Mokara Spa — Local services in Austin

Disappointed with this visit. My friend and I frequent spas around the country so were happy to find this one with a beautiful view and amenities however it did not live up to the expectations. First off the front desk is hard to get ahold of, you have to leave messages for them to get back to you and because of this there was some miscommunication. We initially both wanted the 80 minute river rock massage but ended up being booked for 50 minute relaxation massages. We did get a confirmation email but honestly didnt check it because we booked the day before so we can take accountability for not checking. However when we came to check in and said we wanted the 80 minute massage we were met with a big attitude and scoffs. We were told we would have to pay a fee to cancel and reschedule for later so we just kept our 50 minute massage slot. Massage was decent. We also noticed when they showed us around they didnt say much, but with other people they were asking them questions like “what are you celebrating etc”. We ended up changing it to a 50 minute stone massage but could feel that some staff had an attitude with us- not sure if it was the mixup or if they always do. Also had to track down someone to order food. Multiple people kept coming to the front desk to ask for someone to come to the cafe to order food and foods only available from 11-3. A staff member passed by us and i got up and said excuse me to try to get a togo box and he turned his head to look at me then kept walking down the hall. I literally said “what is wrong here” to my friend which i think he heard because after a couple seconds he came back and asked what I needed. I know work can be busy but you could acknowledge your guests or say i’ll be back shortly. There should be someone in the cafe at all time or maybe use a qr code for ordering and have a station there with condiments, togo boxes, etc. One of the little water machines by the hottub is all cracked and leaking. The other one looks grimey. Was definitely missing the fresh fruit or lemon water you get at spas, i know they arent all the same but its the little things and details that give luxury experience. The relaxation lounges were very enjoyable and comfortable as well as the robe they give you. Lastly the hot tub and cold plunge in the womens locker room were kind of disgusting and grimey. Did not get a picture of the brown marks on the side or the floaters in the cold plunge pool but grime outside and inside of the hot tub below. The indoor wet area with the hot tub, saunas etc were small. Unfortunately we couldnt use the outdoor pool because it was very windy but the area did look nice. Not a whole lot of amenities in the bathroom either as far as any styling tools or products so definitely need to bring all your own if youre getting ready there. At the end they did comp our glasses of prosecco which was nice but most luxury spas give that complimentary anyway. The woman checking us out and my massage therapist leti were very kind and welcoming. In the end I was actually a little grateful about the mixup because I would have felt even more disappointed and annoyed if we had spent over $800 plus there.. The price wasnt the issue at all, my friend and I go to spas atleast 5-6 times a year. Luxury spa price but not living up to expectations of...

I read many reviews for this spa as well as others rated as top spas in the area. I choose this one for the services, private heated pool and location. This is the only one I've been to in Austin, I'm not from here, BUT I've been to many spas in my life, countless. I'll start with the great things; Valet parking is free, makes sense and is appreciated. Would be nice if they offered car service within a certain radius as well. I know there's uber and lyft, but would be nice. Check in was fast, I arrived almost 2 hours early so I could finish a book by the pool and the woman that greeted me at the front desk could feel my energy and that I wanted a no-nonsense tour so I could get to the pool. She was thorough and brief. Loved it. The facilities are clean, quiet, and spacious. I do wish the lockers were bigger, I mean... there seemed to be 40 or so on the women's side, I doubt there are 40 women getting spa treatments at once. Would be nice if even half of the lockers were full sized. That's a minor thing though. The pool is private, heated, and narrow. The size is perfect, but it makes me wonder if there are a ton of lockers why isn't the pool bigger? Lol... so silly of me, but anyway. It wasn't crowded and you can get service out there for food and drinks. I do wish there was some kind of sun block/screen spray available. If there was I didn't see it. I did see a can of "Off!". The pool attendant was astute and didn't bother me about drinks or food until i or my book down, that is much appreciated. The showers are spacious, more than I've seen around the world. Could fit 10 people in one stall! And the water was hot!! The bathroom amenities were also nice. The typical things like lotions, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, etc. My body treatment had a scrub, a Shea butter cbd wrap and massage. It came with a scalp massage, but I declined that portion and she kindly spent more time on other areas. The table was heated and for the first time ever, I was given a heated towel under my neck to allow the therapist access to my shoulders. I've had a towel, just not a HEATED towel. It's the tiny things. The tables were also wide, had a very calm motor for lifting and also the ability to raise just the back or the knees. Really a great massage table. I often ask for light to medium touch and find myself either wincing or telling the therapist they are going too hard during the session. I have no idea why therapists do this, just go super light and allow the person to say harder, not the other way around. That being said this pressure was PERFECT. With more than 50 or so massages in my life, this rates top 10, easily. Only negative I would say... and it didn't bother me at all, was the already included gratuity. It's 22% which is fine... but it kind of left no room to severely over tip as I'm prone to do when service is above and beyond. The guy checking me out didn't give me the option to over tip or leave cash, so I didn't. I guess this review will suffice :-). Bravo, Mokara. I'll be back... hopefully before I leave town!! No pics, cuz I didn't use my phone. I'm leaving this same review on the main Omni...

TL;DR: Friendly front desk and easy check-in, but the spa tour felt rushed and awkward, with missing robes and limited space in the facilities. The amenities were small and somewhat inconvenient (empty sauna bucket, minimal seating, one-sided jacuzzi). My massage was just okay—no pressure check and odd focus areas—and two of three of us were disappointed overall. Given the higher pricing, the experience didn’t meet expectations, and I wouldn’t return or consider membership.

Full story: Upon arrival, the valet asked what I was visiting for and gave me clear directions to the spa. Check-in was easy, and the front desk staff were very friendly.

Two of the three of us arrived together around 1 p.m. on a Sunday. Once we completed our paperwork, we were escorted to the women’s facilities for the standard tour. The walkthrough felt quite rushed compared to most spas and a bit awkward. Instead of starting at the lockers—where we could leave our belongings, set our codes, and ensure robes and slippers were ready—we carried our jackets and bags through the entire spa (including the co-ed area), where other guests were already in their robes. It wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s not what I’m used to.

Back in the locker room, the attendant opened several lockers before finding two that contained robes (it seems they don’t pre-assign or stock them). Once she located them, she quickly left the area.

We changed and headed to the whirlpool, which was empty at the time. The amenities share a small space with only three hanging hooks and two wooden seats, so there wasn’t much room to hang or set down our robes. We waited until another guest cleared a spot before settling in.

The jacuzzi had seating on only one side, accommodating just two to three people comfortably. The dry sauna was petite but large enough for six to eight guests. The sauna bucket was empty the entire time, and I couldn’t find anyone available to refill it. The steam room was similar in size and worked well—as long as everyone remembered to close the door completely.

My treatment was a standard 50-minute massage. Overall, it was good, but there was no communication about pressure preferences, and an excessive amount of time was spent applying pressure to my glutes, which weren’t tense. I should have spoken up, but I wasn’t sure how to address it in the moment.

Two out of the three of us received sub-par massages, which is unusual for a spa with such a strong reputation. Given that their prices are slightly higher than average, it was disappointing.

I’m sure regular members receive a more consistent experience, but based on my visit, I don’t plan to pursue...