ikoi Spa — Attraction in Devonport-Takapuna

I tried the Japanese enzyme treatment because I was looking for something similar to the Japanese onsen I had experienced at a Ryokan outside of Kyoto. (I acknowledge that finding something similar outside of Japan is quite niche and difficult.) Overall I enjoyed my experience. However, during the experience of being covered in the sawdust I had no idea if I would be able to lift my hands and feet and escape the sawdust on my own or if it would be too heavy. For some reason, this terrified me and made me feel stressed and claustrophobic because I felt trapped and totally reliant on a complete stranger to rescue me. I decided not to move much during the experience and kept trying to calm down. At one point I felt a strong burning sensation on the heel of my foot, which was very uncomfortable. The sweat on my face made my face itch but I couldn’t move to itch it. Then my left hand started feeling tingly like it was falling asleep, so I wiggled my fingers. Thankfully, the practitioner finally told me that I could lift my hands and feet out of the sawdust if I preferred. This made me feel super safe because it confirmed that I could actually lift the sawdust. I don’t know why, but I hadn’t touched the sawdust before the treatment and somehow had this sense that because it had been shoveled ahead of time to make space for my body then it must be very heavy. So after I was covered in it I had this fear that it would compound in weight and I would not be able to get myself out. I really wish the people working at the spa had informed me that you can move your arms and legs out of the sawdust at any time and then back under as you like. I also wish that I had realized that I could move myself out of the sawdust. I don’t know, it just really impacted my experience because it made me feel really trapped.

But overall it was super relaxing and gave the same “inner warmth” or “warming the bones” sensation as an onsen or a long sauna experience. So I’d probably go again.

Please take the advice and let clients touch the sawdust beforehand and let them know that they can take their arms and legs out at any time! But also that they can re-cover themselves with the sawdust throughout the enzyme spa treatment. (I actually didn’t need my hands and legs out — I just needed to know that I could...

It was lucky to those who was served with their best therapist. My experience, however, went the opposite - i just can’t wait to end my session.

My friend and I signed up for Enzyme Spa & Shiatsu Massage/Oil Massage Package costs $258 and I thought it is something that I could do to pamper myself as a birthday gift just like many others.

Sadly, I was with an unhappy therapist that just could not pay more attention providing service and good massage (not a single smile and eye contact). Most of the conversation made was with my friend’s therapist. So we first went to the enzyme treatment in a very nice ambience room. We were buried in the organic sand that undergo fermentation by itself releasing heat that serve us a treatment (ie promoting blood circulation and all). The therapists were there with us hydrating us with wet towels on our face. My friend was sharing her experience that she received gentle care by her therapist that wiping off her sweat and gently massage on the head and shoulder while we were lying down. Somewhat I got envious as my therapist is just constantly putting the wet towels around my forehead and cheeks while I can feel my sweat dripping down my neck and nothing about the massage that she had :(

After the enzyme treatment and wash up with 10mins of rest, we were up for oil massage. The room is superb and comfy. My friend’s therapist checking on us with the temperature too. Sadly though, my therapist was not paying enough attention on the massage although I did asked her to get me stronger pressure. She did for a bit and slowly went back to the soft touch - I almost thought it was what? Sensual massage? Haha! I am just unhappy and envious with how my friend enjoyed saying that her therapist got her good pressure on the muscles all around the side hips, shoulder blades, three sides of her glutes and all…while all I got is just unfortunate $258 worth of touch.

Positive thing is the ambience, the shower, bathroom, and enzyme drinks are the highlights - look at my photos! They are fancy and speak up to the spa! It was just my unlucky day having an unhappy therapist, so leaving this place with...

Unfortunately I had a really bad experience yesterday, I booked in for the welcome package, Back scrub and massage, Thalgo facial and scalp massage for $169. I arrived early to a messy reception area and was seated to complete my client information forms, this seating area was nice and I was given a herbal tea. I then was given some oil samples to pick the scent I wanted during my massage and most of them smelt rancid like the oil had gone off. I then asked my therapist if extractions were done during the facial because I didn't want any done, she had no idea what I was talking about and the receptionist came over and said No, it's just an exfoliation, cleanse etc very basic. So then I was shown my room, it was a very large couples room and it was cold, The therapist had not set the room up prior to me coming in and she quickly found disposable underwear for me to use, the bed was also very cold. She started the treatment very lightly exfoliating my back and pouring cold water on me, the bedding once again smelt like it was soaked in this rancid oil like the towels and sheets had not been washed :( it was so overbearing, I was not enjoying the treatment at all so I asked her to stop. I got dressed and walked out to reception, I told her the whole experience didn't feel very professional and told her about the oil which she replied well she isn't a qualified therapist if you wanted a more in depth treatment we have more qualified therapists. Really! So I was going to pay $169 for a welcome package to be done by a young girl with just a bit of massage experience. So disappointing and I'm glad I didn't stay lying there just to be polite. The receptionist also smelt like cigarette smoke and was chewing gum, she wasn't very apologetic and just told me to rebook which I guess you can tell will never happen. I don't see how I've had this experience and all the other reviews read so well! I am a qualified Spa therapist myself and this was nowhere near up to standard or even slightly enjoyable and not a Thalgo...