Dolce Vita Day Spa & Salon

Business has been closed for a while now.

I used to come here and see Armando for massages. HE WAS THE BEST. He went on vacation and I went to another person at a different spa. And I was thoroughly beaten to a pulp. I could not walk properly for a few days.
I think the place is closed. There number is disconnected. I hope to find Armando again.

Who doesnt love getting pampered! I haven’t gotten a facial in a long time.
I received the deep cleansing facial from Joy. And it came with a scalp massage and hand & arm massage too. My skin felt so smooth, soft and glowing afterwards.
I feel rejuvenated!

The first time I got a full bikini wax I decided to come to Dolce Vita because a close friend of mine recommended it.
(+):
–Joyce is very patient/​thorough
–Complimentary wine
–Nicely furnished inside (although the exterior of the building isn’t as promising)
–Fairly priced services
–Whenever you call to schedule an appointment the phone is always answered by the 3^rd ring
–Near IHOP :)
(-):
–Tiny parking lot stalls
–The entrance to the building is kind of awkward. The door is to the side rather than directly at the front of the building

I used to get my facials from Svetlana. I think she has the softest hands ever. She was very thorough with extractions. She also spent a lot of time on certain areas of the face.
The facials are very nice before events because they don’t leave the face red or spotted or dry. If you have an event coming up, these facials are great 3 days beforehand.
The cost is about the same as most facials out there but well worth it. I felt like my face was clean and soft afterwards.

My wife and I went here for a Valentine’s treat (the following weekend). We would have prefered a couple’s massage, but were told that they couldn’t accomodate that and other places likely wouldn’t either (maybe a that’s a local ordinance?). My wife arranged a Stone Massage for me and she opted for the standard Deep-​Tissue thing. We booked a follow-​up Couples H2O, which is a large jacuzzi tub for two, with candles and salts.
The location was easy to find, parking was a breeze and the converted Victorian house is very nice inside and out. We were lead upstairs shown the lounge and the changing/​locker room. We were happy to find XL robes available! The last spa I went to, the robes barely covered me.
For the massage, I got a female (Connie) and my wife got a male (Armando) masseuse. At first, my wife was slightly uncomfortable with having a male (for her) but Armando put her at ease and made her feel very comfortable. I had requested low-​or-​no perfumes and Connie was totally prepared for that. My massage was extremely relaxing. I probably would have prefered more communication about things I wanted to concentrate on (as much my fault as anything), and maybe a firmer deeper massage — but I couldn’t have been more relaxed afterwards. I would select her again for sure. My wife was VERY happy with Armando. He turned her into jello. She was THRILLED with how she felt afterwards.
The H2O room was a very nice finishing touch. Very relaxing, private and romantic with the candlelit room and gentle blue light in the tub. They supplied us with some glasses of red wine, although we got the last of what they had, which wasn’t quite a half glass each… if they are going to advertise that wine comes with the service, they should have more than a 1 glass in their entire supply. That’s our only, and not very important, complaint of the day.
We’ll probably go back. We might want to check out other similar facilities, but this was pretty nice! A very nice gift from my wife for sure.

Asked for a deep tissue massage when I booked — didn’t get one. And when I called to book another massage, the receptionist told me there was no record of me requesting a deep tissue so I wasn’t given one or charged for one… so it’s my fault the receptionist didn’t book me correctly? won’t go back — lousy service is not worth ANY of my hard earned money.
The only reason they get more than 1 star is that the massage therapist, Armando, was nice and did a nice job (not stellar) but obviously he didn’t know what I wanted, nor did he ask. My bad for not confirming the type of service I wanted.
The place is a converted cute cottage. Nicely decorated, not amazing.

My BF bought a groupon and treated me to a massage! OMG, Armondo was the one who helped me and hands down best massage ever.
Very clean and nice atmosphere. Great for couples!
I’d say very reasonably price for the great service you get!
They even let me keep the remaining points on my groupon for returning next time. Oh, I am definitely coming back for massage and perhaps pedicure and bringing my sis! :D
Easy to find, parking lot adjacent to the location. A little close to VTA. You can hear it in the lounge but it didn’t bother me during the massage though.

Whatever… went back and nevermind! Both «Asseuses» sucked for different reasons this time around. The one that **rubbed** me did it so carefully, it barely felt like she was touching me… haha! She did her half=ass thangg, cut me hecka short and rushed off to Morgan Hill for another appointment.
My girlfriends **rubber ** I guess did a good job, however, when they came out of the room he was sranding there for the longest, talkin bout how he does HISSS massages… blah, blah, blah
Okieee fine, my girl and I were going to sit there and chop it up for a bit, but that never happened either… he comes to the lounge area, after he already said he was leaving and began moving random seats. He said he was sorry for the interruption but the people were there to clean the carpets??? WTFFFF!!! LOL…
We walked begrudgingly down the longggg stairway…(BTW, the one I tripped up when I first arrived) to look around and see that the only person there was the same chick sitting at the front.
I guess Armandoooo needed his cash before he left***never again!!!
Ther u go Urs…

Been going to Connie at Dolce Vita for years. Have always been happy with the massages I got from her. Even brought my mom, mother-​in-​law, hubby, and brother’s girlfriend to her. They are all a fan. Whenever they need a massage, they request for Connie.
My Mother’s Day gift from my Dear Husband was a massage. Since Connie was booked for my brother’s girlfriend, Hubby booked my massage with ARMANDO. OMG, the massage was just what I needed. We focused on my back, neck and arm (for carpal tunnel) and it was divine! The knots were massaged into submission as circulation was restored to my back and arms. Not to mention, the massage with Armando lasted over an hour. At the end of the massage he even gave me pointers on how to ease my carpal tunnel.
My brother’s girlfriend loved her post natal massage with Connie. She’s been going to her several times and absolutely prefers her techniques. Perhaps we went when they had less customers waiting, but both massage therapists worked on us for over an hour!
We absolutely loved the service and will definitely be back to see Connie and Armando for our massage fix!

I got my eyelashes tinted today. the process was very quick actually and of course I requested for Carmen– she did mine twice since she saw a few lashes that didn’t take on the tint. plus she had extras and applied them to my brows.
I loved it and would highly recommend this if you have enough lashes. I don’t so after this it does look «different» but I’m still going to opt for this until I have enough money for the eyelash extension.

I had a deep-​cleansing facial done here by a gal named Joy. She is great! I have had other facials with Joy at her previous location and have followed her here. She is very welcoming, friendly and professional. She does a fantastic job! I’m always very pleased with my facials by Joy. My skin feels so smooth afterward.
The spa is comfy and inviting. It’s very nicely decorated and was much bigger than I expected, It has a hair salon downstairs near their reception desk. Upstairs they have the lounge, rooms where services are carried out, the changing room and the restroom. Parking is limited, There are a few spaces in front of the building and a few behind the building, It’s an old victorian with a lot of charm – this may be why noise tends to travel in the building but I don’t believe its disruptive of the whole spa atmosphere.
I also came here before for a swedish massage. I used a groupon and had no trouble scheduling my appointment and the staff gave no inclination that they were displeased about the groupon (as other Unilocalers have noted), I had a massage with Armando who I found very nice, He was sure to ask what I wanted before we began. He has a heavy hand for those of you who like firmer massages,
Overall I found all staff very friendly. I will continue visiting the spa,

I can’t say I wasn’t worried when I read the reviews of groupon users. And when I called in to make an appointment, they didn’t seem pleased that I was coming in with a groupon. But the experience I got was superb. I had a wax with Carmen, who I cannot commend enough. She was so friendly and gentle and very easy to chat with. She explained the different types of waxes she uses and made me feel completely comfortable. She made the procedure as painless as possible and it was actually a very pleasant experience. She takes a lot of care in her work and she refuses to let you leave with stray hairs. She was in a word, amazing!
I also got a pedicure from Maria, who is also a joy to talk to. She was hilarious and very friendly. She also did a terrific job with my nails.
One thing you should know: they prefer if you tip in cash. there are little envelopes where you can specify who you’re tipping. i thought that was great because that way, each esthetician gets his/​her proper share.

My husband got me a Groupon for Dolce Vita for Christmas for $ 120 worth of services for $ 50. When I called to make an appointment for a massage and waxing, they told me that they had «opened up additional days» for the Groupon holders due to the high demand. I was given a choice of Sunday or Monday four weeks out. When I arrived I was taking in for my eyebrow wax first. She did not show me what she had done in a mirror and when I got to the locker room realized what a poor job she had done. I have gotten better waxing at the Benefit Brow Bar at Macy’s.
I had my massage next, and was surprised to find that my (male) masseuse was wearing a t-​shirt and sneakers. However, it was a very good massage.
It seems like they set aside these days for Groupon members and didn’t deliver on the full value of their services. The spa itself was very warm and inviting, but the fact that they slacked off on what they knew was lower revenue was disappointing.

I just wanted to update my review one last time. I am pretty sure from all my previous reviews, that you all can tell I adore Dolce Vita. I like updating it because I am here on a regular basis and I have only had the best treatments.
Armondo’s massages are amazing. I like how he handles things. By that, I mean he chats it up before to get an idea of what you want and then at the end he spends time going over the treatment. I owe him a double tip next treatment because I was the jerk that thought I had cash in my purse and didnt! :(
Svetlana is still my favorite esthetician (sp*)! I never break out and I love that she has her routine down. Never misses a beat and I know the timing left depending on what stage she is on. While I was pregnant, she was super patient with me and only helped me out when I had to roll off the table to puke or got claustrophobic! Not usually like that! haha

So there I am, standing in the middle of the waiting area, in a small, short, and pink robe.
I’m standing, because the robe is so short that if I sat down, I’d flash that middle-​aged woman who is already giving me an odd look. I pretend to read a book on places to get married in SF while I wait for my masseuse to get me out of this awkward situation and robe.
I signed up for a much needed 90-​minute massage. I believe I was the woman’s last customer of the day as it felt like she was trying to rush me out. The massage itself was relaxing, but aren’t they all. I wrote down that my shoulders tend to need the most work, but have no evidence that she spent any more time/​effort on them. Unfortunately, my first thought after was that I need to get another massage and have them done properly.
The massage room and its window was close to N 1^st Street. Thus the attempt at a soothing atmosphere and escape from the world falls apart quickly when accompanied by the sounds of the Light Rail rumbling past, the rush-​hour traffic, and what must have been a rabid version of Lassie.
They did have some nice touches, like offering wine, and massaging the feet with a hot towel, but it doesn’t compenstate for the overall experience.
I hope you get a better masseuse, a better room… and a robe that fits.

Well Tiffany is gone — BUT the great news is that she is still in the area– here’s the link for her new location and details, or just search «Waxing at Tiffany’s» on Unilocal:
So-​back to Dolce Vita– even though Tiffany is gone, .Armando is still here, and if you haven’t had a massage by Armando yet you are missing out on a slice of heaven on earth. I am anxiously awaiting my next commissions check so I can drop the $ 80 for an hour’s worth of his gentle yet firm and thorough touch. Yay for Armando, me and my back both miss you but we will be in very soon !!
Edit: I went to see Armando and had another wonderful deep tissue massage– he’s really more of a physical therapist than a masseuse, because he asks about what is hurting on your body and then styles the massage around healing your pain. He also offered suggestions on my tendonitis and lower back pain… this well worth the $ 80 investment, every time I come here I feel better for days and even weeks afterwards.

Really not too pleased with my experience here and I won’t be coming back. It’s a shame because this place is right down the block from me and I really wanted to like it, but I just can’t with crappy customer service and a half-​baked massage.
I made an appointment to have some work done on my back and it’s pretty straight forward, not too rude on the phone as others have mentioned. I usually go to A Well Within down in Santa Cruz but couldn’t get over the hill before I left for Kirkwood.
I get there and parking is a mess with all of 5 spots and they are all taken. Inside its obvious they have NO idea what to do with a guy here.
I’m sent to go change, and come out to the waiting room and wait. And wait some more. Finally the masseuse comes out and asked me to fill out some forms then when I do, she never even looks at them. Riiight.
The massage starts quickly without even a hello or what brings you here today type of small talk. I finally mention my back is bothering me and needs some attention and she never touches it. Most stressful massage in my life. Honestly. I was fuming that I paid $ 80 to be poked at best.
The light rail train rumbling by every 10 minutes didn’t help any. Just plain bad experience, but a nice place with nice décor. Maybe if the girls came here they’d have a nice time, but for guys it’s no dice.

Stacey kicks ass… I will repeat myself again… Stacey kicks major ass. My friend Ana has been going here since 2006 and highly recommended the place. I came once with her when she saw Tiffany (who gets rave reviews) and I loved the décor and relaxing environment. For those of you who know my crazy life. damnit I need some pampering! I was in San Jose all day yesterday and was in desperate need of lightening my neather region… Stacey was polite, quick, efficient (got 99.8% of all the hair) and I was out the door in fifteen minutes.
For those of you lushes… there is a complimentary glass of various types of alcohol. They have a special blend chai… sigh. the way to my heart.
Anyways full brazilian waxy is 60… maintainence I don’t know. But this place is super close to where I work and I will be coming back.

Everyone was very friendly and the place was very cute but, I tried to have my eyelashes tinted black last week but they only came out a medium brown shade. :(I’m should call back and let the nice girl know, maybe she’d redo it. She actually commented that they weren’t as dark as they usually turn out but, this looks like they’re were done a month ago and it’s time for me to schedule another appt. I’m used to my lashes looking very lushious and dark black for several weeks (4 – 6) after being dyed.
I read others reviews about unfriendly staff but, I musta picked a good day cause the girl downstairs was nice enough to me. :) Also, just offering this service is a great thing cause I called so many salons that did not offer eyelash tinting at all, before finding this one.
** Ok well I called and she wasn’t there. I didn’t leave a message cause she didn’t have a private line. She isn’t available until May 9^th anyway… must be good at other services to be so booked!
**My eyelashes almost have no color right now and today marks 1 week.