North County Spa — Attraction in Carlsbad

I'm not one to bash companies, but a week later and i'm still upset about this experience. I've had maybe 30 massages in my life, and this one was hands down the worst one i've ever had. For starters, my therapist didn't speak english so I couldn't communicate with her on pressure, and there was about a minute convo in the middle of my massage about upselling me aromatherapy, but she didn't understand what I was saying. The massage itself was brutal. About 90% of the contact was a single up to down motion in the same spot about 8-10 times, then she would move to another spot and do the same up to down motion on spot. No technique, painful, and the constant motion in the same area hurt. Next, I didn't feel comfortable with my nudity and personal space. I felt super exposed on several occasions, because both of my legs would be uncovered at the same time and she bunched the sheets and put them between my upper legs/bottom area, so some of my bottom was actually exposed too. I was cold because of how much of my body was uncovered at a time. At one point when my entire back and even the top of my bum was uncovered, she randomly left the room for about five minutes without saying anything. I was really confused and after a few minutes, I started looking for a clock to see if my time was up and I was supposed to get changed? No communication, just left with half my body uncovered from blankets.... also not okay. The last thing that really upset me was when i was on my back, she again uncovered both of my legs and literally got on the table with me between my legs to massage my thighs at the same time. I had a towel draped on my face but still opened my eyes to confirm what i was feeling was true, and sure enough, facing me sitting on her knees between my legs.... Never experienced that before and i was uncomfortable.

I honestly didn't want to pay for my massage because i was so uncomfortable and knew how bad it was, but there were two women working the desk when i went to leave and then my therapist came out too, so we barely spoke, i paid and rushed out as fast as I could. Before I even left the parking lot, the spa called me two times, and then texted me asking me how I felt and offered me to come back with their best therapist for 50% off. So they knew right away how bad it was. Yes, I give them credit for wanting to make it right. But it wasn't just bad technique on a certain therapist, i felt violated with my space and can't go back to experience that again.

I really didn't want to write this review, but it's been 9 days and i'm still just as irked and don't want another young female to experience...

Treated 2 friends to a massage for their birthday, a 90 min and a 60 min. and theirs was not a good experience. Friend 1 felt the masseuse did not know the practice of massage just hard fast rubbing and when she asked her to go slower she just said yes and kept the fast pace. So clearly a language problem. My friend was cold in the room and asked for a blanket or heat, and again was answered with yes but no blanket. I was very embarrassed that my friend’s massage was not enjoyable for her at all. The spa makes a big deal of being able to choose the scent of massage oil, but it wasn’t used during the massage. My other friend thought her massage was ok, but didn’t like her face being rubbed as she felt the masseuses hands smelled of garlic, and when she was laying on her back the sheet kept creeping down her chest and the masseuse did nothing to keep her modesty. Lot of money spent w tip. Unfortunately I had paid and tipped before they finished their massage. Cannot recommend this spa!

Wanted to come back and update my review. Chris the owner reached out and was very responsive to my two friends’ massage experiences. He mentioned some new renovations he would be implementing soon, and also mentioned a few ideas he had to help with communication and overall experience. I think his changes will make a difference, and I am looking forward to a neck...

Came here with my wife for a 45 minute foot and head massage in the community room. Price was on point and they offered an upgrade to full hour with back massage for same price. We happily accepted.

The experience was nice. Foot and head massage was fantastic, I actually fell asleep during foot massage. My masseuse was very strong and did not disappoint with his pressure. One thing with community rooms that I have noticed is the tables are not as great as a private room massage table with the dedicated face pillow. Instead, it is a hole in the table that can be a little uncomfortable during back massages.

I will definitely be back to have another foot/head massage. If I decide to go with a full body/back massage I will pay a little extra for the private room and comfort of a nice table.

As for the previous reviews about being forced into giving a larger tip, I did not have this experience. There was no uncomfortable hostage situation. My understanding is ownership has recently changed. We were treated well and I feel comfortable recommending this place to friends and family. Actually recommended it to my father and he went the next day and bought a 5-pack...