Well Within Spa — Attraction in Santa Cruz

I am sad to have to post this review but after visiting this place for about 2 years and generally having good experiences I have come to the conclusion that it's just not worth the money any more. $40 per person is a lot of money. That's almost a tank of gasoline for my car. And to pay $80 for 2 people, when there are barely any additional resources used by the second person (an extra towel, an extra tea cup and a tiny bit of water for an additional shower) feels really excessive.

The tubs are old and most of them are not in full working condition. They are worn, many of the wooden and metal fixtures show rust, bleaching or algae. The tiles are old and scuffed. Honestly the place feels a bit grimey, but from age not lack of cleaning.

I understand cost of living is constantly going up in California and wages and energy prices are rising but it feels like while the establishment shows more of it's age customers are asked to overlook this while paying more money.

The staff has always been super polite and professional. The gardens and waiting room are still nice. But yeah $40 for 50 minutes in a worn out hot tub that doesn't get that hot with little-to-no bubbles is not a great deal. Don't worry though, there's probably not a better option in the area as all the alternatives are even more expensive. I guess Santa Cruz will just become another playground for rich retirees and tourists looking to splurge and the rest of us can save up our pennies and move away or something.

Definitely disappointed though it's not really directed at Well Within or their staff. I know you're all facing the same pressures that I am and trying to keep your head above water. Just feels like another small joy in life slipping...

Not really a reviewer but curious if anyone else has had a similar experience. I've been to Well Within many times and have usually loved it, but really bummed with my last visit...

Booked a tub and sauna room like a month in advance as a gift to my friend for her birthday (and first time). They called me like an hour beforehand saying that the sauna in our room was broken. Bummer, but not a big deal if they can make it right. They said they'd knock of $5 each, bringing the room to $60 instead of $70. To me this is a little cheap because half the amenities of the room were unavailable. Left a message with Travis (it doesn't ring, just straight to VM so he can screen all the calls). But okay, we went anyway because we had planned so far ahead and it was for her birthday.

We get there and the hot tub was also broken. The water was hot but the jets weren't working. We grabbed a member of the staff who was super sweet but unfortunately couldn't get them working either. So now 2 out of 2 of the things we were there to enjoy were out of order. The guy who helped us said he'd talk to the shift lead so we could get a refund.

10 days later I hadn't seen anything posted to my account so I call on a Friday. They take my digits and say they'll have someone call me back. Nothing. Now it's Monday and I call again, only to be told there's nothing they can do but forward me to their manager's VM again because he only work 10-3 and from a separate building.

I finally connect with him (Travis) and he is firm on not offering any additional refund whatsoever. Feel like I was super reasonable but now have to contact my bank to dispute the...

We were gifted a gift certificate and decided to book a one hour hot tub and 50 minute couples massage. They offered a $250 package and I felt like it was well worth the price. When we arrived, we were shown two spa room number three, and were very pleasantly surprised to see how spacious and clean it was. The room included a shower with fragrant lemongrass body wash and rosemary shampoo and conditioner were divine, and that we bought to take home after our time there. I wasn’t expecting the wonderful Japanese decor, and hot tea set that welcomed us to this little oasis. A wood sauna was featured as well as the hot tub in a garden area. The jets were nice and strong on my sore muscles and the water was hot enough which was great. (Hey, some places can be kind of Meh) when our delightful hour was up, and we’d enjoyed every amenity, we put on the pretty robes and headed off to our individual massage rooms. I was with Anna Marie, and as a former massage therapist, I can confidently vouch for her credentials and talent as a therapist. I told her exactly which areas needed work and she focused on relieving those specific knots, but managed to budget time to work through my whole body. I really enjoyed my time with her and can’t wait to plan a trip back to Santa Cruz to have another massage with her. My partner also loved his massage and describes it as very flowing and relaxing, which was what he’d wanted. The next time we go back, we’ll try to book with Nicolette who is also a long time therapist there, of whom we’ve heard...