Visits to Francesca are like mini vacations. It's almost unreal how relaxing her space and…read moretreatments are, and we're so lucky to have her in El Cerrito. I've always left her care feeling perfectly refreshed and renewed. All her products are super high quality but I haven't ever felt pressured into buying anything like I often do elsewhere...although I now have a growing collection of Botnia and other amazing items she's introduced me to. From the moment you step inside this little oasis, you're enveloped in a blanket of serenity, comfort, and beauty. You can tell that everything has been carefully and lovingly curated for your ultimate experience. Francesca's methods and knowledge are well-practiced and very evident; she has spent a lot of time honing her craft and it's obvious why she's always booked out so far in advance. I wholeheartedly agree with another client who wrote that what she provides is more of a form of therapy than anything else. I just wish I could see her more often!

I was shocked that I was told I'd have to pay $70 to reschedule my appt because I was 15 minutes…read morelate. (I accidentally took Arlington, forgetting that it's Colusa that goes to Fairmont, not Arlington; so I had to backtrack. In addition, it was very difficult for me to get away from work, as I work in a deadline-driven industry. This is why I also find it extremely inconvenient that this business is not open on weekends.) A facial is not something I would have purchased for myself, but this was a gift from my mom, who wanted me to experience a facial. This is why I especially wanted to experience the facial, not so much even for me, but because it meant something to my mom that I experience it. This being a 65-minute appointment that cost a lot at $150, being 15 minutes late would have left 50 minutes. I asked if she could do a shortened facial. (In my mind, that would have been plenty because this was something I have never experienced and didn't even know if I would like it.) But she said she would only be able to "put some cream on my face." She would neither agree to a shortened facial nor to rescheduling my appt without the steep charge of $70. Well, this seemed outrageous to me, so I was very angry but I did not lunge at her, as she wrote in a previous reply to an earlier review. That simply isn't true. The most upsetting thing was that she acted like the Queen of No from the moment I walked into the shop. UPDATE (4/12/25): For Francesca to state that I lunged at her is a flat-out lie. In addition, in her reply she is putting words in my mouth in many cases. Just one example: She wrote that I said that I didn't want a facial. What I in fact said was that "I would not have scheduled a facial for myself." That is not the same thing. Further, she states in her reply that "shortening a 65 minute treatment by *more than 15 minutes* is not something [she] is comfortable doing." If that is the case, then had she agreed upon my arrival at 15 minutes late to do a shortened facial, she could have proceeded with that right away, and we would not have have gotten to the "11:37" that she refers to. But no, the "Queen of No" wouldn't hear of doing anything to accommodate me, even as a first-time customer. She mentions that she texted me at 10 minutes after my appointment time but that I didn't reply. Well, of course I couldn't reply. If she had read my review she would have understood that I was driving at that time. She would have read that I said I accidentally took Arlington instead of Colusa and had to backtrack. But of course no leeway can be given even to a first-time customer who is not familiar with her location. After all, she is the Queen of No. Prospective customers may also be interested to know something else that I bet Francesca would not want them to know. That is that she illegally posted my photo on her company Instagram page, a photo for which I own the copyright. I had to ask Instagram to take it down, which they promptly did. And I can prove it.

I've been having regular facials and waxing from Mali for years. I often receive compliments on my…read moreskin, and she's the reason. Her salon is comfortable and soothing so you feel relaxed and cared for. She does an excellent job, and my face always looks so much better after a session with Mali. On a personal level, she's a friendly and warm person, a pleasure. GOB

Mali is the best at waxing smoothly and pain free. Easy to park and wonderful salon. She trims and…read moremaintains my eyebrows as well. She's a pleasure.

I wish there were more stars to give Nubo! From their lovely front desk staff, to their great…read moreseasonal specials, you always get a good vibe and deal. Shiva, the Harry Potter of aestheticians, a true wizard, and the genius of her expertise astounds me. I never walk away feeling over done, or not looking like myself, rather a more refreshed, best version. When friends ask if I'm using new skin care products, rather than, "what work have you had done?" you know you're in great hands. I trust NO ONE ELSE with my face other than Queen Shiva. I bow at her altar. While some reviews do point out that their prices are a bit higher - which is true - they are not the cheapest, but they are also not the most expensive: you pay for what you get! Their prices are comparable to places I've gone before in Walnut Creek who were voted "Best Of", and WAY better. Night and day. There are some things in life that you should never skimp on, or go to the cheapest person for, a lawyer (when/if you need one) and a plastic surgeon/injectables. You are paying for someone who has years of experience, and it shows! Shiva has a deep understanding of anatomy, and her meticulousness during each session is something I haven't experienced before, save for my derm/M.D. in LA. Thank you Nubo for treating clients with warmth and grace, and thank you Shiva for being your blessed self!!

I've scheduled an appointment here twice a few months apart and both times they cancelled on me…read morewithin a couple of days of the appointment.

Booked a Holistic Glow facial, my very first facial, and I couldn't be happier with the experience…read more I was a bit nervous going into it, but Rachel's energy was calming and she did an excellent job. My skin feels SO healthy, hydrated and deeply clean. There are also a ton of products to browse in their shop; mostly skincare, but also clean makeup products that I'm definitely going to check out next time I go.

I highly recommend massage from Courtney! I prefer deep tissue, but she offers a variety of…read moremassages and is well educated and empathetic to your needs. I've had several massages in the Bay Area, but she is the best! Supple's location is clean, inviting and also provides facials. I haven't personally had a facial here but my friends love Fiona and the other estheticians at Supple.

Alexandra's Muse hosted part of my bachelorette party and I'm incredibly grateful for this…read more Definitely one of the highlights throughout my whole wedding experience. Alexandra (the owner and esthetician) and her colleague, Kari (the massage therapist) were both so thorough, gentle, and attuned to what my friends and I wanted and needed for our facials and massages. They took such good care of us in a way that I can't put into words. Did I also mention how they closed down their whole shop and provided drinks and snacks for all of us for the day? They really went above and beyond--not only in the services they offered but also their overall hospitality.

So glad I found Alexandra's Muse! I've gone for a facial two months in a row and have left with…read moreglowing skin both times - event gotten compliments about my skin in the days after. The environment is incredibly relaxing and is such a welcome break from my day to day. The location is perfect - centrally located with plenty of free parking. I need to stop at the coffee shop on the corner after my next visit :)

I have been working w Roberta for close to 20 years. I'm hoping she reopens w Covid restrictions…read morebeing lifted. I appreciate her honesty, skill and entertaining discussions!!! I miss her!! Pam

This women is a Berkeley Legend. Seriously I have been coming for years thru ups and downs this…read morewomen is the best facial angel you could ever meet!

Andreea is an amazing bodyworker. But that is an understatement. My body was out of alignment from…read moreaccidents I have thad throughout my life, and it was causing pain. She has been slowly correcting that, and my stance and posture are coming back to the place where it should be. My body is slowly regaining the ease which it had when I was younger. If I could afford it, I would go on a regular basis. She is well versed in many modalities and knows what she is doing.

Andreea is THE BEST! and this review is way long overdue. I've been seeing her for the last 5 or so…read moreyears. Best facial I ever had. She uses amazing natural products, and the facial is personalized to one's skin needs. If you're looking for an excellent facial experience-book your appointment. I HIGHLY recommend her services.

Laura is absolutely amazing! I've been seeing her for about 6 months and she works total magic. I…read morehave very sensitive and acne-prone skin and her facials and products have totally cleared up my skin and it feels better than ever. She is so friendly and the space is so inviting, I highly recommend her to everyone!

I'm a guy who has gone to see Laura twice so far and will be going back. Her prices are very…read morereasonable and there is a "Gents Facial" option. Each time I've had a great result that has lasted far after the appointment. My face appears brighter and my skin looks better. Laura also gave good tips and recommendations for skin care and product, but didn't pressure me into buying any extra services or product. The atmosphere was comfortable and relaxing. Extractions were not a huge discomfort at all. I've been highly recommending Freddy Fox and Laura to my friends and colleagues.