Just had a waxing and facial from Finesse. It couldn't have been a better experience. She's obviously very well trained and knows what she's doing. Wasn't a quick in and out, more like a relaxing spa treat. She didn't try to sell me anything, but I couldn't resist some of the incredible Eminence products that are offered here... read more

I received an incredible facial yesterday from Heather. Her energy was so peaceful. We talked for the first couple minutes, then she gave me permission to relax and turn my mind off! Her hands were really soft,and I loved the way she rubbed my neck and head. Eminence is my favorite skin care line and that is what they use. It has truly healed my skin. I cant wait to go back in a few months! I'll definitely be asking to see Heather again! read more

Very relaxing downstairs spa waiting area. Love the water feature and candles. Had an amazing facial service and the Eminence products are fantastic. I had used them in the past and now am planning to order again. Would highly recommend this spa if you're in Carmel! read more

Based on the photos and yelp reviews I made reservations for my husband and I to get massages. After sending an email and leaving a voicemail message, we received a call and my husband confirmed our reservation. 1. I requested a male massage therapist and was told that none were available. 2. When we arrived the woman at the front desk, who turned out to be my massage therapist, Destiny, was not very inviting. She brought me into the massage room without introducing herself - I had to ask for her name. 3. Her hands were FREEZING! I have had several hundred massages over the past 45 years and never - I mean never - has a massage therapist's hands remained cold for an entire massage. In part, she used her hand minimally using her forearms and elbows too much to apply pressure (for too long and too hard) while keep her hands in the air. So, every time she touched me it was as if she were placing an ice cube on me and I jumped. I am not exaggerating - it was terribly stressful. 4. Within 5 minutes there was a LOUD bang. I jumped and said, "What was that!?" She replied, "Sadly that is the refrigerator next door at the deli. Every time they close the door it does that." Well, every time someone got a bottle of water, etc.. the door slammed and I jumped. [I love the deli and cannot blame them!] So, in summary: I really needed a relaxing massage to begin our mini-break before going to visit family for the holidays and instead, had a stressful, strange experience. The mandatory tipping policy is a problem as a tip is earned based on a customer's experience. If you want to have a no tipping policy, then do that and pay your staff more. I would not have given Destiny a 20% tip because a massage therapist really should know better and want to do better to relax a client. I am amazed that people are not mentioning the the noise and Destiny's cold hands and less than warm personality in their reviews. Also, we were wondering if the spa moved as we never saw the water features, etc. We are guessing that they were on another floor and we were just limited to the first floor. NOTE: My husband's massage with Tanya was very good and his room across the hall, so although he heard the refrigerator door every time is was closed, the noise and vibration were much less than in my massage room which shares a wall with the deli. Very disappointing experience. read more

Booked a couples massage for Valentine's Day. It was a great choice! Good price for the area, split the payment on two cards, and I loved the place. The relaxation room is awesome; on top of a great massage! read more

We went in for a couples massage. My wife and I had a great experience. The room was decorated enough to be relaxing. The massages themselves were great. I got the intuitive and my wife got the prenatal massage. We were both satisfied and relaxed with our massage therapists and felt so relived/great after it was done. The massage did not seem rushed and they actually spent the whole 60 minutes. They let us relax afterwards in the quiet room downstairs where we had complimentary infused water and fruits. We will definitely return someday and get another massage. Great spot! read more

Bliss, heaven, and a great way to end a day of hiking! The aqua theme is a brilliant point difference and so so chilled! Thanks so much to the team and for their local advice! read more

Amazing experience. Very professional and knowledgeable staff. I had the facial, well worth it. Feeling very relaxed.

We were running a few mins behind and the staff was a little rude about it. We brought a small group in to do massages. Nice to relax for a bit but can't really hang out. No showers here. Massage was really good. There is a downstairs relax lounge which was nice. I would recommend for in and out treatment. read more

This place was a great find! Traveling through the area I had time spare and time to relax... found this place on Yelp. Jasmine was able to get me in within a couple hours on a Sunday (during Concourse!)!!!! I scheduled a facial and she customized it. All the products felt really nice, pleasant/enjoyable scent (soft, clean/fresh). Jasmine is kind, gentle, & professional. Her touch was nice and pressure was just enough to enhance the relaxation and experience & applied more were needed. She gave me a great facial massage. The spa is very charming - candle lit with a nice water feature downstairs and soft music. The lounge area is very comfortable with soft pillows and blankets. Water, tea & champagne were offered. Soft comfy robes and blankets. Sandals also provided and a small locker. No showers. Very peaceful and would come back here again (especially if I lived here) & would definitely recommend. read more

Cute spa, reasonable prices, sweet owner. Loved the relaxing atmosphere and great massages.

Although, most of us come to Carmel to visit their white sand beach or visit charming stores in the heart of the town, a visit to Aqua Wellness Spa is a must. Super charming spa with professional staff and great service. Add them to your 'must visit' places when in town. read more

Can't say enough good things about our experience. I was able to book a same day massage for myself and my daughter. When we arrived we were escorted to the basement relaxation room and offered hot neck wraps, drinks and healthy snacks (the trail mix snack was delicious). The relaxation room has a lovely waterfall and provides the perfect atmosphere one needs to wind down. After relaxing a bit we each had a 60 min Swedish Massage. My masseuse, Barbara, was amazing. My massage had it all: perfect and intuitive pressure, aromatic and warm massage oils/lotions, use of hot towels and hot packs throughout my massage. I didn't want it to end. It was just what I needed after a week of hiking in Yosemite. read more

Loved, loved Aqua Wellness Day spa! Not only is the location amazing but the staff is extremely friendly and educated in anatomy, they are very professional. I had a couples massage and pre-soak last week and I'd recommend the pre-soak before your massage which they offer in a nice room to yourself. I really enjoyed my massage with Trisha , her therapeutic bodywork is GREAT, she is very intuitive and has great technique! Best massage I've had in years , thank you Trisha and thank you Aqua Wellness for such a lovely experience. I will definitely be returning soon read more

So I have had a lot of massages, it is my favorite thing to do once a month! But this by far was the very best massage of my life. I would even drive the 2.5 hours just to get this again it was that good. Lila was incredible she will be my go to girl from now on!!!! Love here and this place. Never been more relaxed. Mind and body blown away. Best day ever read more

Wonderful place - snacks, champagne, lavender-mint tea downstairs in a relaxing waiting room. Therapeutic Massage by Tricia was amazing - exactly what my body needed. Staff were all very pleasant. Love that their products are organic. read more

EASTER weekend my boyfriend and I decided to visit Monterey for the first time. We set out on a venture to get a massage and facial. I googled and found Aqua wellness day spa. The reviews were great. We decided to give them a try. When we arrived we were greeted by two lovely ladies. We went downstairs to relaxation area which is so cute and calming. We then went upstairs to get ready. We picked out our aromatherapy oils and got all cozy. Things were going great my massage therapist was on point, about 15 minutes into my massage I heard a loud hammering sounds right above my head. The upstairs neighbors decided to do some handy work. I said to myself ok I hope this doesn't go on the entire time. Well I was wrong. The hammering continued throughout the entire session. The tranquility had ceased. The ladies were apologizing for the noise but I know they felt helpless. I don't know if the neighbors even knew there was a massage spa downstairs from them. I thought it was extremely rude and inconsiderate. Something like that could run a customer off. Once the mood was ruined it was hard for me to get relaxed again I hope the manager was informed and have given those upstairs people a piece of her mind. However, pending the construction has stopped, I would definitely go back. I received great service from these two ladies. The products used had my face glowing for days . I recommend this place most definitely. But I truly hope no one ever has to receive a massage and facial like that again. read more

Just visiting Carmel and I went in for a deep tissue massage to start my weekend of R&R and I'm very impressed with how good my massage was. I travel around the world and frequent different spas all the time and very few are as good as this place. I'm coming back the next chance I get. Thank you Aqua for starting my weekend out right. read more

I'm fairly new to Aqua Wellness, but I'm already a devotee. Trisha is the only person I've gone to. I don't know that I can give her massage any justice in words but will try. 1. If you want a VERY deep massage - she goes deeper than any other massage therapist I've been to. That being said, she will also immediately adjust if you tell her it's too deep. 2. She doesn't do a simple massage. She is intuitive -- reads your body -- goes right for the pain spots and goes to work! She likes you to breathe through certain parts of the massage so she makes you do a little work but it's very, very worth it. 3. She is serious about what she does. She knows the body. She knows how everything is put together. So if you walk in and tell her "my left shoulder aches" she will look at and feel your body and before you know it - she'll be kneading out your right calf and that will FIX THE ISSUE. (okay - exaggerating - but seriously she listens but then touches and looks at your body and can tell you where the issue REALLY is). I've been to both PG and Carmel. They both are small and feel cozy and safe and relaxing. I've had a lot of massages from many people and in many places and Aqua Wellness ranks up there in the top 2. Highly recommend. Especially if you have any particular body issues. read more

Received a wonderful 60 minute massage. So relaxing and thorough and loved hanging in the relaxation lounge before and after!

Amazing! The visit started with a wonderful greeting from the owner. Then, we got comfy robes, healthy snacks and hot tea in the lovely relaxation room. After that, Lila gave me the best massage I've ever had. I had been carrying lots of stress in my shoulders, and her magic hands relieved my pain. Very grateful for this place. read more

Had a great experience. I had a facial and mini hot stone massage. It was great. The rooms were nice and relaxing. I enjoyed going downstairs and relaxing to the sound of the waterfall and the tranquility of the waiting area. read more

I have had massages monthly at the Aqua Wellness Day Spa's Carmel location for about two years. Destiny is expert at tailoring her approach to individual clients. She is professional and knowledgeable. This is now more than a luxury for me - it is part of my health regimen. read more

My fiancé and I checked in for a couples massage. The therapists were great! It was a wonderful massage and delightful service and hospitality for sure!! read more

If I could half a star I would. DO NOT WASTE your time and or money. My masseuse was sick/ill, he was congested, his nose was running and he continued to clear his throat throughout the massage. It was by far the most uncomfortable massage I have ever had. I was in a couples massage and debated the entire time to stop the massage but I did not want to disrupt my husband and his massage ( he was right next to me). To make matters worse, the masseuse was wearing a strong cologne that smelled horrible. I spoke to the manager and was offered nothing other than to come back for another massage which was the last thing I wanted. Please look elsewhere if you want a massage. This plus was absolutely terrible and they allow their employees to give massages when they have the flu. Disgusting. I discussed my experience w friends and family afterward at dinner who are all locals in Carmel. They all agreed and said aqua wellness was a crappy place and ALL had bad experiences. Truly shocking and unacceptable that they would allow their employees to work on people when they are sick. read more

Wonderful little spa close to everything in central Carmel. I had a wonderful one hour massage with Austin. He listened when I told him where my problem areas were, and focused on them with the perfect pressure. The relaxing room downstairs was a nice calming area before our treatments. read more

Aqua Wellness Day Spa was the perfect place for a couples massage. Both young ladies who did my massage and my fiancé were so good! It smells good and you never want to leave the relaxation area! Thank you Aqua Wellness Day Spa! We will return! read more

I had a TERRIBLE experience at Aqua Wellness. I needed a manicure and pedicure before a wedding so I booked over a week in advance. My confirmation email said the entire service would take 90 minutes, which was perfect, as two friends of mine were getting massages. However, by the time my friend's 90 minute massage was over Kimberly was still doing my toes and hadn't even begun my manicure. Kimberly was INCREDIBLY slow. It seemed as if she had never painted a nail before in her life... she would glob on nail polish all over my nails and surrounding skin, then remove the access polish, would ultimately end up removing some of the polish on the nail, and failed to fix it. Her service was so slow that I didn't even have time to get a full manicure- I told her to just quickly file/paint so we could get out of there. When I went to check out, I told the person at the desk that I didn't receive the full service and did not want to pay for a full manicure. She did take a whopping $20 off my total, and I still ended up paying $120 for this terrible service in which my nails didn't even look good. I was completely disappointed in her customer service and am mad that I even paid anything at all. This place is a huge rip off to begin with and they don't know how to treat customers or provide quality service. Don't go! read more

When it comes to ambiance, there is great attention to detail at this place. There is a designated relaxation room with dim lighting and refreshments that I waited in with a heated neck/shoulder wrap while my room was being prepared. They have everything you need to stay cozy and zen- calming music, candles, salt lamps, aromatherapy, subtle decor. This was my very first spa experience, but Trisha did a great job at making me feel comfortable and relaxed. Before we began the massage, she made a point to ask what areas of my back I experience the most discomfort in during my daily life so she could personalize the experience. She even found knots in my back that I had no idea were there and showed me things I can do on my own to alleviate them. I left feeling happy and rejuvenated. Overall, a fantastic experience at a great place owned and operated by great people. read more

Came in for a facial. Very happy they are opened on Sunday's since most places aren't. I was able to get a same day appointment. Lila gave me a 30 minute facial to help with a breakout I was having. It was so relaxing and felt great! She is very knowledgable and made the whole experience very relaxing! I would defiantly recommend her! read more

This place was amazing! The Massage was great, customer service awesome, and we really enjoyed our time there. We had a party of six and the staff was attentive to our needs and made sure we all felt comfortable and left there feeling relaxed. The owner Trisha was a pleasure working with and even though I am from out of town I hope I can visit the spa again soon. read more

Absolutely wonderful facial, the girls knew exactly what I needed and my face left glowing and feeling amazing! What an incredible afternoon with a massage and facial. Everyone was very professional and so kind. When searching for a place in Carmel these ladies are wonderful! Can't wait to go back read more

My husband and I had 3 massages while vacationing in Carmel for the month and it was wonderful! Destiny and Lila were excellent! We even went to the PG location once to experience the pool. Facilities were very clean and staff very personable. I would highly recommend this spa! read more

i am a massage "expert" and literally have had many massages over the years. but yesterday at Aqua i had the very BEST ONE!! loved the spa..loved the location..loved Desiree and will certainly be back often!!! read more

I hike and workout a lot, and am getting older, so I really need a therapeutic, deep massage every few weeks. I've been seeing Lila and she is terrific. Strong hands and very thorough, but more importantly she has intuition of what the sore/tight places are and how to help them. Best I've had on the peninsula. read more

Not really happy with them! I'm a local in Carmel and went in today for an eyebrow waxing, eyebrow tint and eyelash tint. Before I went I checked their prices on their website. It said that the eyebrow waxing would be $25, the eyelash tint $25 and the eyebrow tint $20, so $70 all together. I found that price already a bit rich and they said that they 'recommend' to give a gratuity if 20%. Since they also said they they are experienced estheticians, I decided to go for it. Rather pay a little extra than go home with a bad result. The salon had a nice atmosphere and looked very clean. And the lady who gave me my treatment seemed rather insecure for an 'experienced esthetician' and her 'doing it forever, really since I can think for probably about 6 or 7 years.' She didn't recommend any color but asked me what I wanted. I had to ask what colors they have instead of her recommending sth to me, I mean who's the alleged pro here?? So we decided on the colors and she did an ok job tinting my eyebrows. They turned out not very evenly tinted but I can fill them in. My eyelashes didn't turn out very well at first. Since she said she was unable to use cotton pads under my eyes 'because my lashes were too long' (and she didn't use any vaseline or anything else to try to make the cotton pads stick) she just put the color on without any protection around my eyes. She didn't apply the color properly to the roots 'because your eyes might be watery and then it might sting'. In my first life I was an esthetician and when I learned to color someone's eyelashes there are ways to color them properly without stinging the eye. Anyway, I asked her to redo the roots and she did. But that took more time, of course. After she took the color off, my lashes were nicely colored but of course I looked like a raccoon with black shadows from the color around my eyes. So forget going anywhere right afterwards but home! It'll be gone tomorrow but that should not be the result of a professional coloring. The waxing turned out sort of ok: my left brow was a little uneven which I corrected at home and again: I shouldn't have to do that after a professional esthetician worked on me, right? After we were finally done after about 65 instead of 45 minutes, I went to the counter to pay for the services. She charged me $90! I asked her why that would be because in the internet it said that it would cost $70 all in all and that I could choose how much gratuity I'd pay. I love tipping generously and in this case wanted to give her feedback and tip 15% since I wasn't 100% happy. So I probably would've given her $80 all in all. She explained that it wasn't correct what it said on the internet and that that needed to be changed. And that every service was $25 and that the gratuity was 20% on top, if you're satisfied or not. Since I won't argue about $10, I paid and left, answering her question if we'd schedule another appointment with a clear 'no, thank you!' and that I'd give her feedback online. I was really flabbergasted about this behavior. I find it plain greedy, overpriced, will neither go back not can I recommend it. There are better salons out there. Pity. read more