Pura Vida Day Spa

I actually feel bad about giving this place 3 stars because I really wanted to enjoy everything about it. First off, I’ll start with the positives: this place has an amazing atmosphere! The smells, the lighting and the staff were great. They get an A+ in those areas! My husband bought me a prenatal massage, facial and pedicure which I was beyond excited about. Unfortunately, some treatments fell short.
The facial was absolutely perfect! By far the best facial ever. I probably could’ve spent another three hours lying there letting her work her magic, ha! We bounced back and forth between quiet and good convo, which I enjoyed.
Next came the pedicure. Because of how they scheduled my services, I ended up getting rushed during my pedi. I don’t blame the tech because I could tell she felt pressure from the massage therapist (who kept popping her head in) to hurry up. Towards the end she was eyeballing the clock and had to rush to paint. This caused me to end up with only one coat of polish on my left foot — something I didn’t realize until I got home later.
Now, onto the prenatal massage. This is where it went downhill. The therapist was very sweet and nice, but seeing as how I was her last client for the day, I got the impression that she just wanted it to be done. The massage was mediocre and you could just tell she didn’t want to be there. It was very obvious. My 60 min massage ended up only being 45 mins and there was a few times I suspect she was using her phone due to the sounds/​one handed motions on my back.
Would I go back? Definitely not for a massage. I would’ve been satisfied completely had it just been a facial and non-​rushed pedicure.

I am absolutely addicted to this place. They are always very welcoming, the atmosphere is beautiful and relaxing, and the massages will keep me coming back for life. I have had both Erica and Esther work on my back, and both are amazing at what they do. I definitely recommend this place to all my friends.

I have been to Pura Vida many times (they have great Facebook specials!) and have had pretty good experiences. I went for my appointment yesterday for a massage and manicure to use a gift card I got for Christmas (that shows you how often I pamper myself) so I was really excited to have a morning to relax. I was pretty disappointed. My masseuse seemed like she did not want to be there and was not focused. I told her my issues were in my back and shoulders and she only spent about 10 of the 60 minutes on that area. Also, at one point during my shoulder massage she was only using one hand which I thought was odd. I quickly learned that it was because she was looking at her cell phone. It beeped right by my ear. She apologized, placed her phone down and moved on to rubbing my arms. I found this massage disappointing and very unprofessional. I will still come to Pura Vida for massages, but I will make sure to make an appointment with someone different.
The young girl who did my nails was very kind and easy to talk to. I really enjoyed my time with her. But, I think she might have been new because when I walked out of the salon, my nails just looked unfinished. My cuticles were pushed back but not really trimmed, and the polish was streaky.

So my daughter and I were returning from a hiking trip in Colorado and our muscles were stiff. We had a bright idea as we trekked down IH35 to find a place to get a massage. Not being from Waco we had no idea who we should call. We called here and by a miracle they could get us in. First off the front desk (wish I could remember her name short blonde hair) was wonderful on the phone but even more wonderful in person. She had waters waiting on us! My massage was with Erica and my daughters was with Melissa. I will be honest. I was a little concerned when I met Erica thinking she was young and maybe just starting out. So let me tell you after meeting her I was reminded why you should never be quick to judge. I was grateful they were taking me in on a whim but I have to admit I have had massages in some of the most elite spas across the nation so I just thought go with it. Well Erica… Turns out she’s the bomb. She worked out my very tense shoulders and hips without killing me, she somehow brought relief without the pain. Very, very impressed. Melissa had only known that my daughter hiked (when in fact it was the Manitou Incline) and stretched and pampered each fatigued muscle. Thank you Pure Vida for a wonderful ending to our road trip!!! Looks like we may have to drive to Waco more often!!!

Great visit to Pura Vida today. Was immediately greeted by Carolyn when I walked in. She pulled my charts and walked me to the locker room. I was offered a water, coffee, or piña colada (special today)! If I weren’t pregnant (getting a prenatal massage ;)) I would have been stoked! So I asked for water, and she said she’d leave it for me in the meditation room. It wasn’t there, but I guess she got sidetracked. Happens.
Juliette greeted me promptly. She is a great therapist! I’m a talker, so she and I chatted it up.
Strolled through the boutique shop on my way out. SUCH cute clothes! When I left, Carolyn happily informed me that I was all taken care of, tip and all (thanks to my sweet friend who treated me to the massage!) Now I’m at home and looking forward to my next visit.

My friend and I had a spa day here for her birthday and were pretty disappointed. We had 90 minute massages scheduled. My massage therapist was nice, gave an ok massage. But she didn’t get the memo that mine was 90 minutes and she stopped at 60. My pedicure was ok for the price. Nice girl. My friends massage was good but her facial was not. Plus she said when they took her upstairs to the facial room, it was strange and not too clean.
I did not like the fact that you took your robe out of a locker and then went into a bathroom stall to change. Didn’t even have a table. Very awkward.
The staff seemed confused about a lot of things. Might need to get a front desk person to organize everything. The manager did try to contact me later that day to discuss my massage. I didn’t call back but appreciated that she tried. We will try a different spa the next time we are in town.

While in town on business I had a rare day off and turned to Unilocal to find a spa. What a great experience I had at this day spa. A fantastic massage at a very reasonable price. I really had a great experience.

I called to book a massage here after having a stiff neck and shoulder for a week. They were able to book me an appointment for the next day, which was fantastic (especially since it was the weekend). When I got there, the spa was welcoming and well decorated and the staff members were all prompt and knowledgeable. Melissa gave me my massage and did a fantastic job – she really focused on my stiff neck/​shoulder. I would definitely go back to Pura Vida!

I had a massage with Heather. She was pretty good. She normally doesn’t do deep tissue but made an exception since I didn’t know that when I made the appointment. The staff are friendly, the spa is large and pretty. It was a good experience.

I haven’t tried the spa but got my hair cut, colored and highlighted 3 times. The results have been inconsistant.

I had some time in Waco and thought I’d get a facial. Wasn’t sure what to expect. The place is lovely and way bigger than it appears from outside. The prices were great (compared to Los Angeles anyway). My esthetician was very nice and gave me a good facial. I think the biggest difference for me was that you keep your clothes or robe on for treatments. I guess they are more conservative in the south, but I am use to being unclothed and in a warming blanket for facials, must be a regional difference. They have a nice little locker room/​bathroom for changing. They give you water in actual class goblets. They are prompt and courteous. Overall you can’t go wrong here. I was very pleased.

this place is so fancy inside and the owner/​master stylist erin owens is really amazing. to have erin do your hair, you have to call in advance because she is usually very busy. you can sign up at the salon to receive email deals, and they send them out weekly, with deals such as 20% off color with a certain stylist, or $ 40 facials or 60 minute massages, or $ 25 spa mani/​pedi. you can also check their facebook page for deals and discounts. they use great hair products. haven’t been to the day spa yet but definitely plan to go in. it would be fun to setup a girls’ spa day here. pura vida is in a great downtown location and has great décor and gives you a true spa/​salon experience.