spa waiting area at one time.
Our massages were absolutely wonderful! The massage therapists were totally accommodating and they sought out to address our specific needs. We had Julian and a female therapist — can’t remember her name — but they were both great! They worked hard and worked quietly so we were able to relax as our discomfort was massaged away! They were informative about staying hydrated, etc and were professional throughout the entire experience. Every staff member we encountered was so polite — we felt very welcomed! This was an overall great experience — we will definitely be back!

Extremely unprofessional. I purchased two massages using a Groupon. I used one of my massages last year and redeemed my Groupon voucher. The clerk at the desk then told me that she has credited the second Groupon which I can use when I please. When I called to use the 2^nd massage, the woman on the phone told me that there was no note under my account and that I couldn’t redeem it without the Groupon voucher number. I called back after two days with the Groupon voucher number and they told me my Groupon expired and that I couldn’t use it. When I told them that I was told by their employee that I could use the 2^nd massage whenever I wanted (because it had already been credited in their system), the manager told me that she is not responsible for what her employees say. She proceeded to talk over me the entire conversation and offered me no alternative other than to pay an additional $ 45 for a massage I already paid for. This is what I call thievery. They will never have my business again.

I had a facial with Isis… it was OK. Not bad, but I am still unsure if I would return. She was very friendly but quite rough on the skin. Strangely, when she was done, my skin did not feel hydrated. I had to actually put moisturizer on when I got home. :/
Customer service was really great though… everyone that worked there was extremely friendly!

I’m not much of a person who wants to spend money for a massage but this place is pretty cool. They have a bunch of stuff that you can do here to pamper yourself up bu tI got the massage because my girlfriend got a discount deal from amazon. So we did a couples massage for an hour for $ 90. She’s more knowledgeable with massage prices and said it was a good deal for two people. So we go in and they have a waiting room before you get your pamper on. It was kind of relaxing except for the fake fireplace was kind of cheesy. They have water which was too lemony. It was soaking in too much lemons.
My actual massage was pretty good. Angel recommended me to get bio freeze gel because I told her I get sore a lot from working out and she recommended to get it with the massage so I did which was only $ 15. She used while I got my massage. They use heated blankets and motorized tables. Angel did a great job releasing my tensions in my back and and legs. I get massages like once a year and it was totally worth it. I got the whole body massage so she focused a lot on my back, neck, legs, and head. Overall it wasn’t bad. I was very relaxed and my hair was all messed but I didn’t care I was high on life.
I don’t know if I would go back and pay regular prices but if an emergency comes up I’m down to come back here again.

I was a walk in for a massage, as they were able to squeeze us in.
Skilled and attentive massuers. My neck and shoulders, which are problematic areas, hadn’t been that relaxed and loose in months.
A bit of paperwork to fill in — get there a bit early to take care of it.

Diane service was awful and unprofessional avoid at all costs.
If I could give a negative STAR rating I soooo would! I am a spa goer. I like the calming soothing effect aromatherapy oils and massages bring. On Saturday, I went to Serenity Day Spa as a Bridal Shower Group. We rented the «Zen Room» and catering from Serenity Spa, and had 5 people in our party all take part in 2 services…
First off Sunday was the day Hurricane Sandy was «expected» to make land fall. We called and informed the check in person we were going to be late.
Upon arrival, Diane, the check in person, STRESSED EVERYONE OUT. «You guys are late! Late! LATE!» She threw packets of paperwork at us, and kept saying now she could only do 2 massage, 2 facials, and 1 sauna.
This conversation didn’t stop. Finally, we told her to take the bride in for a full one hour massage and the rest of us would work with her to figure out what was going on, in our rented HELLA SMALL for party of 5 room.
I find if you are the MESSENGER relaying a MESSAGE and the RECEIVER of your message tells you they don’t understand, YOU AS THE MESSENGER need to change your method of communication. Diane, did not do this. For the next 15 minutes she continued to confuse 3 college graduates. FINALLY one of us said, so you mean we all have to have reduce services, is that right? HALLELUJAH!
So instead of everyone getting an hour massage and a 30 min facial, NOW the bride would be the only person to receive the hour massage. Everyone else would receive a 30 min massage (which is really only 20 mins, 5 mins to change out of clothes, and 5 mins to change back into clothes), and a 30 min facial. Fine, we can live with that.
THE WORST
So the negative rating happened at check out. One would assume that since we were all originally scheduled for 1.5 hours of services, and now only getting 1.0 hour of services there would be a difference in price, correct? There was a $ 13 difference in the price we were quoted for 1.5 hour services and now only 1 hour service… I asked Diane to EXPLAIN to me, why we cut down services BUT WERE STILL PAYING THE SAME?
Diane wagged her finger in my face, and told me she was trying to explain, but I wasn’t looking at computer screen. I calmly answered the items on the screen made no sense to me, if she could kindly explain to me, in words, why we cut down services but were still paying the same.
She became defensive, and said she could not change what the computer was showing, and she had applied all the discounts.
GREAT! Can you please EXPLAIN TO ME why we cut down services but were still paying the same?
FINALLY we summed it up for her, we were getting a deeper discount by having the 1.5 services (like book a 1 hour massage the 30 min facial is free!) Since we had come late (even tho they KNEW we were arriving late) everyone was paying regular price for the massage and facial and then using a lesser valued coupon.
My Take Away
1) Don’t stress out your customers coming to relax at a spa
2) You should not get in your customer’s face and wag your index finger at them (a big WTF)
3) It is up to you as the Spa Rep to MANAGE YOUR TIME BETTER. If you knew we were late, re-​arrange what you have to, without letting the customer know about it.
DISCLAIMER: Mandy and Raul who were the therapist who provided the massage services WERE AMAZING. The Jamaican Ladies who provided us the facials were great as well, THEY DID NOT UPSELL (I find that annoying) if I wanted extra treatments you should tell me up front how much they are!
My only issue is with the person who checked us in and ran the show… AVOID IF YOU CAN. Lots of other great spa’s don’t get scolded/​finger wagged at this one!