I recently received a $300 gift from my family to experience a treatment at Soak Haus, which included a facial and a head spa. I was excited to try it, but unfortunately, the experience left me feeling more frustrated than before I arrived for the treatment.
The issues began before I even arrived. On the day of my appointment, I received a message saying the team was running 20 minutes late, which ultimately turned into nearly an hour. I immediately responded, asking if I should arrive later, but only got a reply as I was pulling up to the venue.
When I walked in, I wasn’t greeted. There were two consultants assisting four other women, so I expected someone would at least acknowledge me, but that didn’t happen. Another client who arrived after me was greeted warmly with a hug, while I was still sitting there unnoticed. Eventually, I was handed an iPad to fill out a form, but the fillable boxes weren’t working, so I had to write everything out using a pen on the IPad.
After a long wait, my consultant came over, looked at the form I filled out, and commented, “I can’t even read this handwriting,” right in front of me. It made me incredibly uncomfortable. She then had me read my responses aloud, took me through a brief overview of the treatment, and mentioned they were using Oway and Dermalogica products—but didn’t go into detail about what specific products would be used. She asked if I had oily hair and seemed to base the product selection on that, which was the only positive aspect of the experience.
The treatment room was right in front of the reception area. For the first 30 minutes, it was quiet and relaxing, but for the next hour and a half, all I could hear was loud laughter and conversations from the reception area, which completely disrupted any sense of relaxation. The consultant herself was nice but clumsy, dropping items multiple times during the treatment, which added to the lack of serenity.
At the end of the session, I expected to be taken through the treatments and given the option to purchase the products used, but instead, the consultant simply said goodbye and started tidying up. I left without any information about the products, which was disappointing.
I followed up two days later, texting and calling to request the product details. The owner eventually called me back and apologised profusely, asking me to come in for a complementary treatment. I explained that I wasn’t interested, but she was insistent and even confirmed my email to send the details. However, after the call, I received no follow-up regarding the complementary treatment. Two days later, I received a text with the product details but still no email or further acknowledgment of the promised treatment.
The lack of follow-through was frustrating. I originally sought only product information and ended up feeling pressured into accepting a resolution that was never delivered. Over-promising and under-delivering—especially to a client who has already had a negative experience—only worsens the situation.
I am sharing my experience in the hopes that others don’t have to deal with the same issues in the future. I hope this feedback encourages Soak Haus to reassess how they handle client care, communication, and follow-ups. I however, won’t be recommending this spa to anyone moving forward. The experience was...
Read moreIt’s disappointing to be writing this after how excited we were to try this place out.
Right at the time of our duo soak booking that cost $300+ a staff meeting was called by the manager. So we sat and waited for 30+ minutes waiting for our 90min session to begin. We had arrived 5min early as suggested. We weren’t given a time frame for how long we’d wait, just that it won’t take too long.
Myself and my partner are both trans folks who use they/them pronouns. But from the get-go we were misgendered as “ladies” which we both thought “ok fine, that happens sometimes but surely when we fill out our paperwork we’ll be able to tell them our pronouns on there”. (Side note: as a trans person, verbally correcting folks when they use the wrong pronouns can be intimidating, dangerous or cause the other person to become annoyed or even angry so it’s not something we do 100% of the time.) But there was nowhere on the form to list our gender and/or pronouns. This’s unfortunate and unusual in 2024 for what we thought was a progressive business.
The therapist I had was very thorough with explaining everything she was going to do, which I appreciated. But the therapist my partner had didn’t explain the process. My partner is neurodivergent so found it anxiety inducing that they didn’t know what was going to happen during this very niche treatment. (In hindsight they will ask for clarity in a similar situation.) I think we were both a bit “thrown off” because we’d already waited so long and felt a bit uncomfortable.
The treatment itself, I felt was lovely. Though we were supposed to have a 90min treatment but it finished up 20mins early… My partner would’ve enjoyed it too if they’d had the process explained and consent obtained from them for certain things like an eye mask and steam helmet.
We were given a rubber scalp scrubber and 2 very small treatment samples each to apologise for the 30+ minute wait.
I think it’s important for other trans, queer or neurodivergent folks to hear our experience. We won’t be...
Read moreA Hidden Gem in Victoria: Soak Haus Delivers an Unforgettable Experience!
Environment: Don't let the unassuming exterior fool you – Soak Haus is a private studio that unfolds into a haven of relaxation and serenity. The carefully curated decor and impeccable equipment create an atmosphere that's just right. Step inside, and you'll instantly feel the stress melt away, surrounded by authenticity and thoughtful design.
service: Having explored various head spas in Victoria, I can confidently declare Soak Haus as the epitome of excellence. From the invigorating head massage to meticulous hair and scalp cleaning, and the soothing facial, neck, and shoulder massage, every moment is an indulgence. Monique, the skilled practitioner, effortlessly transports you to a realm of bliss. Her friendliness and adaptability ensure a personalized experience, with the perfect blend of strength and water temperature. The seamless integration of each service makes it impossible to choose a favourite – they harmonise into a symphony of relaxation.
Responding Time: Addressing a potential concern, I'd like to share my perspective on response times. While private messages to the owner may take a bit, it's crucial to understand the context. Soak Haus is a startup, and the owner manages administrative tasks independently. Acknowledging the issue, efforts are underway to enhance response times. Let's extend patience and kindness, recognizing that the wait is worthwhile for the quality this establishment provides. Trust the process!
Pricing: Every penny spent at Soak Haus is an investment in an unparalleled experience. The value derived from the top-notch service, serene ambiance, and attention to detail makes it evident – it's worth every dime.
In Conclusion: My visit to Soak Haus was beyond words; it truly transcended the ordinary. I encourage everyone to indulge in the Soak Haus head spa experience – it's an otherworldly journey that promises relaxation and...
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