An extremely sweet and generous friend gave me a gift certificate for a half day package at this spa. It included a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure and lunch.First of all I have to note that the m... Read More
An extremely sweet and generous friend gave me a gift certificate for a half day package at this spa. It included a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure and lunch.First of all I have to note that the masseuse and the lady who did the facial and nails were both very sweet and very friendly. Their attitudes were polite and professional, and I would have returned to either in the future. The low rating I'm giving is for the downright rude receptionist I had to deal with at the end of my lovely gift.The massage was fine, a very standard and nicely paced experience. I very much appreciated that the masseuse didn't try to talk the whole way through, she was quiet and allowed me to really relax and zone out. The facial was somewhat marred right from the start after it was explained that we would be doing a "facial mapping" and recommending products for my skin type and issues. Uh oh ... you know that if they start with that right off the bat then your relaxing facial isn't going to be so relaxing; it's going to be a sales opportunity with a captive audience. Sure enough, that's what it was.When I walked up to the reception area at the end I was intending to make an appointment for a couples massage as well as to buy a starter set for the anti-aging line of the product they carry. Approaching the counter, the man there shoved a couple of bottles of product in front of me and told me that the aesthetician had set them out for me and asked if I would be taking them. I was not even through my first sentence explaining that I wanted to find some reviews on the product line before I bought full-size bottle of anything, he grabbed the bottles off the counter, tossed them down on his desk and said, "That's a no then." I never even got to the point of asking about the things I did want to buy.I'm not quite clear what brought that attitude on - well, actually I'm assuming that it was because I wasn't going to calmly go along with the sales effort - but that did it for me. I told him that it was now indeed a "no". He said, "You're all done then," and turned away. Apparently I was dismissed.No questions as to how my day had been, was I nice and relaxed now, how did I like my first visit to the spa, would I like to make an appointment for any future services, was I pleased with my mani/pedi ... nothing like that. This guy barely acknowledged me, didn't smile once or say anything pleasant. The whole attitude was unfriendly, brusque, and rude. The last minute or so of my visit left a sufficiently unpleasant taste that the whole day was sort of ruined, and I will most certainly not be going back there.There are tens of day spas in Sarasota (Yelp lists 79). I'd suggest you pick another one unless you like rude receptionists. Why spend money there when you spend it elsewhere and have pleasant experience all round. Read Less