The Sacred Space — Local services in Summerland

1 STAR FOR THE RUDE EMPLOYEE ANJI

5 Stars for the establishment itself

I hate leaving negative reviews based on employees but this one really just blew my mind with her aggressive/negative attitude.

5 stars for the establishment itself. Its a beautiful place with exotic peices from allover the world and a lineup of world renowned practitioners who come to teach what they preach. The outdoor garden is beautifully maintained with a gorgeous water feature that runs through the center of the garden creating an aura of peace and tranquility. Other two women were wonderful, one mentioned how she loves tending the garden, knew a lot about plants and the other was bubbly, smiled a lot and absolutely excited to be working there. They encouraged us to take our time in the gazebos there since there was hardly any traffic flow.

Review involving the employee Anji - After traveling 18hrs (for the 2nd time to see this place) a couple my husband and I know, met up with us to "zen out" in The Sacred Space. We were ALL suprised to see that there were only 2 pairs of people there and ample places to sit and enjoy the garden. Naturally, we found a wonderful spot to sit and stayed over the 20mins. Hardly anyone came through and nobody was sitting in any of the other gazebos. We were being mindful of anyone else (who may have showed interest in sitting in this particular spot) but nobody came through. We were approached by Anji a woman who rudely asked "do you see that note right there?! Its the 20min mindfulness rule. You guys need to follow it." Totally understandable. Shes doing her job. However, there was one other couple there, no complaints and 1 other couple sitting in the garden. I'm assuming Anji has had negative experiences with patrons in the past or she totally lacks experience in customer service. She made it abundantly clear that she not only resisted, but despised our presence. When we got up to leave, passing though the 'gift shop' She sneered, made the sound horses make when they are frustrated with you, and rolled her eyes and she passed by us to her tea serving station... We were all shocked at her bold display of frustration. I couldn't help myself and said "smile" out loud, she immediately turned around, sneered and said "did you have something to say to me?!?!" I replied with "YES I DO, you are a beautiful woman, you should SMILE MORE." She gave me a dirty look and walked away.... As we were leaving... She stops me again and said "Sorry but! You need to respect our rules and be mindful to the other people here." Clearly the woman was totally unconscious to her behavior and her demeanor. I understand shes just trying to do her job, I get it. I reminded her "There is nobody here, and you are speaking a lot about mindfulness. You need to be mindful of how you present yourself to your customers, you are being rude and unwavering in your duty to maintain rules put in place to mitigate high volumes of traffic. There are maybe 4 people here. Mindfulness is being aware of yourself and others. Not just others and the rules. Rules were meant to prevent conflict. You are CREATING conflict." she had nothing to say and walked away again. One act of sheer ego/need for control, person can derail an experience for 4 people. My husband tried calling to speak with someone regarding Anji's attitude, (people like this are cancers inside of any business) and to apologize if there was any misunderstanding but she happened to answer the phone, tell him "there are no managers here and good luck trying to inform anyone of this" and hung up on him. Clearly she is trying to cover her tracks. My advice, If your Sacred space is empty, and someone wants to enjoy themselves a little longer... Ask yourself what Ghandi or the Dalai Lama would do. And for the Anji with a harsh...

Treasures from heaven available on earth ~

This place is special to me for several reasons. Let me begin with Jack & Rose the owners. I took my wedding rings off in their restroom because they had so many great soaps, scrubs & lotions and I guess I must have lost my mind a little surrounded by so much beauty because I left without my jewelry (this has never happened to me before) It wasn't until hours later & miles away that I discovered that my rings were missing. I panicked and called the store. Jack answered and simply said, I've been waiting for your call and we have your rings. I cried all the way back with my happy relief. A nice woman found them and turned them in. Thank you to her and everyone's honesty. I'll forever be grateful.

Onto this amazing space...there aren't enough beautiful words to describe it adequately. It's truly a paradise and feels like you've been transported to somewhere in Bali or the coast of Malaysia. It's stunning.

I find myself happier the moment I step through the front door. There's a beautiful garden you can relax in and get centered. Enjoy some complimentary tea from one of the many seating areas surrounded by lush plants, flowers, koi ponds and just get lost in the moment. Walk around the entire property because every corner is special and beautiful.

There are so many treasures you can also take home with you from garden art, jewelry, soaps & lotions, furnishings, ritual items, art of all kind and wonderful gifts. On my first trip my mom bought me a handmade and delicate piece of art that reads ~ You are loved. I cherish it and it hangs in my bedroom. On my second visit I purchased myself an all white dream catcher. Rose packages everything you purchase in gorgeous one of a kind gift bags and she collects all these beautiful items from all around the world.

I will always visit this place when I'm anywhere near this part of the world. Don't forget your complimentary thought of the day which is located by the front door before you leave. The messages are always uplifting and remind you of what truly matters. Love ...

Wonderful place to stop and relax after a long car ride. My wife and I stopped to just check it out - we saw it from the road and thought it was just a small gift shop. Boy were we wrong - massive interior with tons of cool things for all religions and beliefs, and the best part is the outdoor garden.

I wandered out there because I was curious and figured it would just be a tiny backyard, but was astonished at the size, scope, and feel of the garden space. Benches and areas for meditation are everywhere and secluded all at once, with dozens of trickling fountains and a waterfall with a wonderful pond at the end. My wife and I were just relaxing when we were asked if we wanted tea - which was offered complimentary while we sat and rested!! You can definitely tell that the husband and wife who run the place put a lot of emphasis on the feel of the store and also the serenity of the area.

I can’t wait until we are in the area again (we visit LA about once a month) and can stock up on items for the house and garden, as well as another relaxing tea experience in the tranquil “jungle” they have...