All Your Life Medi-Spa
All Your Life Medi-Spa
3.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
3.5
158 reviews
Excellent
70
Very good
29
Average
13
Poor
16
Terrible
30
julie k
Oxford, UK130 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
After reading some of the reviews l was very undecided as the go or not.
I had brought this treat for myself and 13year old daughter in the summer holidays.
We were welcomed and shown upstairs. Had a drink and was taken to have our hair and makeup done. Charlie and Beth were great. Very chatting and both myself and daughter loved our look. We had to wait for the photographer so we had lunch. If wasn't a great deal but what was there was very nice and nicely presented. The photo shoot was a lot of fun and the photos came out really well. We were under no pressure to buy but they were so good we got a couple of them.
They only thing that was negative was they did not tell us until half way through that the massage tables were away being serviced. I said to the young man, if we had known we would have brought our swimsuits to go into the jazzuci and steam room. He went away then came back saying we could come back again and have 2 hours in the jazzuci area, which we have done.
All in all we both enjoyed ourselves on our two trips. Staff were friendly, it was clean and smelt very flowery.
I had brought this treat for myself and 13year old daughter in the summer holidays.
We were welcomed and shown upstairs. Had a drink and was taken to have our hair and makeup done. Charlie and Beth were great. Very chatting and both myself and daughter loved our look. We had to wait for the photographer so we had lunch. If wasn't a great deal but what was there was very nice and nicely presented. The photo shoot was a lot of fun and the photos came out really well. We were under no pressure to buy but they were so good we got a couple of them.
They only thing that was negative was they did not tell us until half way through that the massage tables were away being serviced. I said to the young man, if we had known we would have brought our swimsuits to go into the jazzuci and steam room. He went away then came back saying we could come back again and have 2 hours in the jazzuci area, which we have done.
All in all we both enjoyed ourselves on our two trips. Staff were friendly, it was clean and smelt very flowery.
Written August 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
boglin_sue
UK268 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
Two of us booked a Spa Day. The communication was poor but we did manage to agree time of arrival, use of the spa facilities, afternoon tea and our chosen treatments. The industrial unit that houses the spa isn't easy to find as the spa gives a street address rather than the number of the unit. Once inside it looks much better than outside and I'm sure than when it was first created it was all very nice. It is now starting to look tired. This and the other issues of cancelled/rearranged treatments could be easily remedied with better management.
On arrival we were shown to the massage room by our therapists, two very pleasant young ladies who explained that we had to have our massage first. We had specifically requested to have the massages at the end of our visit. We were given an excuse and decided to go with the flow. In the event the massages were both very enjoyable, no complaints there at all.
We were given robes and towels and told that we could use the spa facilities or go upstairs to use the power plates or massage beds. There no longer seemed to be a timetable. Having looked at the jacuzzi we didn't fancy it as it didn't look that clean. The cushions on the loungers were all wet so we decided to go upstairs to the 'relaxation area'. This turned out to be a small sofa next to a cafe-type area.
After waiting there for a while a woman shuffled out and asked if we wanted afternoon tea. We asked about the other facilities and were shown the room with the power plates and given very basic instructions that included not turning the machine above the 20 setting or the vibrations would disturb the massage rooms below!!! After that we asked the same woman if we could use the massage beds. She wasn't sure at first as "they were booked at 4" but then decided that we could use them. The half hour we spent on the beds was quite entertaining but I wouldn't call a vibrating heated bed a massage really.
We then went and waited at a cafe table. My sister thought that the woman had said that tea would be ready for us after the massage beds, but this was not the case. In fact she kept us waiting until she had sorted out some other clients with power plates, and finally with the words "now that I've sorted out everyone else, I'll get you some tea" she asked what we'd like to drink. What I'm trying to demonstrate here is that an experience can be so different with the right attitude towards making people feel cared for.
As other reviewers have said, the afternoon tea was pretty lame. Scrapings of cream cheese in one sandwich and cucumber in another. A pile of lettuce going brown at the edges, some soggy tomato and cucumber. The cakes (brownie and flapjack) were OK. Some pieces of kiwi fruit and orange.
We ate, got dressed and left. The receptionist told us we could buy the same voucher from her for the same price. There was no incentive to return. We've been to Cheltenham for a similar day and had a lovely time. We also went to the previous Swindon premises, that we thought were much nicer, even though they didn't gave the spa facilities. It's a shame that this place is lacking the drive and direction to make it special - that comes from good management that carries through to staff pride and customer care.
On arrival we were shown to the massage room by our therapists, two very pleasant young ladies who explained that we had to have our massage first. We had specifically requested to have the massages at the end of our visit. We were given an excuse and decided to go with the flow. In the event the massages were both very enjoyable, no complaints there at all.
We were given robes and towels and told that we could use the spa facilities or go upstairs to use the power plates or massage beds. There no longer seemed to be a timetable. Having looked at the jacuzzi we didn't fancy it as it didn't look that clean. The cushions on the loungers were all wet so we decided to go upstairs to the 'relaxation area'. This turned out to be a small sofa next to a cafe-type area.
After waiting there for a while a woman shuffled out and asked if we wanted afternoon tea. We asked about the other facilities and were shown the room with the power plates and given very basic instructions that included not turning the machine above the 20 setting or the vibrations would disturb the massage rooms below!!! After that we asked the same woman if we could use the massage beds. She wasn't sure at first as "they were booked at 4" but then decided that we could use them. The half hour we spent on the beds was quite entertaining but I wouldn't call a vibrating heated bed a massage really.
We then went and waited at a cafe table. My sister thought that the woman had said that tea would be ready for us after the massage beds, but this was not the case. In fact she kept us waiting until she had sorted out some other clients with power plates, and finally with the words "now that I've sorted out everyone else, I'll get you some tea" she asked what we'd like to drink. What I'm trying to demonstrate here is that an experience can be so different with the right attitude towards making people feel cared for.
As other reviewers have said, the afternoon tea was pretty lame. Scrapings of cream cheese in one sandwich and cucumber in another. A pile of lettuce going brown at the edges, some soggy tomato and cucumber. The cakes (brownie and flapjack) were OK. Some pieces of kiwi fruit and orange.
We ate, got dressed and left. The receptionist told us we could buy the same voucher from her for the same price. There was no incentive to return. We've been to Cheltenham for a similar day and had a lovely time. We also went to the previous Swindon premises, that we thought were much nicer, even though they didn't gave the spa facilities. It's a shame that this place is lacking the drive and direction to make it special - that comes from good management that carries through to staff pride and customer care.
Written April 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah B
Corsham, England, United Kingdom3 contributions
Jan 2014 • Friends
I won the Medi Spa through a competition. The experience lasted for 4 hours and that included Bucks Fizz and Lunch as well as a Vibro plate session and massage bed session, full make up and hair styling. The only thing that was a little expensive was the photos which are no obligation and you are not pushed into buying but they were lovely and there was an option to pay over 12 months instead of up front, I also got a voucher to go back and have another treatment for free. Me and my friend had a brill day and I would defiantly recommend this and go again :0)
Written January 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LLR88
Wanborough, UK29 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
We bought a voucher direct with All Your Life about 6 months ago and couldn't book in until Jan 2015, and seems they have now changed names (I realised this from getting the groupon mails and recognising the spa from the pictures as I have been there before and noticed it was under a different name). We then wanted to know if our voucher was still valid so tried calling multiple times and no answer, then my mum went to visit them and the doors are shut with a notice on them.
When I saw it on groupon it had changed to Prestige Clinics, but when my mum went there today it said its called Imagine Now...
Not sure what's going on but suggest you don't book til you find out for sure... Has anyone else got a problem?
When I saw it on groupon it had changed to Prestige Clinics, but when my mum went there today it said its called Imagine Now...
Not sure what's going on but suggest you don't book til you find out for sure... Has anyone else got a problem?
Written October 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erica147
Leighton Buzzard, UK5 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
After booking this last year, my sisters, niece and myself were looking forward to our spa day.
What a disappointment. First impressions count and the cold sultry welcome fro the receptionist did not bode well. The carpet just inside the door was dirty and needed a good vacuuming.
We were shown to a small changing room with lockers and handed a sheet to choose our treatments from. We had 2 hrs before our treatments so we were going to chill out in the jacuzzi then go to the tranquility lounge, maybe have a drink. Well if the changing room smelt of damp towels that have been left too long, what hit us when we opened the door to the dingy jacuzzi area was abominable. The foul smell was overwhelming. The jacuzzi and tranquility lounge were in the same small room. I opened the door to the only other facility in the spa, the aroma steam room - well instead of lavender or lemon grass it was the most revolting smelly drain smell, enough to make you wretch.There were about 6 loungers and these were all taken. We had no option but to go and sit in the jacuzzi. The water was bubbling away but the smell was very off putting. We decided to get out as we were worried if any water got into our mouths as it bubbled up. Legionella sprang to mind. The beds were now empty as the group of young girls had gone up for their lunch.
We did not enjoy sitting there and the thought of waiting around so long was uncomfortable. I decided to go back to reception to see if we could have our treatments any earlier. I also said that the room smelt unpleasant. I was just told that they could not move the treatments forward.
I informed the disappointed group. We looked to see if we could get a drink, there was a jug of warm water and some used plastic beakers. There was a sign saying we could buy a glass of bubbly but no one to ask if we could get one. Just then we were told two of us could have treatments, I asked if the rest of us could go upstairs and wait. The young therapist said yes but she would just go and check and come back to us. She did not and after another half hour we decided to go upstairs anyway. Relief, it did not smell as bad. We had been told we could have up to 4 treatments, this was not quite true. We could have a massage or 2 mini treatments. When I questioned this I was told that we could use the power plate machine and the vibrating massage bed as our other two treatments. The lady who showed us how to use this was very pleasant and cheerful, the only saving grace of the day. However the blanket on the massage beds was dirty and not changed for different guests. Likewise when I had my massage the towel on the bed was wet from the previous guest.
My sitter and I had our massage in the same room ( only room?) we had both chosen to have the aromatherapy massage. The therapist did not ask us which massage we were having and when I asked which one she was doing she said deep tissue, I said We wanted aromatherapy which she said she would do. She did not, we both had deep tissue which we found quite painful.
I could go on and on about the lunch with tea that tasted like it had been made with water from the jacuzzi. When we got back to the changing rooms our feet were filthy from the dirty floors of the spa. There was a young lady in there and I asked if she had been before? This was her first visit with her boyfriend and she started saying about the bad smells everywhere and she had never been to a spa like it.
The company is now operating under the name of Prestige clinics but all the old logo and names were still being used. It needs closing down, it is a health risk.
What a disappointment. First impressions count and the cold sultry welcome fro the receptionist did not bode well. The carpet just inside the door was dirty and needed a good vacuuming.
We were shown to a small changing room with lockers and handed a sheet to choose our treatments from. We had 2 hrs before our treatments so we were going to chill out in the jacuzzi then go to the tranquility lounge, maybe have a drink. Well if the changing room smelt of damp towels that have been left too long, what hit us when we opened the door to the dingy jacuzzi area was abominable. The foul smell was overwhelming. The jacuzzi and tranquility lounge were in the same small room. I opened the door to the only other facility in the spa, the aroma steam room - well instead of lavender or lemon grass it was the most revolting smelly drain smell, enough to make you wretch.There were about 6 loungers and these were all taken. We had no option but to go and sit in the jacuzzi. The water was bubbling away but the smell was very off putting. We decided to get out as we were worried if any water got into our mouths as it bubbled up. Legionella sprang to mind. The beds were now empty as the group of young girls had gone up for their lunch.
We did not enjoy sitting there and the thought of waiting around so long was uncomfortable. I decided to go back to reception to see if we could have our treatments any earlier. I also said that the room smelt unpleasant. I was just told that they could not move the treatments forward.
I informed the disappointed group. We looked to see if we could get a drink, there was a jug of warm water and some used plastic beakers. There was a sign saying we could buy a glass of bubbly but no one to ask if we could get one. Just then we were told two of us could have treatments, I asked if the rest of us could go upstairs and wait. The young therapist said yes but she would just go and check and come back to us. She did not and after another half hour we decided to go upstairs anyway. Relief, it did not smell as bad. We had been told we could have up to 4 treatments, this was not quite true. We could have a massage or 2 mini treatments. When I questioned this I was told that we could use the power plate machine and the vibrating massage bed as our other two treatments. The lady who showed us how to use this was very pleasant and cheerful, the only saving grace of the day. However the blanket on the massage beds was dirty and not changed for different guests. Likewise when I had my massage the towel on the bed was wet from the previous guest.
My sitter and I had our massage in the same room ( only room?) we had both chosen to have the aromatherapy massage. The therapist did not ask us which massage we were having and when I asked which one she was doing she said deep tissue, I said We wanted aromatherapy which she said she would do. She did not, we both had deep tissue which we found quite painful.
I could go on and on about the lunch with tea that tasted like it had been made with water from the jacuzzi. When we got back to the changing rooms our feet were filthy from the dirty floors of the spa. There was a young lady in there and I asked if she had been before? This was her first visit with her boyfriend and she started saying about the bad smells everywhere and she had never been to a spa like it.
The company is now operating under the name of Prestige clinics but all the old logo and names were still being used. It needs closing down, it is a health risk.
Written July 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emmalouando
Bristol, UK1 contribution
May 2014 • Couples
We purchased a groupon offer and whilst trying to book in our treatments through the website we 'Won a Medi-Spa Half-Day experience'. We were excited. But that lasted all of about 2 seconds. Turned up at unit 24 of an industrial estate. Was greeted by a scruffy girl on reception and told that they had left me a voicemail to say my experience was cancelled due to their photographer letting them down... Needless to say i recieved no voicemail. Either way they were quick to offer us the rest of our package minus the makeover and photoshoot so we weren't too disheartened. However, it all went down hill from there. No glass of anything on arrival (let alone bubbly or juice as promised). Told to leave our bags and coats in the 'restaurant/cafe' (general messy eating) area which i wasn't too happy about. Were then literally thrown into a square room with two vibroplates which she set to 10 minutes and then left us to our own devices. Not relaxing at all, made me feel sick and was very boring. We were then meant to have the massage beds but instead we were told to use the spa (if you can call it that) so we collected our hard, smelly robes and towels (no flip flops provided). Changing rooms weren't particularly clean, toilets were filthy and had tonnes of tissue stuffed down them. The jacuzzi had an unbearable smell - literally smelt of sewage. The steam room wasn't much better but slightly masked by whatever oil they use. Signs of damp everywhere. All of 4 chairs provided in the spa. We got bored and felt dirty so went to get changed back into our clothes and headed up for 'lunch'. Wow - a cake stand with 3 tiny triangles each of brown bread with a smither of cream cheese, a huge pile of limp lettuce, some half decent fruit which was the best part, some cheap dry scones with jam and MELTED SQUIRTY CREAM! (tragic) and a piece of lemon drizzle which was actually quite nice. All in all the whole experience was horrendous and not worth the hour drive from bristol. They told us to rebook for our makeover but we ran out as quick as we could. I'm genuinely not sure how they get people to part with money to attend this place. It has a LONG way to go before i would consider ever going back.
Written May 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edolphin79
Banbury, UK14 contributions
Jan 2014 • Family
This is long winded so if you want to read more about spa scroll down :)
I found a great deal with Wowcher for 5 treatments and spa for two people £49 what a great deal, so I snapped that up so that I could surprise my mum for her birthday. After receiving the voucher which advised me to contact the spa I wanted to go to I rang and rang and rang and rang with no one ever answering the phone, I left messages at 2 spas thinking one would eventually come back to me but no! It was getting closer and closer to the birthday date I was starting to think it was a scam so complained to Wowcher.
The proprietor of the stratford branch as this is a franchise, emailed me to say I was ringing the wrong number, advised to ring the number I was calling and choose option 4, I received an automated message to say we are now closed opening times are between 9-6 and this was 1:30pm. So I emailed him back to advise him of this and said I am not stupid I am ringing the right numbers that I have been given and I will plaster this all over Facebook and Twitter if I do not get a reply immediately as I believe this to be a con.
I eventually received an email to tell me when he was going to call which was not convenient so this went on and on, finally I get to speak to him (Keith) and he says... "how can I help"....
I was fuming he didn't even know what I wanted to speak with him about.
Once he realised, he back pedalled and said where did I want to book the experience so advised Swindon. Oh he doesn't deal with Swindon so I have to be passed over! Keith spoke to the proprietor of Swindon (Debbie) who called me, she was very pleasant over the phone and apologised for the situation and said that they are fully booked but would upgrade me to fit me in on my mums birthday she advised that there were treatments and the use of the spa and a photo shoot with a canvas free. I agreed as still needed to do something for mum and had run out of time to do anything else. I requested that she send me a confirmation with all the details so I knew what I was doing and where I was going etc standard practice for any business I would think.
She said she would send it straight away but later that afternoon I still had nothing so I called to check she had correct email address and still I got nothing. I emailed Keith back to say she is not contacting me and eventually I get an email saying.
“you are confirmed” That was it.
I emailed her back to say that was very unprofessional and could she provide me with even a little information like where I am going. I did not get a reply.
SPA DAY….
So we arrive at the Industrial estate! Mum doesn’t look impressed, great start!
Receptionist was miserable didn’t seem to know who we were what we were there for and certainly didn’t welcome us in the freezing cold reception with a smile.
After filling in a form with CONTRAINDICTIONS Great attention to detail they cannot even spell!
We were asked to hand over our clothes but not advised where we were going so I had to prompt her, “do I need to take my swimming costume in”
She took us through to a very dirty changing room and said nothing really about what we were doing apart from enjoy the spa. I asked about the treatments that I had bought with the voucher, I wanted to know what we going to have and when they were going to be, instantly I knew this was not going to be a good answer by the face on her! She said she would have a look and went off.
In comes Debbie, well she may as well have been Liz straight out from behind the Bar at the Rover Return in Coronation Street as she was wearing a Leopard Print Mac VERY PROFESSIONAL!!!
She advised me that she informed me over the phone that there were no treatments and she has upgraded me, well how the hell is that an upgrade when you don’t get anything you paid for its just a totally different experience which is not what I wanted at all and she was not clear over the phone and as she didn’t confirm what I was getting I was none the wiser of what I was actually getting as treatments were mentioned. With an upgrade you imagine you will get an even better experience. Not in this case!
Being a little bit stroppy with me she said “well if you don’t want it you can leave” We were there and I wanted to still do something for mum so we stayed. Very embarrassing in front of mum as this was supposed to be a nice surprise and I’m sure did not make her feel very special.
Mum and I got changed into our swimming costumes mum used the toilet to do so as no private changing rooms and came out stating that the place was disgusting, the toilet rolls looked like they were just chucked in. No care and attention what so ever!
We picked up the DAMP robes and towel that was provided and put them on in the freezing cold changing room to go through to the spa.
All the way through I had to hold onto mum for dear life as the floor was soaking wet with no grip tiles, steps leading up to the Jacuzzi also very slippery we had to take this very slowly in fear of falling. Sitting in the lovely COLD water Jacuzzi we had a very close chat with the lovely ladies that were sharing it, we felt so close to them by the end of it seeing as we were practically sitting on their laps! We both agreed that it was too cold and not relaxing at all so though the steam room would be better. Well to be steamed was nice and warming after that, but you couldn’t see a thing, I think they call it mood lighting…what lighting?? It was black! Throughout the whole so called spa experience, all I felt was cold and tense and all I could smell was stagnant water mainly from the Jacuzzi.
Not knowing what we were to do next and when as we were not told, we laid on the loungers in our damp cold robe after helping ourselves to cucumber water with the only plastic glass available just hoping that we hadn’t shared that with someone who had a cold sore or something!
Finally, someone to advise us of the situation and what is going to happen, Ebony who was lovely told us that we had the massage beds to go on and the weight loss plates however due to mums heart condition she was not allowed to go on that one so they were going to ply her with champagne while I had a go. We went upstairs and were given a very questionable bowl of mixed crisps and pretzels, very peckish we picked a little while sipping the champagne.
Requested to move onto the massage beds Ebony got us into position and advised us exactly what to do and left us to it for maybe half an hour, they warmed us slightly in what was still a cold room however the massage was just a buzz beneath me not relaxing and certainly not massaging! So we just sat there and chatted.
Ebony came back to move us on to the makeup room but being so cold I asked if we could go change. We came back and were provided with more mixed weirdness in a bowl and champagne, no one asked if either was driving and nothing else was offered to me.
From here even though the window was wide open and covered in condensation and the room being cold, this is when we started to enjoy the experience more.
The make- up lady I forget her name was very chatty and comfortable doing so, unfortunately even though I’m sure lovely the hair stylist did not know what to say and seemed uncomfortable.
Hair and make-up done we went through to see a lovely girl who guided us brilliantly through dress change and what to do through the photo shoot, this was the best part of the day as we had a laugh, even though she snapped quick and moved on and moved on in certainly did not feel rushed and we were very comfortable in her hands, she was the best person in the whole place and funny enough she is leaving so what does that tell you ha!
Lastly we were guided through to yay a warm room, no in fact it’s a sauna! By this time at near 4pm we finally get given what they call lunch…half a sandwich each, half the miniest scone you’ve ever seen each, thumbnail sized piece of flapjack and shortbread and some orange segments what are they for half time? Ebony bless her got us a cup of tea and we scoffed down the food in seconds and went through the 240 pictures that took forever.
The lady talked us through the packages and I did really want a keep sake for future as have nothing like that. They turned out better than I expected so I decided to go for a package but had to dwindle them down to 24, not an easy task but we did it or near enough.
I was so pleased to be leaving, we got what we were offered but not what we went for, so the vouchers that we received with this package I most certainly will not be using and I would not offer to anyone!
Debbie said on the way out did we enjoy ourselves because due to the problems we had received they wanted to make it the best day for us and spoil us, ha ha ha what?? Sorry when did you do that, did I miss something? Oh and by the way you know that weightloss plate? No I didn’t get to go on it!!! So after paying for a voucher that was for 5 treatments we in fact got nothing!!!#
CON CON CON!!! STEER CLEAR OF THIS PLACE!! WHAT AN UTTER DISGRACE!!!
I found a great deal with Wowcher for 5 treatments and spa for two people £49 what a great deal, so I snapped that up so that I could surprise my mum for her birthday. After receiving the voucher which advised me to contact the spa I wanted to go to I rang and rang and rang and rang with no one ever answering the phone, I left messages at 2 spas thinking one would eventually come back to me but no! It was getting closer and closer to the birthday date I was starting to think it was a scam so complained to Wowcher.
The proprietor of the stratford branch as this is a franchise, emailed me to say I was ringing the wrong number, advised to ring the number I was calling and choose option 4, I received an automated message to say we are now closed opening times are between 9-6 and this was 1:30pm. So I emailed him back to advise him of this and said I am not stupid I am ringing the right numbers that I have been given and I will plaster this all over Facebook and Twitter if I do not get a reply immediately as I believe this to be a con.
I eventually received an email to tell me when he was going to call which was not convenient so this went on and on, finally I get to speak to him (Keith) and he says... "how can I help"....
I was fuming he didn't even know what I wanted to speak with him about.
Once he realised, he back pedalled and said where did I want to book the experience so advised Swindon. Oh he doesn't deal with Swindon so I have to be passed over! Keith spoke to the proprietor of Swindon (Debbie) who called me, she was very pleasant over the phone and apologised for the situation and said that they are fully booked but would upgrade me to fit me in on my mums birthday she advised that there were treatments and the use of the spa and a photo shoot with a canvas free. I agreed as still needed to do something for mum and had run out of time to do anything else. I requested that she send me a confirmation with all the details so I knew what I was doing and where I was going etc standard practice for any business I would think.
She said she would send it straight away but later that afternoon I still had nothing so I called to check she had correct email address and still I got nothing. I emailed Keith back to say she is not contacting me and eventually I get an email saying.
“you are confirmed” That was it.
I emailed her back to say that was very unprofessional and could she provide me with even a little information like where I am going. I did not get a reply.
SPA DAY….
So we arrive at the Industrial estate! Mum doesn’t look impressed, great start!
Receptionist was miserable didn’t seem to know who we were what we were there for and certainly didn’t welcome us in the freezing cold reception with a smile.
After filling in a form with CONTRAINDICTIONS Great attention to detail they cannot even spell!
We were asked to hand over our clothes but not advised where we were going so I had to prompt her, “do I need to take my swimming costume in”
She took us through to a very dirty changing room and said nothing really about what we were doing apart from enjoy the spa. I asked about the treatments that I had bought with the voucher, I wanted to know what we going to have and when they were going to be, instantly I knew this was not going to be a good answer by the face on her! She said she would have a look and went off.
In comes Debbie, well she may as well have been Liz straight out from behind the Bar at the Rover Return in Coronation Street as she was wearing a Leopard Print Mac VERY PROFESSIONAL!!!
She advised me that she informed me over the phone that there were no treatments and she has upgraded me, well how the hell is that an upgrade when you don’t get anything you paid for its just a totally different experience which is not what I wanted at all and she was not clear over the phone and as she didn’t confirm what I was getting I was none the wiser of what I was actually getting as treatments were mentioned. With an upgrade you imagine you will get an even better experience. Not in this case!
Being a little bit stroppy with me she said “well if you don’t want it you can leave” We were there and I wanted to still do something for mum so we stayed. Very embarrassing in front of mum as this was supposed to be a nice surprise and I’m sure did not make her feel very special.
Mum and I got changed into our swimming costumes mum used the toilet to do so as no private changing rooms and came out stating that the place was disgusting, the toilet rolls looked like they were just chucked in. No care and attention what so ever!
We picked up the DAMP robes and towel that was provided and put them on in the freezing cold changing room to go through to the spa.
All the way through I had to hold onto mum for dear life as the floor was soaking wet with no grip tiles, steps leading up to the Jacuzzi also very slippery we had to take this very slowly in fear of falling. Sitting in the lovely COLD water Jacuzzi we had a very close chat with the lovely ladies that were sharing it, we felt so close to them by the end of it seeing as we were practically sitting on their laps! We both agreed that it was too cold and not relaxing at all so though the steam room would be better. Well to be steamed was nice and warming after that, but you couldn’t see a thing, I think they call it mood lighting…what lighting?? It was black! Throughout the whole so called spa experience, all I felt was cold and tense and all I could smell was stagnant water mainly from the Jacuzzi.
Not knowing what we were to do next and when as we were not told, we laid on the loungers in our damp cold robe after helping ourselves to cucumber water with the only plastic glass available just hoping that we hadn’t shared that with someone who had a cold sore or something!
Finally, someone to advise us of the situation and what is going to happen, Ebony who was lovely told us that we had the massage beds to go on and the weight loss plates however due to mums heart condition she was not allowed to go on that one so they were going to ply her with champagne while I had a go. We went upstairs and were given a very questionable bowl of mixed crisps and pretzels, very peckish we picked a little while sipping the champagne.
Requested to move onto the massage beds Ebony got us into position and advised us exactly what to do and left us to it for maybe half an hour, they warmed us slightly in what was still a cold room however the massage was just a buzz beneath me not relaxing and certainly not massaging! So we just sat there and chatted.
Ebony came back to move us on to the makeup room but being so cold I asked if we could go change. We came back and were provided with more mixed weirdness in a bowl and champagne, no one asked if either was driving and nothing else was offered to me.
From here even though the window was wide open and covered in condensation and the room being cold, this is when we started to enjoy the experience more.
The make- up lady I forget her name was very chatty and comfortable doing so, unfortunately even though I’m sure lovely the hair stylist did not know what to say and seemed uncomfortable.
Hair and make-up done we went through to see a lovely girl who guided us brilliantly through dress change and what to do through the photo shoot, this was the best part of the day as we had a laugh, even though she snapped quick and moved on and moved on in certainly did not feel rushed and we were very comfortable in her hands, she was the best person in the whole place and funny enough she is leaving so what does that tell you ha!
Lastly we were guided through to yay a warm room, no in fact it’s a sauna! By this time at near 4pm we finally get given what they call lunch…half a sandwich each, half the miniest scone you’ve ever seen each, thumbnail sized piece of flapjack and shortbread and some orange segments what are they for half time? Ebony bless her got us a cup of tea and we scoffed down the food in seconds and went through the 240 pictures that took forever.
The lady talked us through the packages and I did really want a keep sake for future as have nothing like that. They turned out better than I expected so I decided to go for a package but had to dwindle them down to 24, not an easy task but we did it or near enough.
I was so pleased to be leaving, we got what we were offered but not what we went for, so the vouchers that we received with this package I most certainly will not be using and I would not offer to anyone!
Debbie said on the way out did we enjoy ourselves because due to the problems we had received they wanted to make it the best day for us and spoil us, ha ha ha what?? Sorry when did you do that, did I miss something? Oh and by the way you know that weightloss plate? No I didn’t get to go on it!!! So after paying for a voucher that was for 5 treatments we in fact got nothing!!!#
CON CON CON!!! STEER CLEAR OF THIS PLACE!! WHAT AN UTTER DISGRACE!!!
Written January 21, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela H
York, UK16 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
I won a half day medi spa experience for two, so given that I have been very ill for a while, even though I'd had a bad experience with this chain in the past (see below) my best friend took the day off and we went together.
On the day, I was called up by the 'spa' and asked if we could come in early. I explained that were about an hour's drive away but could set off straight away, and their first response was to ask if we wanted to come another day! They clearly didn't want to bother with their last appointment of the day, unless we could get there immediately. I said that we would set off immediately and be there asap. We arrived about an hour early. So, having come early to do them a favour we were supposed to have our relaxing treatments (just what we needed after a busy morning and a mad dash to Swindon from the Forest of Dean!) followed by makeup, hair and photoshoot. Because their staff had gaps between clients they reversed the order of our day and instead of leaving looking ready for a glam night out, we left in our gym kits with our lovely curls all squashed after lying on a rubbish vibrating bed for half an hour. It was funny, but not relaxing.
The afternoon tea was tiny, and we only got it after we reminded them we hadn't eaten. It consisted of a couple of tiny triangles of cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches each, a mini scone each with squirty cream, and a few slices of kiwi fruit and oranges.
The staff were lovely, but we only received two of the three treatments we were promised. We left laughing, but for all the wrong reasons! Do yourself a favour, go somewhere else. Oh, and having spent almost £100 on photos, they sent us off with a blank CD!
(My previous experience was at the Cheltenham one a couple of years back where I had a massage in a freezing underground room with a mini heater that kept cutting out, and a file and polish that was so bad even the manager agreed it needed to come off. I was sat around waiting for 45 mins just to have the polish removed, after which I just told them I was leaving. Because it was a groupon deal, they wouldn't even give me a refund. Oh, and when I went to the loo I overheard the lady who did my nails being told how to do nails, as if she had never done them before! Awful!)
I really thought that the Swindon one deserved a chance, but after my experiences at two different branches, I will never ever use or recommend this chain. Please ladies, if you love a spa experience, this is not the place for you!
I would not go back. Not even for free.
On the day, I was called up by the 'spa' and asked if we could come in early. I explained that were about an hour's drive away but could set off straight away, and their first response was to ask if we wanted to come another day! They clearly didn't want to bother with their last appointment of the day, unless we could get there immediately. I said that we would set off immediately and be there asap. We arrived about an hour early. So, having come early to do them a favour we were supposed to have our relaxing treatments (just what we needed after a busy morning and a mad dash to Swindon from the Forest of Dean!) followed by makeup, hair and photoshoot. Because their staff had gaps between clients they reversed the order of our day and instead of leaving looking ready for a glam night out, we left in our gym kits with our lovely curls all squashed after lying on a rubbish vibrating bed for half an hour. It was funny, but not relaxing.
The afternoon tea was tiny, and we only got it after we reminded them we hadn't eaten. It consisted of a couple of tiny triangles of cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches each, a mini scone each with squirty cream, and a few slices of kiwi fruit and oranges.
The staff were lovely, but we only received two of the three treatments we were promised. We left laughing, but for all the wrong reasons! Do yourself a favour, go somewhere else. Oh, and having spent almost £100 on photos, they sent us off with a blank CD!
(My previous experience was at the Cheltenham one a couple of years back where I had a massage in a freezing underground room with a mini heater that kept cutting out, and a file and polish that was so bad even the manager agreed it needed to come off. I was sat around waiting for 45 mins just to have the polish removed, after which I just told them I was leaving. Because it was a groupon deal, they wouldn't even give me a refund. Oh, and when I went to the loo I overheard the lady who did my nails being told how to do nails, as if she had never done them before! Awful!)
I really thought that the Swindon one deserved a chance, but after my experiences at two different branches, I will never ever use or recommend this chain. Please ladies, if you love a spa experience, this is not the place for you!
I would not go back. Not even for free.
Written May 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sukyi8
Royal Wootton Bassett, UK159 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
Have purchase spa treatment vouchers for myself and 3 friends and is looking forward to our spa day in November 2014.
Just received a text to say they have ceased trading and all bookings have been cancelled. No way of contacting them to get my refund etc.
More disappointed as my friends and I have been looking forward to meeting up. This company is awful even though they are advertised with other branch in Cheltenham and Strafford, we cannot use the vouchers with them as they operate as seperate company.
This will teach me a lesson for buying any vouchers in future. Absoluately speachless.
Just received a text to say they have ceased trading and all bookings have been cancelled. No way of contacting them to get my refund etc.
More disappointed as my friends and I have been looking forward to meeting up. This company is awful even though they are advertised with other branch in Cheltenham and Strafford, we cannot use the vouchers with them as they operate as seperate company.
This will teach me a lesson for buying any vouchers in future. Absoluately speachless.
Written October 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Strattongirl
Swindon, UK13 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
I booked a double appointment for myself and my friend to have a one hour treatment each on a gift voucher, I'd received as a present. When we arrived the assistant manager told us there had been a mistake and we'd have to have our treatments one after another, so my friend had to rebook for the following day.
I paid the £7 upgrade to have gel polish in addition to the 'luxury pedicure' and what followed was nothing like I was expecting........
1)The beautician, (although very pleasant) didn't have the correct equipment ('we haven't got any foil') to remove the old polish and spent 40 mins scraping this off.
2)Then she didn't have anything to trim my nails ('the scissors are in the other room') so filed them down with an emery board.
3)Finally she put on the gel and that was it!
I have had this treatment many times before. Some at this spa (previously The Spa Retreat).
The usual luxury pedicure treatment consists of a a foot soak, sole and nail treatment, polish and a foot massage. As detailed above, during an hour and a half, I had my polish hacked off and new colour applied. Nothing else.
In addition to this, when I got home put my glasses on and checked the finish, I was very upset. My nails have been shaped badly and over-filed on the tops causing a very uneven surface. The gel application is also uneven and the gloss top coat has been missed in areas causing an uneven finish.
I telephoned the spa and was booked in again to rectify this.
When I duly arrived for my appointment the following day at 9am, the (pleasant) receptionist checked the details were correct, but no one had told the therapist and she wasn't coming in until 10am. Also there were no bulbs in the curing lamp so I couldn't have the treatment anyway.
I was asked to rebook again......
I have had a truly awful experience, twice. However, I now know all about how 'no one does the towels or gowns' 'you shouldn't have to bring your own lamp, should you?' And 'we probably won't get our wages this week!'
As a customer, I don't need to know about the staff issues.
Surely it makes good business sense that a customer comes to the spa, has a wonderful experience, leaves happy and tells all her friends about it?
This is the opposite of my experience. And while waiting for the manager to return from her holiday and contact me, I get a text message saying the spa has closed and all bookings cancelled! This company is still selling packages on Groupon, however!
I wonder who will take over this 'spa' next? and will they give it a good clean? and train the staff in good customer care? We shall see........
I paid the £7 upgrade to have gel polish in addition to the 'luxury pedicure' and what followed was nothing like I was expecting........
1)The beautician, (although very pleasant) didn't have the correct equipment ('we haven't got any foil') to remove the old polish and spent 40 mins scraping this off.
2)Then she didn't have anything to trim my nails ('the scissors are in the other room') so filed them down with an emery board.
3)Finally she put on the gel and that was it!
I have had this treatment many times before. Some at this spa (previously The Spa Retreat).
The usual luxury pedicure treatment consists of a a foot soak, sole and nail treatment, polish and a foot massage. As detailed above, during an hour and a half, I had my polish hacked off and new colour applied. Nothing else.
In addition to this, when I got home put my glasses on and checked the finish, I was very upset. My nails have been shaped badly and over-filed on the tops causing a very uneven surface. The gel application is also uneven and the gloss top coat has been missed in areas causing an uneven finish.
I telephoned the spa and was booked in again to rectify this.
When I duly arrived for my appointment the following day at 9am, the (pleasant) receptionist checked the details were correct, but no one had told the therapist and she wasn't coming in until 10am. Also there were no bulbs in the curing lamp so I couldn't have the treatment anyway.
I was asked to rebook again......
I have had a truly awful experience, twice. However, I now know all about how 'no one does the towels or gowns' 'you shouldn't have to bring your own lamp, should you?' And 'we probably won't get our wages this week!'
As a customer, I don't need to know about the staff issues.
Surely it makes good business sense that a customer comes to the spa, has a wonderful experience, leaves happy and tells all her friends about it?
This is the opposite of my experience. And while waiting for the manager to return from her holiday and contact me, I get a text message saying the spa has closed and all bookings cancelled! This company is still selling packages on Groupon, however!
I wonder who will take over this 'spa' next? and will they give it a good clean? and train the staff in good customer care? We shall see........
Written October 21, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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