AQUA Spa — Local services in Duck

My friend Ashlee and I are Outer Banks locals and we have visited Aqua Spa twice in the last year. We have absolutely loved our experiences the last two times. This past weekend, (August 6th) Ashlee and I visited the spa for our third time. We had been planning, saving, and looking forward to this day for a month. Finally the day came for our spa treatments, (We splurged and both got the mermaid package) we left our houses an hour early because we knew Duck traffic on a Saturday would be a nightmare. Little did we know there would he three wrecks along the way. We were stuck in traffic for two hours. I called Aqua Spa twice during our traffic situation to let them know we are coming as fast as we can and explained about the wrecks. They seemed understanding on the phone. Finally, we arrived 45 minutes after our scheduled appointment time. Ashlee was rushed directly into the mani / pedi room. I proceeded to go put on a robe and then headed to my facial. I had a wonderful facial by Kathleen, she was so nice and understating of our situation and gave me a wonderful facial. After my facial, Kathleen escorted me to the mani/pedi room where Ashlee was getting her manicure. Kathleen told me to pick out my color and wait. So I did, but as soon as I walked into the room I could tell the manicurist (Larisa) was extremely disgruntled. She started mumbling and saying stuff like she doesn't have time for me, she has other people to do after Ashlee, etc. (She actually did not have any other clients after Ashlee. Once she finished Ashlee's nails, Larisa got her bags and LEFT Ashlee under the dryer! It was 4:00 when she finished Ashlee's nails and the spa doesn't close until 5:00) so she gets up from doing Ashlee's manicure and goes and talks to the hostess. She comes back and continues Ashlee's nails with a horrible attitude. Kathleen came back and got me and gave me a neck and shoulder massage and was so nice. She explained that nobody told her what was going on and she thought I was supposed to be getting a manicure after my facial. Well, Kathleen finished up and then I went and had a wonderful back massage from Allison and she was wonderful and so nice. Once she finished, I was escorted to the lounge and asked her if I would be getting my mani/pedi? And she said she was not sure but she didn't think so. Ashlee then walked into the lounge and was clearly upset. She had a horrible mani/pedi from Larisa who was so rude and complained the entire time. Larisa even insulted Ashlee's nails and said she can't do this job anymore. Also, Ashlee's nails actually started chipping as soon as she got back home. So, Ashlee did not get her facial or massage and I did not get my mani/pedi. And nobody told us that was what was going to happen when we came in. So we proceeded to check out hoping, and kind of expecting, that we would have some sort of discount or be able to come back another time to receive the services that we didn't have done. That was not the case. Ashlee was asked to pay full price ($228.00) for the awful mani/pedi she received. Ashlee's boyfriend had already paid the full price plus tipped for services that Ashlee didn't even get to receive. I had a $100 gift card that I used and then had to pay the additional $128.00 plus tip. We understand your "policies" but sometimes you have to throw in some human kindness and understanding, especially for two locals who come here often and rave about your services to all of our friends and families. We will not be coming to Aqua Spa again. We cannot believe how rude and unprofessional Larisa the nail tech was and the hostess who clearly didn't let anyone know what...

BEST MASSAGE EVER!! And I have been to Vegas and paid an arm and a leg for a great massage! I booked the 80 min “Sticks and Stones” massage with Lindsey. I thought the hot stones and bamboo sticks sounded interesting, and I was experiencing a lot of pain in my upper back. I was blown away by how incredible Lindsey was! She was so kind, and so invested in my healing, not just making me feel good for 80 mins. The stones felt amazing, as I had imagined, but the sticks were such a great addition, as it was like having a more rigid, warm foam roller massaging over my muscles. I went in for my back, but she noticed something was off in my arms, I advised her I had broken my wrist in 2 places earlier this year, and the work she did on it was absolutely incredible! She had so much knowledge and consideration for what was going on in my body, it was the first time my wrist didn’t hurt since the injury occurred 8 months ago! Lindsey is truly an angel on this earth, and AQUA is so lucky to have her on their staff! I cannot wait to come see her again next year when we come...

This place is so expensive! I’m sure this place is great for other services, but if you just want a mani-pedi — don’t go here! I picked this place because it is walking distance from my beach house. Booked a basic mani-pedi with my sister and they raised prices in the couple weeks between me booking and when we arrived. That’s my fault for not double checking I guess. I ended up paying $200 for polish I could have gotten from Walgreens and a view I can get for free. The only thing I liked was the shape of my nails but she didn’t spend enough time making my cuticles look nice. I am a healthcare worker and I know that can make it difficult, but I’m paying all this money I would expect a better job. The polish chipped within the first hour of leaving. My technician was very nice when were talking but most of the time we sat in uncomfortable silence. I’m sure this place is great for their other spa services but I learned an expensive lesson. Stay far away if you just want your nails done. It is NOT worth it....