milk + honey day spa

I have been going to M&H for several years. I always get great pedis and manis. The same is true for massages. The staff who perform the services are the highlight of this spa and I have never felt pressure to buy any of their products in the past or recently.
I think the few areas that could use improvement to make this spa superb are larger dressing areas/locker rooms and more pampered pedicure stations (i.e massage chairs, more privacy, bring back the river rocks). Also, parking at times can be a bit of hassle, thus a think they should offer some type of compensation for this- hence 4 stars instead of 5.

Pros: Great massages, manis/pedis, snacks/teas

Cons: parking, locker room, more privacy for pedicure stations

Posted 10/03/09

I would not recommend this spa to anyone. Not only is it uninviting but it is poorly desinged and they do not seem to be very attuned to decent customer serv ice. The receptionist was not the best and the esthetician was even worse. Very pretentious and fake. I will not be returning to this spa anytime soon.

Pros: None

Cons: Inconvenient parking, not inviting, too busy

Posted 09/15/09

massage was ok, but the mood was lost once the therapist started trying to sell me products. i mean, come on, i just bought $200 worth of services.
when i pressed her about the sales stuff she confessed that the management made it a job requirement that the therapists sell products to customers. they base their promotions and raises on retail product sales. imagine that, what a shame. i would have given them 2 stars if not for the sales pressure.

Pros: massage was ok

Cons: pressure to buy more stuff

Posted 08/18/09

my friend and i went to milk and honey. we'd heard alot of good things about it. they have this really weird plastic thing for the body service. would have preferred knowing that they don't have a real hydro room with proper vichey showers. i would have picked another service. now after going there, we're not sure what all the hype is about. oh well, there's lots of spas in austin.

Pros: nice changing room

Cons: not sure what's so special

Posted 06/03/09

milk and honey transports you to a peaceful island in the middle of the downtown hubbub.

i've experienced two massages here and can't wait to return for another. i'd also like to try a facial and a mani/pedi combo because each time i go, the manicuring looks extremely luxurious and relaxing.

i love the smells and textures of the waiting area, the tea and fruit offered are a nice touch, and the massages have both been extremely relaxing and therapeutic. i regret that i can't go every week!

i highly recommend to spend as much time as possible at this beautiful spa.

Pros: massage, ambiance

Cons: none

Posted 05/30/09

Downtown location is convenient. Not a very nice experience. Brunette at Front Desk, just nasty and condescending. While waiting for my massage, area reserved for clients had staff and other clients criss-crossing back and forth through the room. Had a very mediocre massage, masseuse didn't seem present, not relaxing. It was supposed to be a swedish massage. Noise from the hallway was pretty obvious. The entire massage I heard doors being slid open and closed. Music came from cheesy, portable speakers that just didn't cut it. Also, I don't appreciate massage therapists trying to sell me products. You can always tell the management put them up to it to boost sales.

Pros: Downtown location

Cons: Mediocre massage

Posted 05/29/09

I just received the best massage from Ben at the Hill Country Galleria location. I travel for work and have had massages all over the world and have never had anything as good as the massage I just got from Ben. He is a big guy with huge warm hands that make you feel a lot smaller on the table than you really are. He used techniques that I have never felt before. What I loved about the massage was his ability to do deep work that wasn't painful at all. I asked for deep tissue and right from the start he told me his style of deep work was not what I was probably used to, but not to hesitate to let him know if I needed any more or less pressure. He is amazing. He seemed to have an ability to know just how much pressure I needed without asking. He also did stretches with me that I have never had before and now am wishing I had. I stood up from that massage not wanting to ever leave his room and I felt like a totally new woman. I can't wait to tell my friends about him. I will be back again and again for his massage.

Pros: Best massage I have ever had

Cons: The sheets are very rough

Posted 05/14/09

I just had a Milk and Honey Facial from Jenn Ranelle on Thursday evening and it was the best facial I've ever had. She was cute, sweet and the facial was very relaxing! She got rid of all my blackheads and it didnt even hurt. The products smelled great and I can tell they are making a difference. My skin looks amazing! I will definately be going back to see her!

Posted 03/13/09

I received a gift of a 2 hour massage and thought "No way am I going to be able to lie here for 2 hours". It was the best massage I have had. I could have stayed there another 2 hours. I highly recommend Milk and Honey. Every treatment I've had here has been wonderful.

Pros: Nice atmosphere, knowledgable staff, good treatments

Cons: Difficult to get them to answer the phone, expensive

Posted 02/04/09

for the past 3 years, I have been seeing the same massage therapist, but she's currently stopped practicing. I called up milk and honey, and booked something. With massage, I normally look for personal recommendation from someone - this was a complete whim.

BEST MASSAGE OF MY ENTIRE LIFE! I splurged and had the lux massage with deep tissue- 2 hours of massage (90 minutes of d.t. and 30 min of combined hot oil on the scalp and extended foot massage.) My therapist was Paul - he was attentive, he worked out every knot he could find - and frankly in hard to work places like opening my chest to relieve shoulder and neck issues, as well as hips which were ridiculously tight. He is very attune to the body, he knows where i am tight and how to get my knots released - he identified place I didn't even realize. I told him that I was going to walk out of there either a person made of jello or a new woman. I actually walked out of there as BOTH.

The facials are fantastic there - at the end they leave honey on your lips, so you have a sweet taste leaving the salon. My waxings have always been thorough - leave no hair behind! - and professional. I have always felt at ease with the staff there.

I am prebooking another 4 sessions with Paul for massage, and will return for another facial in the future. That was the best massage in my entire life. The best hands down. I am a new person!!!!!

Pros: ambiance, shower area stocked with all that you need, snacks, relaxing atmosphere

Posted 02/01/09

i just wanted to say that everything about milk and honey is wonderful! from booking my appointment (front desk is very knowledgeable and friendly) to arrival, relaxing treatments, and of course the ease of making my next appointment before i leave. why not treat myself again?- it's worth it!!! all of the employees are so helpful in making each visit a great experience! thank you milk & honey! see you next week!

Pros: friendly employees all around

Posted 01/16/09

This was my first massage, and facial but not my first mani.
i loved every second and i'm highly considering going back later this week. everyone was so nice, and helpful and the atmosphere was so relaxing. The only bad thing was the parking was confusing with all of the construction. TOTALLY worth it in the end.

Pros: Ambience

Cons: Parking

Posted 11/11/08

I went to the downtown location and at first I was a bit thrown off by how busy 2nd street really is. I'm never downtown and was making this my first Milk & Honey visit not knowing what to expect. The Austin Chronicle had awarded Jessica for best brazilian waxer and I wanted my first brazilian to be easy. Booking with her can be difficult, so I recommend planning a day to see her since she only works Thursdays and a couple of Sundays a month.

Jessica kept the room dark and relaxing, having a lamp where she needed it and light out of my eyes. I didn't feel overly exposed and the bed was actually warm and comfortable. She kept my mind off the waxing through conversation and talked to me about how to prevent ingrown hairs. She had suggested getting a package of waxing for a discount and I'm definitely going to do that the next time I get paid. I'm hooked.

What really made my day was that I was in and out in 20 minutes! They validated my parking for city hall and I got to enjoy 2nd street for the first time this year.

Pros: Jessica and her brazilian wax, validated parking, ambience

Cons: trying to find parking, just park at city hall and avoid the meters

Posted 10/26/08

I have been a client of Milk and Honey (2nd Street) for about a year. Every single experience Ihas been extraordinarily good. I try to schedule at last one treatment each month, and I look forward to these appointments like they are an island vacation! Sarah, an aesthetician, is absolutely wonderful. I feel like I am visiting with a girlfriend when I come see her for a facial. She is extremely knowledgable about the products (I'll get to those in a sec!) and explains exactly how I can use them at home. She does not try to "sell" me. I use and love the Cosmedix line carried by M+H. My husband comments on my improved skin (he noticed!) and even my coworkers have started commenting on how my skin is glowing. I don't think I have ever felt so good about my face! I highly recommend the M+H Facial with Sarah for anyone who is feeling worn out, stressed out, or who just wants some true pampering. M+H is also wonderful for your man - bring him, too!

Posted 10/17/08

I recently saw Robin at the Milk + Honey Salon around the corner from the spa (on 3rd). I loved it! She understood exactly what I wanted. It was my first time there and I will definitely be going back.

Pros: Great location, friendly staff, cool music

Cons: The set up and decorations were just.... ehh.

Posted 10/16/08

Two friends and I made appointments for our wives this past Saturday after reading the reviews on this site. All three had wonderful things to say about the techs with the exception of one lady at the front desk (short brown hair, nose ring and a slight acne problem). I did not get her name, but we had some issues with her. The first problem one of our wives encountered is that no one at the front desk greeted or helped her. So she just waited until another lady who didn't work the desk greeted her and took the printed gift card she brought and put it down at the front. The second issue is this lady sushed my wife and friends because they were laughing and having a good time during their appointment. While I understand a spa is/should be in a serene setting and that they're tyring to make appointments on the phone, it also makes it seem like the spa isn't a place to gab with girlfriends...which it should be! To quiet down three ladies having fun in your spa is unreal. Lastly, we met our wives as they were checking out and the attitude and tone of the girl's voice was simply condescending and rude. Once again, she gave us a glaring stare because we were talking and laughing too loudly. We were just trying to make sure everything was taken care of before we left and to make sure all the girls received their tips and wages, but it wasn't. They couldn't find one of the gift cards (that was put on the front desk) and couldn't find it in the system for a while because it was purchased too recently. The lady who finally helped us out was professional and had a smile on her face. She solved the problem, apologized and we were on our way. What great service she offered...these are the employees who should be rewarded. It only takes one person to ruin the customer service experience...we walked out with a bad taste in our mouths.

Pros: techs and location

Cons: front desk lady with short brown hair and nose ring

Posted 08/31/08

I've been to milk + honey on several occasions and have always had a great experience. The spa is very tranquil and inviting. The clean lines and minimalist decor is refreshing and relaxing. The staff is accomodating, knowledgable, and have always made me feel at ease. They take the time to learn what your treatment goals are and have recommended some great products that I still use today and I've seen a BIG difference in my complexion as a result. I have no complaints and would highly recommend this spa as one of the best in Austin!

Posted 08/04/08

I have had a lot of facials in my lifetime, but I have never had one as bad as this. I could not even stay to finish it. The lady started off by lecturing me over my diet habits, basically I wasn't a vegan so she did not approve, then she moved to the skin care products I used. Also my skin had been breaking out from all of my traveling and working outside, hence why I went in to get a facial. I was well aware of that and did not need to be belittle for 10 minutes on the condition of my skin I just wanted it exfoliate and clean. I had also seen a dermatologist who prescribe medicine to me, but of course a person who did not spend 10 years in college knows more than him. Her attitude was horrible and rude. it is rare you encounter such a know it all as her, but at least the people at the front desk were very nice and did not make me pay. DO NOT USE this place unless you want to be lectured on all or your so called flaws in life.

Pros: they did not make me pay for the horrible service

Cons: the facial was horrible

Posted 08/03/08

I received a gift certificate for Milk + Honey for my birthday. Now, I'm not much for treating myself so this was a big deal to go down there and actually try to relax. When I made my appointment, I was told I could park in the garage of the Amli and they would take care of the ticket (certify it..whatever it's called). When I came in for the appointment and handed them my ticket, the front desk person smirked and said, "yeah, um we don't do that on the weekend." I told her that over the phone I was told they did but she only shrugged. Wanting to not make it a bad experience I chose to ignore her. I was taken to a waiting room and waited, and waited, and waited. I did show up early but still I had to wait for 15 minutes after my scheduled time. The place looks nice, but not so comfortable. The chairs you sit in for a manicure are hard blocks with no back. The nook you sit in for pedicures is hard wood...very uncomfortable. The girl that worked on me was nice enough it just sucked having to hear the other girls talking annoyingly about the customers. I could only imagine what they would say about me after I left. Too pretentious for my taste and not worth the money!

Pros: Looks nice

Cons: Not nice enough for the price

Posted 07/27/08

Okay, I want to start off by saying I am a Medical Aesthetician. My best guy friend went into Milk and Honey to get a facial and had the worst experience ever! The lady who did her treatment really messed his face up for at least 3 months. She had done extractions on him. He said it felt like she was scrapping his face. I have been in the business for years and NEVER I have never seen anyone's skin look like his did after a facial treatment. He called me to look at his skin to see if it was normal. I looked at him and my mouth dropped. I felt for him. I had finished the job she started. What she did was not get all the congestion out of his pores. Therefore he broke out terribly. Let me tell you, he hardly breaks out, so this was a huge deal to him. She obviously was not trained well enough. It has been 3 months and his skin is still scarred. Now he is doing treatments with me to fix what she had done. Please do not let this happen to you.

Pros: Pretty Office

Cons: Not well trained estheticians

Posted 07/20/08

I walked into milk + honey spa over the holiday weekend to get eyelash extensions. Chad was quick, very professional, and great at what he does. I left feeling sassy and fun, just as a lady should leaving a spa! I'll be back soon for a pedi.

Posted 07/08/08

I live on the north side of Houston but visited Austin for a women's convention. My boyfriend and I made a weekend of it, stayed downtown near the convention center and were able to walk to and from the spa for our half day of services. A rain shower came through as we were finishing our nail services and getting ready to leave, so my BF suggested we get a cab...hello?...the nail techs and I helped him with his perspective and how a short walk in the light rain would be quite the romantic cap to our awesome day! Those girls were GREAT! It's been several months since our visit, so I don't remember anybody's name, I apologize, but the experience was a great one, nonetheless. We had a couples massage, and both got facials and manicures. The only time we weren't getting our sevices together was during the facials, but that makes perfect sense. My massage was nice, he REALLY enjoyed his. We both were very happy with the results from our facials and mani's, but the most impressive part of the entire experience for me was the professionalism of every staff member we encountered. During my facial a cabinet door slipped out of the estitician's (sp?) hand and didn't exactly slam shut, but made enough of a noise for me to jump a little. She was so concerned and sincere about it being an intrusion it was all I could do to try and reassure her that it was really a non-event as far as I was concerned. We'd definitely go back and have already recommended the package we got to other friends who live there!

Pros: upscale feel, convenient downtown location, GREAT staff

Cons: not a huge place, I could see the common areas getting crowded

Posted 06/30/08

I discovered M+H after boycotting my last spa over poor customer service (Mecca was the name, and you can read my review of it for the reasons why). Lucky for me, M+H has been great and I try to make it for one facial and one massage a month.

The location is convenient and on my way home from work. I used to like the reception desk better when it was just a regular height, now it is too tall and sometimes I'm not sure if anyone is back there when I walk in, but when they do see me they are very friendly.

The locker room is a little small, but it is fine if you go on a weeknight. I've learned to try to avoid the weekends when there are a lot of other patrons using it at the same time, but on weeknights, sometimes I have the whole locker room to myself, or maybe one other person and it is great! One other thing I like about the locker room is that it is fully stocked with products you may need (lotion, deoderant, hair gels etc.) so you don't need to bring anything from home.

After you slip into your robe and slippers you can wait for your service in a very relaxing waiting area. There is a good selection of magazines and I love snacking on the animal crackers, pretzels or walnuts. Also, they usually have refreshing pitchers of water with lemon or orange slices.

The services are great too. It took me a few times to find the perfect massuese and esthetician for me, but I did. I love getting my faicials from Aleisha, she gets it perfect for me, an my skin has improved a lot since I've been seeing her. Specifically, she does the extractions well (without hurting me), pays close attention to detail and gives a great massage.

Curtis (Tarzen) is an awesome massuese and gets the pressure just right. He has a very calming personalilty and I just feel great after I get a massage and wish I could afford to go more often.

M+H also e-mails a great newsletter and hosts fun events each month. I always look forward to getting the newsletter.

Pros: Aleisha and Curtis are great, good location, relaxing.

Cons: Univiting reception desk, small locker area, crowded on weekends, no steam room.

Posted 06/23/08

"Take me to the land of milk & honey..", sings James McMurtry, in one of his newest songs. And lead me to the man who won't eat honey because of the growing shortage of bees, but will remind you how beautiful nature is. I had my first massage at Milk & Honey this morning with Tarzen. Oh my. He is REALLY good and I have had more than a few massages in my day. I generally avoid salons because they are out of my budget, but being as it was Sunday and I wanted to book something last minute, it was actually worth every last dime to be in such a comfortable setting. I loved the grapefruit water and fresh almonds and apples to snack on after my massage, but mostly I was moved by this master of bodywork. Part of what makes Tarzen's technique special is that he uses a great deal of strength to iron out those kinks but without the pain that can often accompany such deep work. His touch is something special indeed. It is also obvious that this massuere understands there is as much of a gift in giving as in receiving. What a treat! Like honey from the bees!

Posted 06/07/08

As a special birthday present to myself I decided to spend this morning at Milk + Honey and treat myself to a well-earned m+h retreat package that includes an aromatherapy massage, facial, lux pedi and mani. I arrived at 9AM and was told that there was no availability for the mani/pedi until tomorrow, but I was rushed back and shown the changing room. The ambiance of the spa area was pretty relaxing and my massage with Mandy was great. I drank water and snacked on almonds while I waited, and then things went down hill.

One client was upset and complaining to a therapist in the waiting area, people seemed confused, and the facial...well, let's just say the entire treatment felt like a sales pitch for their products and was NOT relaxing. When I went to change, I tired to rinse off in the shower and the handle broke in the shower?ok!?! Then, when I went to check out there was a countertop full of products that I felt highly pressured into buying!

Finally, when it came time to pay the woman behind the desk said I would need to give her the tip amount in a percent that would be added to my bill and it would be divided between the staff?it was awkward and uncomfortable and I left stressed out and NOT relaxed. Made to feel shamed for not buying the products and strange about splitting a tip when I would have given more to the service I truly enjoyed.

Plus, when I called to cancel the mani/pedi the lady made the rude comment, ?you just barely got out of it didn't you? because it was close to 24 hours notice?what was that about!?!

OVERALL: Nice space in downtown Austin, but not what I expected (or worth what I paid) and the high pressure sales and rude reception destroyed the work that is done in the spa?the point of an ?urban retreat? to me is to leave happy, relaxed and refreshed... especially on your birthday! Best of luck & I hope this feedback helps!

Pros: downtown location, decor, comfy robes, water & snacks

Cons: customer service, price, facials

Posted 05/23/08

I have worked in 3 spas in austin and think that 80% of your experience when going to a spa is exactly that "an experience". I LOVED the spa partisan treatment I received but the front desk, locker room and waiting area were disappoining. The front check in area where they do nails seems busy, too open and unwelcoming. What is the deal with the way too tall check in desk?? Once my friend and I were directed to the locker rooms we were left a little unclear as what to do next? I might also mention that she had two left foot slippers and the dirty robe bin was overflowing all over the floor and their were empty water glasses all over the counters.We found our way to the waiting room where it seemed like a full employee shift change. There were people EVERYWHERE! Here we are in our robes and people are walking in and out, talking to each other, carrying laundry, asking co workers to clock them out and the best was the electrician?? guy who walked thru the waiting room 3 times trying not to make eye contact with us. Kid you not it felt like 15 people were walking around in that little waiting area! When the therapist came to get me he asked about my paperwork which hadent been filled out bc it had bever been given to us??
When it came to check out there were two people in the phones talking to people who didnt even look up.....once one of them got off the phone she proceeded to check me out with zero personality. Tried to get a half smile or anything other than your total is and how much do you want to tip with no luck.
I would have gone back for the treatment in a heartbeat but the rest made the whole "experience" not worth it.

Posted 04/28/08

Wow is the only word to describe my experience at Milk + Honey. It was my first time to have a massage by a professsional and I felt like I needed it. The moment you walk in it creates a feeling of calm despite it being located downtown. I was treated very well by the staff, they were all friendly and everything looked so serene. Tarzen was taking care of me and I could not have asked for a better person. His skills were phenominal, both massage and communicating with me. I really liked how he gave me the whole time and how he explained everything that was going to happen. Afterwards my Urban Massage I felt so different and relaxed I can't even describe it. I definately recommend any newbie or veteran to spas to ask for him because you will be treated like a queen. Woot go Tarzen, keep up the amazing work!!

Pros: Very relaxing experience and great staff

Cons: Seems small at first but it's not

Posted 02/10/08

Hey - My first spa treatment at milk + honey was last week. Any other experience (and I have been getting facials and massages regularly for the past 7 years) does not compare. As I was guided into the spa area by a receptionist, I was in awe. Really, I had not been to such an exquisite and luxurious spa before. My standards were usually the luck of the local draw....and I did have good luck in the past. You are treated like a queen yet not smothered over. The plush robe, beautiful and sublime surroundings and soft lighting might seem just requisite to the frequent spa-goer. For me, I really splurged but felt it was all the more worth it when I met Elisha, my esthetician. She's attentive, caring with a genuine sweetness that lets you know instantly you will be well taken care of. I had just signed up for a basic milk + honey facial but it was basically divine! I am the chatty type. She made me feel very comfortable and beautiful! The massage included with the facial was also great. Without a doubt, I recommend her hands down. I'll be going to milk + honey from now on!

Pros: lovely atmosphere. lovely staff

Cons: parking-- remember to ask for a pass

Posted 02/06/08

The best massage and facial--anywhere. Relaxation and rejuvenation is around the corner in the new charming 2nd street district... and the smells will make you melt. I was greeted by Wade and Lauren. Both front desk members were so poised and polite. Wade blew me away with his warm and gentle nature and made me feel special just talking about an information form that I had to fill out. My massage with Brooke allowed deep relaxation and the true release I needed. Her style was strong and as fluid as water. I felt very supported. I am so impressed with the warmness of the entire staff.

Posted 02/03/08

i went to see elisha last weekend to get a brow wax, and i'm sorry to say that's the only service i got. i can't WAIT to go back to get facials and other relaxing wonderments. she's so mellow and happy and you can't be around her without feeling mellow and happy yourself. and let's not forget that my brows are perfect!

go see her. you owe it to yourself.

Pros: awesome location, great service

Posted 01/28/08

Having spent 25 years as a consultant, I know what customer service is all about. Not happy with something? Don't go away pouting. I had one small complaint, but you would have thought I was the most important customer the spa had ever had. Truly my concern was so trivial I am embarrassed to even white it down!! Milk & Honey is "driven" to provide the best spa experience of your life so be sure and check it out!

Posted 01/20/08

Summer, the manager is terrific. Very attentivie and responsive to customer needs. She is very customer oriented and knowledgeable about their products

Posted 01/10/08

Downtown urban side street entrance androgenous and a bit stark. But with a quiet soothing ambience that is enhanced by each person there. After attending 5 other Austin spas, this is the one to go for. Enlivened services were gracious, expert, renewing and given by focused professionals that evidenced great pride in their art. Agree with other reviewers that Zen-focused TarZen provides the most phenomenal hot rock massage you can experience. Do not pass go...go.

Pros: Staff diligence to serve, providing unparalleled day spa experience

Cons: Small entry

Posted 01/06/08

Milk and Honey presents itself as a posh downtown spa... but after several tries there I've given up. I've received two waxes there and both were roughly administered (and I am waxed regularly... I know it's not a gentle thing, but this I felt was overly aggressive). I've also had a facial. Not only did I not notice a difference, but my facialist, who was very sweet, talked to me loudly throughout the entire facial. She even made jokes about "bowel movements" (her words, not mine). I'm no prude, but I didn't spend $90 for that. The word spa invokes calm and relaxation and there is nothing relaxing about this place. I'd rather pay less and go to an efficient speedy place in a strip mall. At least there are no pretenses there about the type of service you should be receiving.

Posted 01/03/08

I went to milk and honey day spa to recieve a massage and facial. my overall experience was good except for the service especially for what i paid. i did like the atmosphere and the the services i recieved but was not the best spa i had been too in austin. it seemed a bit over rated. but overall it was good.

Posted 12/27/07

I wanted to treat myself to a great manicure/pedicure and thought this looked like the spot to get it. Was I disapppointed. First off the accommodations for the pedicures are horrible. You have to climb up on a bench. Getting off the bench without smudging your polish can be a trial for those of us who are older and less limber. In addition, for $60 dollars I expect a good 5-10 of massage, instead I got a lethargic 2 minute massage. When I booked my service I specfically asked that my manicure be done during the pedicure, but their uncomfortable bench setup does not allow for this, so I didn't get my manicure. I don't know about their other services, but their pedicures are NOT worth the money, any strip center nail salon does a better pedicure than this place.
****UPDATE**** The owner/manager called me to find out why I did not like my service and offered me a free manicure and pedicure. She assures me their pedicures are fabulous. I am stunned that she took the time to rectify the situtaion as I did not complain when checking out. What can I say except that with customer service like this I have to change my recommendation accordingly.

Pros: Ambiance

Cons: Spa Pedicure without the SPA treatment

Posted 12/04/07

I discovered Milk + Honey because a friend was coming into town to visit who loves getting massages. We decided to get a massage together, and he asked me to book his with a female masseuse. When I called, the woman asked if I had a preference regarding the gender of the person who would be doing my massage, and I said no. I had only had massages by females before, so I figured I'd leave it open to chance. I ended up being very lucky, as she decided, "I'm going to book your massage with Tarzen." Had I heard right? Did she say Tarzan? No, she hadn't; she'd said TarZEN.

When I got to the spa, I was greeted gently by a very kind, muscly vegan with a courteous manner. He asked me all the questions a masseuse generally asks, but with the grace of a true Southern gentleman. The next 90 minutes were blissful. While I'm generally not a spa person, I had to keep going back once I'd experienced a massage with Tarzen. He has the magic touch, makes you feel comfortable, and lets you talk as much or as little as you feel like. I truly felt transformed after my first massage with Tarzen, and it wasn't a fluke; each time I've been back to Milk + Honey for massages with him thereafter, I've felt equally transformed by the time I leave.

Posted 11/25/07

I travel frequently, and visit spas occasionally. I like to try new treatments everywhere I go. I stumbled upon Milk and Honey spa from the recommendation of a hotel concierge. I must say that I am quite impressed! Right from the start, I felt welcomed and pampered. I had some time before my scrub so I shopped around the retail area. They have some great jewelry and fun gifts. 2 staff members offered me something to drink, and one of the desk girls offered an explanation when I questioned their facial line. She seemed really knowledgable about the product, which is always a good sign. I was shown back to the locker room and given a key to a locker that housed a plush robe. I was then directed to the waiting area where my masseuse met me. We talked about my treatment, any areas of concern, and she led me back to begin. I have never experienced such a treatment! It was a scrub with wonderful aromatics, steaming and a massage, all in one! I then went in for a facial which was thorough and relaxing. I asked about specials when I booked my appointment and was tol dof the eye and lip upgrade. Fantastic! My nail treatment was next, which was really great, except for the traffic that flowed through the pedicure area. All in all, I spent a wonderful 3 hours pampering myself, and I would love to visit again. I recommend Milk and Honey to everyone!

Pros: easy to park, friendly staff, fun treatments

Cons: loud in pedicure area

Posted 11/07/07

This review ends positively, but starts out a little rough.

I've been there twice for services. My first encounters with reception were not great. They posted wrong hours. and were adamant that they hadn't. Later when they realized their mistake, they were almost apologetic, but not quite.

I was disappointed with the betweeni wax. It was no different from a bikini and I am not sure why I had to pay an extra $15 for something that was, I swear, no different from a regular wax. It turns out that it was the aesthetician's mistake.

This most recent visit, I saw Sam for the wax. She was really great and told me that the other person must have made a mistake. When I came out to pay, they gave me a 50% discount on my service b/c I was disappointed with the previous visit. I was really impressed with the customer service and that they offered that up when I didn't ask for anything. I will be returning again.

Posted 11/06/07

I had an AMAZING massage experience yesterday at Milk and Honey with Tarzan. I have never met a more caring, professional therapist. First, Tarzan sat and talked with me about my desires and goals for the session. Although most therapists will ask, "Is there anything specific you want?", Tarzan went beyond this. We had a fairly in-depth discussion of my goals, body, etc. He explained to me exactly how the session would go and how he would drape me throughout. Plus, he promised I'd get the entire hour (so I didn't feel like our conversation was cutting into massage time!). The massage itself was masterful. It was a deep tissue massage, and his pressure was fantastic. I truly felt like he was giving 100% of his personal and spiritual energy to the massage. Although I know he did back-to-back massages yesterday, I felt like I was his only client. Terrific! I will certainly go back to see Tarzan. I recommend him highly!

Posted 10/06/07

This is a wonderful spa! My girlfriends and I came for a "Girls Weekend" and had a great experience. The spa is clean, well-appointed, comfortable and, above all, relaxing. The staff went above and beyond to help us get appointments booked for all six of us - not an easy task!

Pros: Location, atmosphere, amenities, staff, treatments

Cons: small mani/pedi area

Posted 09/22/07

I received a massage from Francis and it was so wonderful, I didn't want it to end. EVER! Once you cross into the back area, the atmosphere is exactly what you want in a spa: extremely relaxing and warm. Feels like you're 1,000 miles away from downtown. She rubbed of the knots out of my shoulders without making me holler in pain. This is my new staple massage place. She blew all of my past masseuses away! Loved it!

Pros: Great massage, great location, great environment and free parking at city hall!

Cons: Front desk is awkward because it's so tall it's hard to see and speak to the people behind it.

Posted 08/22/07

I've been to many spas in Austin. This is NOT the place to go for pedicures. The pedi/mani area is basically in the waiting room and all other spa services are behind the curtain. Too many distractions...I had to tune out the staff talking at the front desk and another staff person stopping by to chat with my technician during my service. It just not as polished as you would expect from a "spa" and for a 65 dollar spa pedicure I expect to feel like I am at a spa which was not the case here.

Posted 08/12/07

Milk + Honey is a lovely spa and Tarzen gives the best massages I've ever had. I was thrilled to find Tarzen at Milk + Honey because I used to get massages from him at a different spa, but the atmosphere there wasn't as luxurious. The environment at Milk + Honey is peaceful and relaxing. The bath robes, soothing music, and aromatherapy are special touches. Tarzen has the magic mojo in his hands. His massages totally dissolve my stress and tension. I always leave feeling wonderful. Schedule a massage with Tarzen and you'll be completely satisfied.

Pros: It's all good.

Posted 07/05/07

Mike and Honey is a luxurious get away. The staff is wonderful and the amenities are high quality. Very recommended.

Posted 05/19/07

I just moved in to austin for school and recently went to MIlk+Honey DaySpa. The second I walked in, the front area felt very cold and unwelcoming. There was no one at the front to greet me when I first came in, it took at least 2 or 3 minutes for someone to come up and greet me. I then went back to the spa area, which was no more warm nor welcoming. The esthetician was ok but not the greatest. She seemed a little overconfident. The massage part of my facial was ok, but there was a little too much pressure and it seemed like it lasted so long that the mask on my face got as hard as a rock. It almost hurt to have it taken off. When I left, I felt like I really hadnt gotten my money's worth, and my skin didnt look any better than it did before I went in. Not my best spa experience, would not return...

Cons: Just not warm and comforting, very cold

Posted 05/15/07

I frequent a couple of Spa's in Austin. Today was the first time I have visited Milk and Honey. The moment I walked into the spa waiting area I felt almost instantly relaxed. My massage thearpist had a gentle and caring voice and was very attentive to my needs. My facialist impressed me with her knowledge of skin care and I felt like I got another massage with the facial! I know for sure I will no longer be visiting any other spa besides Milk and Honey. This is the place I have been looking for!

Pros: Staff, Enviroment

Cons: Parking

Posted 04/28/07

Went here just visiting town for a bachelorette group for individual massages. I have a professional in Philadelphia that I use regularly. If I lived in Austin, I would visit with Krystal. She gave me a deep massage I needed! She was VERY professional, as were the rest of the staff at Milk and Honey.

Pros: professional, great service from Krystal

Posted 04/22/07

My experiences at Milk and Honey have been great. While they are a small Spa, they make up for their size with a great staff and wonderful services. I had the Seaweed Mud and Steam and it was wonderful. My skin looked amazing and I felt great. I can't wait to go back and try the Parafango Cocoon! The Mani and Pedi's are also fantasitc. The first one I had, one of the staff was in an accident and they could not do the Lux but added in the Parafin at no cost to the regular mani/pedi. I went back last week for a Lux Mani/Pedi and it was wonderful! Not only that but my nails lasted through camping on the weekend!

Pros: great services, great prices for the services, great location, and very warm and inviting

Cons: it is a smaller Spa

Posted 04/19/07