Jalan Facial Spa — Attraction in Denver

I booked the prenatal massage/facial package on my day off and was so excited to try out Jalan spa based on my friends recommendation and their great reviews! I am a very easy going 26 weeks pregnant woman and was looking forward to a day of relaxation. The facility is very nice and inviting. They welcomed me and the massage therapist got me right away and let me know they do the side lying massage for pregnant clients. I had expected this although I would have preferred if they had the other option of laying on the stomach with a special table or pillow. The massage was okay, I told her my problem area of my shoulders and she did not seem to focus on them any more or less than normal. She also did not touch my arms or hands at all! I have never had a full body massage that did not include the hands/arms. I would give the massage 3 out of 10. After the massage was over they took me to a foot soak which was nice, the therapist offered me their famous lemongrass tea which I accepted but then she never brought it to me. I was a bit bummed as many people mention that in their reviews. 15 mins later the esthetician escorted me to her room. She asked about my skin and then disappeared for 5-10 minutes to get products. It took a while and she said she was asking which of their products were pregnancy safe... I thought it was strange she had to look that up given that I booked a mama to be facial, she should have already known which products would work. The facial took place fully on my back. I'm not a crazy pregnancy person by any means so I didn't mind laying down on my back for an hour but I could see many mamas to be not being thrilled about laying on their back for that length of time without a break. The facial was nice, however she left a second time for 5-10 mins after she put a mask on me and told me to relax... at that point my feet were numb from laying completely flat for that long and so I sat up while she was out of the room. All in all the facial was good but the leaving for 15-20 minutes total during the 60 min facial wasn't what I was expecting. I could possibly try them again post pregnancy based on my friends recommendation but I would not recommend Jalan Spa for...

Tips are apparently required, so be aware. If you don't tip, you will be judged and made to feel uncomfortable.

Background: I am not at all a frequent massage/facial goer. I'm not in a place financially that I can ever afford a massage or any type of pampering. For my birthday, my boyfriend gifted me a massage and facial as I've been having acne flare ups and hip pain.

The massage and facial were great. The MT did a phenomenal job. The facialist was very kind and knowledgeable. We discussed my skin and its needs. She also gave me a pamphlet listing all the products she used. Though I wish I could have been given a list with affordable products as what I came home with is useless. I can't afford $40+ products. My budget is more in the $10 range and even then I still cringe at checkout.

When leaving I was asked if I wanted to leave a tip. First, since my boyfriend paid I felt uncomfortable increasing the cost for him without prior discussion. Two, massages are already pricey, I don't understand why I would be required to tip on top of that. If you aren't charging enough to pay your MTs, you need to readjust your company structure. That should not be put on the customer who is already paying a substantial amount. Lastly, tips are required for servers as they don't even make minimum wage. Outside of waitstaff, tips are supposed to be optional and to show appreciation. They are never to be required.

As I was checking out the receptionist asked if I wanted to leave a tip. I obviously stated no. I was then made to feel uncomfortable and was clearly being judged by the receptionist for not tipping. The situation left me feeling off and I later checked their website to see their policy regarding tips. Their website doesnt state its required but shows they expect it.

In summary, the spa is beautiful and relaxing. I loved everything about my experience up until I checked out. If you have the money to blow and don't mind tipping on top of it, I absolutely recommend Jalan Spa. If you don't have the money to tip, I'd recommend finding...

Ah, the Jalan journey. I read about it before going, but it wasn't until I experienced it that I understood the truly blissful state they put you in with the journey.

They start you with lemongrass tea infused with ginger (which I'm now addicted to and must figure out how to make) and Malaysian cookies (which I can't even describe because they're not sweet like you think a cookie would be). They paired perfectly together. Once you've taken your time enjoying that delicate little treat, you are whisked away to enjoy your foot bath with lavender cleansing salts. You control the water so you can choose a temperature that is most comfortable for you. Once you're to the point where you're so relaxed, you think you may fall asleep, you can make your way to the relaxation room. Several chairs and lounge seating with pillows, blankets (yes, plush blankets for if you do want to nap afterward), a zen garden, and tiny waterfall. From here, you will be fetched for your treatment, but not before taking some deep breathes of calming lavender aromatherapy first....in case you weren't already borderline sleepwalking. After your treatment, you will stop for an awakening lemongrass aromatherapy and warm date tea on your way back to the relaxation room. It is here that you can listen to a guided meditation or try to mentally come to terms with having to go back into the real world.

I've had both a massage and a facial here and both experiences were equally wondrous. After the massage, my shoulders and back felt worlds better (I carry a lot of tension there). After the facial, my skin was soft and glowing and looked much less dull even days after. The products that they use are all natural so very ideal for sensitive or acne prone skin (which mine is both). The staff is all so friendly and accommodating....