Hawaiian Retreat Day Spa

08/20/08

Unprofessional

by Friezin at Citysearch

I am on a quest to find a good esthetician, and this spa was close to my home, so I decided to give it a try. The facial was weird, I had the feeling my facialist was unexperienced, and she didn't really know what she was doing. For example, I asked for extraction, since it was a purifying facial, and all she did was rub a metal thing all over my face. This seemed really weird to me, I am originally from Europe, and I used to get facials there regularly, and extraction is not done that way! Also, she used a lot of water and creams on my face and when I was finished I had water and goob dripping from my hairline. Anyway I would not go back here for a facial again and my quest continues....

• Pros: close to home
• Cons: unprofessional, unexperienced staff

07/10/08

Do Not Get Waxed Here

by sadarlow at Citysearch

I went to this spa for leg and bikini waxing after SpaGym on Voss closed down. The first time was fine so I returned a few weeks later to have it done again. It was the worst spa experience of my life. I have been getting waxed for years and this lady was sadly unexperienced and burned me on my lower leg and under arms. She left hair and wax under my arms but somehow managed to rip off my skin. I wanted to say something to the girl at the front desk but the waxing lady hovered over me talking to the desk lady the whole time. I hate to sound dramatic, but I was in a daze when I left (having been waxed for years and never experiencing anything like this) and in alot of pain. I now wish I had said something or called later, but I was concerned they would question why I didn't say anything when I was there and I just didn't even want to go there. It was an emotionally draining experience to begin with.

When I got home I started crying. My husband had me lay on the couch and put neosporin under my arms and ice packs. There are alot of places out there that have trained Estheticians, please don't go to this place to get waxed. Their other services might be fine (probably are) but absolutely do not take any chances with their waxing.

• Pros: Conveniently located in North Houston
• Cons: Unexperienced Esthetician, Painful Waxing Experience

07/02/08

Not that great

by Cookees at Citysearch

I picked this place, strictly out of the phone book; because it was close to my home. My first impression, when entering the spa was bad. The two people at the front desk should have better skin. I was there to have a facial so I was surprised. They sent me to the back of the spa where I was to wait until the facialist came to get me. The place was just okay. The person, who was to give me the facial arrived after just a couple of minutes; however, she never introduced herself. Again, I was surprised. This is not my first facial and while I do not want chit-chat while I am receiving a facial, I do expect to be greeted as if you are interested in my business.

The facial itself turned out to be just okay. It really wasn't worth the price and frankly, I could have given myself a facial at home with the same results. I would give the name of the facialist; however, she was anonymous.

• Pros: It was close if you live in the 1960 area
• Cons: Just was okay

06/18/08

terrible wax!!

by spagrl16 at Citysearch

I went for my first brazilian wax ever. The receptionist was GREAT, other than that the staff was cold and unfriendly. I have never had that wax done before, and I knew she did it completely wrong! She left hair, didn't pull the skin tight, and I had to wait 40 minutes for my appt. Just as I was getting ready to leave, she came out to get me. I felt like I would have gotten a better wax doing it myself at home. I see what it is so cheap to get it done there, yet it was still a horrible waste of money! I do not recommend wax there at all. The spa itself is beautiful though.. you would never expect such untrained staff there.

• Pros: The front desk staff, and then spa itself
• Cons: waxing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

04/24/08

Very nice place to relax!

by babyvero at Citysearch

This place is peaceful, the staff very professional and nice, the atmosphere perfect to relax and the services outstanding. I got a facial and a massage and they both were great. Thank you for making me feel so welcome!

• Pros: Everything was great!
• Cons: None

03/01/08

Manicure/pedicures

by eb30fan at Citysearch

I have been coming to this spa every two weeks for the last few months & I love it. Cindy takes care of my acrylic nails, & they always look fabulous. Lisa does the best pedicure that I have ever had-I got the first pedicure just as a splurge but now I am hooked. Without Lisa & Cindy, I would be completely lost!

• Pros: Lisa and Cindy (!!)
• Cons: None

01/31/08

Pamper and escape for a day

by ssfano at Citysearch

You walk in and you have escaped your everyday hectic life. The atmosphere is dedicated to helping you relax and let all worries float away. My massage by Adriana was so wonderful that I purchased a gift certificate for hubby for Valentine's Day to enjoy it as well. My facial was rejuvenating and I plan to make it routine. Lunch was graciously provided and I appreciated that. My manicure and pedicure was just icing on the cake. I wanted to stay longer and escape the "real" world outside and get lost in the tranquility, but 3:00 was rolling around and "poof" I had to pick kids and shuttle them to their activities. However, I plan to escape again when time permits to this fabulously friendly and inviting day spa.

• Pros: Exactly what you expect in a day of pampering
• Cons: none

09/05/07

Nice nail services, everything else is horrible!

by belle27 at Citysearch

I gave two stars for the hot toe vodoo- judging from my experience there, they have good nail services. However, I received the most awful facial and bikini wax of my life there! The facial was rushed and lasted about 25 minutes, and the girl was SO unfriendly. I've had numerous brazillian bikinis before, and this one was bad. The poor girl was nice, but I wouldn't be suprised if this was her first bikni wax! She missed complete areas, and she had to keep peeling her gloves off of me (I guess she got wax on them...how about spring for another pair!). The golden rule of waxing is that you pull the skin tight before pulling the paper off...if she were trained properly (or at all) she would have known that. I would not recommend waxing or facials there at all. In fact, I don't think I will be going back.

• Pros: the lady that did my nails, and the front desk girls
• Cons: everything else

08/01/07

Best Spa in Northwest Houston!

by kourtneylynne at Citysearch

I go to Hawaiian Retreat on a regular basis to have my nails done by Cindy and am always more than satisfied. Cindy is awesome! Recently I decided to treat myself to a day at the spa and it was heaven! From the moment I walked thru the door (as always) the staff was wonderful, they saw to my every need. I had a massage, facial, refill and hot toe voodoo and I could not have asked for anything better! I will definately be sending my friends and family there! Thank you Hawaiian Retreat for a wonderful day, it was just what I needed and I couldn't have chosen a better place for my special day!

• Pros: Staff, Service, Atmosphere
• Cons: There are none!

07/18/07

Feels very retail

by spacrusaider at Citysearch

Like many spas situated in retail centers, this one is just average. Decor was so so, staff was nice, and massage was average once again. My specific points to massage (lower back and neck) were not addressed very well.. quick go over. I felt like it was more about getting the hour over with. In the end I did not feel like it was worth the money.