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Watercourse Way Bathhouse Spa
Categories: Beauty and Spas Massage Beauty and Spas Skin Care Beauty and Spas Day Spas Massage, Skin Care, Day Spas [Edit]
165 Channing AvePalo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 462-2000
Announcement
This month, you can enjoy our 90 minute Champagne Chocolate Treatment for 15% off!
Announced one week ago- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 8 am - 11:30 pm
Fri-Sat 8 am - 12:30 am
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Accepts Insurance:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
650 reviews for Watercourse Way Bathhouse Spa
650 reviews in English
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Review from Eric F.
STANFORD, CA
1/16/2012
This is a wonderful bathhouse. This place is wonderful for couples or for a bunch of friends to relax, enjoy a Jacuzzi and blow off some steam in the sauna.
The service is terrific. Tea and towels are included. Each room is uniquely decorated and very clean. Calm zen-like music can be played quietly in the room over speakers if you choose to turn it on. When you go to a tub room it is yours for the amount of time that you pay for and the price is very reasonable. Evenings are slightly more expensive than going during the day.
As for what rooms to choose: In my opinion Nine bats (Multi-Jetted Spa, Steam & Cold Plunge) and Six Dragonflies (Multi-Jetted Wood Tub, Steam & Cold Plunge) are the best. -
Review from Danielle L.
San Mateo, CA
2/3/2012
I've gone twice, and will not go back again. The first time was lovely. The second, not so much. The water was so hot I could not go in. Burning. Couldn't even put a toe in it. My bf went in, but had to get out quickly, because he couldn't take it.
I rang the buzzer, they said they turned it down. We waited...and waited...Still no difference. I went out to the front desk and they said that it would take a bit to cool down. The person at the front desk mentioned that the water sensors only go up to 107 degrees, and she didn't know how it got up that hot. It felt hotter. She mentioned that 105 is their usual limit on a hot tub...but ya. If I wanted to become a boiled lobster, I wouldn't have paid the money to do so.
Instead of offering us a refund...we were offered an additional 15 minutes in a hot tub we could not get in. We ended up using the sauna, and I was extremely disappointed.
First time fantastic, second time awful. -
Review from Cedric L.
San Francisco, CA
1/8/2012
What a terrific place to get pampered! Once you pass the doorstep of the Watercourse Way Bathhouse Spa, you definitely leave behind you any stress you might have accumulated during the past weeks and get ready to start a relaxing journey :-)
I was invited by a friend to spend an hour in their spa and then take an hour deep tissue massage. Yeah I'm a lucky guy :-)
The spa was just awesome. I tried the Six Dragonflies which include a cold plunge, a hot tub and a steam room. I really like the concept of owning the entire room with whoever is joining you (rather than sharing with strangers). The decor of our room was amazing (again you feel somewhere else) and while I tried everything, the steam room was my favorite. Another great features of the room includes the ability to control almost every lights. what music you would like to listen to (they have 3 =/= channels) and if you want to hot tub/steam room to operate or not.
After an hour it was time for my massage. The staff friendly reminded us (by knocking at the door) to get ready about 10 minutes before the massage. My massage therapists was Agnes. She was very very nice and knowledgable. I was initially booked for a Swedish massage but she did accommodate my request as I tend to have A LOT of knots in my neck and shoulders. She actually make me realized that the situation was more worst than I thought (but this is another story). I loved the massage, because they make you feel very relaxed after. So nice. (This was my first time at this spa so I don't know if you can get a better experience that that one :D)
I would highly recommend this place to anyone that want to travel somewhere else, without really having to travel and simply get pampered :-) -
Review from Douglas B.
Carlsbad, CA
2/3/2012
I hope things have gotten better here.
A few years back my wife lived in Palo Alto. As a special treat she booked us a tub at this facility.
When we showed up for the reservation they informed us they had double-booked the time slot, and that we were not going to be able to use the room. (And, of course, no openings for the rest of the weekend.)
Mistakes are understandable...it's how you handle them.
They told us they could get us another room some other time. We asked to see the manager. They refused. Multiple times. And then called the police on us.
True story! I wish it weren't.
At no time did we yell, use profanity, or say anything threatening. We were a little upset, and got more upset when the manager refused to see us.
When the police officers came I thought it was for something else. (Drug bust maybe?) I was floored to find out we were the "perps". (Receptionist walked outside and pointed us out to the arriving officers as we were walking away.)
We still never got to see the manager.
One of the worst customer service experiences in my life! -
Review from dilly m.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 2/5/2012
Repeat visit last weekend...this time for just a nice 1 hour hot tub soak. Enjoyed room #4 this time...so peaceful and tranquil...just love it. A favorite retreat for sure.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/19/2011
What a great experience. Such a cool, tranquil environment. Definitely start with the hour tub, take… Read more »
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Review from Edina W.
Alameda, CA
2/3/2012
Watercourse Way never disappoints me! Clean environment, good price, great service, and beautiful hot tub rooms. I fell in love with this place the first time here. Me and my fiance absolutely love coming here. I just wish this place is closer to where we live! Ha! Each room has a unique design and relaxing music to take your mind off of all stress. :)
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Review from Ella E.
San Jose, CA
1/25/2012
I really wanted to like this place but I just didn't mainly because of my massage. We got the hot tub for an hour and had a 1 hour massage afterward. Hot tub was nice and relaxing, but water was too hot eventually. I couldn't help but feel dirty afterward since I mean you don't know what people do in the hot tubs or how often they change that water...
I had to tell my masseuse, Kim, 3 times to apply more pressure. Listen, I'm a small girl...not like I'm big and need a ton of pressure and I've never had a masseuse apply such little pressure. It just felt like she was rubbing me, not massaging me. The massage wasn't cheap either so I just feel like I got ripped off. I'll go somewhere else next time. -
Review from Annie D.
12/20/2011
Came here with a group of girls for a bday party. Got the Oasis package for $190.
They have bags there ready with a robe and sandals if you need it.
Started with an hour in the hot tub, sauna (dry and steam) and a cold dip. We tried a little of everything and it was good, it was more of a catch up time in the private rooms just for us to enjoy.
30 minutes each for foot and facial treatment. Soaked your feet, got it hot toweled wrapped and rubbed. It was switched between the facial and foot which I hope she washed her hands in between even though it was my own feet? This was relaxing and overwhelming. It got pretty uncomfortable since I felt a little over heated. But she was pretty good. Also it wasn't a real facial feeling, more like a massage, caress type.
60 minute massage was up last- Cindy was good. I didn't feel uncomfortable at all. I'm not a big massage person, so I can't give you the details of how wonderful the feeling was.
The only down fall here, the way they make you wait for your next session, just sitting outside until your person came calling our your name to take you into the room. Also they didn't provide lockers, so I was stuck carrying around my big purse with my wet bathing suit in their bag.
Service was good, they all seemed very friendly. -
Review from Shirley N.
San Jose, CA
1/19/2012
Words can not describe how much i love this place! I was lucky enough to experience this place twice. From the moment you walk in, you really become stress-free. The spa is beautiful and the service is awesome. My friend and i got to enjoy the private jacuzzi rooms before our massages. (Private jacuzzi rooms include--hot tube with jets, cold plunge, mini bed, shower, and a sauna (for extra $$$) This is great for couples, it's very zen-like and intimate. The massages are also amazing, Maria (I think that's her name?) gave me the best massage of my life. I always leave Watercourse super relaxed and happy. I'd definitely recommend this place to couples, it's a great mini-getaway!
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Review from Jenn C.
1/16/2012
Gorgeous, relaxing and highly enjoyable. The little private rooms are just wonderful and clean - and this can be very romantic if you have the right company. Love this place!
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Review from Angela C.
Mountain View, CA
12/9/2011
I'm very sad to write this review - Watercourse Way has fabulous massage therapists, friendly front office staffers and and overall lovely feel to the treatment rooms and facilities. In the past I would have given this spa four stars, but am sorry demote it to two stars based on my experience yesterday:
I called in the morning and was able to get a same-day appointment for that afternoon - score! My previous experiences here have been phenomenal. When I arrived for my 3pm appointment, my therapist was waiting for me and took me back to my treatment room, past a flock of construction workers with a drop cloth down for repair/remodel/construction work. I was put in the treatment attached to the two rooms being worked on and throughout the entire massage all I could hear was hammering, pounding, stomping and, worst of all, a buzz saw splitting through the otherwise quiet and delightful atmosphere. I asked me therapist to turn up the music, which she did, but that didn't help at all. At one point I wondered if the music was even on.
I asked aloud why they would do construction during business hours or put me in a treatment room next door, but the therapist didn't say anything really. What could she have said? I complained a few more times and contemplated asking to stop, but it wasn't the therapists fault and the service itself was great. I just couldn't relax or enjoy it because of all the rumbling and humming and hammering and buzz-sawing. I was very disappointed with my overall experience.
I left a comment card for the management, saying that I wondered why they do construction at a spa facility during business hours and why they would have treatments next door to the construction. I explained my disappointment with not being told about the construction prior to making an appointment and my frustration during my appointment. It's never fun to pay top dollar for an unsatisfactory experience.
I will not be back to Watercourse Way until the construction has stopped, and hope they warn customers and clients prior to bookings of the noise and disruption during business hours. -
Review from Athena S.
12/15/2011
I have attempted 3 times in the past 2 days to call them (ironically to buy a couple gift cards) but had a couple questions first before buying.
Too bad they don't like to answer the phone and when they do, I guess tossing someone on hold for several minutes is acceptable to Waterway.
Unacceptable. -
Review from Christine N.
CA
12/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
For $90 (1 hour massage), I think that you definitely get your money's worth.
This is the second time that I've been here and I am already planning on returning. My sister (who got me the massage as a very generous Christmas present) and my mom are also planning on returning. Since we are all very opinionated - that says A LOT!
Watercourse is a great value IMO because it includes a hot stone massage and hot towels for your feet and face - these are not included at Preston Wynne in Saratoga.
The massage seems to last longer than usual because of all these "extras" and both the masseuses I've had are wonderful and really listen to your needs. I asked for extra shoulder, neck, scalp, and face attention and I got it. I would recommend Amy, Ali, or David. -
Review from Chris W.
Fremont, CA
2/5/2012
This was a nice surprise. I'm really spoiled by Well Within in Santa Cruz, but that's a long way to go from Fremont! Watercourse is much closer, and a very enjoyable place to go. The rooms are well-designed. Both the jacuzzi & the sauna were comfortable and in great shape. Price was great too. I will definitely return when I need some 'heat treatment'.
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Review from Tiffie L.
12/12/2011
For my girlfriend's bachelorette party, the bridesmaids decided to have a chill day including a trip to the spa! Instead of going somewhere super pricey and/or where we are all just in different rooms getting massages/facials, Watercourse seemed like the perfect option for some group relaxation at a reasonable price!
We reserved the 9 Bats room for 6 girls. An hour was the perfect amount of time. Upon arrival, we were greeted and settled our payments. We were offered water and/or tea, then led to our room. 9 Bats had a hottub with different jets, a cold plunge, and a steam room (also can be used as a shower).
The steam room was REALLY steamy - we had a hard time seeing while in there and a couple of the girls couldn't handle the thickness. But otherwise, it was very relaxing. At one point, I did get slightly dehydrated and a tad faint. There are also several bathrooms nicely stocked with combs, hairdryers, lotion, etc.
I don't think Watercourse is somewhere I would frequent, but it is fun for an occasional trip out. -
Review from Marina S.
Los Altos, CA
1/26/2012
Filled with the sweetest of indulgences there is no better spa to go to renew your senses and your body. This spa has it all and the staff is knowledgeable and incredibly helpful. If you are looking for a first rate experience, look no further. The spa/massage package is perfect for rejuvenating your body and mind. You enter a Zen-like setting to rediscover paradise and the tranquility we all need and crave.
This is a professional spa with talented people doing excellent work. I come here as often as I can to unwind and heal and escape the hectic and frenetic life I lead. Everything is very clean and up to date, and I am a clean freak. I cannot recommend a spa more and I enourage anyone looking for a spa treatment, start here first... -
Review from Cassie J.
San Francisco, CA
11/8/2011
Spa's are my second home...but what's better than my second home is when I can retreat to my secret haven, away from the world and just soak my problems and worries away. It's cold days like today that really tempt me to want to pay a visit to my secret hideaway.
That is what I get here at Watercourse Way. A long time bookmarked spa that's been on my list of to visit places, I finally had the opportunity to relax here for the first time a few months ago. And ever since then, I've made it a priority to come at least once every month or two.
There is a private parking lot with abundant parking spots, and street parking is readily available when coming at night. The hours are extremely convenient, with weekday hours closing at around 11:30pm, and weekends a little later.
Bamboo and pretty Asian decors is arranged on the exterior of the building and instantly sends me to a place of serenity with the dripping little waterfalls in and outside of the spa.
There are a variety of different private rooms with the option for hot tub, sauna/steam, and cold tub combos, or you can go simplistic and just opt for a hot tub. Prices are per person, and rooms can be reserved for 1 or 1.5 hours. I've only visited at night so prices can range from $23.00-$28.00 bucks. Personally, I've never really had to pay as I've always had a tubing companion at my side which has always been quite nice.
Each room is equip with a shower, with bath amenities, and there is a resting bed for those moments when the tub can become unbearable from the heat. Quite naughty if you asked me. But no complaints here. Cucumber flavored water is provided just outside of the private rooms, a nice little quality to have.
I'd opt to call for a reservation when attempting to visit at night. They do hold reservations with a credit card be sure to have yours handy.
At the end, this is one of my favorite spa's to visit when I really want to relax, clear the mind, or recoup my body. An enjoyable place to visit alone, or with someone special, Watercourse will continue to my secret little hideaway.
I can't wait to pay another visit soon.Listed in: Spa, Spa Spa...*Ahhhh*
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Review from B B.
San Mateo, CA
1/22/2012
This is my all time favorite spa! For years i have been searching for a spa that actually gave results and i finally found it. Vanessa is an amazing, she has really transformed my skin, i have to see her at least once a month. My perfect spa night starts with a nice jacuzzi soak, then a facial customized to my needs. Cant wait until my next facial!
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Review from Reiki L.
Menlo Park, CA
1/9/2012
I used to love to visit this Spa for massage and other services. However, few days ago, in occasion of my birthday, my husband surprise me with a massage appointment for both of us. I thought it would have been a wonderful way to celebrate it. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it at all. The person assigned to me for the massage was really hurting me with her long fingernails especially while applying the pressure. In the end it wasn't a relaxing experience. The massage had not flow and I was happy when it finished.
My husband had a similar experience. I really feel the quality of this spa has gone down lately. -
Review from Rachel E.
Berkeley, CA
12/21/2011
Wow! I still can't stop smiling after my one hour massage this afternoon. After an exhausting semester in college I decided to treat myself this winter break to a massage.
I read such great reviews about this place so it seemed like a no brainer. I got the one hour massage (it's swedish) and it was incredible. Ali is seriously a genius! Hot towels, stones, lotion- it was a dream. My back, legs, feet, and neck are seriously going to thank me!
The front staff was very nice, the facilities are gorgeous, and to reduce awkwardness, the tip jar is in the front when you leave.
Thinking of returning next week... -
Review from Cherie S.
Ever wished you could have your own private sanctuary, even if it was only for a few hours? At Watercourse Way, you can rent a tranquil room with a spa, cold plunge, sauna shower and resting bed for just $23 per person (per hour) from 8:30am to 5:30pm. It's $5 more after 5:30pm, and $5 less if you only want a room with a only a hot tub.
The have 9 private rooms with different combinations of saunas, wood tubs, steam rooms, etc. My favorite is One Pine, which has a multi-jetted wood tub, sauna, cold plunge, shower and resting bed. If you prefer steam to sauna, try the Nine Bats room.
I often see couples renting a room together, but I always get a room alone. After you close that door to your personal room, you peel off your clothes and know that you are exactly where you are meant to be. Your unanswered calls and your in-box can wait. It's time to bring balance back into your life. This affordable and accessible sanctuary is literally a phone call away. For the ultimate in pampering book a private room an hour before your massage. -
Review from Mindy V.
Sunnyvale, CA
Updated - 1/2/2012 2 Check-ins Here
i have to change my review! good job watercourse way!
i called them to complain about the "lackluster" deep tissue massage i was given (see my previous review). the woman on the phone told me she would refund a portion of my massage. since the massage was nice (just not what i had wanted), i was willing to settle for just that....
but then, a couple hours later another woman (the big boss i presume) called me and told me that she would refund me entirely and give me a discounted rate for another massage. i was so happy! THIS is how you do good business, folks! she made sure she scheduled me with their best deep masseur and he did wonders on my terribly knotted up back.
normally i just wouldve looked someplace else for my next deep tissue massage, but because they obviously truly care about being a great business, they have kept me as a customer for sure! i will definitely be back!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/28/2011
i had been to watercourse way before, many years ago, for several deep tissue massages. so when i… Read more »
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Review from Lilja M.
Stanford, CA
2/1/2012
I love this spa! The environment is very nice and relaxing. I've had a few massages there and have always been very pleased but the masseuse I had tonight (Lucy) was absolutely perfect. I asked her to apply firm pressure and focus on my shoulders. She made sure she was applying the right amount of pressure and was able to get rid of the knots in my shoulders while still keeping the massage very relaxing. I also love how she massaged my hands and feet as well as my head (even the face and ears). I'll definitely be going there again soon!
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Review from Jaclyn N.
Cupertino, CA
1/11/2012
A M A Z I N G. money can buy happiness. took my mom and sister here for part of their christmas present. i had ali, which was terrific. she is amazing at what she does! from what i hear, amy and david were wonderful too! i wish i could come back every day! only downfall is there isnt any room to sit and relax... its a small space but they make it work. but the decor is very asian and modern and cute. cant wait to go back!
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Review from Thomas M.
Palo Alto, CA
1/9/2012
This is one of the best places to get away from it all and relax.....They offer a slew of services such as massages and facials, I have only used the rooms that they rent by the hour: sauna, spa, cold plunge (a couple rooms)....I love renting "2 stones" for an hour or more and just sweating! One of the best places to mellow out
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Review from Khanhy D.
Santa Clara, CA
1/5/2012
Great place to go to if you are interested in a couples massage. The amenities that they provide are reasonable but not as much as Burke Williams. Water is provided all around for hydration but what was most impressive was the massage with stones and the scrub that they do. They have the perfect amount of tension and asks before they put more pressure. The room was perfect and relaxing with music. This is definitely a place to go if you are stressed out. Expensive but I thought it was worth it.
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Review from Jessica R.
San Mateo, CA
10/10/2011
Holy cow! I loved coming to Watercourse Way Bathhouse Spa. I enjoyed an hour long soak in the 8 stars room after receiving great recommendations from local friends and (of course) Yelp reviews. Then I received what I can only describe as THE BEST DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE EVER from Vince. Most technicians are afraid to actually give me a deep tissue massage. The pressure has never been quite enough and I hold a lot of tension in my body (especially my neck, shoulders and back). Vince did all this while bantering with me (I'm usually chatty in massages, I don't know why). I slept better than I had in months that night and I'm finally looking forward to my next deep tissue massage instead of being disappointed with the one I got.
Go to Watercourse Way and indulge in their wonderful soaking rooms, but definitely treat yourself to a massage with Vince while you're there. You won't regret it! -
Review from Tran T.
San Jose, CA
1/6/2012
This is my favorite retreat. The place is not fancy or big, but very serene and smell really nice.
I did the microdermabrasion series of 6. I have done the microdermabrasion at three other spas but I have never had anyone commented on the result. However, with Watercourse Way, friends have commented that my skin glow and the age spots were almost non-exist. Even my painfully honest sister love how my skin look and ask me what I have done to it.
Definately sold me! -
Review from Bonnie H.
San Francisco, CA
10/12/2011
Talk about "Serenity Now!"
Where else can you rent out a piece of heaven in the form of a beautiful hot tub and or sauna for an hour for around 25 bucks?
The tub rooms here are gorgeous. I rented Six Dragon Flies as a part of my Oasis spa package, and when I walked in, I was so excited that this room was mine, all mine for an hour! I felt like a kid in a candy store and completely decadent at the same time. Like I can do whatever I want in here for an hour!
Of course I didn't do much... but that's the point. Just relaxed and took in the heat!
The rest of my Oasis spa package was nice. It included a massage, a half facial, and a foot treatment. I think the best thing about it was that they obviously thought through the experience. It wasn't just here's a massage, here's a facial kinda thing. They soaked my feet for 15 minutes and let me relax on my own for a bit with essential oils of my choosing. Of course I chose lavender.
My therapist came back for the massage, which wasn't the best massage in the world - but she would include the lavender oil every step of the way to help relax. While she did my facial, she would also give me a hot stone massage and put the hot stones under my shoulders.
They then gave me a salt scrub treatment on my feet, followed by a foot massage with lotion.
After I got dressed and met my therapist in the hall, she gave me lavender soap as a gift, which was a nice gesture.
I really appreciate businesses that think through their customer experience and it's obvious that they understand their customers. Women love beauty, fragrance, special experiences and gifts! And the price was not bad for 3 hours of services!
Even though it wasn't the best massage in the world, I would still come back when I really want to treat myself or just to rent the rooms for an hour. I really don't remember the last time I was so relaxed.
Not to sound like some customer comment advertisement, but it's true... Watercourse Way Bathhouse Spa is truly a unique experience! -
Review from Nika K.
San Bruno, CA
10/2/2011
Not a bad experience...
Took the boyfriend here as a surprise treat to relax since he LOVES hot tubs! I made an appointment during the weekday before lunch, so I'm assuming service is always better that busier days.
I made reservations for an hour an a half hot tub, just the basic room with the tub, shower, and bed. We got the five fish room, and its really pretty! Very clean, and you can choose your own music from their selections, and if you want the jets on or not. They give you a ten minute warning before your time is up. The bathrooms in the hallways also have hair supplies to freshen up again.
Not too sure if I'll come back to try their other services, but definitely coming back again for the tubs. We both enjoyed our time here=) -
Review from Natasha K.
San Francisco, CA
12/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came here at 10:20 am on my 28th birthday to start off the celebration right. This place is perfectly zen and beautiful. If I could envision what heaven is like, it would be this place. I reserved the room with the hot tub, steamer, shower and small cozy bed. I had a whole hour to soak and pamper myself to the fullest before meeting up with Agnes for a Swedish massage. I'm honestly not much of a massage person but Agnes blew me away! She was so amazing that I will definitely come back within the next month for another treatment with her. I loved the use of hot stones as well. She even let me know that my lower back was tense and showed me some stretches I could do to help loosen it up. This is a great spot to go to with a friend or significant other for a couple hours of superior relaxation!
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Review from Meghna G.
Sunnyvale, CA
12/31/2011
My husband and I signed up for the 1 hour massage on my birthday. I have to say it was one of the best I ever received. Ying worked on me and I felt really refreshed afterwards. This was my first experience with hot stones and it felt amazing.
The hot tub sells out in advance (we could not get one) so I recommend booking early. -
Review from Shanna K.
10/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Went here for the first time over the weekend for a girls day. The atmosphere is beautiful, everything is clean and I found the front desk staff to be helpful.
I did a massage and facial combination, which lasted about two hours. The massage was a little too gentle for me but certainly not terrible. Next time I might ask for deep tissue.
The facial was a first for me and it was lovely. She took great care and was careful not to use any products that might harm me, after I mentioned that I have very sensitive skin. I was nervous about redness or other problems but everything went very well.
Although Watercourse Way is a little bit of a drive for me (I am based in Campbell/LG) I would definitely return for that experience every once in a while and throw in lunch and shopping nearby at Stanford. I would also like to try the tubs at some point. I have been to Well Within when I lived in Santa Cruz and the atmosphere here is just as serene but far more upscale. Reserving a star until I am able to try that service and perhaps the deep tissue massage.
Take note that there are no refunds on anything that you purchase in the shop but they will do a credit that can be used toward services as well as actual shop exchanges. This may change, but I was told this was the case when I called about a return on 10/1/11. -
Review from Carina G.
Daly City, CA
10/2/2011 7 photos
Ive been here a total of 5 times
Two Stones, Three Trillium, Six Dragonflies, Eight Stars( MY FAVORITE ROOM), and Nine Bats, I also had a 1hr deep tissue with Body a Body Scrub with salts infused with essential oils=) I Plan to go to all the rooms although I have my favorite! I Love it here! Very clean and Sterile, very nice and polite staff, and most important a place to relax=) -
Review from Danica N.
San Francisco, CA
12/8/2011
My boyfriend and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary here, and let me say, this was the BEST spa we have ever came to, staff was wonderful, the place was beautiful!! we booked the couples massage (90 min) and it was like no other massage, first they start off with a dry brush that exfoliates your skin, then lets you sit in a steam room for 15 min, and boy does it get hot in there, luckily they provide water and cold towels inside just incase you get to hot, the also have showers inside so you wash off the sweat. After the steam room they set you up for the massage, it was swedish and my therapist Kiyomi, i HIGHLY recommend her, she was so wonderful, her pressure is great and she focused well on all the knots i had.
I also love how the add hot towels on your feet and face towards the end of the massage!!
We will definitely be back!!!
Highly recommend this place and I highly recommend Kiyomi. !! -
Review from Pat P.
Danville, CA
Updated - 10/31/2011
I had another amazing experience this past Friday Night the 28th. We had a tub reservation at 9:40 for the 5 fish room and it was absolutely wonderful. We were helped by three very wonderful young ladies that were sweet, nice and very helpful and made us feel right at home. Ashley was the person that greeted us and helped us along the way and then a taller and sweet young lady walked us to our room and gave my friend a guided tour as it was her 1st time at your spa. I will never go anywhere else when I am at home and it is always well worth the drive from Danville for the amazing experience.
Thanks agai Susan, your spa is by far the best around and your employees are 2nd to none!!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/8/2011
Had a great time and experience at Watercourse Way. The hot tub was clean, hot, all the spas and… Read more »
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Review from stacy y.
San Francisco, CA
12/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
my favorite spa in the entire bay area.
i absolutely *love* shwanda for massages! i have been going to her for about two years and she exceeds my expecations every time! shes very thorough and will focus on areas you ask her to pay special attention to and above all goes out of her way to make sure that you are comfortable. she is the best of the best.
if you are booking a massage, i reccomend you schedule a hot tub room for an hour beforehand, it will relax you and make your massage much more effective. my favorite rooms are 6 dragonflies and 8 stars. and, if you schedule the first massage of the day, your hottub is free! :)
i had to deduct one star for their customer service. i've seen a lot of trunaround at the front desk and i think that some of the new people these days are not very friendly or professional. but just on massage and facilities alone, this is a five star place! -
Review from Johnnie K.
Redwood City, CA
8/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Tucked away in an unassuming corner of suburban Palo Alto is a glorious oasis of relaxation that is Watercourse Way. As I entered the heavy glass and metal double doors I found it to be a little "busier" than expected. There was a lot of chatter in higher volumed voices than I am accustomed to at various spas throughout the Bay area and beyond. Once taken back to my private dwelling for the following sixty minutes however, all ambient noise melted away - it was simply me and my thoughts.
As I entered the Four Waterouzels room I was instantaneously transported to another place and time. Immediately to the right was a standing shower with a generous showerhead and the most enticing fragranced bath potions - lavendar chamomile shampoo and conditioner, and rosemary mint body wash. I was instructed by the gracious attendant to shower before entering the hot tub, so I did and enjoyed every minute of it. Directly across the length of the room was a comfortable enough looking bed. Probably no larger than a twin in size, it was perfect for one. On it was a cute little bag with a bath robe and bath slippers. I just knew part of my time here would involved laying there for a quick respite.
After getting squeaky clean I stepped into the overwhelming warmth of the hot tub. Set to a perfect temperature my body quickly relaxed and fell into a trance like state. The jets all worked beautifully and each minute I felt another bit of tension subside. After 20 minutes or so, nap time was calling, so I dragged myself out of the tub and plopped on the bed for a few. Another brief soak in the tub, and I knew I wanted one more shower before my massage appointment with Stephanie.
Right on cue the attendant gently tapped on my door warning me of my remaining 10 minutes. So I quickly finished my shower, towel dried and wrapped myself in the soft microfiber robe provided. As instructed, I stepped out of the room and waited in the hallway on the pillow lined bench for my therapist to scoop me up.
Within a few minutes, Stephanie walked up, introduced herself and we were off to the next phase of my treatment. She asked about my preferred pressure level and mistakenly, I asked for medium pressure. I assumed I wanted just a relaxing swedish massage, but as she began to work, I realized I needed more. Each knot I felt was just superficially glazed over and I didn't give my therapist enough latitude to work it out. Next time, I'll know better. The table was heated comfortably and adjusted to my body temperature when requested. Initially I was still overly warm from the hot tub soaking, so I asked for the table heat to be turned down, but as my body cooled down I needed it to be turned up again. The only negative I can think of was the brightness of the room. The lights could have been dimmed a little more to my liking, but that was a minor compromise, in my opinion.
After the massage was over, I did have an awkward tipping moment as they charge you before the services and I didn't know the grauity process following my treatment. I was kindly informed that there was a chest toward the front of the lobby with envelopes and pens to leave a generous thank you to the therapists.
Looking back at the experience, I would have preferred a shorter time in the hot tub room, but the rates are determined per person/per hour, so if you don't mind wasting a portion of that rate, I guess a fractional period is possible. All in all it was a wonderful experience and I will definitely be back. -
Review from Patrick B.
San Francisco, CA
8/6/2011
Watercourse Way is a a blinding example of what is wrong with the Peninsula. It's a place that has bath tubs for customers and offers massages - not an uncommon business model in the Bay Area - but because it is located in this bastion of excess it has developed a superiority complex that allows it to charge way to much and treat its customers as though they were chattel.
While I have enjoyed many hot soaks, saunas and cold plunges at this clean, relaxing oasis, I have also been made to feel small, unimportant and like a cog in a great machine, just one more item to be processed.
Recently I had made an appointment to celebrate my wife's birthday, but sadly, on that same day, her best friend died of heart failure. Feeling that grieving and spending time with her friends' family was more important than enjoying a hot bath, we attempted to cancel, only to be reprimanded by the person on the phone. Her tone said she'd heard all the excuses and the complete lack of sympathy, coupled with threats of charging my credit card, completely destroyed any pleasure I might have taken from future visits and, therefore, shall not return.
Watercourse Way is a nice clean place with bathtubs, but please, for your sake, don't experience any tragedy on the day of your appointment. -
Review from Tony P.
Emeryville, CA
8/24/2011
So yesterday my girl tells me I'm taking you somewhere for your birthday and you need to bring a pair of back up boxers. I'm thinking, dang this sounds like we are going to be either sweating from go-kart racing, or swimming in the ocean with dolphins. But when she tells me its in Palo Alto, I'm thinking, should I bring my brass knuckles and Smith & Wesson (because I've only been to EAST Palo Alto). Then we pull up into a parking lot that looks like the back of a Sushi Place, so I'm thinking she's gonna have me learn Sushi 101.
Once we walk in through the front door, the sounds of waterfalls and natures music rings into my ears (I should be a poet). The workers behind the counter are wearing earpieces, I'm thinking, "YOU FANCY, HUH?". And they greet us with a smile. We are escorted into an amazing spa area with a hot tub, ice cold tub, sauna, a moon roof on the ceiling, and much more. That makes this place the most elegant place I've been to of its kind.
After using the spa to sooth your body and relax in, we went upstairs to a couples' massage. The masseuse were super professional and the physicality was clean and classy. If you want to indulge yourself, your significant other, or your parents, into a place to get away for your mind and entire body; this is the place to be.
