Let me tell you about Dora from rubs, to facials to waxin's. Dora is fantabulous in every way. Dora's place, The Garden Spa right across from the Pannikin, is a tropical fantasy getaway right off the 101. This is the kind of ambiance you need when getting a treatment. Screw all those rooms in business parks, I like the cool ocean breezes, the hibiscus blooming all around, the sound of soothing water and the tropical feel her space evokes. Now that the mood is set, her real work begins. Dora brings her Aloha touch from Kauai into every muscle, joint, and region of soreness. This woman can be delicate or as strong as you want. My mom got the Dora treatment and wanted strong hands-no wimpy stuff- to work her knots and forever painful past injuries away. Dora far exceeded her expectations. Dora will send you into a state of bliss and work out toxins, kinks, and pains like no other. Now onto her waxings. Okay, this is the real thing. Dora is a native Brazilian giving authentic Brazilian waxings. She uses her own unique recipe of all natural beeswax that quickly removes all unwanted hair with less pain and no mess. I was totally freaked out to get my first Brazilian Wax on the punani, but Dora made it all okay and me a fan. The husband loves Dora even more now and sets me reminders to go check in with our FAVORITE masseuse and waxer regularly. Her facials are to die for too. I could go on and on, but you really have to just give her a call and she will get you in and fix you up. You can't help but love Dora. It was fate that we met her and can recommend her to others. read more

Dora is amazing! Her massages are truly special. Book in advance as she does get full. She is so friendly and the ambiance of the place makes you feel like you're on vacation in a tropical island! read more

Dora is amazing!! The massage and facial made me feel so relaxed. The place smells awesome and is beautiful!! read more

The Garden Spa - Thank you Dora, you are amazing!! - Skin Care Near Me - Encinitas, California

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My first experience was with Dora. She made me so comfortable. She made my waxing as painless as possible. I loved her personality and her technique. Her location takes you away to a hidden relaxing place. Unfortunately I went somewhere else for a 2nd Brazilian waxing and had had thee worst experience. SO my husband and I agreed we WONT USE ANYONE ELSE BUT DORA. Even if she is 3 counties away lol. Why go to anyone else when you have someone who treats you so well. THANK YOU DORA!!! From me and my hubby ;) read more

Dora does the BEST waxing in town. She has great techniques. She is funny and great to talk to. I love her, and is wonderful at keeping me distracted during my Brazilian wax. She specializes in Brazilian waxing and uses high quality Italian wax. read more

Absolutely incredible! I treated myself to the absolute Bliss treatment while on vacation in Encinitas. Phenomenal experience- Kristen was very capable and giving. The location and ambience were peaceful and so conducive to complete relaxation. I recommend it to everyone. read more

Amazing! Best reflexology style mixed with Hawaiian relaxation. The facility reminds you of a Hawaiian hut and gives that extra ambience.

I was visiting the area for a long weekend and ran across some great reviews for The Garden Spa. My husband and I had a couples massage and they were probably the best massages we've had, better than higher end spas. Dora gave me an incredible massage and she uses some different techniques that really elevates the relaxation experience. I only wish she was located closer to where I live, then I'd definitely be a regular. read more

I went in for the 'Ultimate Bliss Treat' and let me tell you...what a treat it was. Dora was so nice and accommodating. The location is very cool, tucked away in a little garden which adds to the peaceful ambiance. I would 100% recommend her in a heart beat to anyone who is looking for a peaceful and relaxing spa experience! read more

Simply one of the best massages I have ever had. Dora is also super friendly and responsive. I had to move my appointment time a couple of times and she accommodated me with a smile. I genuinely feel lucky I have found her. read more

I got my sister a massage here and she loved it!! She had not had such a thorough, caring massage in so long. The beautiful garden and cute set up really adds to it! read more

My bikini wax experience yesterday at The Garden Spa far surpassed my expectations. I assumed it would be a painful experience since it usually is, but Dora's wax and technique make it much more than bearable. And Dora is really fun to talk to, which helps too! She is one of the nicest people I've ever met. I was unfortunately late to my appointment and she did an amazing job anyway, in a short amount of time. I will never go anywhere else and recommend her 100%. read more

My boyfriend surprised me with a couple massage and facial last night!!! Dora was amazing!! I felt like a new person after she was done.. She took good care of me and my boyfriend! I HIGHLY recommend this place! I already told the girls at work!!! read more

Found the Garden Spa because my regular spa cancelled. Dora is so amazing that I will never go back to old place. She will set up an appt by text and wants my business. No pain bikini wax and the tropical facial was a mini vacation! read more

Really peaceful location! I enjoyed my massage and got to relax at the koi pond after with a little snack.

Wow. Where do I start? I have had a good amount of massages in my day and Dora by far was the best. She was real and genuine to speak to and listened easily to what I liked and what style I preferred. The location of the Garden Spa is charming and inviting with a tropical green landscape and a cute tiki style gazebo to sit and wait in by the little river that runs through the garden. Relaxing. The actual massage room was warm, charming and smelled amazing. My husband and I had a couples massage scheduled and my husband was very happy with his as well. Dora has serious skill and paid attention to any of my muscles she found that we're tight. You could tell that she was personalizing my massage and not just going through the motions. Wonderful techniques and she uses a thick an natural lotion instead of oil so you don't feel gross when you're done. Told my husband I know what I want for my birthday, Christmas, Valentines day and any other holiday! Such a score with Dora an the Garden Spa. read more

Dora at the Garden Spa brings the Aloha of Kauai to all who are lucky enough to experience her magic touch. The setting is so peaceful and tranquil with all the scents and sounds of the islands. She takes the time to assess what your Issues are and how to make sure you leave feeling sooo much better than when you came in. I can not make a trip to Southern California without scheduling a massage with Dora and did I mention eyebrows. Perfect shaping and perfect coloring every time. I love her! read more

Dora provides the very best atmosphere for total relaxation. I went to her quite often during marathon training. She spent the extra time needed to ensure I was provided the treatment necessary to relax and soothe my sore muscles. She has provided the best massage I have ever received! I recently moved out of CA and am so disappointed that I won't have the luxury of her magic touch to help me through my marathon training! You won't be disappointed!!! read more

Dora is great and her space, her little hut is aDORAble. No pretense just a great caring service in a calm warm environment. The massage was great, the facial fabulous. I have been walking past the garden spa for years and wondering what it was like. It took a gift certificate from a friend to finally get me there. I am going to be a regular. Thank you Dora. read more

Bride brought to ease by Dora. View now more spectacular than ever!! Men get your woman here fast!!!!!

I was very happy to discover this hidden gem of a spa. I have been going to Gaia Day Spa in La Jolla for 7-8 years and have been steadily becoming dissatisfied. I came across a brochure for The Garden Spa and decided to give it a try. I had the Beauty & Bliss package that includes a suger scrub, an hour massage & a 30 minute mini-facial. It was pure heaven & it cost me about 40% less than a similiar treatment at Gaia. They're pretty small-it's run by the 2 owners Kristen & Dora--so don't expect a big facility. They do a nice job with the small space they have. My treatments have all been with Kristen--she is wonderful! My husband recently had a massage with Dora and liked her as well. One other note-I don't typically get facials (I'd rather spend my limited spa $ on body work), but the 30-min mini-facial changed my mind. My skin looked brighter and less tired immediately. I'll definitely be back for more! read more

Best wax I've ever gotten! Dora is a total doll as well! Highly recomend her!

Out of town visitor who came across this gem of a place and person through Yelp. Dora's massage and facial were the BEST! I will definitely be back! read more

Great facial! Very relaxing and peaceful; beautiful garden. Dora was very friendly and put me at ease. I'll definitely make time to visit again next time I'm in the area. read more

Dora did an excellent job of massaging my tight shoulder and neck muscles. She went deep, as I requested, but will be gentle if that's your preference. She's very experienced, and warm and friendly. The garden surroundings and gentle music add to the relaxation. If I didn't live on the East coast, I'd visit her regularly! read more

I've had many many massages and no one compares with Dora. She is absolutely amazing. She takes the time before she gets started to find out what you like and make you feel comfortable and relaxed (I like it when they really get in there). The first time I went to her Dora performed a combination of like 5 different techniques on me and it blew my mind. Deep tissue, thai, lomi lomi, swedish, reflexology, and some kind of crazy assisted yoga. She crawled all over me and bent and stretched and folded me, it was awesome. Her place is super relaxing and chill. It really makes me feel like I'm back on Kauai. Her pricing is really good for what you get too and she runs specials (the last one included a 60 minute massage, foot scrub, and reflexology treatment for well under $100, that's a smokin deal). She's also super good at all of the other spa treatments... ahem... according to my um wife... but I wouldn't know because I'm way too manly for that. ;) read more

Dora is incredible, do yourself a favor and book an apt with her, you wont regret it.

DORA IS AMAZING!! The Garden Spa is truly a little gem of Encinitas. Today was the first time I have ever been waxed (ever), so needless to say I was a little nervous and hesitant. Dora was so sweet and made me feel very comfortable and relaxed. It wasn't even that painful! She is phenomenal!! I definitely will be going back, no question about it! read more

The Garden Spa is a very peaceful happy place to be. I've been going to Dora for the last few years and she is awesome. I've had my waxes done by many other salons but The Garden Spa is by far the best place to get wax services. Dora is professional but yet very personable. She has a lot of positive energy and I look forward to my appointments. My husband loves her massages and I hear her facials are out of this world! read more

I can not say enough good things about The Garden Spa. I've been to just about every spa in North County, and was lucky enough to stumble upon this beautiful place. The added advantage... Dora! She is amazing. Warm, Genuine and an amazing energy that immediately puts you in a zen like state and you know immediately that you are being taken care off. The space is warm, cozy and intimate, the outside includes a koi garden where you can hear the water trickling. It's truly a hidden gem! Besides the amazing treatments she offers, the beautiful surroundings and Dora's expertise, her prices and the value you get for the service you receive is absolutely the best. I truly feel lucky to have found this special place!! read more

I had some pain in my lower back and Dora focused extra on this area. She knew a couple good stretch movements that she incorporated into the massage for that problem, as well as extra massaging there. She loosened up other tight areas in my shoulders relieving the built up stress. I left feeling relaxed and healed from my pain. read more