This is a beautiful,quaint, elegant day spa. Benita is the ONLY person I will ever trust with my skin! She is amazing, knowledgeable, gentle, and very very sweet. Benita also introduced me to a line of skincare is exclusive to The Sanctuary, May Linstrom Skin!! OMG I can't say enough about this amazing, natural, organic skin care line.... FABULOUS, LUXURIOUS and SIMPLY AMAZING are just a few thoughts that come to mind. Benita is an expert in this skin care line and I think it's worth every penny , especially when you go to a party and people keep telling you" there's no way you have three kids in college you look way too YOUNG!" This is my spa and Benita is my face's best friend! Do yourself a great service and just GO! You deserve it! read more

The Sanctuary Wellness Experience - My lovely skin with only blush and lipstick on! No face make up AT ALL! - Beauty & Spas Near Me - San Diego, California

Thank goodness for Tracy! A few months ago, I had an extremely severe allergic reaction and I was referred to The Sanctuary. As soon as I called, Tracy helped me out by giving me herbs to calm down the inflammation and also sent me home with additional herbs. This was our first time meeting and right off the bat Tracy took care of me as if she had known me for years. I also suffer from melasma, a hormonal imbalance that shows up on the skin and talked to Tracy about this as well. She was concerned with my skin issue as if it was her own. A week later I came in to get to the root of my skin issues with the bio energetic testing. The results that came out of the test were very helpful and Tracy put me on an herbal regime to address the hormonal imbalance/ inflammation that was coming out on my skin. It's a long road ahead to clear up my skin but I have already started to see a difference. In addition to the testing, I also came in for the most fabulous facial I have ever experienced as well as The Sanctuary's monthly LOVE events. I can't say enough wonderful things about Tracy and The Sanctuary. Every experience has been beyond delightful and I feel so grateful to have found such a beautiful place to make me feel good from the inside out!!!!! read more

I'm here taking a few days off, trying to do nothing and just relax from my busy life in LA. I wanted to have a relaxing massage. We're staying in Ocean Beach, so I looked up YELP for Day Spas in the area. This place had a male massage therapist, Joaquim and he got amazing reviews here. I prefer a male therapist. Don't ask me why! I can't really explain it. Somehow I have this misconception that a female can't have as strong hands as a male. Yet, at the same time you keep hearing about these tiny Thai ladies in Thai Spas who are super strong and work you out to exhaustion. I called for an appointment, but Joaquim was booked for the entire duration of my vacation. (It's all your fault you guys who write 5-star reviews about him. Now I didn't have the chance to try him.) His wife, Denise was also was highly recommended in the reviews, so I "settled" for her. :-) The whole place is very clean, beautiful, very serene and smells wonderful. I booked a 90-minute Therapeutic Custom Massage. I filled in the little form and we chatted a little while she gave me a foot scrub and foot massage. I told her that it was my shoulder and neck that I really needed some stress relief on. She gave me a cup of their popular Coconut tea. (I bought a tin afterwards.) She did a wonderful job. She was just as strong as the men I've had before. She kept asking me if I needed more or less pressure, but it was just perfect. She used a Jadience Muscle & Joint Therapeutic Cream that not only smells fantastic (I'm not going to shower today) and provides great moisturizing to your body, but it also improves circulation while removing toxins and relaxes sore and tight muscles, alleviates symptoms of pain, strengthens muscles and joints, and aids in the relief of swelling and inflammation. Can you ask for a more perfect massage oil/cream? She used the entire 90 minutes for the massage. Every part of my body was absolutely refreshed and I did feel the tensions relieved. I felt great afterwards. I don't understand why I was afraid of getting a massage from a female therapist. Denise proved me wrong. She however told me that I must try Joaquim one day, so I guess I'll be back sooner than later. In the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy smelling my own skin until this amazing lotion wears off. I think I will buy this from Jadience. read more

First of all, I've got some thick brows let me tell you, and I was in the area and spotted their Tuesday 30% off waxing. I thought to myself, "Hmm I should check it out, especially I'm now over getting my hair done at super cuts." I had to find some where else to tame the beasts that live above my eyes. As soon as I walked in I was greeted by Cristina. The young woman behind the desk. She was all smiles and couldn't wait to help me. The lobby elegantly displaying jewelry, makeup, and clothing that I would assume appeal to women but was not off putting to men. They obviously know their demographic but it didn't discourage me. She told me to lay down and relax. The room had ambient music and low lighting but it felt very private. Something I'm not used to when it comes to pruning the brows. She started and didn't even hurt! Just kidding. But she quickly applied pressure and creams to subdue the burning and the redness. Overall I was very satisfied and exposed to a new experience and will definitely continue to come back and give all the discounted business cards to all my lady friends and maybe some of my better male friends. read more

AMAZING is the first word that comes to mind. A friend told me about this place because we are both into natural/holistic food, care and everything in between - and of course, I trust her, so, I called to make an appointment. It was amazing and Benita is so knowledgable, warm and kind during my facial. The products are top notch, natural and I am so happy to find a place that has products that I can use and trust. Also, the boutique has fabulous one of a kind things - so, of course, I had to do some browsing as well. So glad to find a place that I can call home for my spa needs! read more

Sanctuary is a little hidden treasure in OB - such a light, cozy, relaxing setting. When I arrived, they brought out a cup of French lemon ginger tea that was so delicious I bought a tin to take home. Then I had the 30 minute reflexology foot massage w/ Peggy, and it was one of the best massages I've ever had. I came back the following week for the makover w/ Louise which was also great. Highly recommend. read more

This is a true sanctuary and special place. Owner Tracy Duhs does exhaustive research on any product before she adds it to her collection. Staff are well-informed on product, facials, massage. One of its key feaures is the feeling of light and graceful energy that inhabits this space, expressed through Tracy and consistently through her staff. It is truly a quiet, and loving space. The spa inhabits a group of secluded bungalows, shaded by banana and palm trees. The massage and facial rooms in the bungalows have private bath and patio settings, depending on the room. I always feel I am the only one there, so attentive are they to caring service, and to your healing space and relaxation. Lovely space, lovely people. Street parking is difficult, so they offer private parking space for clients. read more

Called the number on their website. Spoke to a female who mentioned she would be in 10 mins. Waited an hour. Called back to get a status. No answer. Horrible communication. Will not come back nor recommend to others. read more

Took 3 weeks to post payment for my credit card. Denise is awesome. Joaquim is good too. But I'm not a fan of the other therapists. read more

This was one of the best spa experiences I've ever had. I called about 4 days in advance for appointments for my roommate and I for facials and massages and we were able to get appointments at the same time! First off, the place is beautiful! The courtyard area is adorable, the rooms are warm, the beds are insanely comfortable, and they use great products! Ellie gave me hands down the best facial possible. I was so relaxed throughout the whole thing. She was very attentive, and took the time to carefully evaluate my skin to customize my facial to suit my needs. She's also super friendly, knowledgeable, and definitely qualified. You can tell she loves what she does and does it very well! Peggy gave me my massage next. Originally I was down for a Swedish massage but I have massive knots in my back so she customized the pressure and techniques to get the area I needed taken care of. She was very friendly and knowledgeable as well, and gave me some great tips to help me take better care of myself at home, which was great and very appreciated! It's also really important to me that a masseuse is professional since you're pretty exposed and Peggy definitely was. Even with the pain I felt comfortable with her. :-) All in all, I know this is the best spa trip my roomie and I have ever had. We went to another place a couple months back and we literally said to each other "I don't know why we didn't come here in the first place, BIG mistake!" We will be making regular trips to The Sanctuary! read more

I went here 2 years ago for the first time as a Valentine's present from my boyfriend. He treated me to a facial and a massage. From all the massages that I've received, this would be the best place hands down! Jennifer was so nice and caring. She was also very gentle. The atmosphere was very calming and I loved the fact that Jennifer asked if I wanted a lemon scented massage oil or a nonscented one. I chose the lemon scented because I love the smell of lemons! :) After the massage I felt great. My knots were definitely broken. My back felt great. Before the massage, I got a facial and it was great. They got rid of all the acne. Like other facials it does leave your face dry for the first day or so, but afterwards your skin is soo smooth and flawless. I would definitely go back to Sanctuary Day Spa. read more

I love this place! While I haven't used their spa services YET, I do purchase my cosmetics from them. I'm a huge Jane Iredale makeup user, and love that this local location has the FULL product line, very hard to find! Tracy the owner of the salon backs the products 100%, and can train on new products and color matching. The staff won't make you feel rushed and they will even make you one of their special teas while you wait! They recently introduced me to a new facial cleanser line, Arcona! I have switched from the line I have used for 5+ years and can see a difference in my skin in just 1 month!!!! I am a new client, and will remain loyal! Can't say enough great things! read more

First off, Louise (lead esthetician) is the BEST! Second, so is The Sanctuary. They have a lovely little tea bar nestled inside their cozy, yet bright and clean spa. All around, the staff is really nice & attentive - and it is clear that they all really love what they do & they genuinely care about their clients. The only down side... I can't afford to go as much as I'd like to ;) read more

They have the best deal around for couples massages. Worth every dollar. Relaxing, serene, and soothing. Welcoming and professional. definitely a hidden treasure! The complimentary foot scrub before the 90minute massage was soothing and calming. read more

I like this place and consider it as a profession option. T he owner's high standard of the whole place, from the decoration to professional skill of the therapist satisfied my demand. Love the combination of massage of their tea. Because i know that massage with tea and detox are perfect match. I was invited to the owner's named TRACY, her RAW FOOD AND DRINK CLASS was beyond my imagination, i got a lot of fresh idea about how i can prepare my daily drink and deserts which are all healthy organic. Love this place and i Highly recommended. read more

I went to Sanctuary spa for the first time last week and received hands down the BEST facial in San Diego. Totally exceeded all my expectations! It was one of those weeks at work and I desperately needed a little "me" time to rejuvenate so I went on yelp and found Sanctuary Spa and booked an emergency facial! I walked into the adorable vintage-chic spa and was quickly greeted by the friendly and attentive staff. I was offered a delicious vanilla lavender tea while I received a relaxing foot soak & massage ( they give each client one!!!) Louise, the esthetician, brought me into the private candlelit room where she gave me the best facial I have ever received. Not only was it relaxing but she was extremely professional and knowledgeable. Sadly the facial had to come to an end but I extended my visit a little longer by having my brows waxed. I was extremely satisfied with my experience and can't wait to go back! I had to snag some cards so I could tell my friends and family about my new San Diego spa find. read more

I went to the Sanctuary Day spa for a massage with Gordon last Friday. Wow. What an experience! From a guy that has had probably at least 100 different body workers work on him, this was one of my all-time favorite massage experiences. Gordon is so skilled & so patient. He's really great and communicating and making sure he's got the right pressure and that he's totally worked out any trouble areas (mine was a terrible kink in my neck). The spa is so adorable. I wish I had more time to peruse the retail area as everything looked top of the line. You can tell the owners here really care. So tastefully decorated with such fine finishes. The sheets they used on the massage table were the softest sheets I've ever felt! I've got to call them and ask them what brand they are- I want some at home! The spa is super cute and private- that said it can be hard to see when you first visit. Look for the Auto-Zone: it's right across from it. Also, there is free parking in the alleyway just east of the building. I'll definitely be back. read more

I had a great time at The Sanctuary! I was spending the weekend in San Diego and my husband scheduled me for a facial which I enjoyed so much I ended up getting an eyebrow wax AND a bikini wax! The boutique was very nice with lots of cute things to buy. I didn't have the money at the time, but I think I'll come back and get one of their bikini's to go with my new bikini wax! :-) read more

Once you step into this spa, the stress of your day just melts away. I look forward to my monthly facials with Vickie. She knows skin and has the hands of an angel. My skin has never looked and feel better. Her facials are all custom, and the products she uses are all organic and smell delicious! She also does my brows and I'm now addicted to her magic touch! I love the spa room, music and ambience. I just melt into the table and immediately relax. Vickie is a skin care master so she also knows what products to use on your skin. She will not push anything on you nor make you use anything that you don't feel comfortable with. Their skin care line is awesome and has turned my skin around. I won't use anything else. Vickie will also exchange products out depending what my skin needs which has made all the difference in the world. I highly recommend Vickie and Tracy Duh's, The Sanctuary. You will not be disappointed! read more

I LOVE The Sanctuary! I always feel at peace when I walk in b/c I know I'm going to get the star treatment! The products they cary are pure, organic and are made with only the best natural ingredients. And my skin thanks me by glowing beautifully whenever i use Arcona and Jane Iredale base. Another favorite from Jane Iredale I love to use for the summer is Tantasia. It's an amazing and pure enough that I can use on my face or anywhere on my body and it makes me glow and my skin is silky smooth! Every time I go in to visit there are new things to try out! I feel safe using ANY products in this store. So many times at department stores even though the product says "organic" or "natural" my skin can still have a reaction. (But then, do you really know it's 100% organic or natural?) The owner takes great care researching the products used to make sure that she is providing the best products for her clients. I know she wouldn't want to sell anything that she personally would not want to use on her own skin. For the lady who had the bad make up experience... I'm so sorry to hear that! It must have been a fluke thing b/c I've never had anything but positive experiences when I've visited The Sanctuary. read more

Worth every penny!!!! Every time I go elsewhere when I am on vacation, I always say, I wish I had just saved my money and pampered myself at home at the Sanctuary. The place is truly a vacation in itself. It is like no other spa you've been too. You get nothing but the royal treatment, educated on excellent and unique products, and the attention to detail from facials to spa treatments is astounding. The Facials- The Signature Facial is a must! Never in my life have I been stopped on the street and told my skin looked amazing and asked what I did. Every time I treat myself to a facial, the next month or two, my pictures look amazing as my skin shines from the treatment and products I get at the Sanctuary. I have never had a makeup line or skin care line help my adult acne until I met the estheticians at the Sanctuary. I've also given one as a gift for a friend's birthday, and she said she had never felt so loved and cared after by a spa. *** Brides to Be- definitely worth going to before your wedding day- they more than took care of me and my pictures- even the nonprofessional ones turned out amazing because I swear of the royal treatment from the Sanctuary! Couples Massage- I have never experienced a more intimate or romantic or beautiful setting. I surprised my husband for his birthday, and he said it was more than the perfect gift!!!! Joaquim and Peggy were phenomenal. They listened to every need my husband and I said. I felt like I lost ten pounds after the massage, and my husband and I felt there has never been a better massage experience. Everything to being welcomed with sparkling drinks, to raw chocolates and specialty teas, the foot soak and rub, and then we were overwhelmed to get a massage after that, we already felt spoiled by the Sanctuary. It only kept getting better from there. Raw Classes and Retail- I love how this spa focuses on beauty from the inside out. I was recommended to go off dairy during one of my facials and was taught about raw from the raw classes. Did you know my skin is the best it has ever been? They are so picky about what products go in their spa and the owner is an amazing raw chef and offers classes and coaching on the side. This spa is worth the investment for not only a day of pampering, but long term care for yourself. Take a raw class, more than worth the experience. It will inspire you and change your life! read more

I went here with a friend based on an online deal. We were supposed to get a footscrub with champagne or tea, a facial, and a Synergie massage. WARNING: look up the Synergie massage before you ask for one! It's basically Endermologie and it's not as effective nor does it feel as good! We were not offered champagne, but did get herbal tea. The woman offering tea was very nice, but it was pretty obvious that A) we were on a schedule...bye bye relaxation and B) this place is all about the upsell and retail. The footsoak and scrub did feel nice, even if very rushed. I did get tired of the employees talking and trying to see us retail products the whole time. It's hard to have fun when all you have are awkward offers on everything the spa sells! I also thought that the hoaky "detoxification" was misleading. You don't release toxins out your feet only- it's just sweat and no special herbal cleanse is going to change the way your pores work! The facial was pretty decent during the session. I didn't like that the esthetician filled with steamer with tap water (it IS San Diego...) and then tried to talk me into their proprietary face care the whole time. Apparently when my friend went in the esthetician unloaded all of her personal problems onto her as well! And then I broke out terribly the next day, which is abnormal for me. Patty, the Synergie massage therapist, was the most talkative, high pressure saleswoman I have seen. There was no relaxation during my treatment because she talked/made weird comments/sold the system the whole time. And she called me by my friend's name, too. OMG, I wish I could have ended the session early because I was just so...done. I won't go back, and am glad we didn't pay full price :( read more

I loved the concept of this place, adorable little room and the decor was very cute and chic. The people were VERY attentive (little on the talktive side) But the massage it self was pretty normal, nothing special and the price was on the higher end. But i'll definatly go back to try their facial as they do have some premier cosmetics they use which i'm interested. read more

My wife and I visited The Sanctuary during our recent vacation to San Diego. We came in for a couples massage and it was absolutely fantastic. Our masseuses were Denise and Joaquim and they were both excellent. Both are expert masseuses as well as friendly and kind individuals. I would wholeheartedly recommend this spa without any reservation. read more

They needed to charge my wife's credit card the day before the couples massage she scheduled. Then they called to cancel the massage as we were getting out of the car to go in. Thanks. read more

My husband loved his facial and massage at "The Sanctuary". The woman who conducted the facial was very professional and helpful. Definitely would go back if I lived in San Diego again! read more

I came to Sanctuary for my eyebrows, just needed a quick clean up. Ob local so I've walked past this place plenty of times and didn't have time go to my usual spot. So after looking at their prices online I went in. Cute place, the woman doing my eyebrows was sweet and she did a nice job. I was however, charged $30 afterwards. Which was strange because I recalled it being $20 on the website. So I tipped the woman who did my eyebrows and checked the prices later. I gave the shop a call because I was overcharged ($20 on their website for eyebrow maintenance) and it was the owner I spoke with. She was the rudest woman, I have ever come into contact with. She screamed at me repeatedly, spoke over me when I was talking,had conversations with people in the shop at the same time, all while telling me how great their customer service is.... She also said I was charged $30 because "thats what everyone is charged the first time and then after $20" - No. That isn't on your website and its incredibly rude to your clients to try and rip them off after their service. She ended up YELLING she'd issue me a refund and then immediately hung up. Disgusting behavior, I feel bad for the woman doing the eyebrows! I will never go here again , but I will continue to spread the word about her nasty attitude. read more

This rating is based on extremely poor customer service. I contacted the spa multiple times and never once got a reply from anyone. The first time I called during business hours - had to leave a voicemail. No return call. I sent messages via the webite. No reply. I sent message via facebook site. Again, no reply. Mind you, each and every time I left a message I was clear to explain that I was looking to book a couple's massage because I am getting married in August and want to do something special for me and my fiance before our wedding. You would think under those circumstances, someone would be more than happy to not only offer congratulations, but provide information on what they can offer and provide actual customer service. There are some wonderful reviews on Yelp for this spa but I will never give my hard earned money to a business that leaves such a horrible first impression. Business owners and staff - please remember that your service stretches beyond the four walls of your actual location. It only takes a moment to reach out to someone but years to regain trust when you have lost a potential client based on your failure. read more

Ellie has been my therapist here since my first visit in October 2012. She won me over that day. Today, January 11, 2013, Ellie & Cristina (the best @ working with schedules) did my measurements. Goodbye 13 inches! Thanks, Tracy, Cristina & Ellie! read more

Been meaning to write a review but have a lot going on as I'm pregnant. So for anyone out there who is pregnant or has a pregnant friend, this is definitely the place to go for a prenatal massage. Worth making the time for!! Had an amazing massage and the therapist gave me some extra tips for stretching at home which helps to relieve tension and foot/leg cramps (which I get all the time now!) The place itself is super cute and they have a ton of items in the shop to purchase that make great gifts (clothes, jewelry, lotions, makeup, etc). So treat yourself, or gift a massage to a friend, you'll be glad you did! read more

Such a gem right in the heart of Ocean Beach. Tracy is so knowledgeable about all things Wellness. She carries hard to find, high end products that you won't find many places in Southern California. You can tell that health and wellness is a priority and you will receive a wealth of knowledge and amazing attention to detail when you visit. read more

I came to the Sanctuary a couple weeks ago to get a facial from Ellie after a friend recommended her to me, and it was amazing! Ellie is very knowledgeable and attentive, and a total sweetheart. They use a fantastic line of natural skin products that I've been using at home for a while, so I knew it was good stuff. In all, a very relaxing, rewarding experience, and a far better facial than one I got at a certain super-expensive resort/spa in Carlsbad. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! read more

I had a facial here today and loved every minute of it! Its a cozy boutique spa which is nice because you don't have to deal with a large crowd, they schedule it so you really get a one on one experience. Love the foot soak before the treatments and the cute clothing they have to peak at up front. My facial was amazing, my skin feels awesome and the girl really did a good job explaining what each step was which I love. Overall a great little spa, I will be back soon! :) read more

I arrived at the Sanctuary Spa yesterday and it truly is a beautifully, well done boutique style spa. The interior decor was so soothing and calm. I booked the 90 minute massage with Peggy who I have to say is AMAZING, she has the one of the best intuitive touches I have had the pleasure of experiencing in a massage. My massage started with a gorgeous foot bath and scrub together with tropical green tea. I was then led to a very quiet dark, clean room where I enjoyed my massage complete with aromatherapy in the face rest to inhale during the treatment, mists and hot towels together with the great hands of Peggy. Highly recommended!!! read more

I love The Sanctuary. They give awesome amazing facials. Kimberly Alper is fantastic so make sure you ask for her! The ambiance is so wonderful and soothing, very clean and the location is great and they have beautiful accessories and products for sale. They do everything from massages to pedicures, its a one stop shop for feeling good! read more

I love it here! Truely is a sanctuary my facial by Cristina was so relaxing I even fell asleep! This is where I get all my makeup too! Best pampering I've had in awhile read more

The staff were friendly and warm, I felt very comfortable! Gordan gave me the best massage (structural integration) of my life! I have never had a treatment like this one. I felt amazing! I can't wait to go again! read more

I love this place!!!! such a cute atmosphere and a great escape, especially after a long day! I love my esthetician kate! Shes amazing! i got a foot soak before the treatment which was a nice introduction to the treatment, and their tea bar was very cute and original. Then the facial itself was wonderful, kate was very informative and relaxing, and the room was adorable. I also really love the products they use for their facials. After my first facial here i decided to switch my skin care products out for the ones they use. It was an investment, but my skin has honestly never looked better. I'm glad that i have found a place to keep going back to every month for my facials with Kate! read more

A wonderful spa experience! I went in for a facial and was greeted by Laura. She treated me to a foot scrub, hot tea and then an amazing facial. My skin has been glowing for the past two days! The products used during the facial were very natural and worked great on my sensitive skin. A great little find in OB! read more

This is my favorite Spa! The staff that works there is so helpful and nice. When you book your appt. they lock the doors and the whole spa is yours and private during your treatment. The facials there are the best and you feel completely rejuvenated when you are done. They really care about you having a completely relaxing experience. I highly recommend this place! read more