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The Catamaran Spa
Category: Beauty and Spas Day Spas Day Spas [Edit]
3999 Mission Blvd(between Pacific Beach Dr & Wavecrest Ct)
San Diego, CA 92109
Neighbourhood: Pacific Beach
(858) 539-8820
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Validated
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
38 reviews for The Catamaran Spa
37 reviews in English
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Review from Laurie M.
San Diego, CA
I loved the Catamaran Spa! It is so beautiful and clean, and relaxing. I went there for my annual birthday spa day with my sis, and it was among the best.
On the way to the Catamaran, I got a flat tire, which totally sucked! I immediately called them to let them know what happened, and that I would probably miss my facial appointment, but I would do everything I could to get there in time for my massage. The receptionist was so nice about it! I totally felt that she empathized--yes, it does suck to get a flat on your birthday, and she got that. She assured me that she understood that emergencies happen, and of course they would not charge me the typical last-minute cancellation fee. The receptionist also tried to squeeze me into an appointment later that day with a facialist. Even though it did not work out with my schedule to come back later that day, I really appreciated the effort to try to help me maintain my plans for a full-out spa day!
When I finally worked out the car sitch and arrived at the Catamaran, I was very frazzled, and looking forward to relaxing. Although I definitely did miss my facial, they were so understanding and gracious. They showed me around, took me to the locker room and told me where I needed to go to wait for my massage. Once in the waiting area, there were all sorts of teas available, and also some fruit. They have nice relaxing chaise lounge-like chairs to wait for whichever treatment you are having. It was nice to catch my breath and finally relax. Except for the two loud Chatty Cathy's in there, it was a serene waiting area. I caught up with my sister, who had just finished her facial, and within a few minutes, we were each taken into separate rooms for massages. The masseuse (I forgot her name!) had heard about my ordeal and did her best to relax me. The massage was great, if a little unmemorable. But really, I was just happy to finally be there, and impressed with how accommodating they were about me being late and missing my first appointment!
After the massage, I was able to spend a little time in the jacuzzi outside, as well as the steam room and sauna. Although, honestly, I really don't get the whole steam room/sauna appeal. It's so hot, and I hate getting all sweaty when you are just stting in a room! But I guess that's the point?! Even though it's not really my cup of tea, the rooms were hot and clean and smelled really great (the steam room smelled like eucalyptus, and the sauna smelled like burning cedar). What is great is that just outside of these rooms, there is a bowl of cold wash clothes, sitting in ice! It was great to cool down with that, such a great idea to have that right after sitting in a hot room.
Basically, the Catamaran Spa is really great. Anything you may need is available in the locker room, and the staff does the best job of keeping everything restocked, clean and quiet. It is definitely one that I will come back to for my annual spa day. It's so nice to have this place so close, because it is definitely an indulgence! -
Review from Cheryl T.
North Hollywood, CA
I enjoyed a thearaputic (deep-tissue massage) and a seasonal facial. Both therapists were very friendly, professional, and did nice work.
They feature different specials every month on their webpage. The facial I received was normaly $125, but on special for $100.
The facilities are clean, well-stocked, and recently renovated.
The ladies spa has wonderul showers, a dry sauna, and a steam sauna. My only complaint is that the whirlpool is outside. I definitely wasn't expecting to shuffle outside of the spa to use the whirlpool.
The Catamaran Spa is definitely the best spa in the area, but not one of the best spas I've visited. Nevertheless, the staff did a wonderful job and I would probably return. -
Review from Christopher O.
El Dorado Hills, CA
Kinda pricy but who cares when your on vacation right... ugh!
At the end of the day the massages were very nice and most needed! My experience was over far too quick although it was still 80 minutes. Do they have 2 hour massages?!?!?
Actually this place had a very nice set up!
Sauna, steem room, jacuzzi, showers, massage rooms and relaxation room.
Overall I had to reconsider my 3 stars up to 4 because of the nice layout this place had to provide. Glad we ended up here!
Cheers,
O -
Review from Cherie S.
Sunnyvale, CA
A sanctuary--aren't we all searching for one? A calm and quite refuge where we can take a pause and quiet the chatter of our minds and soak our souls until our outlook brightens and our skin softens? Catamaran Spa...take me away.
For $25 you can enjoy all the amenities at the spa including a sauna, steam room and an incredible relaxation lounge with warm tea and soft music. Bonus: also included is a secluded outdoor Jacuzzi with a waterfront view. And for you health nuts--there's even a gym.
This is a peaceful spa to gather the ladies and enjoy a day of economical pampering. Those who want services (massages and more) can get them--but those with limited budgets can enjoy all the benefits of the spa for a measly $25 bucks. In this busy and hectic world, Catamaran spa is an inexpensive treat. Hint: if you time it right, you can hit the hotel bar for happy hour and put the toxins back in your body.
**They even validate parking!
Men--want to give the woman in your life a gift she'll never forget? Give her a generous gift card to Catamaran Spa and tell her to take her closest friends. -
Review from Julia S.
San Diego, CA
So wonderful!!! I LOVE the Catamaran Spa, period.
It is one of my favorite spas and I'm a bit of a massage junkie. The facilities are wonderful. Clean, peaceful and luxurious. With your treatment you get access to there pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. I've never had anything less than a fantastic massage there. Always on the top of my B-Day, Anniversary and X-Mas lists!! -
Review from Centurian M.
San Diego, CA
Got a massage here for my Birthday. Excellent facilities, atmosphere, and ambiance.
Best part about it was the massage, hands down, the BEST massage I have ever had in my life-the best as I can imagine.
Massage therapist was Tara Emily, simply put- she's amazing.
I had an 80 min full body Swedish and a 20 min reflexology, I was in heaven- I actually dozed off a few times. Im sure the other therapists are great but my only experience is with Tara Emily and she was truly gifted.
Add that to the ambiance, the facilities and the overall friendliness of the staff and you can bet that I will definitely be going back. -
Review from Natalya C.
San Diego, CA
This is a hidden gem in PB. The spa located inside of the Catamaran Hotel. I've been going to this spa for a few years now just to use the spa itself. You pay $25 bucks for the entire day (9am-9pm) and you are able to use their hot sauna, steam room, jacuzii, pool. They give you a locker, nice bathrobe and flip flops. The facility itself is extremely clean, not too many people use it, the relaxation room has fruits, teas and spa water (cucumber + lemon). The entire spa has nice aroma and soothing music. Great place to have a girls spa day or just go by yourself, you will love it !
ps.. they validate your parking ticket, so you can park in the hotel parking lot. -
Review from La A.
San Diego, CA
Wow I highly recommend going here for a relaxing retreat. One of the best spas I've been to and my fave in SD so far.
I had the Inara Ritual which is a must! There are 4 different rituals to choose from and I picked this one because of the combination of treatments and the products used. It included a sugar scrub + body wrap + scalp massage, a jet milk bath, and full body massage. One person performs all of the treatments. I can't remember her name but she was amazing! Sometimes spa massages are more relaxing than therapeutic but she was able to make the massage both relaxing and effective. Their treatment room is also designed for the ritual so you don't have to go back and forth between different rooms. Better continuity of the peaceful ambiance.
It is pricey at $275 + tip but it is a great deal for 3 services included (2 hours 30 minutes). They have specials each month which brings down the cost to $245 sometimes.
I will definitely come back to treat myself to a ritual again!
Note: they don't accept Spa Finder or Spa Week gift certificates. -
Review from Donna A.
Beautiful, classy & clean. There is even a work out area to go before your treatment with outdoor equipment and bay views. I had a great facial and it was a lovely experience.
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Review from Jae M.
San Jose, CA
MY FIRST 5 STAR REVIEW!!!
I must say, this is the best spa experience I have ever had. The workers were very nice and helpful. The women's locker room was decorated very nice and had soft music playing in the background. With a treatment you have access to the locker room, fitness center (if you aren't already staying at the hotel), a whirlpool for spa guests only until they close at 9P.
Melisa C. and I were in SD for a weekend getaway and decided to get massages at our hotel spa. We dressed in a comfy robe and slippers made our way to the whirlpool since we were about 30 min early. The whirlpool was really nice, towels available for you and the view was just beautiful, looking out at the water behind the hotel.
We headed back in about 10 minutes before our treatment and chilled in the relaxation/waiting room. I TOTALLY want a room like that in my house. Cabana style, dimly lit, fruit for the taking, cold and hot water for tea. Pillows and blankets were a very awesome touch.
It finally came time for the massages and it was pretty much ok. 25 minutes of a back head and shoulder massage. Not life changing but it did it's duty. I felt more relaxed and ready for a nice steam. Can I tell you how awesome it was that the steam room was scented with eucalyptus?!!?! BTS!! maybe not, but you get my point. There is also a shower inside the steam room so if you get too hot, you can get a quick splash of cooler water. and if it was too hot to stay in, they had ice cold water just outside the door.
The showers were stocked with shampoo conditioner lotion and shaving cream. Towels were always available. The vanity room was stocked with everything you could need to fix yourself up. In addition to hair dryers and curling irons, hair spray and gel, there was also combs, hair ties, disposable razors, and qtips. I had to control my grabby hands because, after all, it's a classy place people.
After that we went to have Sunday Brunch at the hotel. Luckily we had all day access because we came back, changed into our robes, and took a 30 minute nap in the relaxation room. OH yeah.. Heaven!
PS- there's mouthwash in a soap/lotion dispenser in the sink area with small plastic cups. TOOOO CUTE! I'm going to steal this idea when I have my own place! -
Review from Tim F.
San Diego, CA
Can't comment on the rooms as I live directly across the street. What I can comment on is the facilities and food. We have lived across the street from this place for a few years but suprisingly never ate dinner there. First let me say that the property is beautifully maintained with a style that is dereived directly from the islands. Needless to say, me being a big fan of Hawaii in general, this made me feel like I might be in a resort on O'ahu. Right down to the waterfall display,landscaping, tiki torches, weekly luau's, booze cruises to paradise point and wardrobe of employees ect.
We walk across the street, shuffle through some tourist and are immediately seated outside on the patio with a beautiful bay view. Just so happens we went during the luau. Listening to the sounds of ukelele and watching a mixture of the dances of a variety of islands cultures we place our order. I ordered a mixed green salad to start and the tenderloin of beef with sweet potato puree and roasted red peppercorn sauce. My wife ordered the special which was the halibut. My salad came out quickly and was fantastic, fresh, green and the tomatoes were delicious.
Enjoying the view and and sights and sounds of the luau it wasn't long before the attentive and pleasant waiter brought out our food. I asked my steak to be cooked medium, though IMO it came out medium rare. After tasting it, I didn't care that it was a little under what I asked for as it was delicious. The sweet potato puree was something I never had before and now I am a fan. My wifes halibut was PERFECT...moist and flavorful and cooked to perfection. The bill came out and it was not cheap, but we didn't expect it to be. I think it was around 80 bucks not including tip but well worth it for the quality of food and service coupled with view and entertainment ammenities.
*thumbs up to my neighbor The Catamran. You have earned yourself another local fan!. -
Review from Cassandra A.
Huntington Beach, CA
I went to the Catamara Spa for a weekend with my mother and I was thoroughly impressed, which is a big deal for me because I'm Type-A and a bit of a germaphobe.
Everything was super clean from the locker room and public amenities to the treatment rooms. The staff was incredibly courteous too. Every attendant/therapist I encountered assured we were comfortable without being overwhelming or fake. And the place was QUIET! No disturbing footsteps or voices passing by the treatment rooms at all!
The relaxation room is large enough to give yourself distance from other patrons but still feels cozy and private. Fruit, infused water, and tea is all available and kept fresh. We spent quite a bit of time in here, as spa guests are welcome to use the spa ameneties all day.
The services were amazing. We got massages, pedicures, facials, and haircuts and we were extremely pleased with them all. Everyone asked for our likes/dislikes and actually listened and took them into account.
I haven't a single negative thing to say. I love this spa! -
Review from Marie D.
Dear Catamaran,
Allow me to give you a little lesson on surviving a bad economy. Do not turn customers away, and do your best to be flexible to accomodate them. It's really quite simple.
Here's what happened, I called asking for 2 spa pedicure appointments at 5pm in one week's time. I was told by the receptionist that there is only one nail tech (no biggie), but that it didn't matter anyway since they don't have appointments available after 3:30. I asked if there was any other day that an appointment could be booked later. The answer was a simple "no."
I used to manage a spa. Here's what you do. You say, let me check with the nail tech and see if she's able to stay for a later appointment (either that day or another day), if I might have your number, I'd be happy to call you back and let you know if we can accommodate you.
Instead, they just lost out on $160.00 including gratuity for 2 pedicures, plus the potential for future business.
Which is really quite stupid. Oh well. Their loss. -
Review from Andrea M.
San Diego, CA
Ahhhh, serenity at last. The Catamaran SPA's idyllic design almost forces you to take a deep breath and relax. Arrive as early as possible before your treatment to fully utilize the sauna, steam room, shower, and Jacuzzi. Next go into the relaxation room offering complimentary aromatic teas, cucumber ice water, and fresh fruit. There are so many great treatments to choose ranging from 25 to 80 minutes in duration. My perfect spa day includes use of the amenities before and after my 80 minute deep tissue massage and facial by Kiri. This woman changed my life. After spending thousands of dollars trying to find products right for me, Kiri suggested Being True which is a great all natural line the Catamaran sells on site. Thanks Kiri!
The Catamaran spa leaves you feeling refreshed and as if you're in a constant state of meditation. -
Review from Naomi P.
Emeryville, CA
Visited this spa over 4th of July weekend with 4 other ladies (bachelorette weekend) and what a treat! The spa was only able to accommodate four massages, so I opted for the Classical Cleansing Facial, instead.
The amenities were incredible. Started off with the whirlpool with views of the beach and ocean literally yards away! After taking advantage of the steam room and sauna room, a few of us decided to play a bit of beach volleyball prior to the massages. The fact that we were able to enjoy the best of both worlds (beach activity and relaxation at the spa), is unbeatable.
I definitely recommend this place to anyone that happens to be in the San Diego area. I felt like I was in Hawaii as I walked into the hotel due to their waterfall and forestry. You definitely do feel like it's you're very own spa. -
Review from Hope R.
I love spa treatments, but rarely find them worth the price. Thus I always look forward to spa week, during which spas across the city offer a trio of $50 treatments. My top choice is SK Sanctuary in La Jolla, but it doesn't always participate in spa week, and is booked immediately when it does. I decided to try the Spa at the Catamaran Hotel. The Yelp reviews promised an elegant, full treatment spa (although the spa reviews were mixed in with hotel reviews, which is why I'm writing for the Catamaran Spa specifically).
When I arrived at the Resort, I was surprised to find it a bit outdated and stale. After wandering through many faded narrow halls, I was relieved to find the spa entrance. I checked in and was promptly guided through each of the spa amenities and the locker room. Soothing island colors - aquamarine, sand, and wood - checker the tile walls and fan mosaics on the floor. Small Buddhist statues, orchids, and Polynesian furniture accent the elegant and simplistic atmosphere. I customized the security code for my locker, and changed into their soft bathrobe and not so comfortable plastic flip flops (how could they confuse plastic with luxury?). With nearly two hours to spare before my facial, I didn't know which amenity to enjoy first: the Jacuzzi, the fitness center, the steam room, the sauna, or the relaxation room.
Since it was still beautiful outside, I headed for the outdoor Jacuzzi. Seated just steps away from the Mission Bay Boardwalk, I soaked in sailboats on the bay, friendly volleyball games, and avid joggers. Somehow the glass fence enclosing the Jacuzzi kept anyone from looking in (so I could see but not be seen) and even muted the sounds of the boardwalk. Even better, the Jacuzzi was solely for spa patrons, and thus not full of hotel guests and children running amuck. The Jacuzzi itself was gorgeous with iridescent tiles and wooden lounge chairs.
Next up, the eucalyptus steam room complete with a cool-off shower. I grabbed an ice-soaked washcloth for my neck, shed the robe and bikini, and lounged naked in the opaque steam for about 30 minutes. I was thrilled to have it all to myself, not feeling very comfortable in a room full of naked, sprawled out women. My only complaint was the sound produced when steaming up the room. It's normally loud, but this startled the tranquility and stiffened my relaxed muscles. I had the same frightened sensation when flushing the unbelievably loud toilet in the bathroom (Those are probably my only complaints about this spa. Yes, it's that good.)
With a bit of time to spare before my facial, I decided to explore the relaxation room. This might have been my favorite amenity. Cucumber-lemon water, fresh peaches and oranges, a selection of hot tea, individual tubs of honey, and gourmet trail mix sit atop a small bar. After helping myself to tea and a few magazines, I slid into one of the wooden lounge chairs nestled underneath a flowing white canopy.
The facial was just as soothing and beneficial as the rest of my experience. Nikki was wonderful and I'd ask for her again. She was tender but diligent, performing all the treatments without irritating my skin (yes the extractions pinched, but she did not break skin or leave swollen marks). She also answered all of my questions about skincare and products very honestly, admitting that common brands such as Oil of Olay can be just fine. She gave me a sample of a product she used, but didn't pressure me to buy it (she didn't even suggest it). As a result, I've tried it and for the first time ever, I will be buying a spa product with no remorse.
This was a fantastic spa experience and I will come back again, but probably not until next spa week. If you can actually afford spa treatments regularly, then pay the slight premium and enjoy all the luxurious amenities and service the Catamaran has to offer -
Review from Shannon K.
San Diego, CA
I went for the first time, and am already trying to figure out how long it will take me to save up enough to go back!! Actually, I created my yelp account today just so I could review this. It didn't seem like there were a ton of recent reviews, so I just wanted to say that it is definitely a wonderful place!
An older review mentions that the hotel is outdated?? I have no idea what that person was talking about. The lobby is lush and has a gorgeous waterfall. You do have to walk around the restaurant to get to the spa, but you walk along floor to ceiling windows with a gorgeous view of the bay.
The receptionist was very nice, as was the person who gave me the tour. Side note: you have to provide a credit card upon making your reservation. Anyway, the amenities are very nice, and seemed clean and well maintained.
The relaxation room was nice, but a magazine or two to peruse might have been nice. I wanted to just sit and wind down, but a few women insisted upon having a conversation, so that wasn't really possible. Save that for the locker room ladies.
My masseuse was Todd, and he was fabulous!! I will definitely ask for him when I return.
I sat in the steam room and sauna for a few minutes after my treatment, but as much as I want to be, I'm just not a steam/sauna gal. They were nice rooms though.
I did take advantage of the spa whirlpool, and thought I wouldn't like being outside by the bay, but it was actually really nice to relax with that view. And because the whirlpool is recessed, you don't feel stared at by the people walking by.
Finally, I braved the walk through the lobby in my robe because I really wanted a dip in the pool. It was worth it...the pool is heated, but it felt great after the hot whirlpool.
A great shower, and plenty of beauty products in the vanity area made for a great end. (I have a one year old, so even a shower is a luxury to me!) In fact, the person in charge of the locker room (can't remember her name) even grabbed a plastic bag for my swimsuit for me, and when I realized I had no moisturizer and my face was getting all dry and tight, grabbed a sample for me to use. Awesome service!!!!!
All in all, the staff was friendly, smiling, and very pleasant. The features were clean, well maintained, and also pleasantly empty on a weekday. I can't wait to go back!! -
Review from Roseann S.
El Cajon, CA
I went back this year for another Mother's Day pampering. I loved how they had a Mother's Day package available. A total of $200 which included a 50 minute massage and a 50 minute facial. It was my first time doing a facial here at Catamaran, and my oh my, I LOVED it. So relaxing, i literally feel asleep. Caroline was the one who helped with my facial. I am so going to request her every time I go into this spa. She made my visit so memorable.
Let me start off with the tour of the Spa. This time the tour guide showed me the pool area. I never knew that they had a pool just outside the first time i visited. No biggie it's all good cuz right when she took me inside, everything seemed to come back to me.
I loved the personalized locker combo. my goodness it's so cool. lol I had the same locker when i came here last year. Freaky i know but yea what a coincidence.
I had about 10 minutes to spare before my facial. So i roamed around and headed towards the relaxation room. Read a magazine and then headed off to my facial when they called my name. I really like how gentle she was when she was doing my facial. Very relaxing. I feel asleep when she covered my eyes and started doing my exfoliation. omg..i felt bad because i think she had a hard time waking me up. lol but she was a good sport about it.
Next was my massage. ANOTHER fantastic massage i may add. I did have to tell her to put less pressure since i could feel the burn on my back. but ahh in the end, so so worth it.
I would definitely come back next year. If anything, id come back this year for another facial. very very nice, quite, and non discriminatory. i swear i always get talked about when i go to other spas, but this one is really different. I'm glad my husband did this for me -
Review from Lisa D.
San Diego, CA
I went during Spa Week and the spa itself is great. I think the highlight of the Catamaran is the full use of the facilities. I wouldn't recommend getting the Skin Renewal Scrub -- I think someone on Yelp mentioned that is essentially a shower for a lazy person and I have to agree.
An issue I had prior to my appointment is with their customer service. When I called to make the appointment I was told I could cancel my appointment 6 hours prior. That morning I tried to cancel it as I was completely swamped at work. I called and the receptionist told me that no, I had to cancel 24 hours prior to the appointment. Even though I said that whoever I spoke with said 6 hours (and I had even repeated 6 hours) prior, they pretty much didn't care. After being put on hold for a good 5 minutes, I was told I could come in at 8 or 11am the next day (obviously a problem when you work during the week) or else they'd charge me for the $50 service. I reluctantly kept my appointment and ended up staying up until 5:00am to finish my work.. -
Review from Jordan G.
Santa Rosa, CA
My husband and I just got married at the Catamaran and we had a wonderful experience.
Salon and Spa: Bree from the salon spa did an amazing job on my hair and she's really nice and easy to talk to, which was very calming immediately before getting married!
Catering: We worked with Gina from catering and she was very responsive, detail oriented and provided advice throughout the planning. The food was delicious!
Location: Absolutely beautiful.
Customer Service: Everyone who works at the Catamaran was very helpful, curteous, sweet and just wonderful.
Luau: A lot of fun!!!! -
Review from chelo a.
San Diego, CA
2 thumbs up for the Catamaran Spa. I took advantage of the Spa Week Special, $50- for the Skin Renewal Scrub...but hands down, this is a great Spa. After I got checked in and situated with my locker, I changed into the spa robe and slippers, aaaaaah!
What is included with your treatment is full use of the facilities: The fitness center, hot tub whirlpool, sauna, steam room. I checked in a few hours prior to my service and relaxed in the outdoor whirlpool facing towards Mission Bay. I didnt bring the gym gear, but I should have!! They have the treadmills setup with the bay in perfect view - it's open air too no windows! I pampered myself in the Relaxation Room...book=check, glass of cucumber water=check, fruit=check. Great way to spend a day out of the office. Yup, pretty much spent half the day @ the spa!
Would I return outside of Spa Week? Well, if I cut back on the daily iced latte fix and saved enough $, fo' sho! Its spendy here, but well worth it. PS, if you are a Spa Guest Parking is Free. -
Review from Orlando Z.
San Diego, CA
Wow! What a place. I felt like I was on vacation. Except I wasn't. I went to the Catamaran Spa after work because they were participating in Spa Week. $50 for a treatment! You can't go wrong with a deal like that. Especially since most services are normally over $100. I spent hours at this Spa, when I would normally just get a treatment and leave. I really enjoyed this spa because of the amenities they offer. They offer:
-Fitness Center
-Men's and Women's Locker
-Sauna
-Steam Room
-Relaxation Lounge
-Jacuzzi
All these amenities plus a killer view of Mission Bay while you're relaxing in the hot tub or working out in the fitness center. I was lucky enough to enjoy all the amenities.
My treatment was OK. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't something to rave about, so Catamaran Spa will lose a star for this reason.
I will definitely return for the amenties, maybe I'll give the treatments another try. -
Review from Margie S.
San Diego, CA
I did not receive service here but paid to use the facilities which included sauna, steam, jacuzzi, relaxation room, locker room, and gym. They have a map of the spa on their website so you can get a better idea.
I liked it because I don't like using the sauna at 24 hour fitness, there are cold towels supplied and high grade shampoo, etc and it's empty because everyone is getting a treatment. So it was worth it for me to come here for the relaxation. The only downside was that it costs @40 to get in and it was a hike from the parking lot.Listed in: Massage
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Review from Leni T.
San Diego, CA
This is our girls' splurge place. What can I say?
Pure decadence
I don't have many.to compare but. I love this spa. -
Review from LAURA P.
Chula Vista, CA
So awesome! I received a Catamaran Spa gift certificate and finally used it today. I had a facial (with Caroline) which was really nice. I have super sensitive skin but the products she used were very gentle. After the facial, I had a body scrub and Vichy shower. Holy cat.......I could STILL be in that treatment room. What a fabulous experience. My skin is like butter! Massage was my last treatment and it was very pleasant as well. Both the scrub and massage were done by Todd. I will definitely book services with both Caroline and Todd again. In between, I hung out in the steam room, sauna, and relaxation room. While in the relaxation room, I laid in a super comfortable chair and consumed mass quantities of their cucumber and lemon water. My spa day at Catamaran was excellent. Every person on staff that I talked to was professional, friendly and knowledgeable. I cannot wait to go back!!!
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Review from Norah R.
CORONA DL MAR, CA
This place is absolutely wonderful. Your perfect day spa. I went for a therapeutic massage with Nicole, because I had neck pain and she was amazing. She listened and focused on the areas I asked for instead of wasting time on non-problem areas. After the massage I got to take a nice nap in the relaxation room which was very serene, with nice ambient music and a large assortment of teas and cucumber water (delish).
The spa facilities are top notch, they have a towel service person inside at all times to take care of your every whim. Lots of amenities, hair spray, gel, qtips, and lovely steam room & cedarwood sauna. I used all of these. :) Very clean, very plush.
I loved the fact that there was just me there and one other person during the day (i went on a Thursday afternoon). I'm a crowd snob so I liked that there were few people around. No one bothers you either, it was very quiet.
After my sauna I went to the jacuzzi, which is outside, in an enclosed area with sundeck. I happened to go on a day where it was nice and warm so I got to lay out for a bit as well. Again, no one there so it was just me and very relaxing [but the business men there for the conference on the balcony were a little creepy.] :(
I definitely want to go again soon. A very nice spa. -
Review from Cindy P.
La Mesa, CA
I love to get massages. I love facials. I love being pampered. I was extremely pleased and so very relaxed when I left the Catamaran Spa. First the location is ideal...bay...sail beach. Nice! The facilities...soothing...clean...quiet...well appointed. The tile floors are beautiful. I got a massage by Todd. He was very good. Did some visualization at the end. Wish he had done more. Nikie did my facial. She was a little more talkative but did a great job and explained each step. I like explanations but I am sure if you don't, she won't. Products were effective but NOT harsh. I will certainly return. I wish spas had some kind of deal for San Diego residents. I hate having to go from spa to spa looking for deals. If they could offer these prices year round to some loyal return clients, I am sure they'd get even more business and of course repeat customers. The Catamaran is a beautiful hotel on a beautiful piece of property and the spa is among the best. Better than the Hotel Del!
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Review from lilly g.
yay! found one!
my friend i decided to go to the spa last-minute, and were thrilled to snag appointments for facials and massages for 2 people the next day at catamaran. (I'd been for their delicious buffet brunch, but didn't realize there was a spa).
Reasons I love it:
1) no ugly key to wear around your wrist. the locks are digital
2) SUPER accommodating and friendly locker room staff
3) very quiet and tucked away
4) very large, cool decor
5) super hot steam room (author omits mention of naked people lying everywhere and her momentary panic that the steam room might be coed -- it wasn't, the women were just super hairy. I hope those women will read my Le Wax review!!!)
6) delicious water and tea and pampering
7) comfy lounge you want to hang in even after your treatments are done
8) great facial and massage (author recommends peeing before going because you may overindulge on tea/water as she did, and spend half of said massage suffering)
Basically the services and facility were top-notch. The next time I go I'm going to make time to use their fitness center (including outdoor machines!) and to sit in the hot tub facing the bay. A little slice of heaven, this place! -
Review from Patrick S.
Austin, TX
I came here in February (for v-day) and had a wonderful experience! It was drizzling outside while we relaxed in the whirlpool terrace overlooking the bay. WOW!!
The showers/sauna/etc were very clean and private and the "chill room" was great.
We had a chocolate couple's massage that was amazing. I'll definitely be making this spa a "must visit" destination on my future trips to San Diego. -
Review from selina l.
very well designed experience!
the front is a little shop, which I was a little turned off because every corner they are selling something. In the back tho, there's a nice locker room, fluffy towels and robe to lounge around in. you get full use of the fitness room as well as the locker area. there's a shower with the spa's products (no cheap harsh shampoo/conditioner/body wash), mirror area where you can sit down and get dressed with hair products, blow dryers and curlers, a steam room and a sauna. before and after the treatment, you lounge around in the dimly lit relaxation lounge, with teas, cucumber water, fruits and nuts mix.
i had the body scrub, which was an interesting experience. emily customized it for me with a little extra sea salt, which was nice. this is my first full body scrub, and i'm not super impressed. it's like a very lazy person's shower. i think i'd rather have a massage or facial.
i would plan the day to spend some extra time lounging around this spa. -
Review from Isabelle N.
San Diego, CA
I came here for spa week and had the Milk and Honey Body Wrap. I really enjoyed my experience but would probably come back for a massage instead. Come much earlier and spend time in their sauna, steam room or lounge before your appointment. You can also get in a little lunch, workout or volleyball while you're here. The prices are great for all of the amenities.
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Review from Tara M.
San Diego, CA
I took advantage of Spa Week San Diego's $50 body scrub treatment. I was a little apprehensive at first - i mean, really? the catamaran...? - but like other Yelpers have said, the newly remodeled spa is clearly the shining light of the resort. The spa is beautiful and relaxing, with first-class amenities. I booked an appointment on a Monday evening and just about had the place to myself. I got to enjoy the steam and the sauna and the outdoor hot tub before/after my treatment - and had each to myself. The staff is very pleasant and accomodating, and supplies/towels/refreshement are constantly refreshed. I went early to enjoy the beach, and the staff immediately offered up beach towels and bottled water.
The body scrub was awesome, but it was a little too short (50 minutes total: 20 minutes on the scrub; dry off, enrobe, move down the hall; 25 minutes on the lotion application/massage). My therapist Stephane was fantastic - very professional, great techniques, and very courteous.
The showers are great (rainfall shower head and massage wand - simultaneously) and the products they supply are good and yummy. The spa validates parking as well.
All in all i was Really happy with the experience and i will definitely be visiting again (even at the regular, non-Spa Week prices). The only complaint i have is that the only cold water they serve in the relaxation room is Cucumber Water (Gross - i hate cucumber). i'm sure the staff would've given me a bottle of water if i asked for it, but at that point i was too mushy and lazy to go anywhere. -
Review from Andra P.
San Diego, CA
Incredible. My only complaint is that they have 2 bladed razors, and I like three =] I fully support spas that participate in Spa Week. I had an Aroma facial, papaya and mango. YUMS! =] They also catered to my sensitive skin.
I wish I would have arrived more than an hour early so I could have taken FULL advantage of their fitness room, and spa. I only got to go in the eucalyptus steam room and take a shower. My girl, Shannon, was the best. -
Review from Jeanette D.
La Jolla, CA
One of my favorite spas in San Diego. Never crowded (you'll often feel like you have the whole place to yourself) and good service. The facilities are very clean with nice amenities. The masseuses are all very good and I love the smells of their lotions and the heated massage tables. If you work out before the massage, the small workout room has very nice machines and is open onto the bay (with partial cover provided by bushes) so you get clean fresh air and a view of the bay as you are working out. They also have specials and participate in Spa Week do you can often find a good deal (aka "reason") to go to the spa. The only downside is that while you have access to the pool it's a little walk through the hotel to get there which is always a little awkward in your bathing suit under a towel or robe. That's the only reason I'd give it a 4 instead of a 5.
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Review from Miss Risa A.
Chula Vista, CA
Wow!! I love this Spa!!! this is by far one the nicest spas in San Diego and the customer service i received was 5 star.
My first Positive experience was about a month ago when I called looking for some services for me and my mother. The lady who answered the phone, Marissa, was beyond helpful. She answered all my questions with great detail and was very patient with me. I ended up booking 3 services both for me and my mother.
When we got the Catamaran we ask the front desk to help guide us to the spa and the girl who helped me was very nice and cheerful.
Once at the spa we were greeted with smiles and Audrey the locker attendant gave us a wonderful tour of the spa and was so helpful showing us how to use the lockers.
The massages and facials we got were beyond amazing. I had Todd and my mother had Michelle for the massages and all we can say is WOW! Caroline did our facials and she is the sweetest thing ever. ask her anything about face products and shes got the answers. Kim did our pedicures and she was lovely as well.
Overall we felt catered to and it felt great. We had no stress that day and we were so relaxed. We defiantly plan on returning very soon. -
Review from Jessica H.
San Diego, CA
the service was good. I loved it.
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Review from Melanie L.
San Diego, CA
Caroline was gracious, talented and kind. A beautiful facial and experience!
