Essentials Spa of Orange City — Local services in Orange City

My first visit there was bittersweet. I saw their offer on groupon and called in to see if they honored the price, which they did. I prefer to give as much of the cut the staff deserves than go through a 3rd party that takes more than half of the cut. I called to schedule an appointment and it happened to be the one for the orlando location. I didn't find out about this until I walked into the orange city location where I thought I had made my appointment. When the confusion was noticed, I explained how this came about and a male (whom I am to assume is either manager or owner) argues with me, telling me that it was my misunderstanding and that I was wrong. I wasn't trying to get free service or anything, I was simply explaining what had happened that caused the issue for them to be aware and to fix the problem to avoid future issues. The situation was cleared and I was able to be booked at both our earliest convenience without further issue. My second visit there was just as bittersweet, but with different reasons. They were informative about the services they offered and the staff was pleasant. The massage I received had adequate pressure and the therapist continued working through certain emotional triggers that massage brings out with me without stopping or change (as I have had with other therapists that discontinue work or avoid these areas that need that emotional release once they've triggered them). All positive remarks I will give to the therapist that gave me a massage. I do have the problem the therapist barely used hands and seemed to only use elbows through the massage and sit on a stool for the majority of the session as well. I understand each therapist has their techniques and which is why I waited a couple days after my massage to give a review. The massage felt nonrhythmic and chaotic as if she wasn't aware of the session or is new into the field. I felt through the massage more "jostling" (rocking the body as if a child was trying to wake their parents up) motions than I would prefer and many places where she applied the pressure of the elbows should have been with the hands. The "typical" feeling one would get after a massage or a few days after I did not feel. It felt as if there was no massage ever done to me and I donated money to the spa with nothing in return. The lighting in the room could have been more dim, to help the eyes adjust when I turned over. I do my best to keep an open mind and let the therapist do what they know. I do recommend the therapist that massaged me, have more clinical practice and to go to a couple spas to receive a massage themselves so they may feel the applications of different massage techniques and seek to apply what they feel is comfortable for both the client and the therapist herself. There is always potential for growth when applied and I hope that my review doesn't discourage, but helps to be aware of the constructive criticism and apply if if they choose to. I do not hold ill toward the therapist. I do not feel her style is of my preference, but I will return again to give this new spa business to help it grow and move forward. Update Nov 30 2019. I went again and got a massage from a different therapist. I was more pleased with the service and upped my review by one star. I have a friend of mine that goes more often and myself will attempt to go again when my...

I went in for a massage and facial. The facility was very clean and well kept throughout my visit. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a friendly desk associate. They checked me in and had me fill out some paperwork.

The massage therapist, Felicia, took me into the massage room where she asked what I wanted to focus on. The massage was very relaxing, the beds are heated and comfortable. Felicia focused a lot on some of my problem areas and I felt very loose and rejuvenated after the massage. She also did not create small talk during the massage which is nice because it allows you to further unwind.

They gave me a robe and had a more private waiting room for those with multiple sessions. That is where the esthetician came to show me into the facial room.

I just received the essential 40-minute facial and this was hands down the best express facial that I have received and I will definitely be returning. The esthetician, Chhaya, observed my skin and chose products specifically for my skin’s condition. My skin looked more moisturized and brighter even immediately after the facial. The massage that is apart of the facial was very enjoyable as well. Chhaya even put a serum on my freshly pierced nose stud to help the healing process which I thought was a nice touch to further customize my experience and let me know that she was truly paying attention to the things she was using on my skin.

I will also add that spa pricing can get pretty crazy, but after reviewing the services brochure, they include options for many different budgets. The pricing for the services I received was competitive. They did not try to up sell me from what I had booked or try to sell me any expensive skincare products like many spas do after only having used the product for 20 minutes and having no time to research them. However, both my massage therapist and esthetician were open to answering questions about different products.

Essentials Spa in Orange City is in a great location and is a great addition to the West Volusia community. I will...

Update 2: They did end up reaching out to us and made things right. They invited us back for another couples massage with Christina and Jillian and we had a fantastic experience. They were not only excellent massage therapists, but they made it a really fun experience. We will absolutely go back and ask for them in the future. Thank you to the whole team for making things right. With the cool atmosphere and great staff I am happy to recommend this spa.

Update 1: No one has ever reached out--I would not expect at this point that they ever will. I say book with caution and take their words with a grain of salt.

I'm really sad to not be able to post a good review here. My partner and I went here for a couple's massage for our anniversary. We had booked a combination deep tissue/swedish massage because I wouldn't be tough enough for a full 80 minutes of deep tissue! When the therapists came in, mine was talking to me only about the hot stones we had talked about adding on, but didn't ask about any pain points or focus points. Then when she started massaging she was so gentle, it was completely unlike any professional massage I have had. I asked for her to increase the pressure a couple of times, but it did not improve. At one point I asked and she got upset and said she couldn't go any harder and did I want her to go to reception to get someone else or something. I didn't know what to say! My partner offered to swap his therapist with mine, which we did, but then HE got a very weak massage. The therapist I started with continued making comments about it and sniffling as if she was very upset. It was awful. I couldn't wait for it to be over because it was so awkward (and who ever wishes for a massage to be over?!). We told the front desk when we were checking out, and they offered a small discount, but we still ended up paying $240 for the worst massage and experience I've had...it was a shame because the other therapist was good and the ambiance of the place is nice, but that guilt tripping and ruined vibe is just...