Hawaiian Retreat Day Spa

Oh my! I booked a massage and facial and came to the appt but was told the facialist had an emergency and I was asked to reschedule. No problem- I understand emergencies! I had one of the best massages ever and was really pleased and impressed with my experience. I came back for my facial expecting the same. The woman who greeted me in the back room, said, "You want manicure? Pedicure??" I said, "Oh no, I am here for the facial." She said, "Oh- you wait." I was starting to get nervous but tried to be positive. The facial started and she scrubbed so hard I thought I was bleeding! She kept massaging my face over and over... but it felt like I was chafing and I asked her to stop because it was so uncomfortable. She was absolutely just rubbing over my skin, over and over. I wanted to leave. She would come up with too- hot towels and slap them on me, and then shock me with her freezing hands and freezing lotions. Several times I asked for her to stop. I thought I might have to walk out! Her breath was terrible and she kept breathing on me. Then she put the steamer right in my face and I was coughing and asked her to move it but I guess she didn't understand. She had long nails (yuck!) and once jabbed her nail into my nostril. I was starting to think, just laugh. This is so bad it is laughable, but then she accidentally slammed her elbow into my forehead. I am SURE this woman does not have the correct qualifications- this was like some sort of back alley facial. The only problem was that it was over $90! She dripped some of the lotion in my eye- my eye is still red! Then she coated me with some thick grease that still feels like Vaseline and said, "I done now. You like your face?" Oh my god. I wanted to cry. Money is tight and I work 2 jobs. I have been saving for a spa treat day for a while. I came home and showered and towelled off my face- it was disgusting. I absolutely do not think that this can be the facialist- surely she was put in there at the last minute because of a scheduling issue. I would have rather been cancelled on. It is a shame- I loved the massage at this spa but will never return there. My skin feels terrible. What a disappointment. more

I have used this day spa for 2 years now and every time I go, I schedule a full or half-day experience. All the services I have done are always great: massage, facial, waxing, mani and pedi. The lunch that is offered is also exceptional! The staff is very pleasant and always attentive to me. The lady at the front desk always comes to check on me, whether I'm eating lunch, in between services or getting my pedicure. I will and have referred them to many others and I have also invited many to join me for a day at the spa. I have very sensitive skin and really appreciate the milk and honey mani and pedi and the calming facial because my skin cannot handle most treatments at other spas. And most spas do not offer such treatments equally enjoyable, most just omit the harsh chemicals but charge you the same price. Having been there many times, I can honestly say I have never felt like I was rushed out. I always feel the only thing that matters to them is that I have a great experience. Pros: friendly staff, great prices, calming environment Cons: what cons? more

I am on a quest to find a good esthetician, and this spa was close to my home, so I decided to give it a try. The facial was weird, I had the feeling my facialist was unexperienced, and she didn't really know what she was doing. For example, I asked for extraction, since it was a purifying facial, and all she did was rub a metal thing all over my face. This seemed really weird to me, I am originally from Europe, and I used to get facials there regularly, and extraction is not done that way! Also, she used a lot of water and creams on my face and when I was finished I had water and goob dripping from my hairline. Anyway I would not go back here for a facial again and my quest continues.... Pros: close to home Cons: unprofessional, unexperienced staff more

I went to this spa for leg and bikini waxing after SpaGym on Voss closed down. The first time was fine so I returned a few weeks later to have it done again. It was the worst spa experience of my life. I have been getting waxed for years and this lady was sadly unexperienced and burned me on my lower leg and under arms. She left hair and wax under my arms but somehow managed to rip off my skin. I wanted to say something to the girl at the front desk but the waxing lady hovered over me talking to the desk lady the whole time. I hate to sound dramatic, but I was in a daze when I left (having been waxed for years and never experiencing anything like this) and in alot of pain. I now wish I had said something or called later, but I was concerned they would question why I didn't say anything when I was there and I just didn't even want to go there. It was an emotionally draining experience to begin with. When I got home I started crying. My husband had me lay on the couch and put neosporin under my arms and ice packs. There are alot of places out there that have trained Estheticians, please don't go to this place to get waxed. Their other services might be fine (probably are) but absolutely do not take any chances with their waxing. Pros: Conveniently located in North Houston Cons: Unexperienced Esthetician, Painful Waxing Experience more

I picked this place, strictly out of the phone book; because it was close to my home. My first impression, when entering the spa was bad. The two people at the front desk should have better skin. I was there to have a facial so I was surprised. They sent me to the back of the spa where I was to wait until the facialist came to get me. The place was just okay. The person, who was to give me the facial arrived after just a couple of minutes; however, she never introduced herself. Again, I was surprised. This is not my first facial and while I do not want chit-chat while I am receiving a facial, I do expect to be greeted as if you are interested in my business. The facial itself turned out to be just okay. It really wasn't worth the price and frankly, I could have given myself a facial at home with the same results. I would give the name of the facialist; however, she was anonymous. Pros: It was close if you live in the 1960 area Cons: Just was okay more

I went for my first brazilian wax ever. The receptionist was GREAT, other than that the staff was cold and unfriendly. I have never had that wax done before, and I knew she did it completely wrong! She left hair, didn't pull the skin tight, and I had to wait 40 minutes for my appt. Just as I was getting ready to leave, she came out to get me. I felt like I would have gotten a better wax doing it myself at home. I see what it is so cheap to get it done there, yet it was still a horrible waste of money! I do not recommend wax there at all. The spa itself is beautiful though.. you would never expect such untrained staff there. Pros: The front desk staff, and then spa itself Cons: waxing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! more

This place is peaceful, the staff very professional and nice, the atmosphere perfect to relax and the services outstanding. I got a facial and a massage and they both were great. Thank you for making me feel so welcome! Pros: Everything was great! Cons: None more

I have been coming to this spa every two weeks for the last few months & I love it. Cindy takes care of my acrylic nails, & they always look fabulous. Lisa does the best pedicure that I have ever had-I got the first pedicure just as a splurge but now I am hooked. Without Lisa & Cindy, I would be completely lost! Pros: Lisa and Cindy (!!) Cons: None more

You walk in and you have escaped your everyday hectic life. The atmosphere is dedicated to helping you relax and let all worries float away. My massage by Adriana was so wonderful that I purchased a gift certificate for hubby for Valentine's Day to enjoy it as well. My facial was rejuvenating and I plan to make it routine. Lunch was graciously provided and I appreciated that. My manicure and pedicure was just icing on the cake. I wanted to stay longer and escape the "real" world outside and get lost in the tranquility, but 3:00 was rolling around and "poof" I had to pick kids and shuttle them to their activities. However, I plan to escape again when time permits to this fabulously friendly and inviting day spa. Pros: Exactly what you expect in a day of pampering Cons: none more

I gave two stars for the hot toe vodoo- judging from my experience there, they have good nail services. However, I received the most awful facial and bikini wax of my life there! The facial was rushed and lasted about 25 minutes, and the girl was SO unfriendly. I've had numerous brazillian bikinis before, and this one was bad. The poor girl was nice, but I wouldn't be suprised if this was her first bikni wax! She missed complete areas, and she had to keep peeling her gloves off of me (I guess she got wax on them...how about spring for another pair!). The golden rule of waxing is that you pull the skin tight before pulling the paper off...if she were trained properly (or at all) she would have known that. I would not recommend waxing or facials there at all. In fact, I don't think I will be going back. Pros: the lady that did my nails, and the front desk girls Cons: everything else more

I go to Hawaiian Retreat on a regular basis to have my nails done by Cindy and am always more than satisfied. Cindy is awesome! Recently I decided to treat myself to a day at the spa and it was heaven! From the moment I walked thru the door (as always) the staff was wonderful, they saw to my every need. I had a massage, facial, refill and hot toe voodoo and I could not have asked for anything better! I will definately be sending my friends and family there! Thank you Hawaiian Retreat for a wonderful day, it was just what I needed and I couldn't have chosen a better place for my special day! Pros: Staff, Service, Atmosphere Cons: There are none! more

Like many spas situated in retail centers, this one is just average. Decor was so so, staff was nice, and massage was average once again. My specific points to massage (lower back and neck) were not addressed very well.. quick go over. I felt like it was more about getting the hour over with. In the end I did not feel like it was worth the money. more

I go to Hawaiian Retreat probably at least once a month. Whether I'm going for an in and out wax service or a whole day of relaxing, they treat me like a princess. Their massages, wraps, facials, pedicures, and manicures are my favorite way to escape the everyday grind. Plus the prices are so much better than the other spas in this area. Plus you get drinks and food with certain packages. And the food is EXCELLENT! And so are the drinks! I highly recommend this place! Pros: staff, atmosphere, customer service Cons: are you kidding? there aren't any! more

I recently treated myself to a day at the spa. The staff was wonderful. They were all very friendly and saw to my every need. I had a massage, body wrap, facial, spa manicure and hot toe voodoo. It was perfect. The hot toe voodoo was out of this world. Lunch was included with my package and I enjoyed mimosas while I relaxed in the pedicure chair and hydro-tub. After my massage I relaxed in the sauna and felt like a new person! The atmosphere was totally relaxing. It was a day I won't forget. I can't wait to go back again to try some of their other services. What a way to start the new year. Thanks again to all the staff for their efforts to make my day so special. more

My best friend and I went and were looking forward to a great relaxing event. I was scheduled for a hot stone massage but the therapist didn't like the stones so she asked if it was OK if we did the massage without them. I had looked forward to the stones but agreed to proceed without them. The massage was good but not outstanding. Next I was scheduled for a facial with Anne and waxing on the lip, eyebrow and chin. All I can say is I had to come home and pluck due to all of the hair she missed. I even pointed them out when I was on the table but she didn't follow-up. The waiting room is outside of the facial area and it was really noisy, making it hard to relax. When we checked out (which took forever) they asked if I wanted to go back and let her take a look I said no thanks. I was too frustrated with the whole deal. They also agreed that a lot of the stones weren't good ones. Why didn't they tell me when I called about that kind of massage! On the other hand my friend had a good experience with everything. I doubt I will go back again. Pros: nice people, brought in lunch for us, fair prices Cons: too noisy, service lacking more

I got a deep tissue massage here. It was my first one ever, so I suppose I don't have much to compare it to, but I loved it. The room was amazingly relaxing, soft, tranquil music, dimmed lights, the works. I though the prices were very reasonable especially after getting great treatment. The woman giving me the massage also made me feel very comfortable and relaxed. They also have these amazing showers you can use after your massage and bath robes, since you have the massage oil all over you. : ) Pros: quality, atmosphere, people more

We just celebrated my bachlorette party at hawaiian retreat and had a wonderful time. The staff made us mimosa's and we were able to relax during a very hectic time. We spent nearly 5 hours at the spa and we all felt like new women after our treatments! Pros: excellent staff, clean, sanatized, great music! more

My girlfriends and I go monthly for our pedicure parties and we have had the most wonderful experiences. All the nail techs are wonderful and the staff has an outstanding beverage service along with a clean beautiful atmosphere. I really love it here....it is our way to escape ! Pros: staff, clean, music more

Most spas have a rude front desk but I have to say the people at the front here were the most accomodating of any spa. I will make it a routine because the staff was sooo friendly, did an excellent job, and made me and my friends feel extremely comfortable. I hope everyone gets to experience the staff there! Pros: friendly, clean, excelent job more

This is a nice spa in the northwest part of Houston near HP. I have been coming here since I moved here and a new owner has recently taken over and taken a mediocre spa to a very nice and relaxing escape. The massages are great - Adriana is outstanding and Angelique is also wonderful, but truthfully, I have not had a bad massage. I also love their spa pedicures and their facials, particularly those by Judy. Judy has also done a Microdermabrasion for me and it was so relaxing and my skin glowed afterward (including compliments from strangers). Very nice and relaxing place to go. Staff is wonderful and the prices are reasonable. Pros: Staff, Atmosphere, prices more