Review: The Nature's Way Aromatherapy Salon - SM San Mateo Branch

The Nature's Way Aromatherapy Salon (SM San Mateo Branch)

Update August 2017: I went back to this place for the same massage service & saw quite a big improvement from my last visit. They now have a basket where you can place your stuff inside the massage area. They also have a hook now inside each massage area where you can place your clothes. The place is much quieter now, although I went there on a weekday & at that time I was the only customer, but when the other staff outside was talking & laughing, the masseuse shushed them up & reminded them to lower down their voice. I very much appreciated that. The receptionist also asked if I want to shower & steam first - so that means its already available, yay! I had to decline that time as I just showered before I left home so there's no need for another one.

I just got back from my Korea trip with a terrible neck & back pain so I needed a massage pronto. I was planning to have my massage at Nuat Thai (San Mateo) but saw this spa place in SM San Mateo and decided to walk in to inquire.

Upon checking their service list, it seemed fairly priced so I decided to try them out. I had to wait for around 45 minutes though for an available masseuse, but I didn't mind. The receptionist was kind enough to ask for my mobile number so they can just text me once its my turn - which is a good thing as I can stroll around the mall instead of just sitting inside.

I chose the 'Shiatsu & Swedish Massage Treatment' for 90 minutes. I was ecstatic that it was inclusive of shower & steam - as what was indicated on their service menu.

I would just like to note that after my massage and during payment - ONLY then was I informed that it was just their 2nd day of opening. So this made me (kinda) understand what I experienced that day.

When I went inside towards the massage area, I saw a few men still working on some areas of the place. And yes, I can also hear them probably mixing cement, hammering, talking, etc. while I'm almost naked on the bed. Honestly, the whole 90 minutes I was awake and paranoid - especially since the small space I was in was just covered with curtains. I hear those men or whoever walking past the small space I am in; being paranoid if they can see me through some small holes of the curtain or whatever. I just wish they did that during the night or early morning while the mall was closed. It defeats the purpose of offering a relaxing/therapeutic experience to the customers. It was so noisy too that even the good massage did not made me relax & sleep.

Other things to improve on:
 
Massage Room
    -Light was too bright. I've been to a few spa places and as part of helping their clients relax - they should provide dim lights. The lights on the room was not that LED bright but it was not dimming the room either. Bright lights contributed on how paranoid & scared I am especially as I can hear men outside - like I feel was just inches away from our space/room. 

 -No hook/s to hang my clothes or a table to place my personal belonging. I had to place them all on the floor.
 

 
No Sauna or Shower Room (yet)

Since they were only on their 2nd day of opening & still on the process of construction - sauna/shower were not yet available. It would have been a nice gesture if they informed me right away that these won't be available yet - or noted it on their service list/menu. Or better yet, lower down the price since they could not offer the whole package yet.

Above everything else I've experienced, the massage was great & staff were nice & accomodating. But, it would have been best if they did not accept massage services whilst they are still not fully done with the construction of the place OR do the construction during off peak hours. It was really a turn-off for me and the other clients who went for a massage that day too for sure.

Hopefully, the next time I visit - they are all done with the place & offer a much more relaxing service.