Spa Nordstrom - South Coast Plaza — Local services in Costa Mesa

I usually do not write reviews but I feel it is a "must" to share my experience today at Nordstrom's Spa. I came to Calif for a vacation this week. Desiring to be pampered, I searched the area for a good reputable Spa. I only chose Spa Nordstrom due to the brand name and the 5 Star rating they had on Google with their 2 outdated reviews. I also thought I would have a great experience since it in South Coast Plaza, a great High Quality Mall...It was so disappointing that my 90 min massage was sub-par!!! I have had better at Spa Envy. I am only giving 2 Stars due to the masseuse. If not for her, I would give my experience 1 Star. Upon arrival, I was escorting to the Quiet(waiting) room that was just a curtain behind their nail salon. In the nail salon, the Nail Tech and client were continuously talking so loud about a personal situation it was very hard to relax. The Masseuse came and got me a little early which was great...but the massage room was just a couple steps away in the other direction of the Quiet room. During the massage, I continously heard people talking, chatting while checking in and out. Also, there was a loud air conditioner unit noise or washer noise going that was very disturbing it was difficult to relax. I was told, the Spa music was not working in the room ??? so the Masseuse was using her cell phone to try to provide music to set the atmosphere in the room. She had to stop briefly about 5 times to either change the music due to a ad interruption or bad song that came on. This all would have been ok in a small start-up Spa but at Nordstrom's, a highly reputable establishment, I expected so much more.

Upon check out, I bought the lotion used at the end of the service, paid the bill and left. But later I looked at my receipt only to find out I was charged $210 for the massage when I was told over the phone... just an hour before I came...the 90 minute massage would be $165 and I added the salt stones which was $30. So the total massage should have been $195, not $210. For $200, I would have expected to have a wonderful relaxing experience... but I did not! Far from wonderful! Wishing now, I would have chosen another Spa. Just sharing my experience so you will not be fooled by the 5...

came in for a facial, left with what felt like a pearl necklace… and a police report.

Spa Nordstrom at South Coast Plaza is exactly what it sounds like—a tasteful, women-focused spa where you go to unwind, reset, and let someone spend 45 luxurious minutes working your face like it owes them money. The service? Excellent. The technique? Deep. The results? Let’s just say you don’t leave dry, and some of that dewy glow drips a little lower than the cheekbone. Classic hydration—or as some might call it, a spa-grade pearl necklace.

I had a late appointment—nothing sketchy, just one of those last-minute bookings right before closing. Parked out front at the Shell Recharge station, clearly marked free and open 24/7, plugged in, and walked in for my treatment.

Everything was calm… until I stepped out.

Apparently, once the mall closes, a totally different vibe kicks in. That’s when South Coast Plaza security decides to materialize. No signs. No warnings. Just flashlights and license plate scanners. By the time I got back to my car, the police had already been called. They ran my info, asked why I was there, and told me I could be cited for trespassing—for charging at a station I helped fund as a California taxpayer, while shopping at the mall.

Meanwhile, mall employees are allowed to charge overnight and into the next morning, completely untouched. There’s no signage. No rulebook. Just a silent system enforced by security staff who clearly know who gets to charge—and who doesn’t.

Let’s not sugarcoat it: South Coast Plaza is misusing public infrastructure and using security as enforcers in an unofficial, after-hours charger racket.

So yes, the facial was great. The glow-up was real. The finish? Impressive.

But until they stop weaponizing mall security like it’s their own personal energy militia, this review stays up.

Because no one should be punished for a little self-care— especially when it ends with a pearl necklace and a threat of...

Ok so it is not a full throttle spa with pools (which in my experience are often overrated unless your party has been drinking) I had a fabulous facial with Trena and deep tissue 90 min with Brigette. Both I would go back to-and will. This is not the least expensive place to get services. But, despite the parking being meh, having to walk into the store to get there AND check in being lackluster…I am going back. I live in north county so driving down is not convenient. Plus, no one there will be waving signs at you, reminding you cash is preferred and cards are annoying to them. Take the elevator to 4th floor. I go in on Sunflower and get parking on the side with the elevator I have not used, but know there is a shower in the bathroom...