The Sanctuary

Once you step into this spa, the stress of your day just melts away. I look forward to my monthly facials with Vickie. She knows skin and has the hands of an angel. My skin has never looked and feel better. Her facials are all custom, and the products she uses are all organic and smell delicious! She also does my brows and I’m now addicted to her magic touch! I love the spa room, music and ambience. I just melt into the table and immediately relax.
Vickie is a skin care master so she also knows what products to use on your skin. She will not push anything on you nor make you use anything that you don’t feel comfortable with. Their skin care line is awesome and has turned my skin around. I won’t use anything else. Vickie will also exchange products out depending what my skin needs which has made all the difference in the world.
I highly recommend Vickie and Tracy Duh’s, The Sanctuary. You will not be disappointed!

What a delightful place. the best facial I have ever received, put me in a dream state! Vicky was very good and such a caring person to explain what she was putting on my face. I love love the idea that all their products are cancer free from additives and are organic. I will be back for sure and hopefully you will try them out, you will not be disappointed at all .A bit pricey but well worth the price!

I went to the Sanctuary Day spa for a massage with Gordon last Friday. Wow. What an experience! From a guy that has had probably at least 100 different body workers work on him, this was one of my all-​time favorite massage experiences. Gordon is so skilled & so patient. He’s really great and communicating and making sure he’s got the right pressure and that he’s totally worked out any trouble areas (mine was a terrible kink in my neck).
The spa is so adorable. I wish I had more time to peruse the retail area as everything looked top of the line. You can tell the owners here really care. So tastefully decorated with such fine finishes. The sheets they used on the massage table were the softest sheets I’ve ever felt! I’ve got to call them and ask them what brand they are– I want some at home!
The spa is super cute and private– that said it can be hard to see when you first visit. Look for the Auto-​Zone: it’s right across from it. Also, there is free parking in the alleyway just east of the building.
I’ll definitely be back.

Best Spa in San Diego! I love when you walk in and they ask you if you want tea! This is truly a gem! Located in Ocean Beach its so quaint and luxurious! This place is amazing! I love getting my facials and products at the Sanctuary. I have tried various products and services and I have to say, I always get treated like royalty and it really is the best on the market products!

I love this place! While I haven’t used their spa services YET, I do purchase my cosmetics from them. I’m a huge Jane Iredale makeup user, and love that this local location has the FULL product line, very hard to find! Tracy the owner of the salon backs the products 100%, and can train on new products and color matching. The staff won’t make you feel rushed and they will even make you one of their special teas while you wait!
They recently introduced me to a new facial cleanser line, Arcona! I have switched from the line I have used for 5+ years and can see a difference in my skin in just 1 month!!!
I am a new client, and will remain loyal! Can’t say enough great things!

This is my favorite place to escape in San Diego. I have tried synergy, healing stretch and attended a Women’s Wellness Day. It is a warm, welcoming and relaxing environment with something for everyone. I always leave feeling rejuvenated and happy. Love this place!

The staff were friendly and warm, I felt very comfortable! Gordan gave me the best massage (structural integration) of my life! I have never had a treatment like this one. I felt amazing! I can’t wait to go again!

Last week I was treated to a May Lindstrom Skin Experience. Vicki’s soft soothing touch, the lovely aromas of spices and fresh fruits created a transcendent experience of pure joy. I’ve never experienced anything like this healing, pampering facial. Thanks to Vicki and my sweet niece!

I was struggling and Tracy helped me out with counseling and mud packing. There are so many services, makeup, sprays and many other nifty goodies to choose from. It’s like being in a candy store. The spa has good vibes.

Wow! This place is not your average salon. The amazing results I have gotten from coming here has been life changing (thought that sounds crazy from a salon) Tracy the owner there has healed my horrible digestion issues that I have had over the years. I have always struggled with that issue with my body/​system. Since I started the the package pills Restoring Cellular Communication Pathways I sleep way better, I am not starving like I used to be. I go to the bathroom (TMI but it makes a HUGE difference in life) It has seriously changed my life in such a positive/​positive way. I cant wait to add in the different additional methods she has shown me. She also did mud packing on my huge scar around my tummy. I cant believe how much it has made me feel detoxed and clear headed. I highly recommend if you are having any pain, stomach issues or anything that feels off in your body etc you make an appointment with Tracy, she is truly a healer.

I came to Sanctuary for my eyebrows, just needed a quick clean up. Ob local so I’ve walked past this place plenty of times and didn’t have time go to my usual spot. So after looking at their prices online I went in. Cute place, the woman doing my eyebrows was sweet and she did a nice job.
I was however, charged $ 30 afterwards. Which was strange because I recalled it being $ 20 on the website. So I tipped the woman who did my eyebrows and checked the prices later. I gave the shop a call because I was overcharged ($ 20 on their website for eyebrow maintenance) and it was the owner I spoke with. She was the rudest woman, I have ever come into contact with. She screamed at me repeatedly, spoke over me when I was talking, had conversations with people in the shop at the same time, all while telling me how great their customer service is…
She also said I was charged $ 30 because «thats what everyone is charged the first time and then after $ 20» — No. That isn’t on your website and its incredibly rude to your clients to try and rip them off after their service. She ended up YELLING she’d issue me a refund and then immediately hung up. Disgusting behavior, I feel bad for the woman doing the eyebrows! I will never go here again, but I will continue to spread the word about her nasty attitude.

This is a true sanctuary and special place. Owner Tracy Duhs does exhaustive research on any product before she adds it to her collection. Staff are well-​informed on product, facials, massage. One of its key feaures is the feeling of light and graceful energy that inhabits this space, expressed through Tracy and consistently through her staff. It is truly a quiet, and loving space.
The spa inhabits a group of secluded bungalows, shaded by banana and palm trees. The massage and facial rooms in the bungalows have private bath and patio settings, depending on the room. I always feel I am the only one there, so attentive are they to caring service, and to your healing space and relaxation. Lovely space, lovely people.
Street parking is difficult, so they offer private parking space for clients.

AMAZING is the first word that comes to mind. A friend told me about this place because we are both into natural/​holistic food, care and everything in between — and of course, I trust her, so, I called to make an appointment. It was amazing and Benita is so knowledgable, warm and kind during my facial. The products are top notch, natural and I am so happy to find a place that has products that I can use and trust. Also, the boutique has fabulous one of a kind things — so, of course, I had to do some browsing as well.
So glad to find a place that I can call home for my spa needs!

My husband loved his facial and massage at «The Sanctuary». The woman who conducted the facial was very professional and helpful. Definitely would go back if I lived in San Diego again!

This was one of the best spa experiences I’ve ever had. I called about 4 days in advance for appointments for my roommate and I for facials and massages and we were able to get appointments at the same time!
First off, the place is beautiful! The courtyard area is adorable, the rooms are warm, the beds are insanely comfortable, and they use great products!
Ellie gave me hands down the best facial possible. I was so relaxed throughout the whole thing. She was very attentive, and took the time to carefully evaluate my skin to customize my facial to suit my needs. She’s also super friendly, knowledgeable, and definitely qualified. You can tell she loves what she does and does it very well!
Peggy gave me my massage next. Originally I was down for a Swedish massage but I have massive knots in my back so she customized the pressure and techniques to get the area I needed taken care of. She was very friendly and knowledgeable as well, and gave me some great tips to help me take better care of myself at home, which was great and very appreciated! It’s also really important to me that a masseuse is professional since you’re pretty exposed and Peggy definitely was. Even with the pain I felt comfortable with her. :-)
All in all, I know this is the best spa trip my roomie and I have ever had. We went to another place a couple months back and we literally said to each other «I don’t know why we didn’t come here in the first place, BIG mistake!»
We will be making regular trips to The Sanctuary!

What a gem! My friend and I went to The Sanctuary after our thoughtful husbands booked us massages and facials. I got a 55 min Swedish by Peggy, with an Express Facial, and my friend got the Mommy to be Massage with the Express Facial.
When we walked in we were greeted promptly and cheerfully by Cristina and Peggy. They were so helpful and informative, explaining our services to us before we got started. We were also offered tea– a nice touch! The lobby was quaint and welcoming. There are some things for sale in the store, but it’s by no means overwhelming. It’s cute stuff– some lip glosses, make up, jewelry…
The facial was wonderful. Cristina was very professional. We did chat some, but she also let me just lay back and enjoy the facial– no talking needed. There was very soothing music and lovely aromas throughout the spa. She didn’t try to upsell me on any products during the facial– very nice.
After my facial, I went into the massage room with Peggy. Peggy was also super friendly and knowledgeable, asking about my needs. I was a little nervous about being exposed during a massage but Peggy exhibited the utmost professionalism and made me feel at ease. Her pressure during the massage was perfect– I told her that I tend to like deep pressure and she did a fabulous job from toe to head! I felt as though I could melt right into the table! She was very attentive making sure I was comfortable and warm enough!
I’d also like to note that both tables, the massage and facial ones, were heated– what a nice touch! I want one of those in my house!
After my massage I was offered some water in a cute little champagne glass. I went back to the lobby and Cristina was able to help me pick out some skin products in the lobby I was asking about. I didn’t get the salesperson, pushy, vibe from her at all. Just super friendly and she talked about her own experiences with products.
As my friend and I left, we both couldn’t stop talking about how relaxing and great we felt. Her Mommy to be massage was as fabulous as my Swedish, and she actually fell asleep during her facial with Cristina. We were both impressed with the services and didn’t want to leave. I’ll definitely be returning! For now, I’ll just enjoy the wonderfully intoxicating smell on my skin from the products used during the massage ! :) Lovely! Thanks Cristina and Peggy!

I like this place and consider it as a profession option. T
he owner’s high standard of the whole place, from the decoration to professional skill of the therapist satisfied my demand.
Love the combination of massage of their tea. Because i know that massage with tea and detox are perfect match.
I was invited to the owner’s named TRACY, her RAW FOOD AND DRINK CLASS was beyond my imagination, i got a lot of fresh idea about how i can prepare my daily drink and deserts which are all healthy organic.
Love this place and i Highly recommended.

First of all, I’ve got some thick brows let me tell you, and I was in the area and spotted their Tuesday 30% off waxing.
I thought to myself, «Hmm I should check it out, especially I’m now over getting my hair done at super cuts.» I had to find some where else to tame the beasts that live above my eyes.
As soon as I walked in I was greeted by Cristina. The young woman behind the desk. She was all smiles and couldn’t wait to help me.
The lobby elegantly displaying jewelry, makeup, and clothing that I would assume appeal to women but was not off putting to men. They obviously know their demographic but it didn’t discourage me.
She told me to lay down and relax. The room had ambient music and low lighting but it felt very private. Something I’m not used to when it comes to pruning the brows.
She started and didn’t even hurt! Just kidding. But she quickly applied pressure and creams to subdue the burning and the redness.
Overall I was very satisfied and exposed to a new experience and will definitely continue to come back and give all the discounted business cards to all my lady friends and maybe some of my better male friends.

I purchased some sort of coupon (Groupon?) and instead of an eyebrow treatment I paid more ($ 50?) to get a makeover and makeup instruction from a professional. WHAT A JOKE!!! Ok, the girl was nice and clearly she knew how to apply makeup because she had a ton on her face and looked nice, but when it came to applying it on me, she did not have a clue.
They do the makeup instruction in the tiny lobby while people are coming in and out. There is no mirror in front of you so that you can watch and see results — although there is a large mirror behind you (about 10 feet away) but the place is so dimly lit that you can’t see what you really look like.
First, she tried to begin applying makeup before even washing my face!!! I had to stop her and tell her that I already had makeup on and suggested that we remove it. She had no makeup remover or cleanser so she wet some tissues and asked me to wipe my face (true story!). I’ve had makeup applications before and one of the ways they make you look pretty and fall in love with the makeup and buy some is by prepping your face with cleanser /​toner /​and moisturizer so that you feel and look amazing. Not her. Nothing at all. And then she was actually surprised when the foundation layer of makeup looked absolutely HORRIBLE! I mean, it was really bad — showing streaks, pores, caking… She did not do well by Jane Iredale.
So, we move on… I was most interested in learning eye makeup techniques. She is way heavy handed with the brushes and makeup and she pretty much made me look like a clown. Not even a sexy clown! More like a sad, aging, sloppy, depressed clown. Maybe a crack clown. I was not happy to say the least.
When she mentioned night makeup I was like — go ahead and do it (while thinking — I already look like a trashy clown, how much worse can it get!!). She couldn’t find colors of makeup, she couldn’t find brushes and dropped the whole brush case on the floor spilling them out everywhere and didn’t bother to clean them when putting them back (which made me wonder if these brushes were used on someone before me without being cleaned). Granted, this girl told me she was new and that she was a good friend of the owner so maybe she just didn’t have the hang of the salon OR the Jane Iredale makeup.
I was really disappointed with the whole ordeal and wished I just would have gone with the eyebrow shaping and saved some money!!!
At the end, the frosting on the cake was the hard sell of product. I bought a few things just to get out of there! One was some goopy gross lip gloss that I tried to wear once and it was just GROSS! My hair kept getting stuck in it, my lips stuck together when I talked, and it just felt so gross. I even tipped the girl like $ 20, I have no idea why. I guess I felt bad for her because I was already forming this review in my mind…(?)
I have to assume, based on the reviews, that maybe makeup isn’t their strong point. I really hate to think of bridal parties actually getting their makeup done in this place! Scary thought!!! In all, it was a waste of about $ 200 and at least an hour of my time.

I’m here taking a few days off, trying to do nothing and just relax from my busy life in LA.
I wanted to have a relaxing massage. We’re staying in Ocean Beach, so I looked up Unilocal for Day Spas in the area. This place had a male massage therapist, Joaquim and he got amazing reviews here. I prefer a male therapist. Don’t ask me why! I can’t really explain it. Somehow I have this misconception that a female can’t have as strong hands as a male. Yet, at the same time you keep hearing about these tiny Thai ladies in Thai Spas who are super strong and work you out to exhaustion.
I called for an appointment, but Joaquim was booked for the entire duration of my vacation. (It’s all your fault you guys who write 5-​star reviews about him. Now I didn’t have the chance to try him.)
His wife, Denise was also was highly recommended in the reviews, so I «settled» for her. :-)
The whole place is very clean, beautiful, very serene and smells wonderful.
I booked a 90-​minute Therapeutic Custom Massage. I filled in the little form and we chatted a little while she gave me a foot scrub and foot massage. I told her that it was my shoulder and neck that I really needed some stress relief on.
She gave me a cup of their popular Coconut tea. (I bought a tin afterwards.)
She did a wonderful job. She was just as strong as the men I’ve had before. She kept asking me if I needed more or less pressure, but it was just perfect. She used a Jadience Muscle & Joint Therapeutic Cream that not only smells fantastic (I’m not going to shower today) and provides great moisturizing to your body, but it also improves circulation while removing toxins and relaxes sore and tight muscles, alleviates symptoms of pain, strengthens muscles and joints, and aids in the relief of swelling and inflammation. Can you ask for a more perfect massage oil/​cream?
She used the entire 90 minutes for the massage. Every part of my body was absolutely refreshed and I did feel the tensions relieved. I felt great afterwards. I don’t understand why I was afraid of getting a massage from a female therapist. Denise proved me wrong.
She however told me that I must try Joaquim one day, so I guess I’ll be back sooner than later.
In the meantime, I’m just going to enjoy smelling my own skin until this amazing lotion wears off. I think I will buy this from Jadience.