Essentiels Spa

I've been going to Essentiels for 10 years and have always had the best experience. They are the best in town for waxing, facials, massage, nails and airbrush tanning. It looks like someone recently had a less than fabulous visit but it sounds like a fluke, as it truly is my escape when I need to relax. more

I don't understand why this place has gotten so many good reviews. I also don't understand why I keep on coming back to Essentiels even after every bad experience I've had there. The first time I ever went was a few years ago with my mom as a sort of "mother daughter day" celebration. We both got facials done. It was our first time going so we were new to the awesome sauna set up they had in the changing area. So, we spent a few minutes in there, waiting for our appointments to begin. When we got out, we waited in the waiting room for about 20 minutes AFTER our scheduled appointment time. The woman came out and asked me, in a really rude tone, where I had been. I told her that I was in the changing room for a while. She got pissy and said "well, looks like you missed out on the massage!" in front of the rest of the people waiting for their appointments. I was so embarrassed. No one had mentioned getting there earlier for a massage. All I remember about the facial is that she left me suffocating of the humidifier for about 20 minutes. Back then, my skin was PERFECT. I hardly had any pimples or breakouts. But after this service, my face broke out so badly. I didn't think much of it because it went away after a few days. The second time I went was after I had returned from a two month long backpacking trip through Europe. The trip wrecked my skin and I had started breaking out like never before. I decided to use the gift card my parents had bought as a Christmas present and got myself a facial. I was determined to get there early and get myself a massage. The massage was okay! Not like I was missing out the first time or anything. During the facial, she popped my zits which is standard procedure, I think. She told me that the redness would go away in the next two days. It's been SIX months and the redness has NOT gone away. In fact, it made my skin break out like crazy! For the first time in my life, I have acne all over my cheeks where she popped those small zits. Now, I have to pay much more for prescription topical treatments so that my skin will clear up. I also go here a lot for an eyebrow wax. That's been fine, until the other day when I went to my appointment. I came out with nicely defined eyebrows, but after about half an hour, it was clear that she had actually waxed off some skin. So now I have burn marks above my eyebrows. Great. If you can help it, DON'T EVER COME HERE. EVER! more

I used to go here a lot when I lived in Boulder. From the moment you walk in, you feel very relaxed. I have gotten massages, facials, and manicures here, all of which have been wonderful. The staff is very friendly. I only wish the spa had some more amenities, such as a hot tub or pool. more

I've been going to Essentials for years now and I've never been disappointed. I recently had an anti-aging facial and deep tissue massage. Each treatment was extremely professional and technicians use the most current skin care products. This was a perfect way to spend some down time after a busy work week! From the minute you walk in the beach atmosphere relaxes you. I always go early to enjoy the sauna and steam and sometimes reserve a mediation room for a spa bridal shower. Thanks for maintaining your quality of service over the years! more

Sad.... this used to be my favorite place. I always used to ask for gift certificates for Christmas and birthdays. The quality of service has fallen severely over the last few years. It used to be a pleasure to go early, enjoy time in the sauna or women's locker area. Every time I have been recently, something has been broken, they have cut back on their product samples in the dressing rooms, the noise level seems higher, and the services have been hit or miss (mostly miss). They've lost payment records in their new ' system', double charged for a service I had a gift card for, and the hot stone massage left red marks on my body for a day after. (Even though I told the therapist, who talked throughout my 'relaxing massage' that it felt too hot). I had to listen to a conversation about STD's between 2 employees outside the room I was left alone in during a facial. Sadly, that was my last straw. I will not go back, and they are free to lose my information permenently. more

I use this spa exclusively for my facials. I love the calming atmosphere. The steam room in the ladies locker room is my favorite. more

Essentiels is exactly the way a spa should feel and look. The atmosphere is relaxing and inviting, the treatments are soothing and use high quality products. I absolutely recommend this spa to everyone! more

I love the atmosphere at Essentiels, from the beach themed waiting area to the soothing changing room and sauna and steam room. I always leave feeling so relaxed, even if I've just gone in for a 25 minute massage! I've always felt well taken care of, and Patrice is an especially good massage therapist. The staff is friendly and courteous, whether I'm there all day or for one service. more

Wow, this place has gone down in service and value and atmosphere compared to a few years ago. Maybe it's since they were bought by a corporate entity, I don't know. But every time I go in, the experience is worse. The people up front are rude, act like they don't care about customers at all. The technicians are competent, but overall it's not a relaxing service or environment. I won't return to Essentiels Spa - there are plenty of other places in Boulder that are better. Cons: Really Bad Management and Customer Service more

If you want to feel pampered...this is the place! I received a gift certificate from my husband for Valentines Day and experinced 5 star service. We went in together for a couples massage and were greeted by friendly and professional staff at the front desk, who then took us back to their top notch locker rooms with a sauna and steam room. I loved the cottage/beach decor and felt relaxed in my robe and sandals. We enjoyed our massage's and it was a nice change to receive them in the same room! My husband felt a little more comfortable in what he thought was a "women's place", because we went in together. I experienced one of the best massage's I have ever had. I will definately return and would recommend Essentiels to any spa goer who wants top notch service. This was one of the best gifts my husband has given me and I now understand what my girlfriends have been raving about!! I Pros: Beautiful atmosphere and skilled technicians Cons: none more

My husband got me the queen for a day package. Needless to say, I did not feel like a queen. The package included a massage, facial, lunch, manicure and makeup application. I skipped the makeup. The front desk staff is immature, not welcoming, young and just generally give off the impression that they don't want to be working there. Not a huge deal breaker, but it's just not the vibe I want from a relaxing day at the spa. The massage was pretty good. Very relaxing. The surprise was that the lights were left pretty bright, not dark at all. It made me feel a little self consious. Also, it was a man who did the massge. I didn't have a problem with it, but I was surprised they didn't ask me if that was ok. Many women would not want that. The facial- It' was ok. Nothing great. I was pretty offended that she commented on my facial hair. It's like, yes I have some facial hair, thanks for pointing it out under that bright light! Way to make a woman feel good about herself! She also went as far to say that she thought I had PCOS! I'm sorry, but you're not a doctor, please don't give me medical advice. She may have had my best interest in mind, but spare me the medical diagnosis. The Lunch- very good, but in a weird small room all by myself. I ate fast just to get out of there. The manicure- VERY good. I'd go back just for the nails portion. My tech was named Patti. Very warm and welcoming and she did a great job! more

I have been to this spa many times since 1997, probably over 100 at this point, and never had a bad experience. I have only gotten one pedicure here, however. It was good, I was just a martial artist at the time and pedicures just didn't last long enough to justify the price :) I have had many massages, facials, manicures and body scrubs/wraps. The staff were and are always friendly. I highly recommend this spa. Pros: Professional, friendly, and skilled staff Cons: NONE! more

I haven't been to Essentiels Spa for some time, but my boyfriend gave me a gift certificate. It is still a beautiful sanctuary and the staff is always friendly and classy. I recieved a very good facial, good wax and the massage was too short ; ) -- A bit $$$ but overall a good experience! more

I visited Essentiels last week and was very impressed. The front desk staff was warm and friendly, and the atmosphere was lovely. I had an extended massage and facial. My esthetician was highly professional and a master waxer. I LOVE the Yonka products - they will really change your skin. Massage was very good - deep tissue work just like I ask. All and all, Essentiels rates far above any other spa experience in Boulder. Pros: service, skill, atmosphere more

After complaining about the customer service regarding the requirement of giving my credit card number and posting a negative review, I received a phone call from Essentiels just today explaining the policy and offering a modification as a longstanding and reliable customer. I was impressed with the person to whom I spoke and her sincere responsiveness. That call changed my very negative reaction to Essentiels new policy and I will continue to be a customer there. more

I had the worst pedicure of my life, I actually went to one of those strip mall type nail places on my way home to have it fixed. I went there as a new mom needing some relaxation and came out more stressed and frustrated then when I arrived. The girl doing my pedicure had no idea what she was doing, I came out with polish all over my toes, my 4 month old daughter could of done a better job. more

Horrible Place! Staff up front is rude. Conveyer belt services, never start on time. There are so many beautiful places in Boulder and the surrounding area to get massage and facials--I just don't understand the appeal of this place? It's so over priced and not worth it!!! Check out the smaller more intimate places... more

My husband loves it, too, because it makes shopping for birthdays or Christmas gifts easy ~ all I ever ask for is a gift cert here! I have also been to Finishing Touch and Sensorielle in Boulder and Essentials is by far the best. (Sensorielle is in second place with Finishing Touch FAR behind. I haven't been to the St. Julien as the prices are sky high.) I haven't found a spa in Boulder that provides a locker room, sauna, steam room and lounge like the one here. I go early and relax on the lounge chairs then enjoy the steam room after. All my massages have be outstanding, and I am picky about my massages. I would agree that sometimes the costumer services leaves a bit to be desired, but I have found the same snotty attitude at the other spas (actually, even more so). I received another gift cert for Christmas this year, and can't wait to use it. more

I was recently given a gift card by my boyfriend to this place. I am new to Colorado so haven't had a chance to check out many local establishments yet. Essentials Spa in Boulder was by far my best spa experience to date. The staff is super friendly. The atmosphere is extremely cozy and relaxing. They start you with a nice cup of tea in the lobby while you lounge in your robe. I received both a facial and massage. The facial was amazing. My skin felt better afterwards than it has in years. The massage was so relaxing I left feeling like I had no bones in my body and had an ear-to-ear grin for days. i cant say enough good things -- give it a try! : ) Pros: Excellent service, friendly staff Cons: None that I know of more

I have been an avid spagoer for the past 15 years and Essentiels remains one of my favorite destinations!! They have excellent staff and a great service menu! Airbrush tanning, body treatments, facials, laser services, manis and pedis- they have it all!!! Their new manager Jeremy is so gracious and charming, and the rest of the staff always makes me feel so welcome. I LOVE this spa!!! Plus the location is so quaint- just like a seaside cottage. I take all my friends here for their birthdays- and they are always happy!! Treat yourself and GO HERE!!! Pros: consistent service, kind staff, adorable location, great shopping Cons: sometimes difficult to get a pedicure appointment because they are so busy more