I am so happy I found this place. My appointment was last minute, as in the day of! (I got horribly sunburnt and my skin began peeling, I needed help asap!) The man I spoke to at the front desk was so patient with me and helped me pick the right services to not only relax me but get rid of the dead skin that had plagued my body. Its the cutest little spa! The outside is so welcoming and peaceful. Theres a little garden area where you wait for a minute before someone greets you and gets you checked in. I was with C. Jay and he was so amazing! Not only was I in heaven my entire service he also was able to make me feel 100% comfortable at his table. I had two services done. The Deep Sea Ritual and Amara Radiance Facial. C.Jay did my body treatment and was super nice the entire time (I couldnt help but doze off a few times during my treatment lol.) Sherri did the facial and she was just as incredible! Both treatments had me feeling renewed and like I was glowing! I was also able to add on the hot oil scalp treatment and lip treatment which was wonderful! By the time I left, I swear I felt like a brand new person! I cant wait to make my next appointment and hopefully bring my mom with me next time.
Alicia is a HIGHLY skilled massage therapist. I lived in Asia for a decade and regularly had massages (shiatsu, Thai, acupressure, etc…) from a range of professional massage therapists and rate this massage experience as one of the BEST I’ve ever experienced.The combination of the essential oils, heated towels, + the massage addressing tight areas with precision made this (head to toe, literally) massage such a therapeutic and restorative experience. I’ll be back for sure !
I became a VIP member and have been enjoying monthly massages from Alicia for the last couple of months. A couple things made it stand out compared to other massages Ive gotten - 1) she wraps your neck and feet with hot towels after working those areas and it is just amazing. 2) I love the aromatherapy choices. 3) Alicia is also good about taking feedback and adjusting her technique - adapting the level of pressure to what I need each time. This last massage was one of the best massages Ive ever received!
My wife scheduled massages for us both while we were in town for an extended weekend getaway. We both had great experiences with our respective massage therapists. We chose different styles, mine being deep tissue. Nicole was my therapist and all I can say is don’t let her stature fool you; this woman is strong! She did an amazing job untying the knot that my back so often has. Two days later I’m still amazed at how well she was able to loosen up my back!I highly recommend making an appointment with Amara by the Sea!
This was not my first time at Amara. I live in walking distance and have visited a few times in the year I have lived in Pacific Grove.I booked a 80 minute Pre-Birthday massage. Showed up, had a terrible conversation with the therapist where she proceeded to tell me I would have to listen to her and do things her way. I told her, she would have to listen to me and we will work together. She cancelled the massage. All True!Then the owner misses two appointments to discuss the issue. Then the owner body shames me on yelp saying my body isn’t ready for a massage??? My lifestyle is pretty active and in my opinion ( as well as my doctors) I am in excellent shape.Outcome: I found Portola Spa, love it!!!It is a nice walk down, you can linger by the pool and I can meet my hubby in the lounge afterwards!And Amara is NOT a relaxing or professional place to experience pampering.
This was the best massage I have ever had in my life and I’ve had many. Alicia was my therapist and my session felt like it was Massage and chiropractic and lymphatic drainage all at the same time. I am in chronic pain and most of the time I leave a massage hurting “differently” than I did before. Most therapists I’ve seen I have to breathe through the discomfort while the they try to dig into my knots and loosen them.This was the first time I have ever left a massage pain free and truly glowing. These sessions are going to get very expensive considering I live in Florida.
I was in major pain after physically overworking my body and was able to book a massage for the very next day! I am someone who travels often & have gotten massages all over the world, Brandys massage was one of the BEST Ive ever received! She truly listened to what I needed and fully customized my experience. I also LOVED all the extra attention to detail that really made the whole appointment extra blissful (such as heated towels, pads and the techniques she used!) I live a couple hours away and travel here often for work but I think I would drive the 2 hours on a regular basis for this treatment! Definitely coming back!!
THE BEST massage I’ve ever had. I’m from overseas and the flight coupled with a car show had broken my body. Today I feel $1m. Only regret is I should have booked 90 rather than 60 minutes ♥️
From the moment you walk in, it feels tranquil. The person who checked me in also turned out to be my massage therapist.As a recipient of many massages, I was impressed by the in take. It was thorough and more clinical than I had expected.With the consultation done, I proceeded to have one of the best massages ever.I think the balance of creating a warm and relaxing environment with a proper in take allowed the therapist to focus on what I was looking for.And the massage was therapeutic and relaxing all at once.The only regret is that I am not a local or else I would have gotten a membership that day!
Ive been going to amara by the sea for years. I look forward to all of my visits. Its such a great place! Jen has done a terrific job at keeping a tranquil environment. This last time I had a massage with Dalia. Very professional. She was very warm and kept everything very relaxed. Her massage was wonderful. It was just what I needed.😎
Well in short I just did not feel like effort was put into it. I will try with someone else at your location and perhaps call in for the appointment instead of online. I feel if you are saying all of your employees would be able to do the add ons like cupping but then the day of the appointment she has never done it, has never been trained to do it but then says I can do it if you want. Is not good business. I do not want to hear that for what I am paying. Would you? Feel free to reach out if you would like.
This place was a tiny tucked away slice of heaven. Before you even step inside you can smell the calming essential oils which definitely set the tone for my experience. I opted for the Queens Day package as a birthday treat and it did not disappoint. I was directed to the sauna / changing area complete with a comfy robe and slippers and water available to me. Also little extra things like hair ties were there if needed which I thought was a cute detail. The sauna was amazing and they have beautiful indoor plants just in front of it and really added to the ambience. Then I went in for a body scrub from Brandi and it was amazing! The smells , the ritualistic way the treatment unfolded was just as I had hoped. Then I was sent back the sauna for a little more time before I was picked up for my massage also by Brandi. She’s just the best ! We talked about the type of pressure I was looking for and if there were any areas of concern and I just mentioned I was looking to relax. I was so relaxed I didn’t want to fall asleep because I didn’t want to miss a moment, one of the best massages I ever had ! Hands down ! Also the type of oil she used was a mixture of body butter and oil, I had asked because you just felt it melt and glide on your skin in such a soothing way I haven’t experienced before anywhere else. When I returned to the sauna area there were sweet little macarons and fresh berries for me to enjoy !! Such a thoughtful touch ! For my final treatment I had a facial from Owner , Jennifer. When I tell you my skin glowed … I had never left a facial with my skin looking so fresh and glowing she was also able to give me advice and address skin concerns and even gave me some samples to take home and try! I would highly recommend this place to locals and tourists alike just looking to feel a little bit of relaxation and pampering. 10/10.
I am someone that loves getting massages. Booked this on a whim because I was having a rough day. All I can say was that my massage was AMAZING - one of the top ones I had and that includes ones from Esalen institute. My massage therapist Carla was brilliant so much I almost melted into the table.A few notes - the location is down the stairs of the complex and yes you do have to use a bathroom that is outside the location (its in the business complex) but I didnt mind more just something to be aware of. Also I got the Himalayan salts and they really elevated the experience.I cant wait to go back.
Incredible experience. This little unassuming day spa in downtown Pacific Grove is a winner. I booked here on a recent trip and was blown away by the massage I had by Alicia. I am a seasoned patron of spas and receive massages on a monthly basis for arthritis and migraines. I chose the CBD herbal massage which included a dry brushing and CDB lotion. The massage therapist was very skilled and had fabulous massage techniques. The massage included a heated pad for the back and hot towels for the neck and feet. There is no skimping at this spa. I highly recommend this day spa. I’ve been to all the fancy spas around this area when I visit and I am not impressed when I get a so so massage especially when you pay big prices. This small day spa gives an incredible massage for a good price and I am going to come back next time I am in town!
I booked a Amara radiance facial last minute for a little me time. I couldnt have asked for a better treatment. The esthetician who greated me was kind and knowledgeable about the treatment, I knew I was in good hands. The entire experience was so relaxing and perfect recharge. I cant wait to book another facial, and also would love to try a measage.
Let me start off by saying I NEVER write reviews.I came to Amara by the Sea 3 months ago. I had been battling with acne all over my cheeks and forehead. It was ruining my life. I tried everything to get my skin clear.I came in for the Red Carpet Ready facial. (also, I have never had a professional facial before and NEVER paid this much money for one)1 week after my facial my skin was noticeably much better and smoother.3 months after the facial, my skin is glowing and more beautiful than it has EVER been. They sent me an email for my next facial, but I wont be needing one for a while because the last one went SO WELL. I did not have much faith in this because I am always skeptical of everything. BUT LET ME TELL YOU, the next time I need to clear my skin up I know where to go and I will be a life long customer!! THANK U JEN!
Long story short, 90 minute massage was worth its weight in gold. I was tight and in need of some new year relaxation. Cindy* has magic hands!Jennifer was super helpful and attentive to my online inquiry and got my wife and I booked in for times that worked for us.She did a fantastic job on my wifes treatments as well!Thanks again!!
Im hooked! Jennifer was amazing and made my first time getting a lash lift and brow dye so relaxing and fun. Half of my face is blond and half is brunette, so I wasnt sure how that was going to work, but it turned out amazing!! I cant wait to try different treatments they offer, and I cant recommend Jennifer and her business enough!
Sandra is extremely professional and one of the best massages I have ever gotten. You are very very lucky to have her. She is a stellar employee. Take good care of her, as Im sure you do. She speaks highly of your salon!! She makes me a devoted client.
I can honestly say this was one of the BEST massages I have ever had! Brandi was exceptional, I even extended by an extra 30 minutes. Calming, relaxing, soothing and the ambiance she created was just heavenly. Highly recommend a 90 minute massage by Brandi if you are in Monterey.
Dalia was a knowledgeable professional and very kind. The treatment was perfect and very relaxing. She did an amazing job helping me remove tension from the neck and relieve my back pain.
I always look forward to my appointments at Amara by the sea. The staff are friendly and extremely professional and knowledgeable about massage and skin care. After a session I feel utterly relaxed and my skin is glowing. Thank you Amara by the Sea!
I have been going to see Jennifer here for about a year, I get facials and chemical peels. My skin has since improved, Jennifer really cares about making a difference in her customers skin.The SPA is clean, peaceful, and cute; and the prices are affordable and there is something for everybody.
I had the best experience here, Jennifer was amazing and made me feel so comfortable! I would recommend to anyone looking to get a facial. I could not believe how my pores had shrunk at the end of the service.
Jennifer is by far the best Esthetician I’ve ever had! She’s so knowledgeable and amazing at what she does. My skin is beautiful from her care and products. I’ve also recently been getting lash extensions from her and I’m obsessed!!
Literally the perfect space experience. I went for a two hour massage and I swear Brandi worked on my soul. I recommend this to anyone who needs a break from their life for a few hours.
Very relaxing, wonderful scents and temperature; Brandi is talented - I have really noticed a difference in my posture and lack of pain after the Relaxation Package.
My wife and I received great massages from Sandra and Cathaleen today. Nice facilities. Already booked our next appointments!
Amazing facial, and kind customer care. I will be back soon!
The facility was clean and welcoming and my services were better than expected! Brandi was fantastic! I will definitely be back!
My husband and I went for a couples massage. It was excellent. Experienced staff, very friendly service.
Absolutely love this place! Jennifer is an amazing esthetician who really personalizes the facial. Highly recommend!
The spa was amazing and the masseuses provided a fantastic experience. Spa was clean smell was great. Ill leave it at that.
My favorite place to get a facial, I always leave completely satisfied, high quality products for purchase and clean environment!!
Skillful technicians. Facility is less than the price assumes.
Great services,professional staff
Very personable service
Jennifer is beyond amazing!!!
Fabulous massage