Four Moons Spa — Local services in Encinitas

I visited Four Moons to treat myself for a facial on my birthday. Calling what I received a "facial" is a stretch. I'll start by saying the facility is beautiful, and the reception staff were friendly. My therapist greeting me kindly, and before she started, asked if I had any concerns. I told her not really, except for the bit of acne and congestion I had around my chin. That was the last we spoke until the end of the facial. She began by rubbing something on my face, massaging it in for a couple of minutes, then removing it with a warm towel. Then she repeated the process with another product. She did this a third time, with the same motion over and over again on my face. This went on over and over, applying some type of serum or cleanser or exfoliant, rubbing my face in the same pattern, then removing it with a warm towel. At one point she spent a little extra time massaging my jaw, but otherwise, the pattern just repeated. After what seemed like a while, she said, "ok, we're all done with your facial." I was completely blown away. At no point did she look at my skin under a magnifying light. There were ZERO extractions. There was zero discussion of my skin. There wasn't a neck or shoulder massage. I asked about extractions, and she said that I didn't need any, that she used an exfoliant. Then she proceeded to tell me that the tool she had would only make it worse, but if I wanted her to attempt extractions, she could try. Sensing her lack of confidence, I declined. The fact that she didn't think I needed any extractions indicated that she had little experience in that area. I had several blemishes on my skin, and a patch of congestion that I pointed out to her when she began. She provided a list of the products she used, without any explanation of why she used them or why I needed them. I checked out with a bill for $175 for someone to rub things on my face and remove them with a warm towel, something that I am fully capable of doing myself at home. The therapist was very sweet, so I'll refrain from naming her. But I think she was very inexperienced, and it is appalling that I paid $175 for a service from someone that clearly was not skilled. I've had many facials, and none of them consisted solely of applying things and wiping them off. I am beyond disappointed with my experience. If you're going to charge a premium price, you need to offer a...

First time visitor to Four Moons Spa. I wanted to give this spa a glowing review but it is in need of a refresh.

First the good: the massage I had was really good as was the "Head Trip" add-on service. The oils smelled amazing! The staff was friendly. The Bali inspired vibe outdoors is relaxing as well as sitting next to the waterfall and Koi Pond. I was offered hot tea after my massage which was nice…. but my friend (who came with me) was not offered tea after her treatment and had to ask for it (strange). It was definitely a perk that Four Moons allowed my friend and I to bring our lunch and drinks to hang out at the spa after our treatments. They offer sound baths and other services that I would have liked to try.

From a marketing standpoint and to help get repeat customers - I offer the following suggestions to the owners: signage from the parking lot that points towards the front desk would be good. The gift shop had some really nice merchandise but it would be even better if more product testers were set out so that customers can smell or try the products on their skin. Most of the daybed wood has been weathered from being outdoors and needs a fresh coat of stain or paint to refresh the ambiance. Same thing for some of the linens on the daybed and cushions in the swing chairs. Found out that you only get a robe and lockers if you book multiple treatments. Why not let every customer feel special when coming to your spa by issuing a robe to hang out in after the treatments? I was in the rose quartz room, which was OK. But when I got off the massage table to get dressed, I noticed the door to the room was half way open because there was a industrial white tubing going out the door from the air conditioner. This was unsightly as well as the lack of privacy getting dressed was concerning. In the gift shop, there was a strong smell of mothballs. Not exactly the smell you expect when you walk into a spa!! I was told that it was mosquito repellent. I think citronella would be better scent than mothballs! All in all I give Four Moons Spa a 7 out of 10. With a little attention to details and sprucing up old linens - this place could...

My best friend was surprising me for my birthday with a massage. She specifically asked for the confirmation text not go to me. Unfortunately, it was sent to me and ruined the surprise. Nonetheless, I was excited because I had never been to Four Moons Spa. The check in area is beautiful and I loved the music. The experience went south once I used the bathroom before my service. What looks like someone had a terrible #2 accident all over the toilet seat and in the toilet, I was told is just that the toilet is old and they are working on getting it replaced. It looks short of disgusting. I filled out the pre-massage questionnaire and requested med/hard pressure. The massage therapist was very light and when I requested harder, the pressure barely changed. It was more of a rub down, than a massage. I think she spent more time pumping more oil on her hands than actually giving me a massage. I gave feedback a few times but just felt frustrated because the massage wasn't getting any better, so I gave up. I recieved the Clear Your Head add-on service that was supposed to be a cooling gel pack, inhale eucalyptus essential oil & sinus drainage massage. I was extremely dissapointed as it was a cold pack that was put under the head rest that was extremly uncomfortable when I laid on my stomach, then they had a wet towel hanging underneath the head rest. I never smelled eucalyptus. There was no facial sinus drainage. The massage therapist pressed on my face with more oil for a couple of minutes in different spots and that was about it. As I opened my eyes when the massage was over, I noticed several huge dusty cobwebs above me. It was a beautiful room yet I couldn't believe they didn't think to keep it clean from top to bottom. It just kept adding more notches to this awful experience. Once I opened the door to the leave the room, I was met akwardly with the massage therapist directly in front of the door. It was a bit of a shock and uncomfortable. I've had many massages in my life both at luxury spas and in the most basic massage parlours and I regret to share, this...