Body Sanctum Massage & Day Spa — Local services in South Island

This was my second time at this business, the first time I was only going out of desperation for a massage as I couldn't get into "So Spa" at the Sofitel. First time was very average but that was a couple of years ago maybe they had improved. This time I was only going as I had received a couple of Red Balloon vouchers that used this business, otherwise I would not have gone. I would not call this place a "Spa", this is more just a place to get a massage. If you want a "Spa" experience go to "So Spa" at Sofitel...Amazing!. The masseuses are fully qualified, the beds are heated, the rooms are Dark, you are given slippers and a robe, you can have a free sauna before massage, then at end you get a hot drink and room to relax in before you leave. Heaven!! Unlike my experiences at this venue, useless masseuse, cold bed, cold room, curtains wide open so room very bright and grotty bathroom, and no hot drink at the end.

I was booked for a 75minute massage. The male masseuse was 5mins late in taking me into the room. I asked for neck, shldrs to be done and not worry about legs, he confirmed with me just upper body. Then for the next 40mins he massaged badly my back and legs, then we were done. Without realizing I got up and dressed and left. Once I got to the lift I realized I was booked for 75mins not 40mins, so went back and the receptionist (who was lovely) said "oh I thought you had finished early." After explaining what happened I had to ask could someone finish off the remaining time I had paid for. The lady who came may have been the cleaner, she had no idea what to do and I had to explain what to do. (she was a very lovely lady though, not her fault) There was no time to get undressed so I just laid on the bed fully clothed and got another 15mins. Hardly relaxing!. When I left the receptionist said the Manager would be in touch. 12 DAYS LATER NO WORD FROM MANAGER....maybe she is busy.

I guess due to their location they are busy and customer satisfaction does not matter ! I think the owner should give the Manager some more customer satisfaction training or perhaps even send them to the amazing spa at Sofitel "So Spa" , so they can learn what a "SPA" is and how to treat customers. I would definitely recommend paying a bit more and go to "So Spa" for the most amazing pamper experience! DO NOT COME HERE if you want a 'SPA' experience, you will be so...

I went for a 1 hour reflexology massage and a 15 minute head. It was the worst massage I've ever had. It was like they hired a girl who had no skills, or experience with reflexology or massage. I get regular reflexology and massages so I know how they are suppose to be. This was awful. Nothing relaxing at all about the massage. On a positive, the girl was very friendly, the place had a lovely vibe and beautiful set up. So that's the only reason I give it a 2 star instead of 1.

Response- I didn't have the heart to tell the girl, like I said she was so lovely, and to be honest i didnt think of emailing. Your right in future I will. I am not trying to offend anyone, just an honest review from my experience. I did fall asleep in small parts of the foot massage because like I said the atmosphere was lovely, the dim lighting, music and oil smell was relaxing and I was very sleep deprived with traveling around NZ and exhausted, i did feel relaxed the moment I walked in because the whole place has a wonderful vibe. I did ask for an extra head massage at the end hoping it would be better as I know not everyone is properly experienced in reflexology, but it wasn't any better. But like I said the girl was lovely, the place was beautiful but the massage was not good at all. I also understand that reflexology can be uncomfortable sometimes with pressure points ect., I lived in China for 5 years and got them almost daily, travel regularly to Bali and get them when there, and live in Perth and get them at least once a month. So I'm not new to this. But understand you may think I'm just out to give back bad feedback for no reason but this is not the case. Just sharing my honest experience, weather it is constructive or not is for...

Myself and a friend booked special occasion makeup on New Year’s Eve. Unfortunately it was a bit of a disaster they didn’t have either of our skin colours and the artist seemed quite under stocked with no mascara at all and nude lipsticks. 1.5hrs was how long my face took trying to correct but we never achieved it. The session is 45mins long per person. Both of us who are different skin tones walked out incredibly dark and mismatched. To be fair the make up artist did try her hardest to correct it but given the extended time we had to get going. We both washed our makeup off when we returned home and luckily this happened as I was soon engaged later that night and would have been embarrassed if any photos were taken. Our friends actually laughed at our faces when they saw us. For $100 each it was quite pricy. Feeling quite ripped off for the poor quality and the stress of it all. Otherwise the place itself is beautiful and likely is a good experience for other treatments. Would recommend checking to see before hand if they are stocked with all skin colours tan/brown skin. And more variety of eye shadows/lip colours I expected better for price. Makeup application itself was extremely dewy and thick. Sorry for review :( .... however after this review an apology and full refund was given thank you for this we appreciate you...