The Spa At Estancia

A really cozy relaxing place. The staff is really accommodating. We got a couples message in a really cute bungalow outside. It was warm clean and welcoming. The message was one of the best messages we have both ever had. If I had to say one negative thing it would be that the facilities are a tad small. Other than that it was very nice.

Loved this place and would have given a 5 star but the pool is under construction and I think for the winter time of year they should include outside patio heaters in the common outdoor lounge areas. Staff was excellent and the massage I received was top rate. Very classy place.

Worst spa experience in my life! The Spa manager was so rude and has no clue when it comes to customer service… I was scheduled for a body scrub with a female and they ended up giving me a male. I told the manager this was not OK and instead of making the situation right she refused to stand up to the fact that they made a mistake and then she asked me to leave and rushed me out even though I was in a robe and had no clothes on. It was the most horrific spa experience in my life!!! I even noted to the manager that I had this day scheduled and I even hired my nanny that day and she still refused to be apologetic or make the situation OK. I had to ask her whether she was going to make the situation right and offer me another day or time and comp the service and she replied that she wasn’t going to do that and that I had to leave!!! Another spa guest had overheard the conversation and even as a stranger thought the manager was horrible as time is everything when you have a newborn and she should have been more accommodating and apologetic… Overall the spa was small and unprofessional and dirty… Not a relaxing experience by any means…

This spa is beautiful and clean. It has a calm and relaxing environment. We were plied with some wonderful tasting food and drinks. I opted for the full body massage because my body has been taking a beating lately. It felt wonderful at the time, but the next day I was a lot more sore than I thought I would be. I don’t know if this is typical of massages or not. Not sure if I would go back for a second visit.

My fiancé booked me a hot stone massage for my birthday, and let me just say, I’ve been to heaven and back. The spa is super cute, smells amazing with relaxing music playing in the background. The locker room is ADORABLE! Super glam and pretty, with beautiful sheer curtains. You instantly feel like a princess when you’re here. My masseuse was CECILIA. She was incredible. Her voice is relaxing, and she was great with the hot stones. I’ve honestly never felt more relaxed. At one point, I almost fell asleep! I like that she doesn’t talk through the massage because it really allows you to relax and be at peace. They have a cute eucalyptus pool with some lounge chairs that you can hang out at after your massage. I went on a Thursday, it wasn’t too busy or noisy at all. The ladies at the front are also super friendly. They have a private parking lot for the spa, parking is super easy to find and it’s free! I would totally recommend the hot stone massage here and CECILIA! Thanks for making my birthday perfect!

The very first spa day I’ve ever had in my life was the spa at Estancia La Jolla. Ooooooommmmg it was amazing! My sister treated me to a nail, facial and massage spa day and everything about the experience blew my mind. The only thing that I didn’t like was that my facial was AFTER my massage. And it was painful. So like I left not relaxed. lol! But otherwise it was amazing. This was a really long time ago, like I feel like it was like 10 years ago lol! But probably not bc that sounds like a really long time, but it’s quite possible lol!
I went back a second time and I was so sad. In between the two visits, I’ve received many many massages at various hotels and facilities and in comparison to everywhere else and my last visit, I feel like the spa at Estancia just let itself go. It’s sad but the effort is just not there anymore. First of all my massage was horrendous. I can’t remember, but I think I treated my sister this time and I bought us passes through groupon or something like that. And I think my masseurs was like pissed to have to give me a massage bc she was just in a really shit ass mood. I don’t normally talk during my massages, but I commented to my sister that I really liked the music they were playing I was like «OMG I feel like I’m in adventure» hahhaa and I wanted to know what the soundtrack was so I asked her. and she was like «long pause long silence. I don’t know.» all pissed. And I was like alright dang. And she was basically just rubbing me with lotion. Not massaging me, but rubbing me with lotion. I asked her to go a little deeper and she snapped at me she was like «If you want me to go deeper, then you’re going to have to pay extra bc what you got is the groupon blah blah blah blah blah» and i was like wooooow alright. I mean sorry I didn’t pay full price, but frick’n don’t offer a deal if you don’t want to work with it. It was a complete waste of a massage I was so disappointed.
Alright as far as the facilities, the relaxation lounge area is beaaaaaautiful! The big plush chairs, natural lighting streaming from the outside, nice breeze. The first time I went there they served the most amazing tea! One was like a popcorn tea and the other was ambrosia white tea. To this day, those are still like two of the most memorably delicious teas I’ve ever had. And cute like in individual little baggies. But then this past time, like the flavors of the tea were much more average and it was in like a big container that you pour from. It lost the luxury appeal. Lol but anyway the space was still beautiful, I love the patio outside of the relaxation room. But yeah I think we asked about the tea and the guy at the front desk who was the manager said he knew what tea we were talking about but yeah they didn’t have it lol.
What else. oh yeah I think when I first went there we got a bundle of stuff with individual sized samples. But this time around there was just a big giant jar of shampoo. conditioner and body wash in the showers. which is fine that’s what everyone does now right? But again, I mean that’s just a loss of luxury appeal. And I remember being so amazed at how thick the lather of their products were, but I had to pump a lot to get it going this past time, I just remember being disappointed with the products. Oh and then also my sister and I went into the jacuzzi and it was dirty. Like just dirty and I saw some mold. The first time we went there too, we like lounged in a cabana by the pool, but this time there was construction eeeeeeverywhere so we didn’t even try we were just like whatever let’s just leave this place is a disappointment.
Anyway, maybe I’ll go there again one day and just make sure I don’t get the same girl I had last time. but there’s so many other spas in San Diego and especially since the quality of this one has fell so far from my first experience, I probably won’t be back. I’m giving it a 3 as an average of both my experiences.

Located inside the La Estancia I tried the spa whole staying for a few days. As you walk in there are some lockers and then a steam room. There’s 2 outside areas one of which has the jacuzzi which was great to relax. The other outside area had a fireplace going and you can just lounge. There is a quiet room but it’s connected to service rooms so it wasn’t quite. Overall nice experience.

I purchased a Travelzoo voucher for a spa day at The Spa at Estancia at $ 99 per person. When we arrived at the hotel, we turned towards the route that pointed towards the spa, stopped at the parking gate, where the intercom instructed us to turn off our car engines, and dial the spa to be let in. The same happened for when we left the spa.
The Travelzoo voucher had the following services included:
— 50-​minute Rest Massage with hydrating foot treatment
— Glass of sparkling wine
— Sample ARCONA Skin Care kit to take home
— Complimentary parking
— Full amenity access to the fitness center, eucalyptus steam room, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, meditation garden, and the hotel’s heated saltwater pool and whirlpool
I have to say that my experience was amazing. In the women’s locker room there is a eucalyptus steam room (sauna), and right outdoors there is a saltwater jacuzzi, where clothing is optional for both since they were for females only. Fear not couples — there are the same rooms/​pools for the males in their own changing rooms.
We checked in a about 15 minutes early, and were shown our lockers that was complete with a bathrobe and set of slippers. The bathrobes were large and plush, and kept me toasty warm through the rain and wind we had on our spa day. Provided for you is lemon-​cucumber infused water and tea in the relaxation lounge areas while you wait for your masseuse, and right outdoors is a gas-​fire place with plenty of seating (though all the cushions were put away due to rain). Through side doors in the relaxation lounge are massage rooms, where our therapists led us into for our massage treatment.
My Rest Massage was wonderful! My masseuse described it as light pressure, but I would describe it more as firm pressure that’s used all over your body. Because I love deep tissue therapeutic massages, the service was absolutely healing. Shoulders, arms, legs, neck and head, there’s not a spot that wasn’t tended to during the treatment. The hydrating foot treatment was more than a simple foot massage with hydrating oils — they wrap your feet in warm towels and cover it with plastic bag to literally hydrate your feet! Overall, I felt well-​pampered and was greeted with a glass of champagne and water when I came back out to the relaxation area.
Each gender locker/​changing rooms had their own steam rooms and outdoor saltwater pool. The outdoor saltwater pool is surrounded by lounge chairs underneath greenery for you to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Right outside the steam room is a bucket of cold towels for you to put on your face as you sit in the humidified room.
Whirlpool — Typical 104 °F temperature in a jacuzzi and large enough to seat at least 8 people comfortably. It was great to jump in there and relax sore muscles.
Heated pool — In the midst of cool air and light rain, there are few people to brave the mildly heated pool. The pool was large and had varying depths of 3 feet to 5 feet.
There was a meditation sand garden that was empty but to me it didn’t seem like I would personally get much use out of it. The showers in the locker rooms was stocked with body soap, shampoo, conditioner and shaving cream. Two showers and two bathrooms are provided in the women’s room. The spa provides small amenities such as mouthwash, lotion, hair dryers, hair brushes, cotton swabs, etc. Note for future visitors — Bring your own sandals if you can! The sandals that Estancia provides hurts your feet. :(
Last but not least, our spa day included use of the fitness center. So what was better than finishing off my 4 hour day at Estancia than a quick 5k on a treadmill? Small and modest room, but stocked with towels, cold refrigerated towels, oranges (I wonder if they switch the type of fruit on occasion?), and a water filtration system for cold or hot water.
We both forgot to ask for our ARCONA skin care kits, but honestly, I don’t mind that I didn’t get it. I was slightly annoyed that I had to ask for something I had already paid for… but I guess it is what it is.
All in all, it was a great visit. I’ll definitely be back when the time comes.

The spa at Estancia is AMAZING.
From the minute I walked in the door I was greeted cheerfully and all of my questions were answered.
Ed was the massage technician I had and he was fabulous. Focusing on my problem areas and completely relaxing me. I strongly suggest you visit the spa. ASAP! I know I I will be back as soon as I can!

My girlfriend and I were very pleased with our experience today. When we first walked in we were greeted warmly by the receptionist and then were quickly escorted to the men’s and women’s locker rooms.
Inside the men’s locker room is a bathroom area with mirror, two showers, a steam room, towels soaked in ice water, an outdoor hot tub, and a changing area with lockers and a mirror. Everybody gets their own locker, and in the locker is a towel, robe, and a pair of slippers.
We booked the couples bungalow, which came with two complimentary glasses of Champagne and a pre-​massage hot tub soak in our own private courtyard. Then we moved to the bungalow for a satisfying massage. To provide full disclosure, this was my first proper massage, so as far as I can tell it was awesome, but I have no basis for comparison.
My only complaints are that the hot tub outside the men’s locker room looked a little grimy and that we could hear conversations coming from the women’s outdoor hot tub area from our bungalow. Thankfully the last problem was solved by closing the bungalow doors.
As a plus though, this spa is really nice, provides an experience approaching higher end spas (I’m guessing), and is reasonably priced compared to said higher end spas like the Grand Del Mar, Pala, Aviara, and Rancho Valencia.

Just completed my third visit to Estancia this year (about 7 nights overall in 2014). Third visit because my wife and I love the grounds, the rooms, and the service. Third visit because I knew for a romantic getaway that Estancia would do us right. I booked the Romance Package which included great amenities including a Couples Massage.
Estancia has become my family’s go-​to getaway spot in La Jolla area.

What a great little escape and surprise for my girlfriends birthday. I was able to work with the staff over the phone to come up with the best plan to share this experience. As you walk in to the quaint lobby, you are guided back to the mens or womens lounge where the spa opens up to a changing area, spa tub, shower, and sauna. Follow through to the lounge and you’ll find plenty of seats and an outside area to meet with your partner near the fireplace. Going back to the couples massage house is amazing. First treated with a nice outdoors soak, you come inside to a tight massage house where you are laid next to your partner for a 60 or 80 minute massage. Each massage is catered to you for a relaxing or rejuvenating experience.

I’m so mad at this sad experience of a spa day… my daughter treated me for my b’day the relaxation massage was ok, except for the bad breath on the masseuse … than my first facial ever… what a joke… NOT RELAXING and the so called lavender smelled stale almost yeasty… now to the cleanliness of the place… the eucalyptus steam room smelled like straight chlorine… the waste baskets in the vanity area were overflowing,
used towels by the Jacuzzi… and Dixie cups blowing in the wind on the floor… very classy.
My daughter ordered us two Mimosas to toast to my birthday… they were served in a Dixie cup with the lame excuse that they were out of the plastic champagne flutes… besides the mimosas tasted like sunny delight… all in all an expensive disappointment… my daughter works hard for her money and I feel bad about the way this turned out… PLEASE GO ELSEWHERE… unless you want to waste your money…

Surreal. It was everything I hoped for. The couples massage retreat area was beautiful, private and luxurious. The outdoor jetted tub for two with lush greenery; tall plaster walls for privacy, and two glasses of champagne was a relaxing precursor to the couples massage. Our masseuses were interested in meeting our specific massage needs. Deep tissue for my boyfriend met his approval while my masseuse gave me the best foot massage ever.
We will be back in July, this time I will make more time to enjoy a workout and the pool too.

First of all, the spa is at the far end of the hotel and following signs gets you there but is tucked back in even when I was walking up I ended up walking through the gym to get there. Maybe it was a blonde moment for me ha!
The spa facilities were beautiful and clean. It’s still small and quant but has everything you need, salt water hot tub, steam room and a shower. The relaxation room is beautifully decorated with a Moroccan feel and also has an attached outdoor area with tons of seating.
I selected the medium pressure (Inspiration) massage since it had been awhile and I didn’t want to be in pain for days. My masseuse was amazing! I highly recommend her, Maisie. She listened to my trouble areas and worked a ton on those but didn’t ignore the rest of my body either. I hope I can afford to go back one day! I really hope to go back and check our the hotel and pool area!

A friend and I stayed at the Estancia for four days, three nights and on our first day had appointments for massage at the Spa.
Our greeting at the front desk was lovely, and so were the accomodations on the women’s locker room area. We didn’t use the showers since we had rooms at the hotel, but the lockers, the steam room, the personal spa, and private patio were very nice. The only thing missing from the locker area was makeup remover.
In the co-​ed waiting area, the vibe, music, décor, and spa water/​tea were very pleasant. The chairs were unbelievable comfortable, and the outside zen area/​fireplace also nice. This is where the 5 stars drops down one. It isn’t peaceful! The whole time you are trying to relax (pre or post session), the therapists and other staff are walking in/​out through four different doors! I expect for the clients to come in/​out and talk lightly, but the constant doors, people, and traffic is not relaxing at all.
Onto the service… wow…I had a male masseusee. I want to say his name is Ed. And he was fantastic! I think I was slobbering when we were done.
My recommendation (and this is for any spa), if you can book your appointments for during the week, rather than the weekend, the spa is less busy, especially with day trippers.

There’s a common perception that your typical female masseuse does not have the strength required to give a truly excellent deep tissue massage. Those of you with this preconception should book an appointment with Jennifer at the Estancia Spa. You’ll be crying like an NFL player without a contract extension.
Be sure to go check out the saltwater jacuzzi after your session.

The Spa is what I would expect from a hotel spa. There are 2 showers, a steam room, salt water whirl pool jacuzzi (on the Women’s side at least — assuming its the same on the Men’s side). The facility was clean and the robes were comfy.
We booked 2 Inspire massages (their fancy name for the medium pressure massages) at The Spa. We had to juggle some things around with our schedule and the staff was able to accommodate our last minute changes. My girl was great! She focused on areas that I asked her to focus on and remembered to ask if I was suffering from any injuries (I know this is supposed to be standard, but therapists forget to ask more often than I’d like). Unfortunately, my boyfriend’s massage therapist delivered the massage with extremely light pressure.
The price was what you would expect from a hotel spa. Had we not been guests at the hotel, we might have preferred to receive services elsewhere.
All in all, no major complaints. I’d return if I was a guest at the Estancia, but definitely wouldn’t go out of my way.

I took a ½ day off today and did the Spa at Estancia. I got a 50 minute hot stone massage and a 25 minute foot reflexology. With 20% tip it was $ 252 total. Definitely go during the week, because Monday-​Thursday is discounted and it’s not crazy busy.
The spa is pretty small, but they have a locker/​changing area, 2 showers, toilet area, steam room, relaxation room (a room to wait in with couches, magazines, lemon water, and a basket of fruit), a salt water Jacuzzi with outdoor shower, and use of the hotel pool. You can also have your massage outside under a cabana surrounded by bamboo. I’m not sure if that costs extra, and it actually seemed nicer to be in the room. They stock everything you’d need after you’re covered in massage oil: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, clean hairbrushes, hair dryers, Q-​tips, cotton rounds, body lotion, hair spray, hair gel, deodorant, mouthwash, razors, shaving cream, little shaving cream cups, and washcloths in ice for the steam room. Everything was clean, and pretty well stocked. Staff were friendly — varying between really friendly and friendly-​because-​its-​my-​job, but still nice.
The hot stone massage was very nice, but I didn’t think it was any big deal over a regular massage. Although, I did feel a bit like Daenerys Targaryen with all the hot rocks. The reflexology was super. I almost wished I’d gone with a shorter massage and longer reflexology, but I LOVE having my feet rubbed. Once your «treatment» is done you can hang around in the relaxation room, the Jacuzzi, the steam room, or check out at the desk and get a key card for the pool. So basically you can hang out all day until they close.
They will ask you when you check out (and you’re all massage-​dopey) if you want to add a 20% tip — before they even tell you the total. So if you’re not a 20% tipper say so. They lose a star because the spa is so hard to find from the main entrance. The signs are small and infrequent, and the path leads you through the hallways of the guest rooms. Save yourself the trouble of playing Lewis and Clark; ask the valets to bring you over in the golf cart. They could also stock some plastic sandals that aren’t a large size. Mine were so big I almost tripped in them.
Overall, it was a nice spa, I recommend it, and I’ll definitely be back.

If you read my other reviews, you’ll know I’m a spa snob. The Spa at Estancia is beautiful and well appointed. Showers, steam room, salt water jacuzzi, super fluffy robes in the locker room.
But… I was told I could hang out I the spa and T my appt. time, someone would come and get me. About 15 minutes into my txtime, my therapist got me. When I got back to my room, there was a MSG onmy cellphone asking where I was… After I told the front desk girl at the spa, I’d be in the spa area, relaxing.
So, minus 2 stars for that.
The sugar scrub had a nice scent. Pineapple and coconut. The therapist had a very light hand, but I’m sure she gets all types, so a lighter hand is better for tips than a super hard scrub, which I would have preferred. The scrub was very brief, or at least it felt that way, I honestly didn’t feel like she spent enough time on my legs, hands, or arms. You know, the parts of my body that are exposed every day? She totally skipped my décolleté area and my neck, and my glutes. I understand that in American spas, nudity is taboo, but if I am paying for a hole body treatment, at least treat my whole body. minus one star.
After iwas rinsed with the awesome Vichy shower, I was asked to leave the room so she could change he bed linens. I came back in and she applied the lotion. It had a yummy scent. Again a very light touch, almost tickling me.
After wards, I hung out in the relaxation room and waited for my foot reflexology treatment. That therapist had a super firm hand and knew what she was doing. It was great.
I did not care for the check out process at the spa. They ask you if you’d like to leave a 25% tip without showing you the bill or letting you sign it and notate your own tip (like at a restaurant). Not wanting to appear to be a cheap douche, I agreed, but only because the spa lobby was full of ppl. The body scrub was not worth the 25% tip. So minus one star for that.
So there you have it. The spa itself is very nice, relaxing, serene, but the service can be hit or miss, and check out of the spa… fuggitaboutit.