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Aequis An Inclusive Retreat
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Pearl District
422 NW 13th Ave. at Glisan St.
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 223-7847
422 NW 13th Ave. at Glisan St.
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 223-7847
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
21 reviews for Aequis An Inclusive Retreat
I have been coming to Aequis for years and find this is my favorite place for a massage. I enjoy the calming tranquility and find that my personal experiences with the masseusse have been top notch. I have massages at many other places, and although good, nothing has compared to the service I have received here.
I have not experienced the same issues I read withthe front desk. Perhaps I have missed a changing of the guards so to speak. I am sure things will level off as this truly is one of the finest places I have found to relax.
How much do I enjoy this place? It tops my list EVERY year as a gift option. ;)
I think you get back what you put out. They have a terrific ambience. Yes, they are a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for.
****Aequis had their Grand Opening at their New Location June 4th***
422 NW 13th Ave. at Glisan St. in the Pearl District
503-223-7847
I was given a 90 minute massage gift certificate at Aequis and had a really lovely experience. The gift was to help me take care of myself after the death of my father, and it was probably one of the best experiences at a spa I've had in a very long time. I am not the princess type but with the decor and the music and the calm, it's exactly what I needed to feel taken care of during a difficult time in my life. I was first given time to change into a soft robe and sit quietly before the massage therapist came out and washed my feet. I was nearly mentally fetal by that point , and then was brought up to the tower room (he said it's where they usually do couple massages) and had a really great massage. This style was more on the fusion side, using a variety of techniques, so I was not completely half comatose like I usually am, but still very much appreciated the experience. It is on the spendy side but after spending equivalent amounts at places much less peaceful, I'll put Aequis near the top of my list. The service by the rest of the staff was also fantastic, and I loved having the shower afterwards. Note: after reading the reviews, I was surprised to learn that tips were not expected (wish I'd have known...?). I love hearing that as the worst thing is to give someone a gift certificate and then they still have to shell out $20-30 for a tip. I'll be back...
If I could give this spa even less, I would.
Let me start by saying that I had a great experience when I went there for the most part. I had a gift card for my birthday, and decided to get a facial. It was relaxing, and my skin felt great, and I booked another appointment right away about 5 weeks out. I even bought my friend a gift certificate for a very expensive massage.
I got a call the day before my appointment saying they would have to change it, because they were moving. Fine- I feel like they could have known that ahead of time, but I was willing to cut them some slack.
I tried to reschedule- by calling FOUR TIMES over a week and a half, and even emailing twice- the last time telling them that this would be my last attempt to reschedule. Never once got a response. I got the impression that they didn't think I had as much money as the rest of their clientele, so I wasn't worth calling back. Now I'm afraid that my friend won't even be able to use her gift card.
My money was just as good as everyone else's, and now they will NEVER get it again.
I have been going to Aequis since their first original location in the Pearl when you had to go up some rickety stairs in what seemed like a pretty run down building. But what they made of the location was great! The layout was unique and the ambiance was great. Then they moved to the Telegraph building, which was actually a nicer location and they still impressed me with the layout and ambiance. Now with yet another move back to the Pearl, my husband and I were extremely disappointed. This space is significantly smaller than both of their previous locations and they did away with a shower! One of our favorite parts of the massage was the shower together afterwards! After you're covered in oil from your massage (including oil in your hair) there is no way to plan to do anything downtown afterwards unless you don't mind looking like you bathed in baby oil!!! During our couples massage we could hear the business next door dumping their glass in a recycle bin over and over again! Awful noise pollution for the location. To top it all off, we had a gift certificate we got from a friend for Xmas knowing we liked Aequis and they would not take it because we got in on a Special they had for celebrating their new location! Isn't a gift certificate supposed to be as good as cash!? We have a $260 gift certificate and I don't even know if I want to use it now!!! The overall feel of the new spread gets a big Two Thumbs down! Now I have to find a new favorite Spa for our couples massages!
At Christmas, my husband gave me an Aequis gift certificate to use for pre-natal massages. If it weren't for this, I would likely go elsewhere.
Don't get me wrong: The massages are great. The spa is spacious and clean. It's quiet. And they don't expect tips, which is unexpected for an upscale spa. (I tip anyway, and this completely baffles the receptionist every time.)
But the thing that vexes me is that pre-natal massages have to be booked 4 weeks in advance, and every single appointment I've made has been either postponed or straight out cancelled because, for example, I wasn't able to switch my Tuesday night appointment-- that I'd had on my calendar for three weeks-- to the following Wednesday at noon.
I really wish Aequis would get their scheduling shit together because, otherwise, it's a nice place.
My husband and I have been working pretty hard this summer. Hundreds of miles on our bicycles and on our feet in the form of hikes, and today all the aches and pains just melted away under the hands of our technicians.
I booked a couples massage for our wedding anniversary today, thanks to the recommendations from yelp. I was a little worried driving up to the place, lots of construction outside (i.e. jackhammers, trucks, etc), but once inside the doors, it is all about peace and quiet.
We had the side by side foot scrubs in the beginning, which is an added bonus to the massage time. And because they do that at the beginning doesn't mean they skimp on your legs/feet in the massage. Everything was absolutely wonderful. My husband wanted extra attention to his legs, and the technician definitely delivered. As for me, the massage was balanced over my whole body, no complaints.
The only thing that was kind of a bummer was the shower at the end...for a place that offers couples massages, and the option to shower together, I was hoping for a double headed shower. We were led to just a basic shower and it left one of us shivering while the other stood under the water. The original one they tried to lead us to was being set up for a treatment...maybe that was the double headed one. who knows? I guess we'll just have to go have another massage to find out!
I have a Pavlov's Dog type of reaction when someone brings up Aequis.
-my eyes close
-my mind wanders
-my skin tingles
All of which are accompanied by one of those goofy grins that make you question whether or not you really want to know what the person wearing it is thinking.
And unless I'm actually there, I usually get snapped back to reality where it is much colder, the ceilings are much lower, and I'm not actually wearing the most comfortable robe known to man. Thankfully today, I was not dreaming, and my sister and I were able to enjoy the full experience without having to be painfully snapped back into reality.
The space is stunning. Atop the 4th floor of the Telegram building, they occupy the entire "penthouse suite" and truly create a sanctuary of relaxation...which, let's be honest, we could all use a little more of in our lives!
I really appreciate their focus on aroma and natural skin care. Pair those with the thalassotherapy foot soak with every appointment? I'm sold. For me, going to a day spa is all about pampering...skimping is not on my agenda. And while their prices may be ever so slightly higher than your average day spa, the experience is exponentially higher. For a true mind and body retreat, this is definitely the place to go in Portland.
I agree with Lorrie E. , the best part about Aequis is the ambiance. It really is a relaxing vibe and I loved the bonus foot treatment.
The thing is, the facial was mediocre. I really didn't feel like the aesthetician was very knowledgeable or very skilled. Sure, it was relaxing but put on mood lighting and throw in some some aromatherapy and I'll bliss out immediately, without anyone rubbing my face.
As part of the standard facial they also do a scalp treatment. That was nice but it leaves your hair really oily so they point you in the direction of a shower afterwards. So after getting my skin treated with all kinds of special stuff, they then put me in the shower to wash it all off? That would be ok if they gave you more of the facial products to use afterwards, but they don't. Not even a bottle of Oil of Olay. So you wash all that fancy stuff off and then leave with parched skin. Great plan folks.
Another thing, the receptionist/greeter was super snotty. For the love of god, we're in Portland not NYC. I didn't expect a hug but cheese and rice lady! That imperious tone and holier than thou look could melt ice. Nice way to welcome a paying customer.
This experience was a gift from someone and I doubt I'll go back on my own dime. I like Rejuvenation Day Spa much better. Though not as slick, they have a pretty relaxing atmosphere, are less expensive and the staff seems like they know more. And they seemed like they wanted me there, unlike the desk jockey at Aequis.
The strongest selling point of this day spa is its excellent setting. The ambiance invokes tranquility. The facials are good -- but not even close to the best in Portland, which I would expect considering that their signature facial costs $130. They use the skin care brand, Naturopathica.
On a side note, Aequis strongly pushes a Hindu/Buddhist theme. Many spas have an Asian theme, but this place takes it over the top. I find it distasteful to see sprituality used as an advertisement commodity.
Last night I made my first trip to Aequis. I had the sports pedi "cure" (no polish). It was $55 for 45 minutes. Without a doubt, it was the best pedicure I've ever had, and the technician was a doll. The spa is like a temple: peaceful, low-lit, and nourishing to the spirit. Service at the front desk was lacking, but I look on it like a test: if you can endure the indifference without losing your cool, wonders await you inside.
A few months ago, I learned that Aequis has started holding theme nights every Friday, during which they stay open late and perform all their regular services, but while playing different genres of music instead of the normal ambient spa music. One of these theme nights was to be "Gen-X Night," featuring music by The Cure, Depeche Mode, Mazzy Star, etc. I made reservations for myself and a friend two months in advance, assuming this was going to be a popular night. My friend drove down from Seattle, we checked into the Ace for the weekend, and after dinner, we happily strolled over to Aequis, only to find that they were not even open! She and I drowned our sorrows in vodka and scotch, respectively, and took in a movie instead.
The next morning, we went up to Aequis and explained our situation. The woman at the desk was mortified and very apologetic. They didn't have any record of our reservations, and they didn't have any other reservations for that night either, and so had decided to close early. To make it up to us, she got us in for complimentary 1-hour massages that evening. When we returned later for our appointment, we were told that we were the only people in the spa, and so they turned off the music that was playing, and put on The Cure instead! The entire experience was wonderful. Before our massages, we slipped into luxuriously soft robes and sank into a fluffy couch for hot tea and a foot soak. Then we closed our eyes to choose the aromatherapy that would be used in each of our massages. Then we ascended to the "tower suite", which is actually an old clock tower, for our massages. I was so relaxed I thought I might fall asleep. Post-massage, we refreshed ourselves in very nice showers with lovely scented Aveda shampoo and shower gel. We both agree that we have seldom felt so pampered, and we are looking forward to returning, possibly for another theme night if those continue.
My greatest retreat away from home literally. I love this place. I loved it so much more at the old location on NW Hoyt, because of the one HUGE treatment (massage) room, but the new location is also very nice, more chic though. I have flown in from California (where I'm from) while on vacation and have been able to book an appointment for the next day which was awesome!
Staff is very nice & you really do feel like your away for a day. I will ALWAYS do the 2 hour massage and a facial (even though I end up falling asleep during the facial) haha.
LOVE IT!
4 stars because I LOVED the old location with the HUGE room and all those weird artifacts if I remember correctly??
I am in love with this spa. I love the people who work there, I love what they do, and I love how they go about doing it. I feel honored to have this place in my home town. If you want a beautiful, intuitive massage experience, ask for Sally. If you want good deep bodywork, ask for Timothy. If you want the best facial this side of the Mississippi, ask for Jodi. Truly amazing people and gifted with their craft.
With all of the good reviews, I wanted to try this place out. My review is unfortunately not on the spa services as I did not get one, but is focused on the front desk staff. I was in the hood, so I just stopped in, hoping to make an appointment. I was the only one in the absolutely stunning lobby. I asked about services or possibly a menu to look though and was told that they didn't have any printed but I could find one online. I let her know that I was interested in booking an appointment and was told that I should look at the menu and then call when I knew what I wanted. Not the answer that I was looking for. She acted like I was taking up her precious time by asking questions (was even texting on her phone at one point) and because of it I never booked an appointment. I may be missing out, I don't doubt it by all of the amazing reviews, but at the same time (if you see my other spa reviews), I feel like the experience starts and ends at the front desk, and I just can't deal with pretentious-ness in the town of Portland that I love. They got two stars because the place smelled like heaven and looked like plush velvet that I wanted to roll around in.
I have been to spas all over Portland, and Aequis is the best! The ambiance, showers, etc. are all great and really add to the experience (those alone would make it worth the added cost per treatment). But what really keeps me going back is the staff and their general attitude... they never bug you for a tip, and I always seem to pick up some information along the way (I even started doing yoga again because of some stretches my technician showed me!) I've had nice spa services at other places, but that is all they were. At Aequis I always feel like I got more than I paid for.
OK - I've changed my tune from the last time I reviewed Aequis (see past review below). I got in touch with them to express my concerns and they did apologize, and told me the mix-up was all due to their moving location snafus. They gave me a certificate for a free treatment, which is great. I tried them out for the first time in late October 2009. Their new location is in the Chown Pella building in the Pearl. I got a facial and a foot soak + massage, and a full body massage. They call it a "journey". Everything was very nice. They offer you customized aromas at the beginning, that was splendid. My facial, foot massage and full body massage were all performed by very capable therapists and I very much enjoyed all treatments. My only complaint is that they do not have showers or a sauna, so you have to go without in the clean-up department. Their bathroom was nicely appointed except they were storing these big curtain/tent things in the bathtub in the bathroom, which was sort of unprofessional -- rent a storage unit! Or use someone's attic for that!
Aequis Spa has possibly shut down for good. This is what happened to me last weekend: I went to use a gift certificate for full services spa for me and my mom, but the spa wasn't there! I'd made reservations 4 wks in advance and even called in 2 wks prior to the date (5/17) and chatted with a pleasant worker about the services and the appointment. I did think it was odd that I did not receive a confirmation call a day in advance, but wasn't too worried. I became worried when several calls to the spa received a "this mailbox is full" message. Hmmm.... I'd lined up childcare and my mom was in town, so I was treating her on my gift certificate (full spa package for two, value: $500). We were all psyched for a day of bliss. When we got to the location on SW 11th next to the Mark Spencer Hotel, the elevator did not work (4th floor where the directory said Aequis is located). So we went next door to Mark Spencer and asked the desk receptionist about the elevator. She said the spa had closed and they'd never even notified the hotel. I'd presume the hotel probably used to send Aequis lots of guests. The Aequis website says it's moving to a new location in the Pearl district near NW 13th & GLisan. So we decided to go try and find it. A search around that block and questions to shop owners (French Quarter Linens) revealed nothing -- nobody knew anything about a spa at that location. IF Aequis was really moving locations, why would they not have notified me to change my appointment? I sent an email to the customer service email address requesting explanation. No responses and it's been over a week now. BE WARNED. If you have a gift certificate at Aequis, don't expect to redeem it. I'm extremely disappointed that they closed without notifying me or offering me an alternative. My friend who bought the certificate lost $500 and I lost an afternoon that was supposed to be spent being pampered. And my mom was disappointed too as we'd been looking forward to it for weeks. I hope Aequis is not in big trouble -- litigation? Foreclosure? Something is going on and it ain't good.
Aequis is all about the ambiance. Wood floors, high ceilings, richly colored curtains, nice couches, quiet... When I truly feel like pampering myself, and I have a couple of hours free to really let go, then I book an appointment at Aeuqis. The setting is fabulous! The foot wash/massage ahead of each appointment is a nice added touch. The services themselves--be it massage or facial, will be adequate (some better than others) but the overall experience of Aequis is what makes it special. They aren't cheap, but when you want to truly feel pampered and really unwind and relax, this is a great choice.
I visited Aequis in June 2007. I was on vacation and was looking to get a massage and facial. I found Aequis through a search online and also saw some local advertising, so I made an appt. The spa called the day before and asked if they could change my appt. time from 4:45PM to 3:15PM on Saturday. I informed them my appt. was scheduled for 3:30PM and had received a voicemail confirming this time earlier in the day. They apologized and said my time was fine as is, although I might have a short wait. I rescheduled for Sunday morning at 9am.
When I arrived, I was the only client there. I changed and did the garment bag thing. They got me a drink and washed my feet and then I was taken to have my facial. It was really very nice- by far the highlight of the day. The massage came after. It was ok. I have had much better. I guess for the price I expected more. Also, when I checked out they charged me the full price of each service and did not include the discount for multiple services. For the price, I expected better.
I wanted to surprise the wife with a couple massage, looked at all the regular day spas and settled on Aequis on a whim. WOW what a great surprise!
We were immediately greeted and offered some water while we filled out the standard forms. We were offered a shower and then led to a couch where we were offered tea or water while they began massaging our feet. They offered us different choices of aromatherapy and found the ones that suited us individually. We were then escorted to the couples massage room that was lit with candles.
This was our first massage and I must say it was a great experience that we both still talk about. The staff was stupendous, the massage was great and the closeness we felt while being massaged side by side was an added bonus.
This is definitely a full experience day spa, the massage is just one small portion of the experience. When we left we felt relaxed and refreshed and can't wait to book our next massage.
My husband and I celebrated a special occasion at Aequis Spa. The ambiance is wonderful and the colors are relaxing and rich. We spent 5 hours there and a complete package. I thought overall it was good and the service was excellent but I did not get a distinct difference in our experience compared to other great spas ( like Rejuvenation or Willamina) and the prices at Aequis are much higher. The tower room is overrated...really all it is is a dark room...I understand there is a view but the curtains are all drawn and dark during your massage so one really cant tell. Overall adequate but nothing special with the exception of the ambiance.
Love this place! Took a few minutes of wandering around the street to realize it was in the Mark Spencer, but from the minute my friend and I walked in we were pleasantly surprised. The waiting/relaxation room is HUGE, and yet feels completely intimate. The decor is very Indian-esque with lots of pillows and deep reds and music. I was supposed to have a female massuese, but for whatever reason we both ended up with males. This usually skeeves me out and keeps me from being relaxed. But both our guys were fabulous. (It helped a lot that I thought mine was hot- seriously where else could I get a cute tattooed boy to rub warm stones and oil all over me? Not any spa I've been to yet). The showers were awesome, I didn't want to leave. The massage itself was great, we went to lunch afterwards and I wanted to nap I was so relaxed. Mostly I want to go back for another one today. The only strange-ish thing, was that for a space this large, there were no lockers. But you put all your stuff in a garment bag in the changing area and it finds its way back to you in the shower. The foot soak/massage at the start of the journey is amazingly relaxing and fun. Ladies, go there and do not fear the male massueses.
