Tea House Spa
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Accepts Insurance: No
- By Appointment Only: No
57 Reviews for Tea House Spa
Santa Cruz is nice little getaway from the city. I suggest that you start your day off right at Tea House Spa. Perfect if you're feeling a little romantic, or just need a little peace and quiet time for yourself. I have been here a few times for their spa and sauna, which is around $30/hr for a couple. I haven't tried the massage here yet, so I can't really comment on that. But the private rooms are ultra clean, nothing that jumps at you as unsanitary or perverted, or whatever. CLEAN, which matters the most in these kinds of places. The room opens up to this enchanting bamboo garden. this really is a hidden gem in Santa Cruz.
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If your in the area, this is a definite spot for relaxation. My date decided to take me here before heading to dinner at Crows Nest. We had our own private room complete with tub & sauna. I thought it was going to be a little creepy, but it was surprisingly decent and pretty clean. They also open up the shoji screens so that you have your own private view of this little garden with a waterfall. While soaking in the tub, this made the experience that much more relaxing, like our own little serene hideaway. Soaking in the tub for awhile, with a little PG13 action, drinking hot tea, and staring outside to the garden, made you never want to leave. I kind of wished we were alot farther than Santa Cruz.
When it looked like my hands were turning pruny in the tub, we got out and sat in the sauna for a few minutes. That was real nice. Felt like all the stress was being lifted out of me in little beads of dripping sweat. A little more PG13 action (we didnt want to pollute the tubs), and then we decided it was time to rinse off and head to dinner. They have showers in there so that you can get cleaned up. It really was a nice time, even a little sexy.......good for me, bad for him. I cut him loose after this romantical day.
When im back in the area, i will definately hit this place up again. It was nice and clean and very reasonably priced. And the staff was very friendly.
Who knew that right next to the Catalyst, a place you can dance your ass off and get trashed, is a relaxing world you never knew was there. It is literally right next door and you would never know it.
I took my boyfriend here for his birthday. The couple's package was really reasonably priced and seemed like a relaxing time.
The private room with sauna and spa was awesome. It has your own little, private view into the bamboo garden outside. The room puts you in a peaceful state of mind and the tea helps. It was nice sitting next to the window breathing in the night air and listening to the fountain outside. The garden could use a little clean up though. There are a little too many dead bamboo leaves covering the ground, but if you go at night you won't notice ;)
I could not have been more happy with my massage. This was my first massage experience and I hope to make it a routine thing. It was an hour of perfect relaxation and a few times I completely forgot where I was: Santa Cruz or next to a trickling brook. My boyfriend also enjoyed his massage as well.
If you're looking for a romantic night out with your S.O., definitely get the couples package. You can't go wrong with an hour in the spa/sauna and an hour massage.
Ahhhh.... the Tea House Spa!
Good peaceful times here. Good couple packages, one hour massages and then an hour in the hot tub. Perfect for a very romantic getaway. Who would've known there'd be such a hidden gem in an alley way across from what appears to be a homeless soup kitchen.
The bamboo garden is magnificent.
My husband and I were bored last night and considered going to a movie but didn't want to spend the money on another stupid Hollywood flop. It was then I remembered that my parents had given us a spa/sauna gift certificate for this place a few months back. I called a hour ahead of time and they were able to fit us in. Surprisingly, it was booked full on Monday - which is a good sign.
Upon entering the gate, I couldn't believe this place is a few hundred feet from homelessville alley and the SC downtown bus depot because it was so quiet, beautiful and relaxing. The atmosphere is fantastic and I kept telling my husband that I felt like I was on vacation in Asia. The smells and ambiance were really awesome.
The spa room was even better, we were given fresh towels, a pot of chamomile tea and a pot of cold water. The tub was already bubbling, the lights were turned down low, the sauna was cranking, and the canvas screens were opened to reveal a lovely bamboo garden. There was snazzy mood lighting and lights in the garden and a bubbling water feature.
We hopped from spa to sauna to shower to sauna to shower to sauna to spa to shower. haha It was so relaxing and peaceful, again, I was totally dumbfounded that I was in downtown Santa Cruz. Our evening here was way more entertaining that a night at the movies and we are already planning our next trip back.
Simple, elegant, peaceful. I love this place! So will you.
I wanted to give them 3.5 stars.
Really this place is awesome! I took my boy friend there for his birthday last night.
You get your own room with a private spa/ sauna/ and shower. It overlooks their garden and is very cute and romantic. The massage therapist was awesome, very comfortable and the massage was great! I felt like I was on cloud 9!
There is only a few things wrong which is why I gave them 3 stars....
The receptionist was loud, chatting away with a guy helper. Unfortunately, our first spa session was located right next to the receptionist and instead of relaxing with my boyfriend in this beautiful room we overheard her talking really loudly. If i am paying good money to stay here, the ambiance needs to flow! The place is amazing...but the staff was rude. Luckily, my boyfriends massage was far from the receptionist, but my massage room was right next to her again, the first half of my massage I could hear her talking, doors shutting, and drawers opening..just being loud in general. Eventually I zoned her out after a while.
Honestly, the place has potential of being one of the best, but they really should be careful who they hire, or how they train their workers... The experience is important. I'm sure most of the rooms aren't as loud as mine was, but when booking your appointment make sure you request to have a room as far away as possible from the main room.
We had another spa session after the massage and the room was far from the front door area, the receptionist was a new girl and everything was perfect! I would go here again, the deals are not bad and it is nice to have a private room.
Bring your own sandals and your own towels (thanks to previous yelper's we were prepared! )
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I threw the thought to my boyfriend about visiting a Japanese Bathhouse sometime while I visited him in San Francisco. The only bathhouse I found was an uber traditional one, men on one day, women on the others, where I was thinking a private tub for two. Imagine my delight when my boyfriend stumbled upon our diamond in the rough
The Teahouse Spa.
What a sweet place. It smelled like lavender, the ambiance was soft when my boyfriend and I got there at around 930 for our hour visit starting at 10.
The receptionists were sweet, and charming in a bohemian chic sort of way. They were kind and polite when I asked them if we needed swimwear (a negative. Nude is the way to be in this place. They provided us with Towels and hot tea with a pitcher of cool water next to it). The ambiance was nice in our room, smelled of cedar from the sauna and lavender from the soaps they offered for the shower. I found it to be very romantic, and sensual in the most simplest of fashions.
My two regrets were this: That I couldn't wear my glasses in the dim lighting to see everything in definition, including the beautiful bamboo garden, and that Club Catalyst was having a concert.
Next time I am in Santa Cruz (soon I hope. I love that little town), I want to go back wearing contacts, either during a time when catalyst isn't open, or with earplugs, and I want to get the whole shebang.
Oh, Tea House.
Pretty much the most pleasantly, simply romantic evening activity you can fathom. You arrive through the outer doors and inside the little entryway courtyard, already the outside world melts away. Step inside and the quaint little waiting room welcomes you in. Staff are quiet and kind - once your room is ready, they'll prepare your choice of teas, multiple varieties if you please (i recommend peppermint). The spa rooms are cleanly and well-appointed, but you'll hardly notice because the back wall opens up onto this beautiful bamboo garden and you can't help but drop your clothes and slide into the tub.
Relax...be easy. This won't hurt a bit.
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Best couple's package yet. One hour massage with private a one hour tub and sauna room for two for about $180. Great place to unwind for a day trip at the beach or shopping in the downtown area.
Tip: reservations aren't necessary, but I recommend it. Some afternoons I went without a reservation and I couldn't get a tub right a way.
Typical visit: Enter a hidden alcove throughout which echoes the sound of a gentle stream and beckons you with the scent of lavender; a place with an ambiance as soothing as their tea. The front desk person will offer a selection of teas and bring you to your private hot tub with sauna (some come without) and a shower.
The rest is up to you.
A courtesy bell will signal the last 15 minutes of your reservation.
Great place for an impromptu getaway.
Good times here. Good, frisky, steamy times. I've only gone here for the sauna and hot tub, I've never gotten a massage. It's really cool, you get your own private room and you're magically whisked away to somewhere in Southeast Asia. The room has an opening that's facing all these trees and bamboo so you forget that you're near trashy Pacific Avenue. In the room, there's a little sauna (but it easily fits two people, only Missionary, no Doggy style...kidding! or am I?), a shower, and the hot tub. You get tea also because it is after all a tea house. It's been a while since I've been so I don't remember the pricing but it's a good deal. Nice spot for some QT with your Schmoopy Woopy. I would suggest getting a bagel at the Bagelry before you go, you'll need the carbs for the workout.
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The Tea House is one of my favorite Santa Cruz discoveries. It's the best way to spend an evening with the boyfriend after a stressful week of work and school. Other reviewers have said they think it's dingy or dirty - I have never gotten that impression there. The staff is friendly and respectful. The tea is indeed delicious, I recommend the mint or jasmine.
I've also been with a few friends - it's a great place to hang out and destress for everyone (and if you're not comfortable naked around those friends, you can always wear a swimsuit). There's plenty of room for 4 in the tub.
45 minutes in the tub will leave you super relaxed - you'll have to pry yourself out of the tub or sauna when they ring the bell. :)
Only thing I would recommend would be to bring your own towel - theirs are a bit scratchy from heavy use and constant washing (and I'm sure chlorine isn't that good for them either) and they tend to be on the small side. Also, girls, bring a hairbrush! I didn't the first time and walked out with super tangly, wet hair from showering.
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Oh I love this place. Simple, very cheap, and a beautiful place to go. Free tea every time you visit (with quite a variety of teas) in a little hole in the wall off of downtown Santa Cruz. My boyfriend and I love this place because it is very cheap and you can either walk in or make an appointment, they are always willing to accommodate you. You can choose between a room with a sauna or just a tub, all with beautiful views of an outside tea garden. The best part is walking in and out because you really feel relaxed and like you are in a little oasis of calm. This is probably my favorite place in the entire world!
I'm not much for going to spas, but if there are many like the Tea House Spa I just might start going more often. A nice, quiet, tiny little place tucked away behind the music store across the street from Streetlight Records, this place is quite a nice surprise to find in an otherwise bustling downtown area.
The price is pretty decent, as they charge per person and hour (based on what time of day you book the tub for), so if you're looking to just relax for an hour it won't cost you a lot. I didn't get a massage, but just being in a hot tub drinking some great tea with my girlfriend was a nice way to spend an afternoon before going out to dinner.
Architecture-wise, the rooms are fairly small, fitting a moderately-sized tub, tiny sauna, and a shower built into the wall. There's a single window that looks out into the garden area of the place as well, and all the rooms face the same way so you don't have to worry about other people looking in at you. The place feels very Japanese inspired indeed, and they even play Asian music on the overhead speakers.
It's not as fancy as you'd expect from a spa, based on presumptions, but it's still a relatively fun and inexpensive way to relax in privacy, something that's sometimes hard to find in Santa Cruz.
Let me first say, the only reason this place is getting 3 stars is because of their masseuse, Rachel. I don't often go to a spa but with Valentine's day and all, my wife booked us here.
This place needs a serious make over. The individual hot tubs and sauna for couples is what attracted my wife to this place. It is also open-air with a view of a Japanese garden. That Japanese garden was sorry. The Japanese gardeners are rolling over in their graves. Japanese gardens are known for their attention to detail, meticulously manicured... this garden sucked. Dried leaves covered the entire garden floor. It was an overgrown wasteland.
Then the tubs themselves seemed a bit dingy. The one we had in particular (no. 2) looked like it was patched up but not refinished. There's an entire black patch on the tub. Didn't make for a clean-feeling tub. I probably stayed a total of 10 minutes. Plus the water wasn't nearly hot enough. The spa however, was pretty good.
Then after we walk out of the tub (15 minutes early, because it sucked), we ended up waiting at the lobby for our massage. Phone ringing, guests walking in and out... while we're in our robes. Oh... and no slippers provided. "Get me out of here, already."
Thank God for Rachel, she saved the evening. It was a perfect massage and luckily my wife's was as good.
It's too bad because they have all the elements of something really nice. But the aesthetics have been left ignored for too long. I'm sure it was a beautiful place years ago.
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What a nice way to relax.
For $16/pp, you can relax in a private sauna AND hot tub that opens up to a Japanese garden in the back for an hour!!
The service was excellent and the environment was perfect.
Whatever your schedule may be...put aside an hour and come to this amazing little gem in Santa Cruz.
hint: They open until midnight every night!
One of the most relaxing ways to spend an hour in Santa Cruz. This is an inexpensive spa that offers private rooms with a shower, sauna and hot tub. You are served a nice round of tea and water upon entering your room. The rooms are clean and have rice paper doors that slide open to let in fresh air and offer a tranquil view of the gardens behind the spa. It is probably best to call ahead to make a reservation as the popularity of this spa has definitely grown over the years.
AHHH... Tea House Spa. Another secret gem me and my BFF found while in Santa Cruz. I miss this place so much.
The first time I came to Tea House was when my BFF found a coupon for $10/each for their hot tub and sauna service. It sounded like a good deal and stress reliever from papers and midterms. Yes, it is located in an alley in a rather sketchy part of downtown Santa Cruz. However, once you set foot inside, its a whole different atmosphere and vibe. For $10 each, we got our own room with our own private hot tub and sauna. Definitely a lot of privacy to chit chat with a girlfriend or come with a lover. Like the pictures show, the private rooms open up to a scenic garden view. Very relaxing.
Ever since, me and my BFF became regulars of Tea House. With a student id, its only $12. For my birthday present, I even received an hour long massage here. It was the most relaxing and soothing massage I've ever received. I almost fell asleep, man does an hour go by fast. I forgot the name of my masseuse, or else I would so give her mad props for her hefty hand work.
HAHAHA my BFF who was getting massaged in another room, told me she heard a couple having sex in the private spa room a couple doors down! Her masseuse had to talk louder in order to talk over all the moaning sounds. Maybe the staff is use to it or something.... even though the story is kind of funny... It turned me off. Eww... people, its a public place for goodness sakes!
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The Tea House is very small with only 4 tubs, but they are open late and I have never had a hard time booking a room. The staff is always very friendly and greet you with a cup of tea upon arrival.
The rooms are nice, but the exterior could use a little updating like the replacing the beat up doors or cracked floor molding, or splashing some fresh paint on the walls. Otherwise, the views from each room into their Japaneses garden is breath taking. It's very easy to stare off and let your mind rest.
I always bring a bottle of champagne with me, although they clearly say no alcohol. It's never been a problem and I think as long as you clean up after yourself, they are cool with it. The price is also great...$28.00 an hour for two.
Enjoy and make sure to try their Lavender body wash....it's delightful and only $9.00 for a take home bottle.
A hidden gem of a spa in downtown Santa Cruz. Off a little side street is a hidden oasis of bamboo and tranquility. While Santa Cruz isn't exactly close to the peninsula, I can't help but venture out here just for this place every now and then.
This quaint haven offers a wide variety of massages, spa services, and has separate rooms with saunas and hot tubs. The masseuses are absolutely awesome. Some of the best deep tissue massages I've gotten have been here. The massage rooms are very tranquil and private, you'll be very hard pressed to not fall asleep in one of these.
The hot tub rooms are some of the best I"ve been in. the tub is standard, round and full of hot water w/ turbo jets. They have a shower and a super hot sauna as well. But what makes the rooms standout is the view. You have Japanese silk screen sliding door that opens up to a lovely bamboo garden, that has everything except a panda bear roaming around (which I would steal in a heartbeat, muwahaha). I particularly like the waterfall with the bamboo knocker.
The best package is for couples. Only $150 for two people for an hour massage, and an hour in the tub room. It's super relaxing and is a great way to unwind. They also serve some excellent tea as well that comes with their services. If you're a local to Santa Cruz, you can also get passes for multiple visits for a very reasonable price.
Best of all, reservations are easy as they have a lot of open times, even last minute calls can be accommodated for. The service is really good as well.
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I just wanted to start out by saying: I am not one to get massages. The few I have had were either traumatic or just not much to write home about. I just chalked this up to the fact that I just may NOT be a gal that loves getting massages!
My girlfriend purchased a package for 2 massages and 1hr tub for my Birthday (I chose to take her instead of my Hubby since she was so gracious to spend the dough & I hardly ever get 1:1 time with her). Like I said, I am not 1 to get massages - but it was a very thoughtful gift, I had been under a lot of stress recently and hey it was something different. So, we went yesterday. Funny enough, I am on Pacific Ave daily and I NEVER knew this place existed! If you are not looking for it, you would not even know it was there! We walked in the almost secret passage. Were greeted by an a nice receptionist. Within mins we met our masseuses and taken to our separate rooms to get ready for our massages. My first impression of the room was that it was a little plain. But Zoe made me feel comfortable enough to explain what I liked and didn't like. My only dislike of the atmosphere was the annoying sun in my eyes from the sky light and this odd buzzing noise (sounded like a far off buzzer of a laundry dryer). Other then that Zoe really took pride in her work. I could tell she honestly cared about her craft and what she was doing. Although we didn't talk much, I could tell she wasn't just "going through the motions." After the massage had concluded I was told to get up when I was ready, put my robe on and go back to the front desk so I could be escorted to our hot tub. I put on my provided robe (it could have used some love from some bleach) and walked out to the reception desk - where there was no receptionist, just a dude waiting to be helped - AWKWARD. But only for a minute - I was taken back to the tub where I reconnected with my girlfriend. We had both had a giggle about the experience so far. Neither of us had been in a "Hot Tub" place before since before today I only equated them to sleazy places where perverse men hook up with chicks......Anyway, we chillaxed in the tub, sipped on the tea they proved you and chatted the hour away. We really loved the open courtyard with the bamboo and water trickling. Only off putting part of the tubbing was the sound of some woman hacking up a lung a few rooms down (she could be heard through out the courtyard) and the horribly loud bell then ring in the room to give you a 10min warning. I expected something like a chime or a flashing light with how tranquil the place was. Anyway, we got out, went up to the reception, paid and went on our merry little way.
I would have to say, stepping back out onto Pacific Ave after being in there for two hours was like stepping onto ANOTHER PLANET! I felt so relaxed. So stepping back on the streets with all the bustling people was mind altering! So, all in all I would have to say the Tea House is GREAT at what they do! There staff were genuine and very warm. The atmosphere was tranquil and relaxing. It was what you would expect to find in a local's choice in Santa Cruz!!! I could see myself going back again - but next time I will take the hubby!
Upon arriving for our appointment we were asked what kind of tea we would like to drink during our time in the hot tub and sauna.
So it was cool having our own sauna and hot tub, but I honestly don't know if drinking tea while in a hot tub is that great. It's so stinkin hot in the tub already, drinking hot tea doesn't really help. And the "garden" that it looks out to is pretty sad. But the privacy is nice.
One thing that I did not like was that after the sauna/hot tub, they made us wait outside in the front lobby for our massages, in our robes. It's really awkward especially with other people walking in and out of the entrance.. At least have a waiting room.
To add more to the awkwardness was my massage. I think 25% of the time my masseuse was rocking me back and forth doing some weird meditation thing. I guess that's Santa Cruz for ya. She also arrived late so I didn't end at the same time as the person I was going with.
Price was really good for one hour in the sauna/hot tub and one hour massage.
I enjoyed an hour in one of the hot tub rooms facing the wall of bamboo trees with a small group of friends. It was one of the most delightful experiences I ever had, especially with the peaceful sounds, cool breeze, and intoxicating scents. Worth every penny (of my friend's gift certificate)!!!
Ahhhhhhhhmmmmmmm......
Ommmmmmmmmmmm......
OmNamoShivago.....
Namasta-Have a nice Stay :)
beautiful setting, you look out into a yard of bamboo and you feel like you are in a jungle in another country. I went alone to relax from my life stress and get a break from it all...they put hot tea and cold water on a pretty tray in your room. the towels are fluffy and clean. they have wonderful lavendar soap to wash with. Everything was nice. treat yourself sometime!
I hate to give this place only three stars, but I feel it truly deserves it. My boyfriend and I went this past weekend for our first anniversary. I booked a spa and sauna room about three weeks ago for TWO hours. I remember I booked it for two hours because I repeated myself twice, telling the woman 5:30-7:30 pm. Well, we get there and it's only booked for one hour and they're full for the night, so there's nothing they can do. The woman did apologize, but it didn't seem sincere at all. We didn't get a discount, a coupon, or anything beyond a rather lame apology. Apart from this, we couldn't control the temperature of the hot tub, which was way too hot for both of us, and we could hear sound check from the Catalyst. We did like the sauna and the tea service, but we're going to try other spas before we go back to this one.
I can't count how many times I have been here but it every time it's just perfect. I love that I can call at the last minute and book a tub, or a massage and the minute I walk right in everyone is friendly and eager to help me relax. I kidnapped my fiance' on Friday from SF to SC, yeah not that big of a drive and no I didn't blind fold him the entire way, that would be crazy. Anyway, we cruised into the Cruz straight to the Tea House. We both got massages and then met in room #3 for a soak and sauna. The garden hasn't changed over the years and I like that turtle, fountain and big vase. There is something very special here and every time I leave I feel relaxed and happy. Weeeeeeeeeeee happy!
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I was a little worried about going here on a Friday night since it is so close to The Catalyst but you never would have known it once you got inside. It is very peaceful and you feel very secluded.
My wife and I did the hot tub and massage package. We started with the hot tub so we would be nice and relaxed for the massage.
Hot Tub: Totally cool. You have your private room with the hot tub, shower, and sauna. All of it in a room that opens up to the bamboo garden. Very zen and romantic. It did look pretty worn though.
Massage: Excellent. This was my first massage but my wife has been getting massages off and on for years. She actually felt that this was one of the best she has ever received. The hour just flew by.
This will be a frequent stop for us.
Relaxation.... reasonable rates, beautiful setting and multiple services. The crazy thing is that you would never imagine that a small piece of heaven exists along a street near Pergolesi coffee shop and street light records. For an hour or so you get total tranquility and a steaming bath.
The massages are heavenly! They flush out the tubs a few times a day so they never look or feel grimy.
Perfect romantic setting with your special person....sigh.........
Great, wonderful spa with reasonable price. I went there last week with my boyfriend and it was just great. The place is tucked in downtown Santa Cruz but it's not placed on busy street.
The atmosphere and the ambiance are quite soothing and relaxing, although it seems that the theme of the place is a fusion mixture of Asian art and culture. So you'd get to see Japanese + Chinese + Nepal + Pakistan decor all at the same time. You will see what I mean by that when you go in.
We chose a couple's special (1 hour of massage + 1 hour of tub) and the receptionist asked me each of their masseuse's specialties on the phone when I booked up the reservation. You can choose the order between massage and the tub too, very flexible.
The massage that I received was not too deep or strong but it was nice enough so that I can relax. My b/f told me he almost fell asleep during the massage.
The tub was clean and nice; and you can oversee small bamboo forest through the open Shoji screen, just like the picture you can see at their website. They have a separate shower so you can wash off the massage oil before going into the tub. Ah, and they give you towels and a basket to put your clothes/shoes so that you wouldn't have to worry about losing your stuff.
The tub was clean and the water was hot enough ... ahhh ...
Overall, it was a very nice experience to have, a good weekend getaway ... it's worth a visit. Highly recommended! :)
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Excelente! A bit weird to realize that everyone who writes about this place has been inside the same hot tub. Ohhhhh the things that happen in hot tubs. Nah, but for real. This place hit the spot (no pun intended). My novio and I decided to visit on a Wednesday around noon. It was very relaxing, reasonable, and satisfying. For those out there who have never enjoyed the wonders of a hot tub (in private) I highly recommend you treat yourself to some relaxation. On the real, take the time, and treat yourself. Next time, I'm trying the massage! Ya 'stuvo.
Nothing beats celebrating Valentine's Day a day later...
Plan for this evening :
4pm: Relaxing soak in the tub at Tea House Spa
5pm: Unwind with an hour massage at Tea House Spa
6pm: Change into something more festive
7pm: Get our grub on at Gabriella Cafe
Sounds like a fun-filled evening. Well, it pretty much was...but definitely had some kinks in the beginning. Let's backtrack shall we:
Honestly, I had better expectations coming to this place. I'm all down for the Japanese inspired decor since that's kinda my thing. But, this place definitely needed a new coat of paint and a thorough spring cleaning. Looked a little dingy and dirty in my opinion. Plus, the feng shui felt a bit off.
Upon entrance, the hubs and I were greeted with tea and totebags (included a sandpaper-like towel and waffle-woven robe). We were then led to our tub room, which seriously looked better on their website pic than in person. Since it was a bit too dark in there, my hubby and I had a hard time situating ourselves at first. Mind you, we had no idea that this place didn't have lockers to put our personal belongings in (You know they should definitely disclose a list of amenities on their website, so at least folks know what to bring). We basically ended up awkwardly carrying our bags and shoes everywhere we went. Admittedly, I am a closet-germaphobe. I guess being an esthetician by trade, working at a luxury day spa makes me a bit more anal about sanitation in communal settings. Due to the lack of light, I was definitely second guessing where I ended up standing, sitting, and touching. I couldn't tell what was clean or suspiciously dirty. Ugh! I just couldn't work up the courage to fully immerse myself in the tub. The bottom of it looked like paint was chipped off, plus the water wasn't very hot (not sure how that would keep bacteria away). My issues with who might have been soaking in the tub before us, sure conjured up some scary thoughts. Not to mention that everything was wet...even the bench I placed my stuff on. "Oh that's just terrific...wet underwear. Just what I need...Nice!"
What made matters worse was when I had to use the restroom during our "tub session". I had to step out into their dingy-narrow hallway and walk to their communal bathroom. Oh yeah, forgot to mention that they don't provide slippers. So bring your own! Not such a good idea to go in there without them, and I'm speaking from experience. Although...you could say that I did end up fully embracing my "moment-a la Britney Spears"...so tres white-trash-chic! Oh, and why was there a bicycle leaning against the men's urinal btw? I wouldn't exactly call that art, nor was it very good feng shui?...You know what they say, put a bicycle near a urinal and you'll have the runs for days! Hmm...just a thought.
10 minutes until our massages, my hubby and I patiently waited in their so-called "lounge"...which ended up being in the cramped front lobby amongst the numerous phone rings and heavy foot traffic. Very relaxing! One minute the front desk attendant was taking appointments, and the next minute a staff member was folding towels right in front of us. Speaking of towels, what happened to the concept of fabric softener? Or do people generally prefer Brillo pads to wipe themselves down with? I know I don't. Note to self: bring your own towel next time around...that is, if there even will be a next time.
It finally came down to the massages...the one moment of redemption! : ). They were indeed excellent. My therapist Sofia, was very accommodating and worked out all my kinks. She made my session oh-so-relaxing! I seriously zoned out a couple of times, and I NEVER do that. Her pressure was excellent and had incredibly flowing moves. I felt like a brand new woman afterwards. Most importantly, the hubs loved his massage too. He said it was A+, all the way!
At least the Tea House Spa had a second bathroom on the facility so I could change into my dinner outfit. It was much cleaner than the first, and minus the bicycle/urinal sculpture. Even though this place does have some minor annoyances, the staff is sweet and friendly, and their massage therapists rock! I'd definitely come back just for the massages alone. I think I'll leave the bath sessions to Watercourse Way from now on...
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Love this place!
Went here with my mom to relax, girls day out. So relaxing! They give you a pot of tea and cold water. Your tub looks out onto this very beautiful garden. Sometimes a cat will walk by for that true nature feeling.
My girlfriend and a friend of ours decided on a lark to come in at 9:30 last night. We were chilled from our long dinner on the patio of the Crow's Nest, and needed to warm up. We called and made a reservation, got in no problem, and, $35 later were on our way to 50 minutes of blissful relaxation.
Our room and tub were clean, hot, and refreshing. There wasn't a dimmer switch on the light, but we were able to kind of rig the switch to hover at half circuit, so we could dim the lights in the room. It seemed nice. The room and garden were REALLY quiet, especially considering the proximity to the Catalyst, Bus Station and Streetlight. Truly, we couldn't hear anything beyond the hum of the jets, and our own voices. The surroundings made me feel like I was in southeast Asia, and I was kind of sad when our 50 minutes came to an end.
My only complaint really was that we ran out of tea and cool water and just kind of had to sweat out the remainder of the time.
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This place rocks!
I will drive here from SF or the peninsula just to get a massage from these people, and sit in the hot tubs afterward. It is clean, you get a view of Japanese gardens and waterfalls outside your hot tub/sauna experience. They serve tea.
Very relaxing place in downtown Santa Cruz!!
So this is truely a wonderful place and the pricing is pretty reasonable as well. The staff is nice, friendly and attentive. Your room, I always ge the shower/sauna/hot tub/ outdoors, is very clean, has cute foliage, nice relaxing music, they give you towels, they also serve you some nice hot as well as having a water cooler there for your convienance.
Having the outside one is the best, you can feel the cool evening air and soak at the same time, I tend to get to hot easily in hot tubs. Overall it is such a little private escape. They also do massage there, which I have only had in my life time just a few times, but it was really great.
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The few times I've been here I've always had the desire to jump down into the bamboo garden and run around naked. It just felt right.
Other than that, I had a great masseuse here, can't remember his name OR what he looked like, other than long brown hair in a pony tail. Since I like being beat up during my massages, he gave me an ass whooping I will never forget.
As far as the tubs go, I really hope they empty the tub each time AND sanitize... They don't call this joint the "soak and poke" for no reason, ya feel me?
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Simply wonderful.
Beautiful river-stone floors, saunas, tea service, great massages, a lovely bamboo garden and traditional sliding shutters to make as much or little contact with the open air as you please.
And yes, it does live up to the old "Soak and Poke" moniker, but don't think of that, and you'll have a lovely time. Heh.
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This small place is at the end of a really pretty bamboo-lined walkway, behind a red Asian style door. The reception area smells pleasantly of light incense. They have only four rooms, three have tub/sauna and one has tub only. The four rooms are side by side and all face a tranquil bamboo garden. Because they are side by side, it is possible you can hear conversation the next room over if they start talking loudly.
The room we got has a tub with jets, a small closet-size cedar lined sauna, and a shower with shampoo and body wash from a local place in Boony Doon. You also get a small pot of hot tea. There are Japanese shoji screens which you can close or open to view the bamboo garden. The lighting is rather dim inside the room, which makes it more cozy and is not a big deal since you are not going there to read books, but it would nice if the lighting was adjustable. Also, once you get the tub to stop its whirpool thing, you can see some rusts where the drains are. It would be much prettier if they had wooden tubs.
Although they play some New Age type of music, we can still hear drums from some club near by. On weekends I think you need a credit card to reserve, and they fill up easily so make reservations a few days before. The people who work there seem nice and laid back. In addition to tubs, they also offer massages, but we didn't try that.
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