What a wonderful experience to receive a pedicure in a clean, quiet, relaxing atmosphere! The cute and cozy reception area is welcoming and a nice place to wait before your service. I booked my appointment in advance online and was seen at my scheduled time. The pedicure I received the other day was one of the best I've ever had, and I've had a lot! It's all the little details like the temperature of the water, the paraffin application, gentleness of the filing and the magical leg/foot massage that give a 5 star rating. What you'll find here are high end polishes to choose from, expert application of polish, as little or as much chatting as you like and feel like a valued patron not being rushed. read more

Opal Spa & Boutique - lovely interiors - Skin Care Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I spent the weekend in Capitola and really needed a massage. I found Opal Spa through a Google search and was able to book a last-minute appointment. The front retail area is beautiful. I felt so comfortable when I walked in. I met my masseuse Lam, who brought me to my room. Another beautiful space! The spa music, electric fireplace, and pre-warmed table are so wonderful. The best part of this visit was Lam. I've had so much back pain lately, and she found each knot and ache and worked them over. I would say this massage is one of the best I have ever had. I floated out of the room! Lam is so friendly and professional. This will be the only place I go to whenever I come to Capitola. Thank you! read more

Went in for a pedicure for my birthday. This place is clean, beautiful, and has such kind staff. The tools were either brand new or came from sealed autoclave bags. Polish looked brand-new--none of the bottles looked used at all. So relaxing and my toes are beautiful. read more

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Best manicure I've had in years. Exceptional attention to detail. Patient. Pedicure lasted a long time.

I went today for a massage and didn't know what to expect. It was my first time at this spa. I got the 30 minute massage and it was wonderful. It was such a professional and enjoyable massage. When you first walk in to the massage room, it's dimly lit with calming music. There's a faux fire place and the massage bed. The massage bed is nice and warm when you jump in. I loved the massage and can't wait for my next. read more

Opal Spa & Boutique - Skin Care Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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I love Opal! This is my goto spot for pedicures, manicures, and facials. They also just recently expanded the front room to sell some boutique clothing items which are SO cute. I've been a regular here for about a year and it is always such a treat. Lam (owner) is so very sweet and welcoming and extremely talented. I have sensitive skin and she always accommodates me when I receive a facial. They book up in advance so I would recommend getting on their schedule for a truly relaxing and pampering time! read more

I am sad to be writing this bad review. I've been going to Opal Spa for years. When Christine left and they moved from Capitola, things went downhill. I thought they'd recover, but sadly service has only gotten worse and worse with each appointment. I will never return (which I doubt will bother them, since they didn't show any friendliness, whatsoever when I was in there yesterday for a mani and pedi. I spent $110 on a subpar mani/pedi). When I entered the spa, the practitioner (Diem? not sure of the spelling) grunted something in my general direction. As I sat down, I asked her how she was and she said "fine." She did not return the inquiry and said not one word to me during the entire mani and pedi. As a reminder, they portray the business as a "spa," which it 100% is not. The new location is in a room at a hotel they also run and there is nothing spa-like about it. It looks like a storage unit. One mani station and a couple of massage chairs. No music, nothing spa-like, and the service is the antithesis to a "spa" experience. I almost walked out after the hand "massage," which was literally slathering oil (not lotion, oil) all over my hands and smearing the oil (with gloves on, so not enjoyable but I understand if they have to wear gloves) - NO MASSAGING WHATSOEVER. Just a few, hard motions with the oil and that's it. My hands were so greasy I asked if I could wash them (the practitioner did not indicate I should, I had to ask). I was asked if I wanted some water, which I did take. In the past, they used to offer champagne, tea, or water. This time it was water or nothing, with no apologies. The pedi was equally un-spa-like. Part of the pedi includes a hot wax treatment. A normal practitioner would check to make sure the wax is not too hot, but this person did no testing. It was super hot and she just shoved my feet into the plastic bag without hesitation. It was scary. There was nothing relaxing or enjoyable about the experience at all. I will never return. I don't understand any review that says the new set-up is enjoyable, relaxing, or good in any way. It's literally terrible. Suggestion: If you're going to advertise yourself as a "spa," treat your clients nicely, with respect and TLC (do that no matter what you call your business). Note: The pretty pics with the chandeliers are of the previous location. read more

Amazing service! Came for my first gel manicure ever and left amazed with how good it looked and felt. The decor inside feels super luxurious, it really made me want to get a pedicure next time after seeing the gorgeous foot bowls. Soft ambient music and soft lighting. Very personal feeling inside, which complimented the care I received. The lady who did my nails was so kind and we had a nice conversation while she made sure my french manicure was perfect. She even asked some questions about how I wanted my manicure that I hadn't been given an option for at any other place. Very professional and quick! I've wanted to come here for so long seeing the great reviews but was always late to get an appointment, and I can see why they fill up so fast. The service is wonderful and I don't think I've honestly had a better manicure anywhere else. Definitely recommend! read more

Amazing detail to beautiful work. 5 days diving on coral reef deep in Mexico. Not a single chip!

I had a great time getting a pedicure and manicure here. The space and music was so relaxing, and Lien did a great job. Included all the goodies, such as warm wax, hot stones, and massage. Plus careful attention to detail. Great place! read more

There are so many things I love about this nail salon. I have been to several in the Santa Cruz area and most of the others were either too bougie or too basic or just didn't seem like they cared too much about their customers. I have been to Opal three times now for pedicures, regular and shellac manicures and they always make me feel pampered. Here are some of the things that impress me about Opal: * they have decaf green tea (or regular) and spa water for their customers. Some snacks also available. * the owner Christine and all the employees are very sweet and make you feel welcome * parking is easy, there is a parking lot on the right side you can use until 6pm * they have Zoya nail polish, many colors, a less toxic nail polish choice which lasts a long time * they have a resident dog named Milo who hangs out sometimes and is a sweetie :-) * they are so helpful if you need advice on nail color or which nail treatment to have done * it is not too difficult to get an appointment but you should definitely call and make one. * pedicure chairs give a really nice massage * they have complimentary dark chocolate for their customers at the register - what a sweet touch! I'm sure I am forgetting some other important qualities of this salon but I can see why they have a 5 star rating on Yelp - it is well deserved! read more

Opal Spa & Boutique - Pedicure chairs - Skin Care Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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First time coming here and had a great experience. Got a pedicure and she did a wonderful job. Before she even started she offered me a sparkling water, then halfway through a mimosa! I would definitely come here again read more

Opal Spa is fantastic! I come here every three weeks for a gel manicure and a pedicure. Hot stones, hot towels, nice massage. They use gel polish remover (instead of acetone like most places) and it's much better for your nails. Due to that alone, my nails have also gotten a little stronger. Opal Spa also doesn't layer on the polish super thick so it's not so rough removing polish, etc. Most of the nail technicians are pretty nice. The owner is focused on customer service and makes sure people are taken care of. The best part is, it really feels like a spa because there isn't a lot of noise or chatter unless from the customers. read more

Opal Spa & Boutique - Skin Care Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Still a loyal customer at Opal Spa almost six years later! Couldn't be happier as every service I receive is on point! People have caught on how great Opal Spa is. Make sure to book your appointment in advance! read more

My second time here, Diem did my nails. She was very quiet but did a great job with not painting on the cuticle of the nails and cleaning up the polish. read more

My sister (MOH), mom (MOB), and myself (bride) got our nails done before my wedding in May 2016. I called ahead to arrange for a classic pedicure, 2 signature pedicures, and a signature gel manicure. The lady on the phone was super helpful and polite. When we arrived they had us seated in minutes, and had arranged for us all to sit together which was very nice. They have a great selection of colors in gel and regular. They even helped me pick out my gel manicure color (bubble bath) which was perfect! Very clean, great massage chairs, friendly helpful staff, organized, and their infused water was super scrumptious with the strawberries and herbs! All of our nails looked great and stayed that way for at least a week (hands) and more (feet)! read more

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Would-be first time client, trying to call to make a future appointment. First time I tried to call today, it just rang and rang until the automated voicemail said their mailbox was full and I could not leave a message. Okay.... So I called back later, and was told that as of 6/1/2018 they will be booking SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS ONLY. I said what? Doesn't that defeat the whole purpose of making an appointment in advance, so that the client can secure their time slot and plan ahead? (This was intended as a gift for a friend's birthday a few weeks from now). They said they are "making some changes" and this will be their new policy. Seems bizarre and inconvenient to me. Oh well! I'll look elsewhere for an appointment that I can actually book in advance. Too bad, because this place had good reviews. I hope their new policy works out well for them. read more

The most relaxing manicure I have had locally. As others have said the technicians are very quiet and even speak to you in a very low voice if they speak at all. The technicians are very thorough and provide a top notch mani/pedi. However, do know that for a classic no extras it's $45. This does include a 10 foot minute massage and some warm stones. In addition, there is fruit infused water and some snacks available. Overall, I think it's fun to make an occasional appointment here. But, for a quick and cheap mani/pedi I would still head to Tracy's. read more

My favorite place! It took me forever to find a place when I moved to Santa Cruz from San Jose! Finally I went to Opal and I love it! My gel manicure is always perfect and it last always more than 2 weeks. Also the owner and the staff are amazing and so nice! I totality recommend ! read more

Opal Spa & Boutique - Skin Care Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Anytime I'm in Santa Cruz visiting a friend, this is where we come. The staff are so nice, it's very clean and cute inside, and the prices are reasonable. It's also located in a great location, my favorite is the Acai Bowl place right next door. There's usually street parking, so no complaints there. I've been about 4-5 times now and every time I go the quality seems to go down. For such a nice nail salon, they seem to be not putting as much time and effort in. The first time I went they did a very thorough job. Each time I go though, the pedicure gets shorter and the quality not as nice. My last visit my pedicure was about 25 mins total. My feet soaked for a few mins, the cutting and cleaning of the feet took about 10 mins and the foot rub, stones, and towel wrap took another 5-7mins. When she started painting my toes, I could not believe how quick it went. My girlfriends and I just looked at each other and could not believe it. Same situation with them as well. They weren't busy either, we were the only customers there. The paint job wasn't that nice and I left not even feeling like I just got a pedicure. Hoping they can put the TLC they used to into their pedicures. I paid $30 for a 25 minute pedicure, definitely not worth it. read more

Lam and her team are amazing! The foot massage, the zero gravity massage chair, the music ...all of it! So grateful to have a Spa like this in Santa Cruz read more

The new location is so peaceful, easy to find and the staff is so sweet! I will definitely go back. Worth the drive for attention to detail and beautiful location. read more

Amazing experience! I booked a facial and had the most wonderful time, the whole 1.5 hours I was there I was perfectly relaxed and I felt like I could completely turn off my brain. Already planning on booking another facial for myself as well as recommending this place to everyone I know. read more

Ok this is the best ever Very through and relaxing beautiful music kind people and now like new feet Best ever Go! read more

Three of my friends and I treated ourselves to a Manicure and pedicure at Opal. Dealing with Christine,the owner, was delightful. She's very sweet and very smart and her nail salon is fantastic! We all agreed we had the best pedicures ever including:massage, hot rocks, lotion and incredible attention to detail. Can't wait to return-it's that good! read more

Researched for the best salon in Capitola and this kept popping up. Place was very nice and very clean. Our appointments were honored on time, already a plus. Christine the person that ran the salon which she did extremely well was another plus that I tipped her too. My sister and I had mani and pedi which was about $140.00 including tip, not bad. My sister is particular and had her pedi redone something about "cuticles" - thank goodness or I never wouldve heard the end of it. Tran and Lynn retired to a room immediately thereafter and never came back out, probably because of my sister. Nevertheless, job was done. read more

I've driven by this spa a few times and have heard nothing but amazing things about it. I decided to stop by to see if I could book an appointment for my mother and sisters. When you first arrive there is usually ample street parking but if you don't see any, there are additional parking spots on the side of the building. When I came in, I was promptly greeted by Christine, the owner, who was extremely helpful in answering all my questions about the services offered. She was very welcoming and extremely tentative to all of her clients. As we finalized the details, Christine assured me that they would love their appointments. While Christine made the gift certificates that I also purchased, she offered me some refreshments and snacks as I was waiting. During that time I was greeted by her puppy, Milo, who is quite the adorable puppy. Christine back with the certificates and explained that every thing was taken care of. This place definitely lives up to all the great things that are said about them. The atmosphere is very relaxing and the decor is gorgeous and doesn't feel cramped at all. Everyone is welcoming and friendly, Christine was such a big help! Definitely recommend giving Opal Spa a visit if you get the chance or for the men that want to pamper the women in their life, come here! Another great plus is that the beach is just 10 minutes away! Thank you Christine and Opal Spa! read more

4 stars for the mani/pedi 1 star for the peace and quiet. Sometimes you just want to sit in peace and quiet and have a relaxing massage or in my case..mani/pedi. This was the first time in a long time no one was on their cell, or being super loud or having some kind of drama "thing" happen while getting their nails done. Sometimes you don't want folks to strike up a conversation or try and sweet talk you for extra tip. I didn't want to go over the hill today for my nails so I decided to give this place a try. Within 30 min of leaving a message I was able to get an appointment/ I got a call back. The place is spotless and they immediately disinfect the stations after they are done with clients. My basic gel mani and regular polish pedi came out to 60.00. Reasonable for this side of the hill. The two technicians were very through and precise. No nicks, cuts or burns... all of my polish is even.... the nails were also all filed evenly. I would totally come back! Note: parking is horrendous..either get dropped off or save extra time to park/walk. Positive: amazon juices is next door. read more

Not only is this one of the best places to get your nails done in Santa Cruz but I would say it's one of the best in the Bay. They are efficient, clean, have a huge selection of colors and the service itself is very relaxing. I highly suggest the deluxe pedicure (scrub, masque, parafin, hot stone massage, etc). It's wonderful. I look forward to my service there every three weeks. As for other reviews mentioning lack of peace/quiet. It must have been a fluke. Every time I am there it's really lovely that few people are conversing and if they are it's at a whisper. read more

I'm not from the area but was vacationing here and felt prompted to get a shellac manicure ($35) and basic pedicure ($30), cause hey, I'm on vacation and I want to feel pretty. I did a thorough search for nail salons in the area, but I primarily chose this place because they offer a shellac manicure which is a more "natural" and gentler form of gel polish that works just as well (14 day wear). I'm also very familiar with the product and go to a certified shellac manicurist back at home. I called the salon first thing on a weekday morning and they were able to take me in within the hour. My interaction with the receptionist was pleasant. The spa is small, clean, and intimate. Like others have said, more of a spa feel less of a salon feel. I was very pleased with both my manicure and pedicure. I spent more on my pedicure than I'm used to back home (I go less for a pampering experience and more to just make sure my toes look nice), but I did appreciate the thorough hot stone leg massage and the exfoliating scrub on my legs! Something I'm not used to but appreciate it from time to time. Really thankful I found a quality place on a whim. If I'm ever in the area again I would be sure to return. read more

As a native of the Capitola area, my mom and I have been coming to Opal for ages and we love it here! All of the ladies are so wonderful and the salon itself is always immaculate. They have a great selection of both gel and standard colors and the I have always had excellent service. While prices are a bit higher than other salons, you are definitely getting your money's worth and more here!! Special shout-out to Christine! She is always so accommodating when scheduling appointments, and will actually call you back about cancellations or waiting lists like she says she will!! read more

Absolutely love this place! I live 15 minutes away and will gladly make the trek to get a mani-pedi here. The staff is super friendly and accommodating. And the shop is super clean and quiet. read more

This place is by far the best place for a mani/pedi! This is my third time here and every time has been amazing! Quiet and relaxing, great massage chairs, quality service - I feel truly pampered here! Make sure you call ahead for an appointment! They put lots of time into each person that walks through the door! read more

Opal Spa & Boutique - Loving my pretty party nails!!!! - Skin Care Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Got an appointment during my wedding week for myself, my mom and my sister. We were the only customers in on a weekday and were pleasantly surprised with the nice atmosphere, good prices and non-salon smell. This has more of a spa-feel then some of the other Santa Cruz nail shops that can feel a bit like a factory. Nice employees and good selection of colors. The only downside was the appointment took over an hour for my removal and re-application of gel nail polish. But can't beat the price. Street parking on 41st. read more

Perfect manicure ever time. Friendly staff. Quality service- I won't go any place else. We read more

I had a fantastic foot massage and pedicure with Lam. It was so relaxing. She mentioned she was a massage therapist and you could tell with the quality of the leg and foot massage. The salon is intimate and has a cute little high end clothing shopping section. I'll be back. read more

I love Opal Spa! They are the absolute best in Santa Cruz County. Lam and Christine go out of their way to accommodate their clients and make sure they are satisfied and doing well. I have been going to them for over 4 years for my nails, wax and massage. You can't go wrong with this spa. I highly recommend it to all of my friends and strangers too! read more

Excellent service! This place was by far one of the best nail salons I have been too. I was visiting the area looking to kill some time and was so surprised to find such a wonderful spot. The staff was welcoming and friendly and very good at their jobs. The environment was clean and relaxing with beautiful chandeliers and very comfortable massage chairs. They also offered strawberry infused water and snacks in the reception area. I got their signature mani/pedi with shellac polish and was pleasantly surprised when it included both a paraffin wax and hot rock massage for a completely reasonable price. I left feeling completely pampered and relaxed. I will definitely back next time I'm in the area! read more

I came into Opal Spa yesterday for a facial. This was my first time getting one and it was just want i needed. I have a lot of hyperpigmentation especially on my chin and after the facial it was barley there! She really took her time and it was so relaxing. My skin after felt so smooth and it was glowing so nicely. It was surprisingly affordable compared to other places in town. I will definitely be back! read more

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I really loved the nail salon I that I used to frequent in San Diego. I had been seeing the owners for my mani / pedi needs for well over a decade. However after a few months, I think I've found my new go-to nail salon here in Santa Cruz. The ladies at Opal go the extra mile to make you feel comfortable. They're courteous, polite, and accommodating. The salon is clean and well-maintained. Most importantly, they do a great job on your nails. My last mani lasted 2 weeks...without gels. Shout out to The Loving Owl in San Diego: http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-loving-owl-a-nail-sanctuary-san-diego?hrid=zycpMu4paBupC01yZmSUlA&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) read more