Mandara Spa — Local services in Montville

I have to first start by saying that every staff member I encountered at each of my services was phenomenal. However, my experience was definitely not what I was hoping for. I traveled to Mohegan for work and decided to pamper myself with a shellac Fire and Ice pedicure. I was very particular in planning which day to schedule the service as when I called, the team advised me I would have access to the spa (steam room, sauna, whirlpool and relaxation room) on that same day. My muscles were aching and I could not wait to enjoy the whirlpool the morning of my pedicure. I arrived to the spa that morning, was checked in, given a robe and slippers and toured around the spa, only to be told the whirlpool was out of service, and likely would be for the entire day. Given that this was the main reason for my booking, I was extremely disappointed. I asked if there were other whirlpool tubs in the resort, and was told that every one in the resort was down for the day. Because my muscles were so achy, I asked if there was an availability for a massage- which they did quickly accommodate. The massage was fantastic and afterwards, I did enjoy the relaxation room for some time. Since the whirlpool was not in order, I returned up to my room until it was time for my pedicure. Upon returning to the spa, I was quickly taken in for what may actually be the best pedicure I’ve ever had. While having my service, I expressed my disappointment with the hot tub being down and was given the opportunity to both to speak to the spa director, who was also very nice. He advised me that it was a “mechanical issue” causing all of the whirlpool/jacuzzis in the resort to be down, but extended an invitation for me to return the following day to use the facilities. He also told me as a courtesy, he would discount my services for the day $10 (total). As I was checking out for the day, I did ask about waxing services, which they were able to accommodate later that night. By the end of my spa day, I spent about $480. I returned to the spa the following morning, to be told that the whirlpool was still down, and in fact, all remained down. Dissatisfied, I returned to my room, asking for a phone call with an update on the reopening status, which never happened. Around 2:00pm, I walked down to the spa to learn that it remained closed and would for the remainder of the day. I asked for a call the following morning, it remained closed on that day as well. Moral of the review- if you are hoping to use the facilities on the day of your service ($80+ in services should qualify you), call the spa to make sure all the facilities you are hoping for are working. I feel that $10 compensation on a $480 service tab when the highlight of my spa day was unavailable for 3 DAYS, is a little stingy. And, I also would have expected a heads up to the fact that it was down, prior to my checking in. All in all, good services and great staff- however next time I will not pre-book and will hope for openings when I need them, after confirming that the rest of the facilities are in...

The WORSTTTTTTTTT experience. I booked a couples massage two months in advance for my boyfriends birthday. We have two kids and NEVER go anywhere but I booked a night at the casino to enjoy a couples message the following day for his birthday considering we live over an hour away. Our appointment was at 12:00 as we were getting ready to check out and go to our “couples massage” we get a phone call from the spa an hour before to tell us something came up and they have to cancel our appointment. If we like someone can go at 12:00 and the other person can go at 4:00, not the point of a couples massage. She then says or the following day at 9:00am. Which didn’t work either since we already spent the night to go to the spa the next day and we have work and kids to get home too. She proceeded to say “I’m sorry mam there is nothing else I can do, so would you just like me to cancel your appointment.” How disappointing that I have to give this place 24 hours in advance if I cancelled my appointment or I’ll be charged but they can simply call me an hour before to tell me they have to cancel my appointment. Not only did they cancel my appointment last minute but she was so rude and didn’t do one thing to make the situation better but to offer us two appointments that didn’t make sense. This is my absolute LAST time I ever spend money in this establishment after they treat their paying customers so poorly!!!!!!!! As I was checking out of the hotel and explained the situation to the front desk all they could say is how they aren’t affiliated with the spa and can’t help. Thank you for ruining a once a year night out for a Harding working...

I booked a 60-minute couples massage for my wife’s birthday and while the massage itself was excellent, the overall spa experience was disappointing and did not meet expectations.

We were promised full access to all spa amenities, but upon arrival, we learned the whirlpool was out of service in both locker rooms. What also wasn’t disclosed beforehand was that the sauna, steam room, relaxation room, and whirlpool are all gender-specific, so we couldn’t enjoy them together as a couple.

The relaxation room was particularly underwhelming. It was noisy and crowded, with guests talking and laughing loudly—hardly the calming, peaceful environment you'd expect from a spa. Some level of staff oversight or policy enforcement could go a long way in maintaining the right atmosphere.

We were also told that we’d have access to the hotel’s pool, jacuzzi, and bar. However, only the pool and bar were available—the jacuzzi was also out of order.

Most concerning was witnessing a child urinate on the ground near the pool area. This was extremely unhygienic and unacceptable in any setting, especially one that’s marketed as a luxury spa.

Between the noise, lack of access to several amenities, and the lack of supervision in shared spaces, the experience felt more like a public recreation center than a relaxing, upscale spa. While the massage itself was enjoyable, the overall environment did not justify the cost. I hope management considers these issues seriously for the benefit of...