Akua Spa & Salon

On Monday I had an appointment with Lauren Porter for a haircut and color. I am so happy with the results. The cut is amazing … precise and wonderful. And my hair color turned out just perfect. I highly recommend Lauren if you’re looking for a new stylist. she’s the best!

I love this spa/​salon. I started out going for massages with Lulu and Jessica and my husband and I both agreed they were some of the best massages we’ve received. Now I also see Rebecca to get my haircut. She is so sweet and I leave the salon feeling beautiful. The entire staff is so friendly and it’s always a great experience. So glad to have found Akua!

Jessica gave the best massage I have ever had! Not only did she help my sore body but I felt completely relaxed and actually fell asleep during the massage! Her essence makes you feel so comfortable. Simply the best!

I’ve been using Danielle for 3 – 4 years and would recommend her to anyone. I now bring my son to her as he’s a picky teenager that refuses the mass haircut places! She does a great job and is about the nicest person you’d ever want to hang with during those 30 – 40 minute sessions! I’ve also started using Jessica for waxing… never a fun time but it’s the least pain and best experience I’ve had in the few years since deciding to submit myself to such torture :-)

This review is for Rebeca @ Akua… I’ve been going to Rebeca for 5 years now. She is amazing & so good @ what she does. I always leave Rebeca feeling like a totally different person. I sit in her chair & she does her «magic»!! I would definitely recommend Rebeca!!!

A job well done. Danielle understands her trade as well as what it means to care for her guests. Parked out front on HWY 101 epic to surf culture all around then walked inside the salon which was clean, classy and beachy. Enjoyed my whole appointment. It started with a warm encouraging greeting to a thorough consultation then ending with a fabulous do. Thank you Danielle. Stoked for our next scheduled appointment! Y’all get intouch with this talented hairstylist.

Just gets better! I’ve been back several times now. And have got to finally experience Jessica. She is my magic girl! Everything she puts on my skin smells lovely, she relaxes me more than I imagined possible (I’ll admit, I’ve dozed off), and takes her time with me and always makes me feel like butter when I leave. I can’t even tell you how excited I am to have a «place» to call «my salon»!!

Jessica is great. Facials are reasonably priced, longer than normal, and so relaxing. The atmosphere in the salon is beachy and laid back, and nobody has ever tried to push products on me (which I hate). I don’t mind, but for people on a schedule sometimes facials run long so give yourself plenty of room for your facial. I bought gift cards for my whole family.

I had a Living Social deal for an eyebrow and Brazilian wax and Jessica did an amazing job! Easy to schedule via text, and Jessica did everything to make my experience pleasant and comfortable. The space where the waxing was done was serene and I was able to easily find parking and get this done over a lunch break. As pain free as possible given what I was having done. I would absolutely come back. Thank you!

Last summer I got the best eyebrow shaping/​wax I’ve ever had in my life with Jessica Santiago at Akua salon. Since I don’t wax my brows often, I returned just over a week ago and the MOST INCREDIBLE thing happened.
I had only met Jessica that one time, and yet, she remembered several things we had talked about nearly a year ago!!! It really freaked me out because I have had doctors who could barely remember my name even though I saw them regularly.
I couldn’t believe Jessica had such a good memory — this REALLY speaks to how SINCERE she is with her clients, getting to know each one personally. Jessica genuinely engages you in a great conversation as if you’ve known her for years, and the treatment room is first rate, with soft music, mood lighting and a comfortable bed that gives you a sense of escape. When you leave, you don’t just leave feeling more relaxed and beautiful, but as if you’ve just had an invigorating therapy session!
There was an error with scheduling which was a little frustrating, but Jessica was extremely apologetic and humble, and she did not charge me for the service due to the mistake.
In summary: on top of being an incredibly skilled and talented esthetician (did I mention best brow shaping I’ve ever had in my life?), Jessica is absolutely a one-​of-​a-​kind person who makes your salon experience truly extraordinary. She also does facials and other waxing, so I look forward to coming back!

This review is for Wendy Grooms at Akua Spa …
There are a couple of anomalies about Wendy. One, she is incredibly reasonably priced. Two, she is located in North County. Three, she is amazing. Those three elements don’t typically come as a package deal.
I am a very seasoned recipient of massage. If you like therapeutic/​deep tissue — aka massage with meaning and purpose — go see Wendy. Very functional and therapeutic yet still rhythmic.
Highly recommend!

My new favorite salon! I found it through my esthetician, Deb, she works here now. There’s usually plenty of parking right in front of the salon, which is a good thing because parking in Encinitas is a headache.
Deb does wonderful light peels. She also carries the Image line, which I cannot live without.
I’ve also had Jessica for a few facials and a short massage. She’s a wonder with her hands.

I had a massage with Wendy, and I really enjoyed it! I asked for strong pressure, and she didn’t disappoint. She’s strong, and professional. She massaged my legs and feet until I practically fell asleep! I feel much looser—
On my back she used a lot of elbow work, and I’m not a huge fan of that. But, I needed it – and wanted to get the knots out. It worked. On the rest of my body she really uses pressure points and kneeding to get to the spots you need. Perfect combo!
Getting a good massage is hard — I go to places like Massage Envy thinking I’ll get a good one or other salons, but I’ve been disappointed. Wendy is worth the time and money. Give it shot!
She’s quiet and to the point — her personality doesn’t seem to be very talkative. I kind of like it because she’s all work — and good at it!

Based on the reviews here, sounds like you shouldn’t get a haircut here…
But anyway, I scheduled a massage with Wendy through the bloomspot deal, after being recommended by a coworker. I requested firm pressure, and Wendy definitely did give me what I asked for. She was able to get out all the kinks out of my back, so I didn’t ache for weeks, due to all the sitting at my day job!
P. S. I texted Wendy and scheduled it with her directly, so maybe that helps?

I have dark hair which I’ve tried to highlight at several other places. This is the first time I’m 100% happy with the color/​tone and style of highlight.
Anika is a pro, she gives you that, «Victoria’s Secret, sunkissed look» It’s very complimentary and natural looking.
What a difference a good highlight job can make!
Beyond my amazing hair… Anika is very pleasant, easy going, and friendly. I’m very happy with the entire experience. :)

You would think Southern California has the market cornered on highlighting hair blonde. It took me a couple tries with several hairstylists till I found Anika. She finally got it right for me, I thought I was going to have to fly home to the east coast every time I needed my hair done.
She also «corrected» a seriously bad «experiment» from the colorist I went to before her.
She has a lot of patience and will spend a great deal of time giving you what you want. Also she blows my curly hair straight — not an easy feat!
I’m so glad I found my new salon.
She happens to be a very nice genuine person.

Jessica is the best! She gives wonderful massages and facials. After I leave, I feel refreshed and renewed! My face looks younger and more radiant. She cares about her work and gives great wellness and health advice. I am so lucky to have found her!