Originally Posted By LuLu If I end up in Anaheim for my 50th, I'll probably splurge for one or more treatments at this spa. I'd love to hear of any experiences there, what the ambience is like, etc. Also, are there any perks - I think I've heard you have use of the facilities (is there a sauna?) or the pool or *something* the day of your treatment. Maybe it was the workout room! LOL (I wouldn't otherwise have access, as I don't expect to stay at GCH) Thanks in advance!
Originally Posted By LuLu Anyone? I did find a topic on another website which has me considering going to a different spa. Any experiences with Mandara?
Originally Posted By tlovesdis I can give you my two cousins experiences! We went to DL in April and they decided they wanted to go to the spa one day. I couldn't justify the cost so I didn't go. One of them had a facial. She said it was nice, but wouldn't do it again becasue of the cost. The other one had a hot stone massage and hated it! She said that the staff was very unprofessional. She was supposed to have an hour and a half, but ended up only having about an hour. She said the girl talked to her the whole time so she couldn't relax. She also said they barely used the hot stones on her. They automatically add the gratuity so she paid over $200 for a terrible massage. They both said they would not go there again. I'm glad I skipped it!
Originally Posted By LuLu Well I guess that settles it! Thanks so much for your input, t! On the other board, someone who stopped by was treated rudely, but there wasn't anyone who actually used the spa. This certainly sounds like an extension of their experience, tho! Ugh! Yes, the prices are high and there's an automatic 18% gratuity. Since I'll have my car, I think I'll drive to Orange and try BurkeWilliams - highly recommended and lower priced. Still an automatic gratuity, but "only" 15%.
Originally Posted By atinkfan LuLu, I have been to Burke Williams in Mission Viejo and LOVED it!!!!! I would definitely recommend it to anyone. It's a little pricey but definitely well worth it.
Originally Posted By LuLu Thanks atinkfan! It's pricey but quite a bit less than Mandara Spa - worth the drive!
Originally Posted By Dalia3001 I go to Burke-Williams in San Jose, and I give them a big thumbs up! For a relatively inexpensive manicure or pedicure, you can use all of their facilities, spa, sauna, steam room etc. And their facials are great. : )
Originally Posted By LuLu Great tip, Dalia! So, what is the procedure at BW? You check in for you appt and can use the sauna and steam room either before or after your appt? They provide towels, robes, ??
Originally Posted By atinkfan Yes, you check in and they take you to a locker area and give you a robe and slippers. We got there early so we could hang out in the jacuzzi. You then have access to the sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, showers, vanity area for hair & make-up. I did not go in but there is also a reading room I think. You can go in there and read with a personal light or it's dark enough to sleep if you want to rest. The staff there were wonderful...very attentive to your any needs. Oh and they have fresh fruit and nice cold ice water that you can help yourself to. If you schedule it ahead of time, you can even have lunch brought to you to eat in their sitting area. There is also lavendar scented wash cloths that you can put around your neck while you're sitting in the jacuzzi. I flew down for a girls weekend with my mom, her best friend & daughter (we live in Central CA). After our spa time, we went shopping at the mall nearby and then out to dinner at Dana Point that night. It was a really nice experience that we have decided to do annually from now on! One more thing I should mention....I brought my swim suit with me to wear in the jacuzzi but everyone I saw was walking around in the buff! Soooo.....after much courage, I decided to bare all too! It was kind of weird but if everyone else was doing it, oh well! After I had my massage, I did see some ladies that had swim suits on. So just be prepared that you will see a lot of anything and everything there!
Originally Posted By LuLu Oooh, it sounds so great! I'm bummed that my daughter isn't old enough to use the facilities tho. (2 years to go) But the one I plan to visit is at the Block, so I think she'll be happy wandering around there for a few hours! It sounds luxurious, thanks atinkfan!
