Sanctuary Salonspa

I was a bit worried about finding a stylist when I moved to Minneapolis from DC, but Hailey proved to be one of the most talented hairstylists I have had in years. She really listened to what I wanted, and went over everything with me before we started the haircut. I could really tell she is passionate about what she does, and it shows when she works. She was focused, and cut with skill. Overall, I am very satisfied, and have booked my next appointment in 8 weeks.
The salon front staff seemed to be very kind, so I am surprised to see some less than stellar reviews.

Two words. Hydro Massage. YES Please! Kiss your stress and worries goodbye. I was able to snatch up a last minute appointment with Emily today on Webopenings. What a gem in the city. She is so sweet and compassionate. I wish I could live here and be a regular at the Sanctuary! Treat yourself. You will not regret it!

Today I has a great experience!!! I just moved back to Minneapolis after 3 years in Los Angeles. I will admit, after having some great stylist in LA I was nervous about the Midwest quality and skill level being behind the times. I took a photo to Taylor and explained what I wanted, she achieved exactly that and fully understood my needs! She was not only highly skilled, she was super pleasant and I enjoyed the time there! The cut and color was spot on!
I also had waxing services from Sara who was very sweet, fast and made a somewhat unpleasant experience enjoyable.
What I liked about both Sara and Taylor is they both took time to analyze my individual needs, and made sure I was happy with my treatment! The salon and spa areas are really clean, the staff is friendly and I can’t wait to go back!

Natalie is the best. Book her for a massage and tip huge because she goes the extra step. Make sure you check for appointments online at this location because they are often discounted.

Recently moved to the area and was looking for a good place for eyebrow wax (such a difficult thing to find!). Was able to get a same day appointment with Sara and she was awesome. She spent time listening to what I wanted, offering suggestions, and explaining what she was doing. I was very pleased with results and I highly recommend. I’ll be going back!

I’ve been here 3 times, I understand the negative reviews about the front desk (thus 4 stars instead of 5). Though my last experience was better, so maybe it’s something they’re working on.
Jesse cut my hair a few time a couple of years ago, he was really good, but it’s been too long to remember details. I probably didn’t go back because his prices went up a bit.
Kelsey cut my hair last week and she did a great job. This girl knows fine hair. It’s a god-​send to get someone who understands the difference between thin and fine and knows how to cut it to easily look and feel full.
And I had a pedicure with Kayla, she did a great job.
Oh apparently there is a lot you can park in, but I couldn’t figure out where it is, maybe ask about that when you book your appt.

I’ve had my hair done by Jesse countless times; color, cut, style… it has all been phenomenal. Jesse has made my hair every color under the sun without damaging my hair or sacrificing color for health; I don’t go anywhere else and I won’t go anywhere else. Make an appointment, feel pampered, and enjoy looking great after you leave!

I purchased a LivingSocial deal for a haircut, conditioning treatment and pedicure, and then I also added on a waxing treatment, and it was well worth the value and it was a truly transforming experience.
When I arrived, I had just had a stressful work day and spent almost an hour battling rush hour traffic to get to my appointment on time. I arrived on time and was a little stressed out, and it turned out that my waxing appointment was running late, which irked me at first since I had been so careful to get to my appointment on time. However, it gave me time to sit and drink some tea and relax, which made me feel much better. I was concerned this would throw off my hair/​pedi appointment, but the timing worked out perfectly.
Bella, my esthetician/​waxing specialist was excellent. She made the entire process as comfortable and painless as possible. She was friendly, thorough, and my wax was perfect. She gave me great educational tips on how to prevent ingrown hairs and for keeping everything in looking great. She is a jack of all trades, doing everything from waxing, facials, massage therapy and more, she also said she was learning on how to do eyelash extensions!
Taylor Rose did my pedicure and my haircut. I know I was her last client of the day, but she didn’t rush my service at all, I felt completely pampered. She was super nice, bubbly, and a total pro. She is really good at her job and has a great personality for working with clients. She took off exactly the right amount, and I really liked how she gave me product recommendations for my hair type/​color and styling tips as she did my blowout. She even invited me to come back for a blowout the next week for my birthday! She was fantastic!
I am a little new to the Twin Cities and hadn’t found «my salon» yet, since I’m a little weird about my hair, but I loved Sanctuary and will definitely be back, I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else after that exeptional service.
I left Sanctuary Salon and Spa feeling like a new woman!

I am blaming this review a quarter on myself. It was a Sunday morning and trying to fit «haircut» into the next two weeks with the holiday schedule was simply not going to fit. I have gone to the Juut in Uptown and the Aveda in Gavidae and love them, so after calling around to any salon with an opening that day I was pretty pleased with!
There is a virtue of patience. I would hate to say names, but this was the most awkward hour and a half cut I have received. I needed a trim, about an inch and a half, off of «getting longer» hair. The man giving me a cut was a «new talent» so luckily this cut did not hurt my wallet too much. However had I not been late for a class after the cut, I was contemplating asking for my money back. The man cutting my hair told me stories about how basically beauty school was his last resort after his career in music did not pan out, and how he had not been accepted into the salons of his choice. That does not make one feel confident while someone is holding scissors by your locks.
The entire time he grabbed up pieces of my hair, over and over as it I assume kept slipping between his fingers. This cut took for.ever. and once I wrapped up I looked at the floor and literally could not find any hair that he had actually snipped. When I showed a little discontent, he asked a different man to take a once-​over and the second guy was pretty arrogant, told me it was a «completely level cut» and they didn’t have time that day to fix it or take off more length. My stomach curls a bit thinking about this… and next time I will learn to go back to my tried and true salon.

I love this place. I’ve been there twice, and loved it both times.
The first time was for a spa package (they let me build my own, to a degree, because I was pregnant and wanted three specific things that they didn’t have on the menu together). The facial was perfect. She suggested products but didn’t push. The pedicure was great. The space is lovely and low key and everyone was chatty and awesome. The pedi lasted a long time, too. The massage was wonderful. I thought I wanted side-​lying, due to my big pregnant tummy (twins!) but she educated me on the awesome preggo donut thingy they have for the table that lets you lay on your stomach (ahhhhhhhhh … I’d missed that) and takes all the pressure off of your pelvis, lower back, etc. I didn’t think it was possible to be so comfy, but she convinced me and was 100% right.
The second time (12÷2÷13), I called two hours beforehand, and they were able to easily schedule me for a 110 minute massage. Molly on the phone was sweet and friendly, and all of the ladies there were warm and smiley, beginning to end. On the phone they asked if I wanted to book the shower afterwards. Listen to me now, BOOK THE SHOWER. It’s this amazing rain shower that comes from different directions and it’s the PERFECT end to a massage or any spa service, really. LOVED it. So glad they mentioned this option. I felt so pampered and relaxed — just perfect.
The massage was AMAZING. Denise was so nice and responsive and cool. I drifted away at several points during the massage, which was exactly what I needed. She even obliged my request for regular baby oil (i brought my own), since I’m on medication that reacts to other oils. It was a non-​issue, which I thought was really accommodating of her.
The prices are good, too. The value comes in the complete package — the ambiance, the personalities of everyone there, the quality of the practitioners — all of this comes together for a truly relaxing spa experience. I can’t wait to go back. I LOVE SANCTUARY! Thanks to their staff and keep up the great work, ya’ll!

I only come here for haircuts, not for the spa services, however they’ve always done a good job with my cuts. I have heard of some mixed reviews, but it’ll depend on who your stylist is. With that said, the level of service is adequate for the price, so I keep coming back.

Unfortunately, Sanctuary has disappointed me for the last time. I booked their biggest spa package back in January, and I’m not sure why I expected it to be any different than my past experiences. When we arrived we were greeted at the counter by… no one. When someone finally did come to the counter she treated us like we were inconveniencing her. She led us to the small, and I mean airplane bathroom small, dressing room and told we had to carry our purses around with us because they «didn’t have keys.» Keys for what, the lockers? Our services included a bath, so was I to take a bath with my purse? Then we were seated in the waiting room. We waited for about 15 minutes, all the while listening to the practitioners complain on their phones/​to each other. This is a problem that Sanctuary must address. Every time I have had a service there, I have overheard gratuitous, loud, and intrusive staff conversations. Finally we began our services, and while the massage and facial were passable, and the bath was ok, our nail services were terrible. Because we had started our appointments late, we were finishing up as the salon was closing. They hurried us out with wet finger and toe nails! When I asked the manager on duty for her name, she quickly realized that she had done something wrong and then hastily threw some «samples» our way. Nice try.
On top of all this, it took me until March to get the complaint sorted out. In fairness, they eventually refunded my money to me, but it took way too long for the woman I was dealing with to get in touch with me and address my complaint.
All in all, Sanctuary won’t be getting any more of my money after so many poor services.

Erica cut my hair for almost 3 years before I moved to Chicago. She is talented, quick, and fun! She also keeps up with the trends and provides good recommendations if you’re lacking inspiration.
Wish I could find someone as consistent in Chicago!

I will start out by saying I NEVER go to salons for haircuts as I usually just get a basic buzz and pay the cheap 10 dollars, and frankly, don’t have the time to get any of the other services done. However, after getting a gift card, I decided to go in and get a 60 minute massage with Kendall and a haircut my Jesse.
Massage with Kendall: As Tasha C. said, she does have a smooth, yet intense touch. In addition, she has a very pleasant and calming demeanor about her that makes the massage that much more pleasurable. I do not get massages often and really not that fond of being touched, but I was completely relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I highly recommend her and I am definitely going back for another session with her.
Haircut with Jesse: Hands down best haircut I have ever received. Not to mention I don’t believe I have ever been complimented as much on my hair in my entire life then in the last week after receiving my haircut by Jesse. His attitude and personality make the haircut very enjoyable. His eye for detail is very rare and I guarantee you that you will not leave his chair carrying one hair that is not suppose to be there. I will be making my next appointment in the coming days and highly recommend him to everyone.

Frankly I am trying to find some way to generate words to describe how poor all aspects of my visit other than the massage and facial I had during my «Bliss» package were. The massage therapist and esthetician were both lovely, but the rest of the staff at the spa-​especially the manager!-seemed to have some sort of issue with having actual spa patrons (?). Perplexing, since they could have just told my friend and I that they did not want to take on an appointment of that sort when we scheduled two weeks in advance. OR just put on a happy face, it’s not like it’s that hard to not treat others like garbage.
Maybe I will edit this and add more detail later but really I don’t think recounting the situation would be good for my blood pressure. Especially considering that Sonja B. wrote them a diplomatic email explaining why we were gravely disappointed with our spa day and they have so far not responded at all-​it has been a week.

What in the world TOOK me so long! I’ve actually been heading to Sanctuary off and on for over five years for massages. SOMETHING must keep me coming back, right?
My experiences here, with the exception of one couples massage which was the epitome of ‘meh,’ have all been exceptional! I’ve had experience with two therapists specifically, so I’ll speak to them individually.
Kendall: She has a very smooth, yet intense touch. I have to be honest — when I first saw her, I was concerned. I’m not routinely a fan of massages from females. When I say that I want knots worked out of my shoulders, I mean BIDNESS! She did not disappoint. She has a very calming energy and smooth technique. It was amazing. She ensures that she obtains info on your problem areas, then gets down to work. I also really appreciated that, regardless of what service I originally signed up for (exclusive of the time slot), she tailored the experience to what I needed in the moment. Signed up for a deep tissue, but had a fight with the hubby this morning? No worries — Stress Fix coming right up! She’s amazing and I would highly recommend her for those looking for a stress reducing experience most specifically!
Kelli: Ahh… Kelli. Kelli was my original therapist when first finding this place in 2008. There were so many things that I could rave about over her that the one POC devastated me. In spite of how amazing her massages were, it was painfully obvious that she smoked — a POC that I’ve seen pop up in other reviews as well. It really bummed me out because she was the best masseuse I’ve ever had — damn near drove me to drink. So I took a break on her for a spell and came back to her earlier this year. BOY, am I glad I did. All the smiles without the smoke! She has an unbelievable energy about her — very calming and soothing, which is great because she will BEAT YOUR A$$ UP! It hurts SO GOOD! There were a couple of times during my experience that I actually had to bite down on the head rest. I even considered setting a ‘safe word’ with her for next time! Talk about deep tissue! She not only moves with you but breathes with you throughout the process to ensure that you maintain a slow and productive pattern. It’s SUCH an experience. I would HIGHLY recommend her for deep tissue.
The place is also really cute — helpful staff, great ambiance. They also have a private lot that you can access by calling as you approach the building. My experience indicates that their products are a bit over-​priced, but I’ve never had much need for them. My continued draw is absolutely the services.
If you haven’t checked this place out, go get some knots worked on. It’s the holidays — I’m sure you all need it!

I miss Vi @ Sanctuary. In fact, I scheduled an appointment to get a haircut here when visiting from LA. I’ve gotten cut & color, pedicure and massages here. Relaxing atmosphere, professional staff!

I’d put this place in the fair-​good range.
Pros: Great ambiance, pretty décor, very friendly staff, great custormer service, all the wonderful smells that Aveda regularly offers.
Cons: Seems pricey even for a spa, not thrilled with the brow wax or pedicure I had for $ 91 dollars. Don’t get me wrong, it was a perfectly fine wax and nail treatment but I expected more for the $$.
Will I go back? Maybe, but I’m going to keep looking for another spot.

Just last week I got my haircut by Elizabeth, a junior stylist for $ 35. Nothing about the haircut was «junior» level. Elizabeth started the cut with a relaxing head message before taking me to the back for a hair wash. I left smelling like yummy Aveda products and a shiny new hair-​do. I’ll definitely be back.

FAAABULOUUSS! Part of being beautiful is feeling beautiful and the Sanctuary sets the tone.
I decided to take a Wintery stroll to Eat Street after getting my fresh haircut at V.I.P. and found the sanctuary. I must have been in a good mood because first impressions were sad –even with the MN chill The delayed, half-​smile, no greeting I initially received still leaves me a bit raw. The culprit: Tall, then, short bob wearing blonde. Maybe she is new.
On the up & up: I was soon taken care of by a lovely hair director who worked with me as I chose my services and set my appointments. She gave me a tour of the entire salonspa right away. **I’ve had to ask for this at other spas** She has fabulous hair, makeup and energy! Now that is what MN SHOULD be made of!
POC: I probably would not come here for a haircut (see my V.I.P review) but I hear the hair color is smooth and sexy.
Recommendations (especially if it is your first brow/​body wax):
Eyebrows: Vee did a miraculous work on my brows. The most detailed cosmetologist I have ever experienced! Skill skill skill & STYLE.
I may divorce my threader for Vee.
Body waxing: Mo did some «oh my stars» quick, fairly painless wax work! This was my first time waxing anything besides the brows and she hooked me up! Comforting, funny, informative, and fast!
Hair: I was so mesmerized by her tattoos & service I didn’t add her name to my memory –maybe something with an A. She’s a hair director.
Note: My hair is thick curly and wavy EVERYWHERE so there is probably hope for you. ;)