Viva Day Spa On Lamar

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UserReview33

Joined 2 years ago

Sincerely disapointing experience..... I visited Viva Day Spa for a Salt Body Glow treatment. Let me first say that I was in the spa for a total of 35 minutes including a shower and checkout! The service did not come with the "scalp massage" or "hot towel treatment" indicated in the description. This service basically consisted of being half heartedly slathered in scrub for 10 minutes and then taking a shower. Something I could accomplish at home with a much better smelling Bath and Body Works product. When the masseuse greeted me she started by asking me what treatment I wanted and then what scent I would like her to use, both of which I indicated to the receptionist when I called to schedule the appointment. This may be a little knit picky but it speaks to the cold service I feel I received, she wasn’t prepared or didn’t bother to ask the receptionist what service I was receiving; I felt I was being rushed the whole time and it was FAR from being any where near a relaxing experience. I honestly just feel genuinely ripped off for the amount of money I paid to this salon for such a terrible (and short!) experience. The reason I gave two stars is because the waiting room ambience was very nice and calming and the receptionist was friendly.

I wanted to update my review based on the customer service I received after the incident I described above. A manager contacted me for feedback regarding this experience. Upon learning that I was dissatisfied, she was earnestly apologetic for the service I received and did every thing in her power to make things right for me. She made me aware that the lady who performed my scrub was a new employee who had not been informed that the service came with the hot towel treatment or scalp massage. The management's willingness to reach out to me to address my concern and make things right was very valuable in my eyes because you just dont see companies who do this anymore- it made me feel like a valuable client in their eyes. This is the reason for the increase in stars and the reason I will be back to try another service at Viva Day Spa.

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MsCottrell

Joined 3 years ago

My day spa of choice in ATX. I recently relocated to Austin and wanted to treat myself to a little mini spa day. Viva's location was perfect and their prices were very affordable, so I decided to give it a whirl.

It. Was. Awesome! I bought the Summer Glo package, which included sauna, 60-minute swedish massage, hydrating detox body wrap, foot scrub, dry brush, and mint scalp treatment. I have been to spas at the Four Seasons (around the US), the Ritz, and various other upscale locales, and my experience at Viva was the best I've experienced. Hands down. (No pun intended.)

The spa itself was beautiful. The waiting area (called the Genie in a Bottle Room, I believe) was gorgeous and I was instantly offered hot tea and/or cucumber water. My practitioner was Michelle, and she's WONDERFUL. I really liked that I had one person taking care of all my services, and she was great about offering little customizations to make my package more tailored to me based on my needs, the time of day, and my aromatic/sensory preferences. She was so intuitive.

I've never done the sauna before massages, or at all, actually. It made such a difference in my experience and was a great way to relax and get in a zen state of mind before my treatments, not to mention loosening up my muscles and kicking off my detox. My only complaint about the whole experience is that the sauna was located right across the hall from the Genie room, and there was a fairly large group of young ladies there on that Sunday afternoon. They were talkative and I really didn't have any way to tune them out. I think it's be totally kosher to inquire about whether or not any large groups will be present before scheduling your appointment, and I'm sure the staff would have asked the gals to keep it down had I said anything.

This place just really pays attention to details and makes you feel like you're the most important client on the premises. I would definitely recommend taking the extra time to unwind and do sauna before doing any of their services so that you can really get the full spa experience, even if you're just doing a massage or other single service. But the package was REALLY affordable and a great way to get a taste for their services. I will definitely be back!!

Doesn't Recommend

zeebootee

Joined 3 years ago

Slightly Disappointed.. Let me first be clear that I am reviewing the Lamar location.

I am from out of state and had given my MIL a gift certificate for her birthday last year after reading reviews of local salons. She used it for a massage and loved it, she has since returned for more massages and even took her sister for a massage when she was in town for a visit. With how happy they were I was quite excited to book two deluxe pedicures for us when I got into town.

Upon arrival we were greeted and offered refreshments. The staff was very friendly and helpful while we waited, especially the girl working the front desk, very personable! The disappointment came with the actual pedicure experience, I was really looking forward to being pampered and doted on a bit but this wasn't really the case. And hey, I have two rambunctious toddlers that I need a break from so maybe my expectations were a bit high.

Now don't get me wrong the ladies that worked with us were very nice, but they were very quiet and they never even introduced themselves. Once seated they got right to work. It was a few minutes in that I thought Um, aren't we supposed to be unwinding in these over sized chairs with a nice glass of wine and rich, melt in your mouth chocolate? So I asked if this was the case and my girl left, returning with two individually wrapped chocolates -they were good mind you, but again, I felt this was very impersonal. A few minutes later my girl again left and came back with two glasses of wine- served in glass tumblers.

Both ladies did a good job shaping, filing and polishing but my "foot massage" was pretty much just lotion being rubbed on my legs and feet. No actual foot massage took place.

When all was said and done, they did do the work that we needed. No more dry skin or calluses and nice new pretty shaped nails with polish. But I can't help but feel disappointed with the lack of personal service. I was no more pampered at this spa than had I gone to a quicky walk in nail salon.

For the the cost of the deluxe pedi and the big tip I left- I feel that more friendly, personal service should have been given, that's why I said no to a cheaper nail salon and wanted to go to a real spa! (I'm a big tipper,I can't help it but often regret it after the fact.)

Here are a few unsolicited suggestions: Greet your clients with a friendly hello, handshake and introduction. Offer refreshments before the pedi begins.(Yes I was offered in the waiting room by the receptionist but I wasn't interested at that time.) Place the chocolates in a pretty basket and let the clients choose- much more personal/pampering than simply being handed a couple of pre-wrapped chocolates. Lastly, serve the wine in actual wine glasses!

All in all I cannot recommend the deluxe pedi if you are actually hoping for a pampering experience. Stick with the basic if you want a great pedi and add on the extra filing if needed. To finally have a baby sitter(thanks to grandpa) and get out for some pampering is a VERY rare occasion for me. I was really looking forward to it and well, this was just disappointing.

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Jennifer C.

Joined 10 months ago

Comfort. I am so glad that Nicola let me know she moved there way back when because my best friend and I have gone to her for years, now that she is at Viva, it's even better! Viva has a wonderful and relaxing atmosphere; the staff offers tea or water, whatever you want. The services are outstanding! I recommend Viva to my customers (I work in the jewelry bus) for mani/pedi and relaxing massages. You should go there.

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ericamarchand

Joined 8 years ago

Thoroughly relaxing experience. I went for one of the spa packages here about a month ago in the midst of a stressful time at work. It was a great value and every aspect of the spa was extremely pleasing and soothing. It's beautiful inside and out. My therapist was cheerful and quiet and skilled. There are lovely amenities like heated massage tables, cold peppermint towels in the sauna, body products that are made on-site from good quality ingredients -- attention is paid to details. I will definitely go back and would recommend this place for spa services.

The only small drawback is that it's a little cramped in the reception area. I wish it were bigger and I wish there was a place to sit and re-adjust for a moment before leaving.

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janet brigham

Joined 4 years ago

Great service! Lovely place, very comfortable. Visited Viva for my Birthday, and purchased the pedicure/manicure combo. Lupe did a great job on my nails!

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jennyjenjengrrl

Joined 4 years ago

Absolute Bliss!. WOW! I had a fantastic time at this Spa. Sabrina Ewing gave me the best eyebrows I have ever had! She was gentle, confident & talented to boot! I've had my eyebrows waxed for over 18 years & she is my new girl forever! I booked a facial with her for my sun damaged skin, and I am also planning on having brazilians done there from now on!

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jkinlee

Joined 4 years ago

My wife's FAVORITE spa!. I wish I had more money to spend here.. but worth every penny. My wife found this place and it's our favorite spa in Austin.

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KARD

Joined 4 years ago

No where better!. Just a perfect afternoon-massage with Mandy-facial with Julie-kind, generous professionals-what a spa should be!

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Lovely09

Joined 4 years ago

The Best Service Ever!. Me and my husband did the delicious duet for our anniversery. It was probably the best thing we have ever did together. We have three children and never have time for us so I can't express to you how much this helped us reconnect. It was truly a special moment, a relaxing moment and so worth every penny. From the time we walked in we were pampered with wine and chocolates. And when we left they even gave us a gift bag with goodies. I recommend this for any couple trying to release stress and reconnect. Or you just need some peace of mine time.