Panacea Luxury Spa — Attraction in Columbus

Come for the services, stay for the amenities! Today (27 Feb 2025) was my second time visiting Panacea Luxury Spa and will not be my last. It has claimed it’s rightful place as my most-loved high end spa; a position formerly held for 10+ years by another day spa in the Columbus area.

I had a 60 minute Swedish massage from Courtney. Her hands are magic! Very through with attention to each knot muscle group and all the little knots. I’m usually one to be chatty, but opted to try to clear my mind and truly relax. She honored that space and spoke softly when needed.

The amenities are first of its kind to the Columbus area. Yes, you get the white robe and slippers and a quiet room… but there is SO much more than that. Himalayan sea salt sauna, large jacuzzi/hot tub pool, eucalyptus steam room, and a cold plunge pool along with a quiet space with 4 lounging swings and cozy velvet chairs.

The eucalyptus steam room is my absolute favorite. 15-20 minutes in there and my sinuses feel better along with my skin feeling more hydrated. Bring an ice towel provided outside the door to help you cool down. Or, there are cold water sprayers inside the steam room.

The sauna isn’t too hot and is a comfortable spot to read a chapter or two of a book, enjoy a cocktail, or rest your eyes for a moment.

Cold plunge pool is something I have to hype myself up to get into and can only last less than 30 seconds. However, it shocks my system and helps me reset my emotional regulation (thank you, anxiety disorder).

They have light bites (nuts, fruit, cukes, chocolate covered dried fruit) and plenty of infused water. The house-made cocktails are refreshing (try the Espresso Martini and Blueberry Lavender Lemonade). Chocolate Cafe caters with a ~$25 minimum order. So. Good!

You’re able to book just the amenities for a 3 hour window without spa services. Completely worth it, IMO.

This is an unassuming gem of an oasis in the middle of a residential/business area but you’d think you were in the high end day spas of the west coast!

I will be back sooner than later for our annual girls spa day with my 3 friends! Anytime I’m needing a moment away from the chaos of work, raising kids, keeping house, and maintaining community - I know where to go :)

(Video from my first visit on 17...

Edited to add I received a phone call after posting this review. While I originally thought they were calling me to offer apologies for my poor experience, it actually ended up being a phone call to challenge all of my concerns. I was asked to explain WHY I waited 2 months to post this review, I was told that I should have known to bring a bathing suit due to text messages sent out (that in reality I never received.) I was told that the therapist I didn't love came from Woodhouse (a place that I mentioned having better experiences with in my review.) The follow up phone call was tacky, confrontational and had the same cold, unprofessional vibe as my first and last visit here. Oh and she offered a free drink at my next visit. 🤦🏼‍♀️ I will not be back and I do not recommend this spa. There are much better ones in the area all around.

I heard great things about this spa so I decided to give it a try. I was underwhelmed on so many levels. When booking the appointment, the employee on the phone didn't tell me to bring a bathing suit. That really put a damper on my day, as they have a nice whirlpool. I went ahead and tried to make the best of it and just wore my undies and sports bra. While the staff was very nice, the place just didn't have the professional, polished feel that one would expect for this price level. The appealing swings in the relaxation area were wet from someone sitting on them in a wet bathing suit, so I couldn't even enjoy those. The spa wasn't as clean as you would expect. There was water all over the floor. As far as the actual massage, it was nothing special... very average. As much as I was hoping to like this spa, Allvera and Woodhouse are still much more...

I booked a couples massage 3 months prior, the wait to get in for a couples massage is pretty long, but I figured it would be worth it given all of the social media posts and pictures I had seen with all of the amazing amenities they had to offer. I am not someone who spends a lot of money typically but felt it would be well worth it for a self care day

When we first got there 30 minutes prior to our appointment time like prompted at 3:15pm, we were greeted and taken on a tour to see all of the amenities they had to offer which lasted a bit of time. Our massages were booked at 3:45 and the tour ran right up to the massage so I quickly ordered a drink from a staff member as it was apart of the services we paid for. Also, it was there one year anniversary so we were told we would get a free glass of champagne, which we did not get. I also did not receive the drink I ordered.

At the end of the tour we were told (because we asked) that they close at 5:00pm and thats when we would have to be out so we wouldn't have time to use the amenities. I have worked in the service industry for YEARS so I tried to be understanding, but when you spend $350 as someone who doesn't spend that kind of money ever I was extremely disappointed, mad, and felt like I had literally robbed. If this was a one off situation that they tried to help with (adjusted payment because we did not receive cocktails?) or something, I wouldn't be writing this.

There was also a woman who got there the same time as us who experienced the same thing and was also upset. It felt like they were not prepared for a late appointment like this and it was unfortunately at the expense of me. I would go somewhere else if you...