Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Refuge in Carmel

4.6 (199) 27300 Rancho San Carlos Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, United States

Categories

Spa
Day spa
Massage therapist

Location on the map

Carmel, Monterey County, California, US

Phone: +1 831-620-7360
Site: http://refuge.com/

Opening hours

Monday:10 AM–10 PM
Tuesday:10 AM–10 PM
Wednesday:10 AM–10 PM
Thursday:10 AM–10 PM
Friday:10 AM–10 PM
Saturday:9 AM–10 PM
Sunday:9 AM–10 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.6

199 Reviews for Refuge 2024:

Review №1

2023-04-05 16:02:42

For reference: First time at Refuge, first ever spa visit. I didn’t know what to expect when my girlfriend took to me to Refuge for their Thermal Cycle. I was a little stressed regarding the unknown and admittedly feeling like a troglodyte at a five star restaurant amongst what I expected would be high society movers and shakers. Let me just state for the record that my fears and insecurities were completely annihilated. I was treated with class and respect,ñ by both the staff and clientele, which should come as no surprise.We started with the eucalyptus steam room. For anyone unfamiliar beforehand, it WILL catch you off guard. Breathing hot, moist air suddenly transported me to a humid Florida afternoon. The eucalyptus took a minute or s to get used to, reminding me of my mother’s old good for every ailment Vick’s remedy.From there we took a dip in the cool and cold pools. There is a difference. After, we cycled to the warm and hot pools, also different.The establishment has a very strict rule of silence to offer the most tranquil of experiences. There will always be those unfortunate few that do not respect said rule, but we found that sitting next to one of the many poolside waterfalls, that it easily drowned out any unwanted conversation.Next stop: sauna. With it’s Himalayan salt wall and wooden benches, it didn’t take long to want to hit the cool pool once again.Afterward we sat in a calm room and relaxed away from all noises and distractions.Keep in mind that outside of restrooms and changing rooms, everything is co-ed.There are fire pits everywhere. Hammocks are available for one or two! There are hooks for hats, robes, towels, or locker keys wherever you decide to spend your time.The staff were exceptionally welcoming and friendly.For a Neanderthal like me, this was heaven, and an experience I cannot wait to have again!

Review №2

2023-07-18 01:20:06

This is a great place for a quiet break with a book. I havent seen so many people reading books in a long time. But at the Spa many enjoyed reading. A wonderful sauna, hot pools, mountain views, a soothing flame of a fire, you will find it all in this Spa. There was one minus, it is very hot in the steam room.

Review №3

2023-12-08 02:04:02

Discriminatory practices against a breast cancer survivor. Her treatment was DISGUSTING. If I could give ZERO stars, I would. I booked an appointment for my mom to receive a massage there tonight. She requested a bolster pillow for her chest because she had breast cancer surgery early in the year. The therapist informed her that they did not have that equipment available and when my mother offer to just use towels or another pillow to lay on for her comfort, the therapist and staff informed her that they were refusing to give her the massage. There were no other options provided, no accommodations made, perhaps a lighter massage, or a different masseuse, NOTHING, she had to walk out of the massage room and leave. I am completely baffled that a reputed spa would not a) carry equipment to facilitate massages for WOMEN who have had breast surgery, and b) that no other option other than we’ll refund your money and goodbye was offered. The way she was treated was disgusting and I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone. There are plenty of other wonderful places in the valley to get a massage, give them your service. Not these people. Disgusting.

Review №4

2023-10-20 23:16:00

I really enjoy this place. They recently renovated but I didnt see any noticeable improvements. The cost for entry+massage is very reasonable, which is a huge plus. I wish I had the time to go back to enjoy twilight or after dark with the lights on the pools. Ill have to come back! Only recommendation would be to have more beverage/water options like cucumber water or something similar, cold or room temperature, and a warmer changing room. Also recommend providing slippers free of charge although not a deal breaker. Overall I enjoy this place and would come back.

Review №5

2023-11-04 03:20:30

Love this place. I feel as though it literally saved my life. I had a major allergic reaction to a very famous vaccine, which left me with my nervous system being stuck in the “flight or fight” mode for over 4 months. I began coming here once a month. I had been here before and loved it and when I began coming to help calm my nerves, it literally gave me relief that no pill was ever giving me. The key is following the “warm up and cool down” process along with disconnecting from technology. I will forever be grateful for the Refuge. It takes me 3 hours to get here but it is well worth it! Bless you!

Review №6

2023-11-03 17:32:40

Refuge is an excellent California mountain oasis! My wife and I did the recommended routine with the heat up and sweat then dip in the cold pool for a bit and it was all quiet relaxing! It’s very quiet, very soothing, and the scenery is beautiful. There’s lot of fire pits and chairs - it’s a great little getaway!Would highly recommend giving this place a try!

Review №7

2023-11-24 16:48:11

Truly an oasis for relaxation. Their hot and cold plunge pools are very therapeutic. They also have a sauna and anti-gravity chairs. Dont forget to also schedule a massage. They provide robes and its a no talk zone.

Review №8

2023-11-03 06:02:20

It’s beautiful and serene and relaxing. We went for about 1.5 hours before it started to get a little boring. You aren’t allowed to talk out loud there. Someone hushed me when I forgot and did speaks the hot tub is amazing and the sauna was also. I only did the cold tub once but that was s light for me

Review №9

2023-10-16 13:05:08

Very nice, relaxing and quiet. No phones allowed, and no talking allowed. A place to calm down and recenter. You can bring your own water bottle and fill it up throughout the Spa, you an also bring your own robe and towel (for the saunas).

Review №10

2023-10-24 04:12:36

We visited last year and loved the place. Just recently, we decided to visit again and drove over an hour and half just to be told the policy is now changed to “reservation only” and that they’re “fully booked”. This seemed super odd as it was very late at night on a Monday when there’s no holiday/Long weekend happening. Decided ti call to to gain more info, has been waiting for almost an hour while I’m only caller #2. Honestly, I would never come back, the way they treat you is not right, such a waste of precious time

Review №11

2023-01-06 02:31:52

Very nice set up, but mediocre execution (gravity chairs from Amazon, really, not enough towels, no plankets in relaxation areas, little disclosure of temperature and how to use sauna worlds properly to newcomers...), no additional plankets in the relaxing rooms to maintain the warmth, only two towels for your multi hour stay (in true high end spas you get unlimited towels), wiered robe system (no identication on the robe, so if several robes hang outside the steam or other sauna, which one is your?).Two saunas, one main (not that hot - no temperature gauge anywhere, no disclosure); one steam sauna, actually fun, so much steam you do not who is sitting next to you; nice single and double (really cold) cold tanks, once again no temperature gauge, just one star cold, double star cold, warm and hot (not that hot) outside pools/tubs. Silence sign everywhere, but not supported by staff. Lots of whispering (still not silence).Customers are not educated to sit on their towels while enjoying the sauna; no Aufguss (simplest of terms, an Aufguss is a wellness experience that occurs in a sauna. It is led by an Aufgussmeister—or in our case, a Ritual Artisan—they pour essential-oil-infused water onto the saunas hot stones and use rhythmical towel movements to circulate the fragrant air.)Massage service good (mine was great) the other 5 were fine.Layout awesome, overall not bad, not excellent, I would need plankets, better relaxation, better gravity chairs, plankets, more towels to replace the wet, sweat through 2 they give us to give a higher passion for excellence rating.

Review №12

2023-06-16 21:59:42

This Spa is world class. The landscaping and ambiance couldn’t be more perfect. I’m always impressed with how quiet and serene my experience always is here. I treat myself seasonally and come to enjoy the space anytime of the year.I also want to share that I recommend this experience at this spa to friends and family that are from out of town. They are always impressed.

Review №13

2023-10-16 21:06:54

First off, Matthew greeted us at the front desk. As it turns out, I messed up my online reservation and was somewhat distressed by this.Without being asked to do so, Matthew, amazingly and kindly, straightened matters so that we could enjoy our visit.The grounds are fantastic; the pools are glorious and we enjoyed our visit immensely. Back around to Matthew, we are enormously grateful that he went out of his way to make the day utterly perfect.Thank you, Matt, a thousand times over!

Review №14

2023-08-15 16:31:47

Its been a month and I am still thinking of my experience here. I dont know if it was the 2 glasses of wine I had with dinner before arriving (and would recommend eating before coming here), but I was so relaxed almost comparable to the physical sensations of smoking indica. I just did the deluxe admission, no massage. The robes are very nice but not necessary IMO, but the guide on how to rotate between the different temperatures on the water bottle is super helpful. I went about 2 hours before closing so it wasnt super busy, I didnt have a problem with other guests talking. I agree with some reviews that the hot pools could have been hotter. Would definitely return.

Review №15

2023-10-14 16:20:19

I used to love coming here regularly until they introduced the reservation system. It has completely destroyed the experience. Refuge used to be one of the few places you could wake up and decide to go to on a whim, but now its booked up far in advance because reservations are required and people want the optionality so just book whatever they see available. The wait list is much more fair and better for everyone. No one wants to be forced to make a reservation weeks, months in advance only to still get stuck with a bad time of day. I was a repeat guest and dont think Ill be able to come here again.

Review №16

2023-10-07 05:09:21

Massage was great by Ethan! Beautiful grounds. Pools beautiful. Saunas, steam were great. Anti gravity lounge chairs are nice. Many quiet areas to choose from. Loved the robe and towel service. A little confusing navigating in because attached to athletic club.3 stars because Disappointed in 1. Womens showers no water pressure in all 4 showers!2. Not much difference between warm and hot pools Or cool (too cold) and cold.We went for our 40th anniversary gift to ourselves. This was an expensive day for us.

Review №17

2023-03-09 05:25:44

By far the best way to spend a quiet, relaxing day in the central coast! You can soak in multiple pools of different temperatures, from cold to hot, unwind in the steam room and sauna, and lounge on chairs by fires.

Review №18

2023-05-28 21:13:15

Very calming and serene. There’s beautiful hot and cold pools, saunas, steam rooms, and very good massages. Staff is very friendly. 💆🏻‍♀️🩵💚🌳🌿

Review №19

2023-10-14 00:41:22

No talking, no food, no swimming (no pool). Best if you go by yourself as they enforce no talking. 9 hot and cold tubs, sauna and steam room. Not a place to go with a group but you can schedule a massage. If you are with a group, you are better off checking into a hotel with a hot tub.

Review №20

2023-08-08 06:10:41

I live nearby and have been coming to Refuge 1-2 times a year. Unfortunately, I dont see myself returning anytime soon, if ever. Refuge used to be a great place for escape and recharge. Now, it can be a very irritating experience, and you may find it irritating as well if youre looking to come for meditative reasons and expect silence. Very few people respect the silence policy, and even more unfortunate, the staff do not enforce it. Each time Ive come back, my interest in returning approaches 0. My review is consistent with past reviews. Refuge isnt what it used to be.Dont get me wrong, Refuge is a great place to check out for their hot pools, saunas, and steam room. However, If youre expecting silence, dont, and you would probably have a good time. If you expect silence, you may be disappointed.I wouldnt make a choice to come back on my own. I would only come to Refuge to accompany a friend, and only reluctantly at that.

Review №21

2023-07-21 01:22:53

Overall Refuge was a good experience. My husband and I have been to similar type places, but never one that was outdoors. The scenery was beautiful and everyone was respectful of the no-talking policy.I took a star off because of the customer service. We had a prepaid reservation, arrived on time, but still had to wait to enter because of walk-ins. After waiting for the front desk to explain the different price levels, policies (long speech) and for each person to pay we had been waiting a while. Then two people came in after us that were late for their massages. The man at the front desk asked us if we would let them go in front of us since they had a massage booked. I dont want to sound like the jerk here, but the man really should have taken people that had reservations before walk-ins, AND not have put us in the position to say no to the women that were late for their massages, especially after we had been waiting over 10 minutes to check in for our reserved appointment. Not a huge deal, but the lack of common sense and customer service shown by Refuge put a bad taste in our mouth. They really should have a better check-in policy. I have never in my life been asked by the staff of an establishment to let someone who was late for an appointment go in front of me. Most spas have very clear policies of the consequences of being late and would never ask another customer that was on time to wait longer. He made it very ackward.

Review №22

2023-10-30 01:41:41

5 stars before renovations, barely 3 stars now. Reservation only sucks for locals. The new shower heads have almost no water pressure. The new reclining chairs are way worse than the old ones, the material feels cheaper and they don’t recline as far, and if your taller than 5’8ish your feet will not fit well on the foot rests on the chairs. The steam rooms and sauna are still good, as are the pools, although there seemed to be a ton of what seemed like mortar on the ground around and in the pools from some sort of construction. Not a nice feeling to step on with wet feet. Also the “new” hammocks are worse than the old ones? Wondering if there is new management or just cost cutting for profits or something. Bummer though.

Review №23

2023-07-23 14:55:35

This is a really beautiful place and unique concept. However both times I’ve visited, there have been people not following the silence and no phone policy in the pool areas. Towels and robes are strewn on the chairs so chairs are unavailable yet people aren’t actually using them. Last night, there was a self absorbed young man that was standing in front of the windows in the dry sauna and admiring his reflection while he was dancing and doing boxing moves. And he and his friend were in underwear, with one pair worn inside out. It seemed like they were on drugs. They were completely in their own works. They were a complete distraction in a negative way. I also saw a lady on her phone and there were plenty of people talking in the spa area. Seemed like lots of tourists were there last night where possibly the silence rule was lost in translation. We all sign and agree to the policy so it would be nice if it was enforced. I am sure this is awkward but if there is a rule, then it should be enforced. And maybe have one night a week where talking is allowed so folks can get it out of their system. I was going to inform the worker sitting at the info desk in the spa, but the person left and never came back to the post. I don’t think it matters anyway as these are not isolated incidents. Management should really think about the policies and figure out what they are trying to achieve here.

Review №24

2023-07-09 19:29:14

My all time favorite outdoor spa in California ♥️ Taking a hot bath, looking at the full moon over the mountain- unbeatable 🌄

Review №25

2023-11-09 01:52:25

Mid-level spa. The staff at the reception are not smiling. massage - Swedish massage relaxes muscles. My four year old child strokes me harder than the massage therapist at this spa. the garden chairs in the rest room made me laugh. Construction work on the weekend creates a special atmosphere of relaxation.

Review №26

2023-08-12 22:11:35

On a friday afternoon it was very busy. I thought it was very relaxing and most folks do respect the silence and take it (a little too) seriously. My only hangup is that nobody explained the thermal cycle so my sister and i were a little lost at first. Overall, i would return. Side note: no slippers included with deluxe package, bring your slippers/sandals!

Review №27

2023-07-14 05:51:17

We had a really relaxing experience. Strongly recommend this place. They have pools at 4 temperatures, from hot to cold, and a sauna. Pro tip: bring a book or kindle! Also, if tickets are sold out, you can come in person and ask to be added on the wait list. We did that and was able to get a callback around 5pm on a weekend.

Review №28

2023-07-27 20:12:11

I want to gatekeep this place so bad, but it seems their popularity gas been soaring and it gets pretty crowded.They take the no phone/no talking policy pretty seriously. Don’t come here without being aware of these rules. Saw a group of tourists get scolded pretty badly.We’ll definitely be back for a massage. We loved the steam room (so powerful) and cold plunge.Advice to management: consider further limiting capacity and address the squatters. There were some groups that would occupy corners of the property for hours without making room for others as if it were their own personal pool.

Review №29

2023-11-22 01:36:20

Dear Lordy, they make you set up a reservation but can’t even extend the courtesy to let you know that their parking lot is getting repaved. What is the purpose of a silent spa if it’s going to be filled with god awful construction noises. What a horrible experience. It’s clear they learned nothing from past folks complaining about this in the reviews. Call ahead so you don’t waste money listening to construction.

Review №30

2023-08-07 23:36:21

Have been to Refuge twice and really enjoy the atmosphere and quality of the facilities. If you get a massage, get the deep tissue. Swedish massage was very mild and more like a rub. But the deep tissue massage was amazing!

Review №31

2023-06-14 23:02:44

Enjoy an amazing visit at a really reasonable price! $35ish gets you in, but if you want to upgrade to the robe treatment, the package includes a bunch of extras for $65. Ive been here several times, both on weekdays and weekends, and it was never too busy to make you uncomfortable or cramped. Theres so many pools to choose from, with cold, colder, hot and hotter. Bring your favorite book and relax for a few hours.

Review №32

2023-07-01 00:50:27

A little oasis of relaxation tucked away in Carmel Valley. Refuge is the perfect place to unplug and unwind for a few hours. A no-electronics rule and a silence policy really reinforce that this is a relaxation zone. At the time of this review, a deluxe admission is $67, putting Refuge in the affordable luxury price range.There are a number of man-made pools (3.5ft deep) that ranges with 4 different temperatures (icy cold, cold, warm, and hot) and 2 styles of saunas (dry cedar and wet eucalyptus steam) to alternate between. The eucalyptus steam sauna alone is worth the price of admission in my opinion. My skin, nose, mouth, and lungs all loved the cleansing effect of the steam.When going back and forth between the pools and saunas get tiring, you can take a break in one of the relaxation rooms with zero gravity chairs or just hang out on one of the pool side lounge chairs or Adirondack chairs by the fire pits. I wish I had brought a book or magazine for some light reading while lounging.Refuge also offers massage services that run 50 minutes or 100 minutes. The costs are surprisingly affordable since they also include admission to the pools and saunas and an included tip. Best bang for your buck in my opinion is the 50 minute package and if you arrive a few hours before your appointment and take full advantage of the facilities.For my deep tissue I had an appointment with Ethan. He was an absolute pleasure to work with. Great technique, attitude, professionalism, and attentiveness throughout the session. Easily the best massage Ive had. Highly recommended!Things Ive learned after my first visit:- Overcast days are great if you want a smaller crowd- The robes are super comfy (worth the deluxe admission)- Schedule a 50 minute massage (with Ethan!)- Give yourself a few hours before or after the massage to enjoy the pools and saunas- Bring a book or magazine to read while lounging- Bring your own water bottle for easy ID

Review №33

2023-08-06 17:46:46

I dont know why, I was super disappointed.1- only 2 bathrooms inside the locker room, so you better not be in a rush, or else pee in the pool? (JK!).2- only 4 showers stall in the lockers, so guess what? didnt take a shower as there was a line of 4 ladies in front of us and we needed to go because of the time, not to mention one of the showers was not working. So we had to drive back to San Jose full of chlorine, and messed up hair, thanks!3- the staff is absolutely not customer oriented. I took a friend there, and I had a 15% coupon from their newsletter. They didnt want to honor it because we wanted the deluxe admission (that is the one with robe and water) and Their coupon was only for regular admission, which they dont even call it regular, on their website and was in fine print in their email.They didnt want to honor it, which is fine.Bottom line: I didnt care that much about the 15% cos its little money at the end of the day, BUT they have do sense of customer service and they just lost a customer, maybe more as I will treat my friends elsewhere. Their business must be very much flourishing if they treat people this way and dont really care.Also if you go there, the deluxe admission is not worth it, towels that they give you are enough, no need really for a robe and bottle of water 😉.I was supposed to get a call from the manager, and guess what? No calls, haha, which is fine, I will not patron this place again and definitely not advertise for them either, shall their name come up in my circles.Regarding the pools seating, they were ok. They were just big jacuzzi after all, there are plenty of other places one can get into a Jacuzzi! Regarding the cool/cold one, you can only stay for a few minutes as it is cold, so put your shower on cold, same thing!The steam room and sauna were also extremely stupidly hot, so staying there more than 2 minutes is unbearable, so pretty useless in my books. I have been to much better and enjoyable sauna and steam room.

Review №34

2020-11-10 07:07:44

Very disappointed with the experience this past weekend at The Refuge. We drove 3 hours to experience what Id heard was an experience like no other. It WAS definitely that. My elderly mom who had her heart set on taking me here was NOT told that we needed to come 30 minutes ahead of time when she booked over the phone. We arrived a few minutes late after getting lost because of GPS and the lack of clear signage. We were rushed in and not given our keys or card at the first station that were required for us to undress and store our items before getting our massages. By the time all of these delays were over, our massage which was supposed to be 50 min was 20 minutes. When I asked to speak to a manager or to be reimbursed a portion of the cost for the issues I was brushed off and basically blamed for the various issues with the excuse that the 30 minute requirement was on the website. Lastly, a gentleman by the name of Tim, followed us around, waited for us to speak briefly to each other and then curtly told us to be quiet in a very confrontational manner. I couldnt help but notice that we were the only people of color in the facility and so overall it did feel like we werent welcomed and maybe thats why we were treated so poorly after spending $300 for 1 hour. I will not be returning to this facility and would encourage anyone that wants a warm and friendly experience to steer clear of this place.

Review №35

2023-08-13 02:37:18

I live nearby and since discovering Refuge have been going every 2 weeks or so. It is amazing. It is the best way to recharge, realign, and relax. I love this place.

Review №36

2023-06-18 02:17:22

Came here on a Saturday without a reservation and had to wait a few minutes for space to open up. I enjoyed the facilities and the spa water was clean. I’d definitely come back.I wish there was lotion available in the showers. There’s a bottle near the entrance to the locker room, but it’s not convenient.

Review №37

2023-12-07 12:29:32

Its my Nirvana; putting me in a state of perfect happiness; an idyllic place.Thank you, Refuge for allowing me to have that, even if its just for a few hours. 🙏❣️

Review №38

2022-12-25 09:42:40

No phone allowed relaxation and recharge place away from the hustle bustle of city life. Love the eucalyptus menthol scented steam room and the two star cold dips in between my hot soak.

Review №39

2023-05-29 05:18:08

Magical place, super clean facility and well maintained. 3 hours easily slipped away as my husband and I enjoyed the eucalyptus steam room, cold plunge pools, hot tubs, and relaxation rooms. Was the perfect end to our long day of exploring the coast.

Review №40

2023-07-15 01:22:39

It is disappointing as a Monterey local of 8 years to have my belongings stolen from the spa on a quiet Wednesday evening in daylight. It is even more disappointing that I was not even given a courtesy call to update or apologize. As many things in life, expectations can fall short, but I hope my review helps you set your expectations of Refuge and prepare accordingly.

Review №41

2023-07-07 23:23:18

Refuge is a great place to relax and rejuvenate. The staff is friendly and welcoming, the massages are top-notch, and the view is breathtaking. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a luxurious spa experience.

Review №42

2023-05-03 12:29:28

Definitely come here, whether is the spa alone deal or the spa with a massage, it will be worth it. I went here in my birthday, it was lovely. Naturally breathtaking, their 200 year old system of hot and cold revitalization works (I felt) and people told me of course in town if I could, get the massage, maybe next time with a little more fore planning, because it seems worth it. Staff are very kind, no one is rude or unkind, I felt 92% comfortable overall and 100% able to make myself more comfortable, within this co-ed spa, by just finding another wonderful corner of this hidden oasis. I am trying to convince my summer employment to make our end of the year celebration a trip to relax — let’s skip the happy hour and bowling, after 4-8 weeks with 100 kids and 30 staff…this is the refresher you need before heading back to a new school.Treat yourself and maybe, a friend (no one makes you feel ashamed if you do accidentally talk or talk a little) … it’s open 10am-10pm you can escape all day or just cycle and relax for like 3 hours minimum. My next plan is for sure to stay late and see the night sky by one of their firepits. Obviously no pictures, but gorgeous, think Lush all around you, silence and comfort💕this was my first spa ever, thank you for the affordability for a special birthday experience.

Review №43

2023-11-10 15:36:45

My recent visit was a disaster. After driving an hour, the receptionist was rude, stating they only accept reservations now, with no solutions offered. This treatment is unacceptable and falls short. Urgent improvement is needed in customer service.

Review №44

2023-04-18 06:38:28

Love this place. Beautiful. Dipping into the cold and warm pools was so refreshing and relaxing. The steam room is my favorite spot. I could breathe so much better after leaving. Getting a massage, no talking, or not looking at my phone is what I really needed. I even had time to read a book and take a nap. Next time, eat before going inside.

Review №45

2023-07-03 02:20:48

Ive been coming here and recommending this place to friends and family for the past year. However, Ive decided that I am no longer coming here nor endorsing this place after my visit last week. The staff indicated to me that I could not sit in the couch in the reception area and redirected us to the Cafe. She said that it was for members only.We ended up going up to go sit at the cafe and while we were thinking about what to order while eating a fruit cup, one of the employees told me that I could not eat there and I had to order something if I wanted to be there (please note that I had been there for one minute before he approached us with a very aggressive manner). As I approached the counter to order, the chef started yelling at me reiterating that I could not eat there and I had to order something. Which I had stopped doing and I was in the counter to order? I ordered something and they were very rude to me while handing me the product.If youre a person of color, I would think twice about going. Youll be mistreated.

Review №46

2023-06-15 18:59:11

Peaceful and relaxing with beautiful scenery. Huge cypress trimmed like bonsai hang over the pools and fire pits. Refuge is a great place to feel renewed and regain balance.

Review №47

2023-04-19 17:45:42

3 of us visited Refuge this month & we all had a wonderful experience . I found it very clean and well-maintained. And the massage therapists are very skilled. We had a very special and relaxing time. There are no photos or videos as we are encouraged to leave those in our lockers and enjoy quiet and solitude.

Review №48

2017-12-18 19:46:50

A great day trip spot to relax and disconnect! A lot of reviews mentioned that they dont have a snack bar but you can actually buy snacks and juice in the lobby!

Review №49

2023-10-05 01:42:44

Spoke on the phone to confirm a booking question of mine. They were very helpful. Looking forward to my massage and spa day!

Review №50

2023-05-05 07:42:54

Our visits were early May 2023. We went to the reception area in the early evening on a Monday and investigated the facilities, fees, protocols, amenities, vibe, ambience, etc. We decided to come back the next day and start earlier. We had recently spent 24 hours at Harbin Hot Springs so the contemplative silence area and mobile phone free idea was already somewhat familiar. When we arrived the next day we were admonished by an exiting former guest that they had been asked to leave because of cel phone use and talking inside the spa area. The staff inside then explained the guest(s) had been drinking alcohol and were probably intoxicated.So we went in but I paid by card.The experience was good, and we stayed to nearly closing. The resting lounge areas had either silence or Hearts of Space kind of ambient music. We got 2 towels each. We moved about the various areas and found it relaxing. Very little talking going on at all. I maintained a contemplative non-verbal presence. We enjoyed.Maybe the covered outdoor lounge area BEFORE the locker rooms was for cel phones? We did not bring cel phones in.We were told no in-and-out was allowed, and a visit to the cafe was an exit? So I fasted except water. Refilling stations and drinking fountains assure sufficient hydration.

Review №51

2023-05-10 17:19:35

I would love to come back to Refuge because I enjoyed so many aspects of it. However, the noise rule was not enforced at all during any of my visits, and it completely spoiled the meditative, diving inward experience that I came there for. This is a direct appeal to management to enforce their no-talking rule because its one of the main aspects that makes this experience magical (or frustrating and disappointing, by contrast.)

Review №52

2023-10-03 00:09:33

They were closed for renovations. Back open Oct. 1st fully booked. Be sure to call ahead. They are now taking reservations. Love this place!

Review №53

2023-08-04 06:00:14

This place is so freaking cool. I tell people about it all the time all over the country when I travel, its a unique spa. I always look forward to coming here when Im in California.

Review №54

2023-06-12 23:39:46

I used to think this was a relaxing place but went here on Saturday and it was extremely crowded and the people working there were too much. There were many workers in black outfits walking around constantly with clipboard signs that said “respect the silence.” One guy in particular was very over the top and I felt like I was in a first grade classroom. No one was making major noise so it was very obnoxious and really took away from the relaxation. I also got reprimanded for reading on an ipad. I only read ebooks to help the environment. They need to upgrade their allowed reading material to 2023 standards. It is bathing suit required so the argument that people may be taking photos on an ipad is excessive. I drove 2 hrs to go here and relax and read and could not do either fully. Won’t be going here again for a while - too bad because used to be my fav spa in the area.

Review №55

2023-08-12 05:35:10

False advertising! Not even close to a silent retreat! There was even a woman singing tonight ...frustrating that no one seems to care especially the staff! I complained on the way out and the staff just stared at me. No response or comment when I said I wouldnt likely come back. What a shame!

Review №56

2023-07-24 18:29:02

Really relaxing, gets a little busy in the afternoon. Chairs end up running out because people are using them to store their towels. They need shelves or something for that.

Review №57

2023-12-07 04:48:14

Always such a relaxing experience at the Refuge!! Our favorite place to visit while in Carmel!

Review №58

2023-06-24 22:50:56

Sublime retreat into the beautiful warm pools of bubbly water. Perfect for your sore muscles or just a retreat into meditation and relaxation.

Review №59

2023-05-07 15:42:13

Refuge is a must if in Carmel. No phones, silence, multiple whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, relaxation rooms, fire pit, massages, complete and total Zen. And the staff is fantastic! You will leave so relaxed and at peace.

Review №60

2023-03-09 13:12:54

Refuge is the perfect place to relax and reset from your busy life. There are hot and cold pools, saunas and steam rooms. Loads of seating options, your occasional hammock and zero gravity chairs are spread around the complex for you to relax in. The entrance fee (deluxe package) cost around 65$ and is imo fairly priced for what you get, especially as there is no time limit. Bathrobe, towels and water is provided. It can get quite busy in the evening, so expect a waiting list if you don’t have a reservation (only possible if you book a massage). Going early in the day is recommended. Only complaint I have is in regards to the sauna. Currently there are no scheduled infusions, which leads to the temperature being too low to really enjoy it. I think simple hourly sauna essential oil infusions could really make it more exciting.

Review №61

2018-12-24 05:18:37

If you need to relax and just need to get away from all the stress or worldly problems, even if its just for the evening. I highly recommend refuge as I just left and I feel so relaxed and energetic. All the hot and cold pools, eucalyptus steam room, and sauna. Plus getting a massage beforehand is amazing. 5/5

Review №62

2023-05-03 02:49:48

After a lovely massage from Julie - I had a good soak, sauna and all! I feel like a completely different person after that. There isn’t a thing I would change about my experience. Thank y’all so much ♥️

Review №63

2022-11-14 21:15:18

This place is knockout awesome. If you’re looking for a relaxing effective massage and a serene atmosphere of quite tranquility, this is the pace for you. Gorgeous scenery. Staff. Facilities. All served on a plate of peace and mindful rest. My husband treat us. We took advantage of everything. The steam rooms the saunas the hot pools the cold pools.💯

Review №64

2022-12-19 03:56:48

I would like to share my own experience.I had an appointment on Saturday, I booked a deep tissue massage. But I got instead a very gentle petting. I ask my therapist to apply more pressure but she pretty much ignored me.The facility was nice, but the restaurant on the territory of the spa was closed for private event ( which we were not aware of).Receptionists told us that it’s ok for us to bring our own food, which we went and got, but when we wanted to eat it in the lobby we were almost kicked out because that’s when we found out that outside food is not allowed.It looked like even the personal that work there was not even aware of the facility rules.I think the management should take into consideration to inform the customers in advance about private events and unavailability of the restaurant. Because if someone like me has health issues and MUST eat every 3 hours, would be able to enjoy full experience without a damage to your health.And the massage for me was a disappointment 😭

Review №65

2023-04-08 04:59:01

Great spa experience: 1 steam room and 1 sauna room + many pools with 4 levels of the temperature: cold, colder, warm, warmer. Also a few jacuzzis. The door in one of the steam rooms is not fully closing/sealed causing the cold air leaking. Unrelated, but no T-Mobile coverage in the area even for the phone calls.

Review №66

2023-07-17 06:50:21

Super relaxing, quiet, loved all the amenities. Would recommend to anyone looking to wind down and relax.

Review №67

2023-04-02 05:11:36

I absolutely love coming here to relax and unwind. The facilities are wonderful. A word of advice though: Please dont come here and talk. People come from all over to enjoy the silence and those who are holding conversations are very rude and inconsiderate. Respect the peace and quiet or go somewhere else.

Review №68

2023-02-18 05:11:11

I enjoyed my visit here.Things I liked:1. I thoroughly appreciate that they have a waitlist if they’re too crowded.2. Nice staff.3. The robe, the instructions on the water bottle.4. The naptopia vibe.Suggestions: I would bring your own robe, your own towel and lots of water.Things I didn’t like:1. I was taking a nap and a huge waft of smoke came an assaulted me. I saw an area where staff could go, so I think someone couldn’t help themselves and just had their break near me.2. Exercise instructors doing their workout on the balcony, loudly disturbing the silence aspect. When we had to endure and respectfully comply with the posted signs I wish others would adhere as well.

Review №69

2023-05-02 23:27:39

Absolutely what everyone needs, complete silence, sunshine, and pure relaxation. I lover this place and I am so glad I came here for my husbands and I honeymoon trip. Really worth every dollar.

Review №70

2018-06-11 00:05:41

Cozy to sit surrounded with 5 fireplaces, some recorded blues . And the bill with 1/3 on taxes and fixed tips on not bad fast kind of food.

Review №71

2023-01-17 01:54:30

I came here with my partner when our Christmas travel plans were cancelled. We loved the hot and cold pools and the fact that people respected the no talking rule (for the most part).My only complaint is that having the sauna door go directly outside makes it hard to maintain a consistent temperature as people are opening the door to the cold air as they are coming and going.

Review №72

2023-04-04 22:11:12

Beautiful surroundings. Calm, relaxing way to spend a few hours. Lots of space, never felt crowded. Make sure to read FAQ on their website before coming, will give you a better idea of what to expect, bring, etc.

Review №73

2022-08-03 22:18:09

Pros:This place has natural mineral spring, offered in cold/cool/warm/hot temperatures. The pools are well maintained and clean.Cons:1. They don’t allow chatting. Maybe it is their rule to help guests relax, but I only felt boring :( I am not meditation type person2. No waiting room for refuge guests in the lobby. They said the seating area is for membership only. Kind of stupidIn general it is an okay experience. I will not suggest this place to young couples.

Review №74

2022-11-28 17:25:25

A shame to have to give 1 out of 5 instead of 0 out of 5. This was the worst massage my wife and I have ever experienced. My wifes massage in particular was horrible. Not at all a deep tissue massage - instead, the massage therapist was very inexperienced, rough, and fully inappropriate. Multiple calls to try and get a refund on the massage portion of our visit (and the baked in GRATUITY!) and they would not do anything about it.Terrible customer service. I would absolutely never return. There are so many better ways to spend your hard earned money.DEFINITELY do not get a massage here with their awful untrained “therapists”.This place is a joke.

Review №75

2023-01-03 19:02:00

Excellent place for low key relaxation or intense thermo-hydrotherapy. Very unique setting for this kind of service. Clean well maintained and effective. Dont forget to bring a book that you arent afraid to get wet because no electronics or talking permitted.

Review №76

2022-12-07 03:38:26

This place is aptly named. It truly is a refuge. A spiritually calming and enriching experience. You will walk out feeling ten years younger.I give four stars instead of 5 for two reasons.1) the hot tubs arent hot enough. They are pretty mild. This is a common problem at most public hot tubs but I expected them to be better here. I want it HOT!!!! The hottest tubs here are pretty lukewarm to me.2) they either need to enforce the no talking rule or scrap it all together. Ive been here 5 times and 3 of those times there were obnoxiously loud patrons flagrantly flaunting the no talking rules. I had to tell two obnoxious loud guests to be quiet because they were ruining everyones experience. This was after HOURS of them being obscenely loud. They were acting like they were tailgating a football game. Id prefer they keep the no talking rule as it adds to the meditative sanctuary vibe and the overall experience. That being said, Ive sadly yet to see it enforced. They should give you one warning to be quiet or else kick you out. If not, just get rid of the rule all together.

Review №77

2023-04-10 17:48:28

This is my ultimate self care place. Not only can I fully relax in this environment, moving from hot to cold, I include a relaxing massage. Fully silent, no electronics makes it a sanctuary for the mind.

Review №78

2023-05-21 22:04:12

Aside from the people talking when its clear that its a SILENT facility, theres nothing more relaxing for the price in this area

Review №79

2023-08-20 03:22:32

Absolutely so relaxing, such a good experience I could spend all day here!

Review №80

2023-03-22 01:19:19

Lovely place! It is a cherry on the top of the Carmel-By-The-Sea cake.My only issue is that some of the people were talking very loudly and were making photos, but I didn’t see anyone from the Refuge crew to manage this situation.

Review №81

2023-01-30 01:34:56

Instant relaxation and beauty everywhere. There are so many ways to relax and recharge, making it a fun and unique spa experience. Cant wait for the next visit and hope to make it out at least every couple months because it is so worth it!

Review №82

2022-06-01 08:54:44

Shirley was an amazing massage therapist I had a really wonderful massage, I definitely recommend her. The entire spa was really nice and quiet, the eucalyptus steam room was my personal favorite. I will say they take the silence thing a little far, it is A little too silent. I do wish there were areas that allowed talking. Overall Really relaxing and perfect place to reset.

Review №83

2023-02-11 00:29:59

This is my favorite stop in the area. An adults-only experience, it’s relaxing, rejuvenating and nearly magical. On a cool day, the robe outdoors is nice, but even in the rain, the pools outdoors are fantastic.

Review №84

2022-04-15 16:41:56

Refuge is a great spot. We stopped in while we were visiting. It has beautiful scenery and allows you time to reset. Advice for future comers, bring a book or magazine to read. If I brought something to occupy my time, I would have stayed there much longer. Also, bring a change of clothes and robe because they have a nice shower and amenities to use before and after. They do charge you for a water bottle. My suggestion would to bring my your own refillable bottle because they have stations. This saves you a couple bucks. Overall great experience.

Review №85

2023-07-10 20:21:17

Tranquil, relaxing, top notch. Most powerful sauna and steam room I’ve ever experienced 🥵

Review №86

2022-08-01 05:28:52

Great place for relax and calming down. It is easy to spend more than 3 hours there. I like the steam sauna, a cold swimming pool and the smallest relax room the most. There many options to close your eyes and enjoy the moment. Silence everywhere, no gadgets, no food. Awesome experience.

Review №87

2023-02-08 18:59:13

I wanted to buy a gift certificate for a friend. I waited on line listening to annoying music (why not at least spa music) for about 10 minutes with an interrupting message thanking me for my patience! Then a message to leave a message, but sorry, the message box is full! Very frustrating! This was after I had called last week and was told that buying a gift certificate was not available that week, but to call back next week! Next week is here and I still do not have the gift certificate. If I don’t here back from you this week, I will presume you don’t want my business.

Review №88

2022-03-21 07:25:40

Refuge is the perfect place to just completely reset.With a mixture of luxurious tubs (cold, cool, warm, hot) saunas, steam rooms, lounging areas and more... it is the perfect place to go and relax for a day while in the monterey/Carmel area.I have been there twice- once my friends birthday and once for a company retreat. I love this place and will be back. I give it four stars only because of the massage service being a little inconsistent. It is still great for the price though, especially if you do the massage/all day spa package.Highly recommended

Review №89

2022-07-04 06:43:09

One of my favorite relaxation spots. Great in the morning, day or evening. Every time of the day has a special ambience. I like the fact that silence is enforced and no cellphone or technology is allowed, so is no food on premises. For first timers - bring your slippers and book with you.

Review №90

2023-07-06 03:07:16

Great value for the price. Would definitely come back again since it gives you a perfect quiet getaway.

Review №91

2023-01-20 19:49:15

Showed up for our couples massage after driving an hr to be told that they are closed due to water damage and we should have received an email, its also on our websites . Well we didnt receive and email and why would I look at the website if Ive been confirmed. Very frustrating 😕 Saying sorry and actually seeming sincere are 2 different things. I guess we will have to find another place

Review №92

2023-07-23 17:21:33

My wife and I both had massages that weren’t good especially for the price. The spa area is nice but I wouldn’t recommend the massages.

Review №93

2022-05-29 03:09:37

World class reputation for a reason. Spectacularly hydrotherapy circuit with sauna, soaking pools, and resting rooms. My massage with Allison was top top notch, she’s a master healer. We stayed for 5 hours. Overall, my wife and I absolutely loved our time here. Must visit!

Review №94

2023-05-18 21:17:31

I prefer going to the Refuge over a spa- a lovely serene experience with nature as it’s backdrop. An affordable but still decadent way to unplug.

Review №95

2023-07-29 21:56:39

The rudest establishment I have ever visited we made reservations and they claimed they had a 2 hour waitlist. Don’t come here!

Review №96

2022-11-28 23:41:17

Excellent! My favorite place to recharge my buttery. Thank you, Refuge! - that was my experience for many years.Visited it again on Sat, Nov 26, 2022.Seems, there is not enough lights, very hard to find the flip-flops and see the way when it is dark. Hot pools are not so hot any more. Relax room was kind of cold. Had enjoyable experience in big eucalyptus room, but not in small one, it was cold there. Dry sauna was pretty good.Did not receive receipt by email or printed out one. Usually paid $104 for general admission for 2 people, last time my credit card was charged $110.Refuge staff, please, do not disappoint your clients. We love this place and would like to keep coming to enjoy it.

Review №97

2022-07-06 07:12:52

The first time my husband and I went here we booked the massage and spent the whole day relaxing using the therma pools and cold pools and eucalyptus saunas. The peaceful atmosphere is so relaxing. Having the no phone policy is nice and really allows you to disconnect from the world and just focus on nothing 😉 We have visited here again and recommended this place to our family and friends multiple times throughout the years. We will be making another visit soon.

Review №98

2023-03-04 06:48:28

A real diamond..Ive looked in other cities but havent seen anything like this place. two steam rooms, multiple pools with different temperatures and mini waterfalls, a sauna with a salt wall...and it feels so natural like hot springs. never felt dirty either!

Review №99

2021-09-22 15:26:44

I love this place! Spent almost 5 hrs here relaxing. Its my wifes & I favorite local getaway. Took my friend for his first massage ever, he loved it. Staff is great, facility is great, massages can vary based on who you get, but they are always solid. I always get the swedish massage, so cant comment on the deep tissue, my buddy did the deep tissue and enjoyed it, but its his first massage so he doesnt have anything to compare to. I wish everyday can be as relaxing as a day at refuge. I love the respect the silence aspect of the place. Cant wait to come back.

Review №100

2022-08-04 04:36:14

The grounds are quite pretty and well maintained. If I were local and/or a member of CVAC I may quite enjoy this small refuge from the club. Personally, this is not the spa for me for several reasons. First off, get directions ahead of time because you may lose service which is not a truly bad thing when trying to unplug, however if youre not aware that by cell phone free it actually translates to zero cell service en route and on the facility barring you from even emergency contact or driving directions, its a bit of a stressor (on Verizon network). Next, signage is terrible and its not clear where youre supposed to park or what direction to walk to find the spa entrance. Next, and my foremost disappointment with my refuge experience, is the many, many tennis courts surrounding the very small spa campus. Its not clear from Instagram that this spa is in the middle of an athletic club. Children and trainers and people are everywhere. There is also a restaurant overlooking the spa which you smell, see, and hear as diners overlook your spa experience. Mediocre massage services, very superficial. Bottom line, if you want your silent detox spa experience to be flocked by children and adults audibly playing tennis, and a restaurant with onlookers enjoying aromatic meals, yes sure, come here. If you want to pay a pretty penny to read a book in a rigid Adirondack, yes this is your spot. Otherwise it ranks bottom 3 in day spa experiences.

Review №101

2018-12-05 00:45:52

Love this place, quiet and relaxing.I drove all the way from San Francisco Bay Area and really enjoyed the time here.It’s normally popular on weekend and holidays, so make sure you call in the morning to check and they would put you In the waitlist.

Review №102

2023-03-14 23:58:55

Refuge is a perfect place to relax and unwind from a busy week. We came here for my birthday celebration and it was amazing! 10/10 would recommend!

Review №103

2022-11-06 22:08:52

We were woken up from a nap by a staff member looking for a guests lost locker key on 11/04/2022. She abruptly approached us an nearly insisted we show the content of our robe pockets. This takes our review down from 6 stars to 4 stars. If someone loses a key there should be a policy to cut the lock for an extra charge without the need to disturb responsible guests.

Review №104

2023-03-22 22:21:28

Outstanding, rejuvenating, invigorating. Beautiful, serene spot - and truly a place to restore. My two hours in the cycle flew by. Cant wait to return!

Review №105

2022-08-25 01:16:21

Honestly I cant say enough great things about this place everything was amazing starting with their customer service with their location their hot tubs spas and saunas. One thing that was a con was not being able to take a picture or a video of how gorgeous the place was inside and being able to keep a memory of that for myself but I totally understand why they do it so that people inside dont feel like they have to worry about someone taking a picture of them and so people arent on their phones being loud so people can actually relax so its totally justified it wont be the last time I go there for sure.

Review №106

2022-08-25 16:19:54

Had an excellent deep tissue massage! Arrived with a boot on my fractured, surgically mended ankle. Couldnt enjoy the pools and saunas yet but my massage therapist gave my stressed, tight muscles a ouchless workout. All staff was friendly and efficient. The reception lady even pushed me in my wheelchair into the dressing room, helping me get my robe and towel. Cant wait to get another massage. One downside: froze in the wait patio listening to a very loud, annoying metal chime hanging in the patio.

Review №107

2021-07-19 22:23:25

Great place to unwind. Sauna, steam rooms, lots of outdoor plunge and soaking pools (hot, warm, cool, frigid--didnt have the guts to try the ultra cold one). Nice place to lay out in the sun or fire pits. No talking permitted, although it did seem that people did talk quietly which worked well. No electronics allowed either to add to the serenity.

Review №108

2022-04-26 23:42:46

My boyfriend and I have been going to Refuge for 6 years now (except when they were closed during COVID). We always spend our birthdays/anniversaries/long weekends in Carmel and the one thing that we look forward to is spending a relaxing day at Refuge. However, we have notice a decline in satisfaction since they reopened from COVID, especially in our recent visits.We visited twice this year, 1st time for Valentines Day and we just went again last Saturday. Not only did we hear so many people chatting loudly in the pools (some people were screaming when they hopped into the cold pools) and we could hear people chatting and laughing when we were resting on the anti-gravity chairs, we also saw people texting and taking pictures with their phones in the pool area. Last Saturday there were 2 ladies stretching and doing Yoga in the sauna room, and another couple to decided to join them as well. It was distracting and quite disturbing to be in the same room as them. On top of that, the yoga peeps kept talking and they had to rush out of the sauna room multiple times to get fresh air (especially after doing a handstand). The sauna room door slams so its not like I could just close my eyes and pretend nothing is happening.As we approach 9:30pm we starting having multiple staff rushing into the different rooms yelling at customers saying YOU HAVE 30MIN LEFT, and most people started moving to the changing room. A few minutes later theres an asian female staff who spotted me and my boyfriend still sitting on the anti-gravity chairs and she rushed in and yelled again YOU HAVE 10 MINs LEFT.Overall we felt like we had to try super hard to relax in our last 2 visits, which is absolutely NOT what Refuge promotes. Last Saturdays experience was the weirdest experience weve had at Refuge.I remember in our first few visits, the refuge staff were super nice and smiley, they walk through the cycle and facilities for us at the reception and always remind us that theres no phone and we have to RESPECT THE SILENCE. I didnt used to see anybody with their phones, people didnt really talk and even if there were people talking loudly, the staff would take care of it without disturbing the other customers. I have no idea what happened since they re-opened from COVID, but the silence is definitely not respected and I feel like there are less respect for the customers as well.We always talk about Refuge and recommend it to our friends and family. We planned on taking our family to visit in June, but we are seriously reconsidering since we definitely dont love it as much now.

Review №109

2021-11-19 04:33:34

A wonderful place to visit. There is a beautiful hot sauna and a steam sauna with eucalyptus oils. There are both hot tubs and cold pools. There are fire pits to sit by and meditation rooms as well. And the scenery is fantastic - mountains in the background and sculpted rock formations that the hot tubs are situated around. One note: this is a place where silence is required, which makes it great for a rest but not a place for parties.

Review №110

2022-06-01 00:09:03

What an awesome relaxation retreat. They have soany spas to choose from and even give you a water bottle with a recommended routine on it for maximized rejuvenation.I gave it 4 starts as it is supposed to be a silent retreat, however, sooo many people were having loud conversationsHowever, we will be visiting here again in the future.

Review №111

2020-09-07 00:25:06

Very clean & beautiful, but both my boyfriend and I had very mediocre massages. They were more like a warm up massage. We both felt meh about them, plus wearing a mask while being massaged was not super comfortable. The pools were nice, but for the price I wouldn’t go back until the saunas, steam rooms and indoor recliners are open. I do look forward to a day when everything is able to be open, but I appreciate them being accommodating considering the times. Staff was very nice.

Review №112

2021-08-01 05:43:26

Great spa at an amazing value. We got the 55 minute massage that included, robe and locker rental, along with day use of the steam, sauna, and different temperature jacuzzis. The massage was one of the most professional and relaxing of my life.Electronics and talking is not allowed inside the spa. This makes for an extremely relaxing experience. Only thing I think could improve is either allowing in/out privileges, or allowing food so you can spend the whole day instead of the 3 hours we spent there. Look forward to going back.

Review №113

2022-06-03 15:24:19

Nestled in Carmel Valley, Refuge provides a quiet, beautiful space to truly relax and unwind. The massage therapists are incredible and seem to intuitively understand where to focus their energy. The facility is very clean and the quiet ambiance allows you to easily slip into a deep relaxation.

Review №114

2023-07-24 04:11:55

10/10 come for 2-3 hours around 5pm for a great time, not too crowded.

Review №115

2023-09-28 04:51:04

Love this place. So relaxing. Cant wait to go back

Review №116

2023-08-08 15:55:33

Very nice relaxing and quiet place to desconect great massage

Review №117

2022-06-30 00:46:30

There is no reservation for the outdoor spa. Its on first come first serve basis. If the spa is at capacity you can put your name on the waitlist if you are there physically. Once you go in its very nice and relaxing. No electronics allowed. They provide towels and robes if needed. Enjoy

Review №118

2022-08-06 21:11:17

Refuge was beautiful and wonderful and healing. The quiet ritual of sweat, soak, and sit are exactly what I need. If you get bored easily while sitting with your thoughts I suggest bringing a book to enjoy some time in the adirondack chairs.

Review №119

2022-11-02 01:01:36

The place itself is wonderful with variety of choices to pamper yourself: Eucalyptus flavoured steaming room, spacious sauna, cold and cool pools, jacuzzi and fire pits. Then another story is massage I got there. Not sure if therapist (her name was Caroline) was undertrained or simply lazy - half time she spent rocking me and then another half - going back and forth on my back. When she turned me over - she just had enough time to put cream on my neck, shoulders and even hair. She didn’t have time for front of my legs, feet, arms, hands. Unacceptable for this level of establishment. Rocking (at least not at this length) is not part of Swedish massage which solely concentrates on muscle work. 50 min is a short amount of time for whole body massage, you need to be disciplined in order to address it in full and she didn’t. Then the tip is automatically added to the bill so there is nothing for therapist to thrive for. I don’t want it to happen to another customer.

Review №120

2022-07-19 06:56:57

I have been dying to come here ever since they opened years ago and I finally got my opportunity this week. Im 8 month pregnant and Refuge was EVERYTHING I needed. The excuse to disconnect, be silent, be still, float, and simply exist completely refilled my cup. If you havent experienced it yet... do so immediately.

Review №121

2023-06-01 07:18:06

Wonderful place to relax and ponder. Due to silence policy, not a great place to catch up/verbally bond w friends.

Review №122

2022-08-29 01:47:52

Beautiful spa with a serene, calm, view. However after I left, I got a skin infection the next day which makes me think that the spa and facilities are not cleaned properly. I have been to many hot springs and spas but I have never encountered this problem.

Review №123

2021-11-13 05:12:23

For starters, it should be stated that I have been a customer at Refuge many times. I love the microclimate and sunshine surrounding the facility and the pools really are so relaxing. The reason I give it 3 stars is that EVERY time I get a massage indoors here it is unbelievably loud in the room next to me. The walls are paper thin. It was a blessing when all massages were outdoors and all you heard were waterfalls. That’s probably why I came back the last time. Most recently I wasn’t sure if I was next to the break room or another client preferred to talk their entire treatment. After about 15 minutes I asked my masseuse to say something as she hadn’t taken the initiative. She did but the talking resumed five minutes later. And it’s like that almost every. single. time. It’s such a shame but the therapists really are amazing and have a lot of experience with body work and stretching. I was so bummed my last visit I asked to speak to a manager because I really did want to go back. The front desk guy half heartedly took my email and phone number down but I never heard anything

Review №124

2021-12-11 00:31:36

Quick SummaryLoved the concept of an outdoor co-ed spa for couples retreats. Great ambiance, clean rooms, and had a great massage. But the customer service and communication were lacking which led to a damper on what wouldve been a good day at refugeSituation- 1 starIm just going to get this out of the way first. We booked massages online several weeks ahead of time at 5pm. Luckily, my therapist came in right on time and I was having a grand time. However, little did I know, my girlfriends massage (which was booked at 5pm) was about to be delayed and nothing was communicated to her until she waited for over 30 minutes. (It turns out there was a scheduling mishap with someone elses massage earlier in the day, so the Refuge staff double booked the assigned massage therapist. That massage therapist went to break and my girlfriend wasnt notified by the situation until 530). When the staff communicated this to my girlfriend, they kept stating oh, it wont take that much longer, but basically my girlfriend didnt get her massage until 545. This was especially disappointing because we had a dinner reservation that we missed due to this delay. I understand that mistakes happen, but having an almost hour delay completely ruined the rest of our night.Pools- 5 starsThey have 3 different pool types (cold, cool, warm) where you can dip in. Each pool is pretty scenic (unable to take photos because they prohibit electronics past a certain point) and the whole spa gives a rustic vibe. Theres plenty of pools to choose from without feeling crowded. Nice to be outdoors as wellSauna/steam room- 5 starsThey have a salt sauna and a eucalyptus steam room. I liked the salt sauna because of how large it was. Felt very clean throughoutFacilities- 5 starsDidnt get a chance to visit the gym but plenty of cardio machines there. Theres also 2 resting rooms with lounge chairs, and a bunch of outdoor lounge chairs as well.Locker rooms- 4 starsLockers rooms felt clean, but it did feel cramped as not that many seating areas. They couldve done a better job of spreading out the guests to different areas of the locker room.Massage- 5 starsIm glad my massage therapist, James, convinced me to go with deep tissue massage instead of Swedish. Did a great job of targeting my knots and applying the right amount of pressure.Bottom LineFacilities were great and clean. Wouldve had a fantastic time, but the massage service delay left an ugly mark on what wouldve been a great, stress-free dayADDENDUM:Returned to Refuge to give it another chance, and everything went smoothly. The staff were very helpful throughout. All the areas were nice and clean. It was a perfect way to escape and I enjoyed the hours of steaming/saunaing along with the cold baths, capped off with a massage. Would highly recommend Refuge to any Carmel itinerariesWould highly recommend booking a massage reservation as they fill up quickly. Would also come here at least 2-3 hours in advance to really enjoy all the amenities (they have a gym as well as the sauna/steam rooms and cold pools so this can be a whole-day experience if you want). Best spa in California!

Review №125

2021-10-13 17:18:08

I love this space! Naturally covid friendly, as the amenities are outdoors. So very peaceful. The best time to go is mornings, mid-week then head out to a nice lunch before going back to real life. The staff are friendly and helpful. The design is amazing. Thank you Refuge for being my refuge♡♡♡

Review №126

2017-10-05 15:23:13

Best Day Ever, which will be repeated. This was a great experience, went about an hour before our massage and enjoyed the relaxing spas and saunas. You commit to being silent in this location, and it really adds to the peacefulness that I experienced. No electronics, no talking, only relaxing. The massage was great, they had plenty of appointments and I was able to get both my mom and I appointments at the same time. We spent a few hours after the massages enjoying the pools and zero gravity chairs. Left feeling fully relaxed and ready for the world.

Review №127

2022-08-08 02:23:54

It is a place to reset and recharge. The cycle of hot/warm pools, steam/dry sauna, cold/cool pools and finally relaxing rooms are awesome. It is a quiet, beutaful and relaxing place. It is an amazing place to upluge and relax. My favorite place in Carmel Valley.

Review №128

2023-10-29 10:55:45

Great atmosphere and nature!

Review №129

2022-08-09 05:37:47

Place is going downhill. Hot tubs were not as hot as usual. The Eucalyptus rooms had no eucalyptus. The water bottles they give you are now these dinky metal things. And the price went up. I hope this was just a fluke. They also hire these snarky little high school aged kids who are on a power trip. One tried accusing us of putting a water bottle on the fire.

Review №130

2021-05-21 07:36:00

I had a very similar experience to a previous guest who commented that she was the only black guest and feeling out of place. I visited Refuge Spa yesterday with a gift card for my birthday. Since I have a newborn and because of the pandemic, I had to wait to use it, so I was excited to finally have some time to get out of the house and relax. I called to inform that I would be 5 mins late because of a blockage on the road (unforeseen and unpreventable).After checking in, I was told that my therapist would be waiting outside the locker room for me after changing. I came out and nobody was there, so I had to spend over 5 minutes waking up and down the massage area looking for someone. After knocking on one of the doors, I was finally able to track someone down to help me. My original therapist did not do my massage- it was done by someone else for some unexplained reason. My 50 minute massage ended up only being 25 minutes and I was very disappointed. I waited months to finally visit this spa and had high expectations, considering the price and reputation. Really wanted to love this place but overall displeased with the lack of communication and service. I would not recommend this spa.

Review №131

2021-06-21 01:18:17

The refuge was the best part of our trip to Monterey. Very clean and relaxing and friendly staff. We were really glad that the Himalayan salt steam room/eucalyptus sauna were open during our trip. They also have cold or cool spas and warm and hot larger spas, firepits, zero gravity chairs and hammocks. You can explore as youd like and they have a policy where everyone is silent and no phoned allowed to detox and to embrace the experience. It is complete healing for the body, mind and spirit.

Review №132

2022-10-08 14:26:29

A great experience! The thermal cycle experience is refreshing and relaxing. The pools and locker room are clean, and the staff is professional and courteous.

Review №133

2017-11-23 18:04:04

Excellent place to get. Massage and enjoy the hot springs!

Review №134

2022-02-18 02:49:48

Me and my friend visited The Refuge last week for our birthdays and we had a horrible experience. We definitely felt like they discriminated us(we were the only people of color)There was other people around us having full on conversation and no one was told anything but when my friend whispered something to me the employee came right away and told us to be quiet in a bad manner. We were also being followed around by this same employee. We felt very uncomfortable being followed around since were not doing anything wrong. My friend later called to speak to a manager and he handles the situation very poorly ultimately saying he was sorry we felt this way but there was nothing he could do about it. Very bad experience will never go back again!

Review №135

2021-04-20 03:49:52

No technology. Silence. Hot, warm, cool, cold pools. Waterfalls, fire pits, hammocks, robe and towels and the most amazing massages. Book ahead of time because even admission spots fill up. Even during the pandemic when the sauna and steam room and indoor things are closed this is still my happy place. Allow 3 hours.

Review №136

2022-05-16 21:37:55

Great spot to rest and relax after doing hiking and exploring big sur for whole day. Clean place with several types of pools around.The best part, no noise or talking around so I could truly relax.

Review №137

2020-09-01 22:36:21

Beautiful place. Clean. Professional staff. Many pools. But after one hour I was freezing. Pools are barely warm ( even though they cold hot and warm, it feels like body temperature) the second you step out - its windy and very cold. I wanted to leave right away, but I booked my massage for later, so I stuck, laying on a hammock in bathrobe, socks and feeling cold. I would get back and try again, when sauna will work ( although I doubt temperature would be korean or japanese HOT). Its sad because they do have two cold pools and normally the whole point of going to place like that, is to experience a contrast of hit and cold. Massage was amazing!! Lady asked me how strong I can handle, I said I never complain, so she did really strong deep tissue massage

Review №138

2019-11-01 12:35:15

My boyfriend and I were recommended this place, and we visited while we were in town on vacation. what an afternoon! its so beautiful there, and we enjoyed the cycles and then got a massage. amazing amenities and perfect for a solo day, couples, anything at all! I loved the no phones and quiet rules. it really made the afternoon serene :)

Review №139

2018-09-17 21:22:06

This place is phenomenal. Its in a very quiet valley setting with a distinctly California feel. The steam rooms, sauna and hot and cold pools are well done and very attractive. I definitely recommend following the thermal cycling principle, even though the cold portion may be a little bit uncomfortable. Your body will feel so much better and relaxed. The fire pits with Adirondack chairs make a great place to hang out in your comfy robe and read a book. If youre more into the indoor thing, there are zero gravity chairs inside large rooms with glass windows so you can still see the lovely scenery. Theyre absolutely serious about the silence policy, though, and its a great aid in the relaxation process. Breaking free from the distractions of the electronic world is probably the second best gift this place gives you.

Review №140

2022-02-20 17:49:47

Sooo I love this place but I find it gross that they allow people to bring in street slippers into the saunasYou have no clue what those shoes have stepped In !! I have a friend that ended up with a bacterial infection after a session in a sauna at a gym …. It’s a sensitive subject but it seams to be an issue hereAnd places that don’t know edict… other than that the place is amazing

Review №141

2022-11-17 23:27:52

Had a very pleasant deep tissue massage. Also enjoyed my time spent at the pools and hot tubs. An overall great experience.

Review №142

2019-07-02 04:56:03

This is a the most peaceful place I’ve ever been to! It’s a hot sauna to cold pool rotation cycle and I’ve loved every minute. It’s so clean. No phones and no talking are allowed. It’s $62 for unlimited hours of relaxation, a water, towels, a robe, and post hydrothermal cycle shower facilities. Perfect for a getaway, or that solo time you need.

Review №143

2019-05-16 21:46:22

I went to Refuge for my birthday, a Tuesday afternoon in February. It was my first visit by recommendation of co workers who suggested going alone, with a book and a journal. I didn’t really know what to expect accept a thermal cycle, and to feel awesome. Overall, the staff was friendly and it was the best birthday gift I ever given myself. The facilities were clean, I love the steam room and pools, and the Water bottles: which give direction on how to complete the thermal cycle for the most in depth experience. I recommend renting a robe if it’s att all windy, and going ALONE. If you want to spend time connecting with a friend or loved one, this is not the place. The Silent Policy is sacred to getting connected, while in a rare sanctuary.

Review №144

2022-02-17 17:46:37

Very Disappointed with this experience last week! I will never go back, their employees are so racist! We were confronted by a female employee to be quite when me & my friend only whispered one word to each other and there was other people in our surroundings who were talking louder and having full conversations. This female employee kept on following us as well and made us feel like we were being babysat and felt so uncomfortable. They were discriminating us because we were the only people of color in the facility. We called and asked to speak to the manager who stated that he has an “idea of who made us feel this way “ (so of course they have had these type of complaints previously). He then said that he couldn’t do anything about it and that sorry we felt that way.

Review №145

2020-04-17 03:36:42

Do you ever find an amazing place but cant go back because its too difficult to do business with the business? Like why does it take 3-4 days to book a massage. You cant leave a voice message for a call back. The most frustrating experience. Carmel Valley Athletic club and Refuge (located at Carmel valley athletic club) phone lines are never working. Also their website is not interactive. It will NOT tell you what times are available for massages. I want to know which times are available so I can avoiding calling in but instead I have to click each hour to see if I get lucky and find a spot. If you are trying to book something for two people its impossible to figure out which times are availableLove this place the “pools” are amazing. Love the steam room that smells like eucalyptus but trying to book services is nearly impossible. It typically takes a couple days to get a hold of anyone. I’ve been here a dozen times but honestly how can a business run without being able to call or book online.Its 2020 so it seems like this would be a very easy fix with all the beautiful simple booking softwares out there.

Review №146

2019-05-30 00:25:37

My favourite place in the world, tucked away in Carmel Valley. A great outdoor space with hot, warm and cold baths as well as dry and steam rooms. My favourite thing about is that it is completely quiet. You are encouraged to be silent and relax. After the baths I even got to have a nap in their relaxation room. I got the deluxe package which comes with the robe, water bottle and locker room. We visited on memorial weekend on Saturday morning and got pretty filled up by the afternoon.

Review №147

2016-06-08 05:05:09

For $44 (+ $12 for a robe, which probably isnt really necessary unless its a bit cold outside) you get all day access to a gorgeous series of outdoor pools, saunas, and relaxation areas (plus water and all the towels you want). It is surrounded by scenic hills covered in trees and flowers (saw a hummingbird while we were there). The weather when we went was almost perfect too.The thermal cycling was very fun and relaxing, even after we left. Felt amazing after only a few cycles. The eucalyptus sauna was fantastic. Can easily spend hours there, because youre not just lying around; instead you get a specific sequence of steps to do. Still, you might want to bring a book.The various pools (which are kept at a range of different temperatures) and resting areas are laid out such that despite it being a fairly popular attraction, many times we had pools / areas to ourselves.Will definitely return if ever in the area again.

Review №148

2022-04-19 16:59:29

I really like the concept of Refuge, and do very much enjoy the outdoor space, but the massage services are hit or miss. Definitely check it out but know that it’s very inconsistent. Also, the locker room space is subpar for a wellness spa.

Review №149

2018-08-17 00:16:25

I guess the secret is out. Like every other local and tourist that has enjoyed this spot, I’ve fallen in love with a lazy afternoon turned into evening turned into missed my dinner reservation (sorry!) at The Refuge. Go with friends, go with a date, go alone. Bring a white bathrobe and your own water bottle to save $12. Or pay $120 to get a massage + robe and water included. Whatever you choose, this spot is worth it.UV treated water means no chlorine dryness or itchiness. I’m a huge fan of the cold and cool pools; doing a classic cycle of hot/cold therapy followed by a relaxing time reading a good book by the fire or in one of the relaxation rooms is my favorite pastime here. The steam room is phenomenal if you’re recovering from a cough, but I don’t recommend going to the Refuge if you’re fighting something; germs will spread fast in the sauna/steam rooms.Note: recently the silence has been less enforced. I am hoping management develops a practice to maintain the silence even as popularity surges.

Review №150

2023-05-06 16:11:31

A beautiful place and the experience was amazing. I would definitely recommend it. I look forward to going back soon.

Review №151

2018-09-21 19:46:22

Wonderful and one of a kind spot to come and pamper yourself. Ive only been here during the week and its nice with night too many people, but Ive heard that on weekends they usually have a wait to get in. Once you check in the staff will show you to the locker rooms, where you will find showers with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. If you paid for it, your locker will have a nice bathrobe, 2-3 towels, and two bottles of water. On the bottles of water they will have the instructions of the thermal process, which you should definitely follow for maximum benefit and total relaxation of every muscle in your body. I usually start on the eucalyptus steam room for 5 min., followed by a dip in the cool pool for 30 seconds and then relax and perhaps fall asleep on one of the zero gravity chairs. Then I will make my way to one of the thermal warm/hot water pools for a few minutes and then start the process again. Its so addictive! The silence is amazing too, and after a few minutes you will appreciate it too! I always have a hard time leaving!

Review №152

2021-10-07 00:10:16

It should be great for chilling in white robe with paper book. Because all electronic devices are strict. And pretty warm robe can keep you in comfortable temperature. Quiet and nice. No food on territory. Its perfect to hold people from overheating.

Review №153

2019-06-18 07:11:52

What a fantastic place. I cannot say enough good things about this spa retreat. I especially love the fact that they do not allow any talking or electronics at this place. It is really good to detox from everything electronic. The steam and hot spa sections along with the cold baths afterwards are a fantastic release of the body. The prices are very reasonable for what you get. I would encourage everyone who is looking at this to give it a shot. You will not be disappointed.

Review №154

2015-05-23 01:53:33

I have been to the Refuge three times and have to say it is the best! I love this place! Its quiet, in a lovely setting with great amenities. I loved the Eucalyptus sauna and the steam rooms as well as the cold dips and hot tubs. It is wonderful to sit in the adirondack chairs by the fire pits as well as in the larger indoor sitting room. The dressing room is very good with multiple showers, an area to dry your hair and get dressed as well as equipment to drain the water out of your bathing suits. I also had a massage, which was wonderful. I am not someone who spends a lot of money on these types of activities but I loved the Refuge and do not consider it to be expensive at all, considering the benefits of what is offered. It is great! I plan to continue going there whenever I can get away. So relaxing.

Review №155

2021-04-27 23:15:08

Ive been really looking forward to visiting this spa, however, I must say that Ive never experienced a longer wait time to speak to someone until I called Refuge. They make it relatively easy to book services, and collect a cc at the time of booking, BUT make it near impossible to cancel. I was on hold for 3 + hours to speak to a live person, at which point i hung up. I do not recommend. Perhaps this place is getting a touch ahead of itself thinking that people would have the patience with this type of customer service

Review №156

2019-01-04 00:54:26

It’s such a great spot to chill, relax, to think, to be calm, to become at least a bit more happy. There are many pools of different temperature marked Cold, Cool, Warm or Hot, there is a wonderful steam-room and dry sauna. What makes difference is that all this is an outside area with fresh air, fire pits, and chairs to relax. There are also resting rooms inside.And my favorite thing about the place - they have a rule: don’t speak, be quiet, and keep electronic devices out of the spa area 🖤 that’s why I won’t add any photos here :)

Review №157

2022-03-06 18:41:29

Great place to disconnect. Outdoor pools, dunk tanks, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms. Everything you need to relax.Only issue was in the mens bathroom I had a hard time getting hot water from the shower.

Review №158

2022-05-25 12:54:44

Massage was just ok, relaxing setting was perfect.!! No phones allowed😀 just reading, soaking, and laying out in the sun. Get there early or you will be added to the waiting list and have to return later in the day.

Review №159

2021-04-28 01:52:46

My friend provided me and another friend with a gift to this spa. Upon entering, they asked for my credit card upfront, assumed I did not have an appointment. Its essentially a place with tennis courts, a gym, and outdoor hot and cool pools in a gorgeous setting in a nutshell. Some of the staff was very pleasant, some a bit snobby. They really need to do a better job of intra company communications. We eneded up calling my friend from the spa to explain to her that while they showed my massage appointment in their appointment calendar, they had no record of my friends pre payment of our admission fee and the massage, which induced stress not relaxation. Some of the staff should take customer service and attitude lessons from the masseuse, he was magnificent.

Review №160

2018-02-09 15:01:47

This is the perfect place to come and unwind for an afternoon after a stressful week. The thermal cycle between cold, warm, and got pools is very relaxing, as are the saunas and steam rooms. The facility is basically one giant whisper only zone, so bring a book if you want some stimulation. Plan on spending at least 3 hours here. Finally, call ahead before coming so that your name is on the wait list - the Refuge has become increasingly popular over the years.

Review №161

2018-06-25 15:01:56

An incredibly relaxing experience. Id recommend having a robe if youre going to relax by the fire between hot, warm, cool or cold dips. The steam room is intense and invigorating. The zero gravity chair rooms also make for a wonderful break. Call ahead to see if theres a wait list. Otherwise, enjoy!

Review №162

2017-08-09 05:21:34

Beautiful place, true to its name, a real refuge in the hills. The grounds are gorgeous, the set up is just what is needed for a relaxing evening of steam saunas and warm pools under the open sky. If you go, please do observe the request to keep silent so as not disturb others. Lovely spot for relaxation.

Review №163

2021-04-06 12:31:27

Very disappointed with the experience this past weekend at The Refuge.We drove 3 hours to experience what Id heard was an experience like no other. We arrived a few minutes late due to an car accident on the freeway. We call to let them know of the issue on the freewayand they said if we can make it there by a certain time that they will Honor our reservation for our massage. When we got there at the time they request they told us that they cannot honor our reservation for our massage and said that we will have to pay full price and that we cannot reschedule us for a later time or give us us some type of voucher for next timeSo I spent $300 for a massage that I did not get and this was supposed to be a gift for my wife for our anniversary, and also facility did not make us feel like we werent welcomed.please stay away from this place!!!!!!!

Review №164

2023-07-11 02:44:18

Great way to spend a couple of hours. Very peaceful

Review №165

2021-07-30 00:55:58

We spent 12:00 - 4:00 pm here on a Thursday in July. It was great, not crowded. The dry and hot saunas plus cool plunge pools were a great way to relax.

Review №166

2019-02-20 06:32:01

Where to begin. This place is awesome. Great value. Spring for the deluxe package. Youll want that robe when a cool breeze blows in. Silent spa so no one droning on about their job or kids and men cant hit on you...unless their nonverbal game is on point. Eucalyptus steam rooms, multiple thermal pools, fireside Adirondack chairs all nestled into Carmel Valley. Get there early as this place fills up fast. Im in love!

Review №167

2019-01-08 21:32:44

Wonderful spa with very natural/relaxed setting. I enjoyed the recommended hot/cold/relax flow. My wife had a great massage. Lots of pools. We were there on a holiday weekend and it wasnt too crowded. It was a bit frustrating trying to find seating around a firepit. Staff needs to find a way to remove towels left on chairs by patrons that have long since departed. Otherwise, there werent enough seats by the firepits. It was too cold to use other seating.

Review №168

2018-05-10 06:11:34

Refuge, youve really done it this time. Ive been coming here for 5+ years and Im annoyed to say today was the last time Ill be visiting. When I first started coming it was a little slice of heaven: quiet, clean, courteous staff, relaxing facilities. Now, it is overcrowded (on a Wed!!), noisy, and dirty. The whole point of this place is for you to be able to escape the hectic chatter and noise of everyday life and relax. Unfortunately the last 10 times Ive been here, people have been very loud and chatty and the staff does nothing. Multiple times TODAY staff walked right by people talking and didnt do a thing. Ive had to ask people to please keep it down. I shouldnt have to do that. That is not relaxing. This place is packed now with tourists and loudmouth men from Carmel & L.A. who are so narcissistic they cant stand to NOT hear themselves speak for ANY amount of time. The staff walks right by and doesnt do anything about it. Today, Id say 60% of the patrons were chatting loud enough to be disturbing other people. It used to be quiet here. That is the whole point of this spa. I would like my money back...for the last 10 visits would be great. Anyway, aside from that: The steam room was horrendously dirty. I was there for 4 hours today and it never was checked up on or cleaned. There was dirt and hair everywhere. Disgusting. Also, someone was banging around upstairs and in the room next to the far-end anti-gravity room. It was really loud and went on for a long time. I had to leave. Again, Id really like my money back. Look, this place has pretty nice facilities and is in a great location. Its unfortunate the management is running it into the gutter. I wont be back.

Review №169

2021-07-20 00:21:49

Super disappointed. Flew up from Southern California to have a massage day with my mom, which was the actual motivation for the trip. Had the appointment made a week ago and they called to cancel with less than 24 hours before the appointment. Completely ruined my trip. No reschedule option. No way to help the situation. Will never suggest anyone to try this place for anything.

Review №170

2018-04-27 03:14:19

Got a sweedish massage and then did 7 cycles. So good! I had never been in a steam room before and when you first walk in its a little uncomfortable like I thought my contacts were coming out, but then gets better, then gets super hot, followed by cold dunk which is shocking but totally worth it for the relax period that follows, then relax more in a warm pool. Its like torture, torture, pleasure pleasure.... I cant wait to go back! (The torture part isnt actually that bad, and its kinda fun.. not really torture, just sensation.) I also appreciate the no talking rule so you can really relax and chill. Some people brought books but I didnt have one and dont think I would have read. Also, I wore contacts and that seemed to be a good choice, and I saw others with glasses on in the pools but think it would be a bit of hassle taking on and off with the steam, although I did have sunglasses for the hot pools only. They didnt really give too much detail on instructions for us newbies, but easy to get the hang of it after one cycle and observing others. No photos because you are not supposed to bring your phone into spa area.

Review №171

2021-12-27 23:01:21

It is a beautiful place, however they did not tell us no hot shower available before we buy the hot spring service.Afterwards they just told us the no hot shower sign was posted on the door. However, who would read the small fonts when people can just walk in?

Review №172

2021-09-14 22:52:49

I booked an appointment to get two massages but for some reason there was a logistical issue on the scheduling side.Instead of having to drive 2 hours back home an African American gentleman who I assume was the manager helped rectify the situation and turned what could’ve been a very disappointing day into a pleasant one.This wasn’t my first trip there and it certainly won’t be the last.

Review №173

2020-03-11 00:54:22

Close to Carmel, and a good place to stay for half day. They have many choices of hot spring and steam rooms. It would be better if you call before you went there to put you on the wait list. They provide everything such as towels and water and bathroom as a package which costs around $50. The whole environment is so comfort, relaxing and quiet.Me and my parents really enjoy the time we spent there. One thing to remember, they don’t allow to bring electronic equipments inside which I think it’s a very good policy. Without phones, I can get away from troubles in my life. If u want to escape from the busy life, go there and enjoy ur day.

Review №174

2022-03-30 06:17:39

Serene, tranquility if youre looking for a place to escape from the day to day grind this place is it. Very clean and well kept up. All the steam rooms and tubs were clean and nice.

Review №175

2023-07-25 23:41:29

Awesome place for recharging, relaxing, and embracing a beautiful day.

Review №176

2020-11-23 14:31:37

This used to be my safe haven! The staff used to be lovely. This time the girl at the front reviewing the rules was too much. Treated us like children. I dont think you need to explain for 5 mins not to be on your phone, turn your ringer off and no loud talking in 5 different ways. I told her I work with children, I get it. And Im a returner lady!! Post some rules Refuge! Thanks!

Review №177

2019-09-15 17:47:10

What a DREAM this place is. I was visiting from Utah in March and had this place recommended to me from a friend. And, in short, WOW. I’m not sure how to put in words the level of relaxation this place brings with the peaceful California weather, beautiful natural sounds of birds and wind chimes, and the unreal tingling feeling your body gets after submerging yourself in the ice water following the eucalyptus steam rooms. It’s my dream to return to this place. However, the location of Refuge is quite off the beaten path. Which is a good thing (less tourists like myself) and an inconvenient thing. However, I cannot wait for the day that I can return and spend all day relaxing at Refuge. Thanks for the great experience.

Review №178

2023-06-11 18:51:43

No cafe on territory, poor choice of chairs and more boring than relaxing

Review №179

2022-08-18 15:47:32

I had a massage with Julie, she was wonderful!! her energy was very comforting, which made me feel even more relaxed during the massage

Review №180

2018-07-27 20:54:59

The atmosphere and the pools are amazing. The only reason I dont give it 5 stars is because my husband and I have been there at least a dozen times between the two of us and neither one of us has had a killer massage. The massages are just so, so, but the pools, fires, and quiet atmosphere keep bringing us back.

Review №181

2019-06-22 03:31:08

Bucket List Alert!! :::: If youre anywhere even close to this area this is a must visit! And if you need to travel to get here, get here! The variety of relaxing activities, the grounds, the staff and pools are amazing!To begin my Refuge experience I had a fabulous massage. After the massage and a quick shower, I hit the eucalyptus steam room (which is incredibly relaxing with chroma therapy lights), then into the cold plunge pool, next a quick dip in the icy, cold *cold plunge pool. I didnt think Id be able to plunge into the icy pool but found myself enjoying it. Then it was off to the relaxation room, and onto one of the anti-gravity chairs. I repeated the same cycle three times. I tried the HUGE Finnish (dry) Sauna once, very nice!There are several Thermal Waterfall Pools to relax in, which is lovely, not to mention romantic! Fire pits are scattered around the property and there are Adirondack chairs to lounge on while watching the stars. Many places to hang your towels (provided) and Robes. We brought our own White robes from home, or you can rent theirs.After this wonderful experience, I can honestly say, I could literally feel my body sing. Refuge is serene, sensual, beautiful and rejuvenating. We will positively be back again, and again and again. If you’re visiting the Monterey Peninsula, do yourself a favor and visit Refuge. You’ll be glad you did!

Review №182

2018-04-12 19:55:40

We specifically stopped in Carmel during our California road trip because of Refuge. The eucalyptus steam room is amazing! Then a quick dip in frigid water, lay out in the sun, hang in the warm/hot pools for a bit and repeat. A strict no electronics and silence policy makes for a totally relaxing experience. Dont forget your book!

Review №183

2020-02-08 18:07:58

Had an awesome experience at Refuge! Went there on a Saturday evening and it was truly amazing! So relaxing and the staff were great. I was alone and felt comfortable. After a long day of travel, this truly hit the spot! Would highly recommend.

Review №184

2019-05-10 09:07:47

Couldn’t feel the vibe that everyone is talking about. Yes, there’s 2 different saunas, yes there are jacuzzis with different temperatures. That’s all. Nothing special. It is nice to soak a bit but I expected more variety in terms of saunas and aromatic rooms. Relaxing but nothing special at all. Wouldn’t go for the second time.

Review №185

2019-04-02 17:16:02

Fantastic place to relax and enjoy hot spring in the Carmel Valley. Lockers are super clean. Friendly staff. Enough parking. I recommend getting your own water, no need to buy it from there (they do sell chilled water bottles). They have tennis courts but it is not included in the package. I recommend it for a date, just pick a nice weather and enjoy the relaxing environment.

Review №186

2021-05-11 04:07:23

Soooo relaxing! Loved my experience. Will be back. One note- Paid extra for the robe- gotta say, keep your robe and water bottle in your OWN certain space. The refuge provides designated areas, but it gets messy. Everyone opts into this deal, but everyone ends up taking each others robes/water etc! Despite that, best relaxing spot to hit after hiking in Point Lobos.

Review №187

2022-09-12 12:11:33

A magical place of relaxation for all ages and backgrounds to reconnect and realign your heard, body, and mind. The staff and environment allows you to make it your own personalized experience.

Review №188

2023-09-28 15:06:14

Amazing place highly recommended. Beautiful nature.

Review №189

2021-12-28 05:35:36

Love this place for the spring. Silence is required which makes it easy to relax and reflect. It has two steam rooms as well. Good getaway from Bay Area for a weekend trip.

Review №190

2017-05-04 00:14:50

Would love to have this back at home. So peaceful and a great way to relax. The hot-cold-relax cycle is spot on. I thoroughly enjoyed the silence and the no electronic rule. I would highly recommend a massage to go along with it; although its great all by itself as well. It was a perfect way to unwind after doing the Big Sur Marathon on Sunday.

Review №191

2019-02-14 04:30:05

Amazing health spa and best kept secret. It opens up to an oasis of warm pool, cold plunges, saunas, steam room. Great couples adventure and way to unplug from the busy world. A must try! Dont forget to pack your shower shoes aka flip flops so you dont have to buy some

Review №192

2023-03-29 06:56:54

Great outdoor spa worth checking out!

Review №193

2018-07-24 05:15:38

As beautiful as it is and as unique a spa experience as it is, if clients dont stop gabbing in what is supposed to be a silence only experience, Refuge will degenerate into a kitschy hang out for privileged snots. Employees are simply not enforcing silence. Only solution is to go during the week and early enough to avoid people who either cant read or have no manners.

Review №194

2012-05-02 15:55:27

This was my experience: An extra hot eucalyptus steam room, followed a plunge in my choice of four different cold pools, followed by quiet relaxation by the fire (or in a silent relaxation room), followed by time soaking in at least six different hot and warm pools. Repeat at least three times.And with a great massage mixed in there somewhere.It sounded great to me and I was not disappointed. Highly recommend this place.

Review №195

2019-09-25 03:58:09

Really great experience. The thermal cycle, as they call it, is really very relaxing. The no talking rule is great, and there are enough nooks and crannies to whisper to your partner if you have one that it doesn’t detract from the shared experience.

Review №196

2018-09-29 05:54:14

This spa is super relaxing and professional: quiet, hot and cold baths, sauna and steam rooms, and awesome massage therapists.I lost my wallet while I was there, and staff found it in the towel laundry. They even sent it to me overnight!I have already recommended Refuge to a friend.

Review №197

2019-10-31 21:08:35

Holy smokes. This place is the most relaxed I have ever been. Make sure to plan on spending at least three hours here to go through the cycle a few times of hot and cold and then read a book or take a nap in their reclining chairs looking out at the spa.Editing review - I have taken multiple back to this spot and always have a fantastic experience.

Review №198

2017-04-23 05:04:15

The most relaxing experience given that silence is a imposed. All facilities are extremely clean and beautiful, nice meditative music is available in some of the relaxing rooms. The hot-cold-relax rhythm works! Complement with a massage with one of the amazing personnels, and you arrive directly in paradise!

Review №199

2023-02-17 00:40:05

Mens lockers closed due to construction. Werent informed beforehand, so no shower available. 20% discount didnt make up for not communicating this before arrival.