This is my second time at The Fountain Spa, but my first time at the Ramsey location.
Coming on a Saturday was probably not the best idea, but when you work the typical 9-5 job, Saturdays are your best option. My husband got me a 2 hour Full Paraffin body massage so it's obviously a massage I couldn't pass up. I made the appointment for 9am on a Saturday which is when they open, and it seems to be the best time.
After reading my fellow Yelpers' reviews, my expectations were low and was skeptical about the customer service. Proving me wrong, I walked in greeted by a few people. I clearly looked lost, never having been to this location, and the staff was helpful in directing me where to go. For those who are have never been to a spa, let me walk you through step by step...
Upon arriving at this location, you enter through the glass door on the right (next to an elevator) to check in. You present any gift certificates or gift cards immediately upon arriving and they hold on to it until you check out. You're then asked to walk further in to another room where another person will provide you with a robe and slippers. She will then lead you to the locker room (really small) and show you where your locker is. She tells you how to use the locker, where the bathrooms and showers are, and where you'll wait after you change into your robe. After changing, you're then in a very small waiting area that probably includes 10 seats until your name is called by your masseuse. While all this was happening, I took the opportunity to explore while there weren't a lot of people- from my venturing, the place itself is really clean, but I can see how it can get filthy FAST when I was done with my massage around 11am. By the time I came out of my massage, the waiting area was filled with people waiting for their massage (maybe it's a group?) and the robes and slippers deposit basket was already piling up. The locker room was filled with women coming in and out and changing with their things laying around. Thankfully, the women I've encountered were courteous in moving their things if they knew they were in your way and there wasn't an issue with the locker room being small. Also note, for those who are pregnant, there are two dressing rooms in the locker room for additional privacy.
Now, getting to my ACTUAL massage- F*ing amazing. It was a much needed massage and my masseuse, Marisol, was phenomenal. She brought me back to the room and instructed me on what to do for my paraffin wax. She explained herself before ever doing anything and always told me to let her know if there was anything that made me uncomfortable, if the wax was too hot, or if I wanted any pressure change in the actual massage. For those unfamiliar with the paraffin wax, you basically get a full body scrub, followed by a quick rinse in the shower, then wax put on your body. Once the wax has been completely applied, your masseuse wrap you up tightly (please warn them if you're claustrophobic). Your masseuse will then leave you there, wrapped up, for about 15-20 minutes to relax. When they re-enter the room, they unwrap you and start your full body massage.
I cannot say enough good things about Marisol. From her greeting to the actual massage to explaining everything before doing anything really helps those who are possible newbs to massages. Being that I went really early in the morning, the entire staff was extremely friendly and welcoming from beginning to end and I could not praise the staff enough. Keep in mind that I was one of two or three girls who had an early appointment, so customer service may vary depending on the time you're there.
I gave this a three star only because I think the spa itself is too commercialized where it's sort of became a place where it's not for relaxation. Because it's such a popular place and there's so much traffic daily, it's tough to really come here and "feel relaxed" until you're actually in a room. I've gone to spas where the separation and set up has been so isolated that you wouldn't even remember you're in a spa with other people. By the time I left around 11:15am, the parking lot was full, masseuses were running around to try and get all their clients in and out on time. I didn't even bother with visiting the tranquility room because I had other things to do, but I would like to come back and visit if I had more time.
Overall, the staff was great and the place was very clean (ish), assuming that I was there really early. Rating the prices of the massages, I'd say The Fountain Spa is a bit overpriced and I've paid less for more at other places. I would probably come back at a less busy time and if I had the money to dish out for random weeknight massages! read more