By The Sea Inn & Spa

The atmosphere is tranquil and transports one to the carefree times of a summer at the beach. The soothing music and aromas of herbal teas evoke peace as you wait in the comfy salon. I have had great massages, an herbal facial, and many mani-pedi's, and am pleased with the staff and the results. more

I LOVEEE BY THE SEA IT IS THE ONLY SPA I WILL VISIT IN CONNECTICUT .IT IS THE PERFECT GETAWAY FOR A GIRLS NOT OUT WITH MOM YOUR SISTER IN LAW OR FRIEND . I HAVE TO SAY THAT IF YOU GET A CHANCE TO GO TO BY THE SEA DONT MISS OUT ON A FACIAL EVERY TIME I GO I GET ONE THEY ARE THE BEST HANDS DOWN AND IF YOU HAVE LIKE TO MAKE A DAY OF IT HAVE A RETREAT THEIR THEY HAVE GREAT FOOD FOR SPA RETREAT PACKAGES. I WOULD BET THAT THIS WILL END UP BEING YOUR FAV. SPA more

My husband and I just spent the most lovely two day getaway at By the Sea! This was not our first visit, and will not be our last! I am a middle school teacher and needed a place to unwind and rejuvinate during my Feb. break. By the Sea treated us royally. We checked into the Queen Anne room which is exquisitely decorated and wonderfully comfortable. The decor is stunning, you just have to relax the minute you step into the room. The bed is huge, colonial four post with gorgeous wood and was so comfortable. We slept like babies. We were delighted to find a jacuzzi tub in the bathroom and shelves filled with every toiletry item you would need. The place was sparkling clean, yet warm and inviting. My husband loved the sunlit porch where we lounged for breakfasts. Don't expect to lose any weight here. A plentiful tray of delectable pastries, bagels and freshly baked breads awaited us each morning. The fridge was well stocked with juices, spreads, cream cheeses and yogurts. A big bowl of fruit was available too. My husband is a coffeeholic and enjoyed the fresh brewed, hot coffee awaiting him, along with the morning paper front and center. This gave us the perfect start to our day as we took the time to visit the Yale University art museum which was just a few minutes drive away. The museum has a good collection and was well worth the trip. Downtown New Haven had lots to offer, several little shops and boutiques, it was a great time. When we returned we had an unbelievable one hour sweedish massage. We hadn't planned to have the massage, but the receptionist was very accomodating as she tried to fit us in and work with our schedule. We changed into the luxuriously thick robes provided us, along with the plush slippers that were available in our room. We found the waiting / reception area to be very quiet and comfortable. The comfy, overstuffed chairs and couches looked inviting, the room was dimly lit and soft music was playing - I almost fell asleep waiting to be called! My massuese was excellent, she tiptoed in and out while I prepared myself. Every move she made was quiet and respectful of my comfort. The massage ran over my time by a few minutes, and I was urged to take my time getting up. I had to force myself not to fall asleep, I was so happy I had the most wonderful room just steps away to slink into and drift into the most relaxing sleep. I would choose By the Sea anytime over any of these, cold, modern cookie-cutter spas out there today. There's some real seasoned expertise at By the Sea, a professional, yet elegant, comfortable, down home feel. We'll be back as soon as we can! Whoever owns this place is a genious! Keep up the good work! more

I booked a pedicure with my mom at By the Sea a few weeks ago. Wow, what a great time we had! The staff was incredible, I felt like I was out with the girls. We all gabbed like we've known each other forever. The pedi was very well done and extremely relaxing, the whole experience was fantastic. I would absolutely recommend By the Sea for any excursion with your girlfriends. more

This quaint bed and breakfast is walking distance to the charming town of Branford and a short distance from the shore. The masseuse that each me and my accompanied guest had were professional and very capable. However, the Inn fell short of expectations regarding some key points. At the foremost was the fact that the mattress we slept on was quite old, uneven and poorly supported by a broken bed. Neither one of us had a restful sleep. In addition, our "breakfast" consisted of a "box of joe" from a coffee franchise and muffins from the same franchise. The bagels were baked locally, but there was no knife to spread the cream cheese. In addition, the plate that we used from the night before (as we had no alternative but to neatly leave it in the dining area) was still on the table where we and possibly other guests were meant to eat breakfast. The spa portion of the Inn was satisfactory, but to call yourself a bed and breakfast and not exceed at either the bed or the breakfast aspects of that title is a disappointment. As for the Spa, the condition of the house is to be expected from a home of that vintage, but the service can compensate for the poor condition by being overly caring. Although courteous and helpful, we had been scheduled to check in at 3, but didn't arrive until 5 in anticipation of a 5:45 massage appointment. Being that we were checking in a full two hours after the predetermined time, we did not expect to have to wait nearly 30 minutes to check in while our room was being cleaned. What would have happened if we had gotten there on time? Everybody on staff tried to be very helpful, but did not seem to be strict about appointments or timing. I guess that's what working at a Spa does to you? more

I'T WAS YESTERDAY IN MY MIND, THE HOME OF A FRIEND SACRAFICING IT LONGIVITY YET TO BECOME Pros: A TOUCHOF THE PAST Cons: NEVER COULD GET ENOUGH TIME TO DO IT ALL more

I was very priviledged to recently visit By the Sea and have the most fantastic facial ever. I finally decided on having the Organic Facial. not only did it smell great by it also felt amazing. My face felt clean and i felt as though i was glowing when i left. To top off this wonderful experience, i couldnt be any happier with my estician, Mandy. She was very sweet, and informative. She gave me great tips about my skin care and what products i should be using. There was no pressure from her at all to purchase a product, I ended up purchasing the Black Thorn moisturizer and mask that she reccomended and iam feeling more and more comfortable in my own skin. Big thanks to Mandy! I would recommend this spa and treatment to all my girlfriends and i would also recommend my estician Mandy. more

From start to finish, my experience was amazing. I truly felt pampered after Sara gave me the most incredible facial I've ever had. After a day of beauty, I felt like a bowl of mush!!! more

I love going to By The Sea(and I go pretty often). The moment I walk in the ladies at the front desk greet me with smile. My massage therapist or Esthetician always make me feel like I'm queen for the time I'm there...Great Job! more

had a massage there which was ineffective and in a room from which I could hear the constant drone of cars passing by. (it is on a main road and quite loud). Paid 80$ for a one hour swedish massage which did not relieve my muscle tension. Went down the road for a mani-pedi for $33 and had a great experience - their automatic massage chair did a better job than the masseuse at the spa! can only speak for the massage at the spa though as have not had their other services. more

I have received many services at By The Sea and all have been beyond words. The latest facial I had introduced me to the Anti-Aging products by Dermologica and my skin has never looked better. I just turned 60 years old and using these products I never have to put any other foundation on my face. The women who have treated me have been exceptional. I highly recommend this spa; I wish I lived closer to it but whenever we visit our daughter in CT, By The Sea is a must! more

I arrived 10 minutes late (due to unusually bad traffic) and they turned me away. I don't understand how they can book their appointments so tightly that they cannot accommodate a customer who arrives late because she had no choice. Maybe they should change their whole policy about cramming in as many customers as possible and make as money as possible. Going to a spa should be a relaxing experience and I have never been more stressed in my whole life by going to this salon!!! more

A beautiful Inn & Spa - warm, relaxing and luxurious! Waiting room is lit by candles, with a fireplace, comfy chairs and plenty of healthy snacks, tea and water. Massage was the best! more

This is a wonderful little "country style" Inn and Spa. I've not stayed in the Inn, but a group of friends and myself did get massages and other spa treatments there. We were all very pleased with the services. It is a very open and relaxing waiting room and the employees are wonderful -- kind and friendly. The prices are reasonable and the treatments were just what I expected!! I would definately return again. The only negative is that it is a little bit out of the way -- but that's part of the appeal!! more

By The Sea Inn and Spa in Branford, CT is a wonderful little place to treat yourself or buy a gift certificate to treat a good friend!! I've not stayed in the Inn part -- but the Spa area is wonderful. Several friends and I went for massages and we were all very pleased. It is nice sized and comfortable and has a very relaxing atomosphere. Because it is off the beaten track a bit and not, for instance, in downtown New Haven -- that just adds to the charm. My massage was wonderful and the staff was very friendly. I would highly recommend this place. more