Terra del Sol Spa

I don't know where to begin. I love this place. Frankly, I can't really afford it - or any spa - at this time in my life but I make it work about 3x/year (and my husband knows to get me gift certificates there!) because what it does for stress is SO WORTH IT. I always get the 80 minute massage and then sit in the grotto afterward. The price of the massage may be a tad higher than at other places, and I almost put that down as a "con," but the grotto is included which makes it waaaay worth it for what you get, since I'd pay just to use it! It's like being transported to another place and time - a very roman baths feel or maybe it's an ancient tomb feel (nice dim lighting too, which can be adjusted) but whatever it is, it's amazing. You sit in this very large (small pool-sized) jacuzzi next to a beautiful tiled wall with tea candles and they bring you wine or champagne or tea or a few other options, with appetizers, and the ceiling above slowly changes colors and has stars! Bordering cheesy? Nope - it's fantastic. For my 40th b-day last weekend, 11 of my girlfriends and I split the cost to rent out the grotto. We got treated like royalty and everyone was giggling hysterically about how we can be so stressed out one minute as moms living in chaos, not a 5-10 minute drive away, and the next thing we know we're at this insanely relaxing other world being spoiled to death. Everyone had different-shaped and sized bodies (we all wore swimsuits) and some were a little self-conscious about it/hesitant about coming but suddenly no one cared anymore...thanks in part to the wine? ;) and we just had a blast. The lavender smelling steam room is another real treat - as is the sauna, cooling bath (up to your neck, standing) and the light-therapy room w/ warm sand to lie on! It's also nice to go alone, as I do on Mother's Day, or with just one friend. And one of these days I want to bring my husband and do the couples massage!

My only real complaint is that they're not open for massages later at night. But then I suppose most places aren't. I just like a good massage before bed and it seems that can only be found in big cities or fancy hotels where they come to your room. I think they'll stay open late for large groups though - or maybe those special nights when they have live music?

Pros: Best pampering experience ever

Posted 11/12/09

The spa is absolutely wonderful! From the moment you walk through the door, you are totally transported to a different world. I have frequented spas all over the world and this is at the top of my list of favorites. The treatment rooms are soothing, comfortable and very well equipped. I have been quite pleased with each of my service providers; they are always very caring and quite knowledgeable in their field. The crowning jewel of this spa is, for me, the wonderful grotto area complete with roman tub (including snacks and beverages poolside), cool dip pool and large steam room. Do yourself a favor a schedule a treatment as soon as you can!

Pros: Service, environment, ambiance

Cons: I can't go every day of the year!

Posted 11/11/09

This is absolutely your best bet if you are going to the spa. From products, to services and staff, this is where you will get your money?s worth. They exceed my expectations every time and I'm sure you will have the same experience! This place has been my sanctuary and escape from the busy and chaotic world for the past year, a great escape, relaxing indulgence. You owe it to yourself to visit. My favorite is the grotto experience. Every time I visit I am the only one there, they make sure your experience is private and personal, every time. They even serve appetizers by the pool; the staff really treats you like royalty. I love the sand and sun room; it's like a mini vacation!
Thank you Terra Del Sol staff for always being so sweet and going above and beyond!

Pros: variety of services, personal and private experience, atten

Posted 11/11/09

Terra del Sol was not my first choice when it came to getting a haircut in the Portland area. I originally thought they were just a spa that catered to expensive women. But many rave reviews about their employees, atmosphere and overall business led me to them. What?s more, after receiving what can only be described as the greatest haircut of my life, I can think of no other business I will ever go to. I recently moved into the area after spending the previous four years visiting just one hair specialist whom I thought to be irreplaceable.

Oh, how wrong I was. I plan on returning every three to four weeks! I was also recently gifted a massage gift certificate ? if the masseuse is anything like the woman who cut my hair, I am most certainly in for an unparalleled treat!

Now, after seeing some of the not-so-positive reviews on this site I am incredibly perplexed. Just because a building used to be utilized for something else in the past means it must stay that way? In today's real estate market (especially in larger cities!) it is simply not feasible to rip down a perfectly sound building just to rebuild. I could think of nothing better to cleanse the bad memories of a building than by creating a place where people go to feel better.

Conversely, some of these ?reviewers? appear to be ex-employees. They claim to know other employees who show disdain toward their (former) employee? Perhaps they were let go (much like I can only assume the ?review?-writers were) because they failed to meet the high standards an upper-echelon spa like this requires?

Needless to say, they're really going out of your way to denounce such a respected, reputable and one of my favorite businesses in the Portland area. I take it personally when people lie about something I love. I can only assume these are disgruntled former employees.

Pros: great staff, awesome service, attention to detail

Cons: pricey

Posted 11/10/09

Terra del Sol spa is a thoroughly enjoyable oasis in the center of Portland, a place where you can relax and de-stress in a caring, tranquil, peaceful environment while feeling pampered and cared for.

The decor of Terra del Sol is a lush and whimsical amalgamation of vacation locales. Safari, Riviera, Ancient Greece, and a little bit of Vegas opulence combine to make you instantly feel you've completely left the world outside...especially when the weather outside is cold, rainy, and gray. The staff is doting, caring, and seem to all genuinely love what they do...a rarity in many spa/salons.

This is the special-occasion spa my husband and I choose, to treat ourselves or each other when the opportunity arises. The owner and staff take great joy in providing a singular exceptional experience for you and/or your loved one. To be able to unwind in the swimming pool-like hot tub before or after treatments is magnificent and restorative.

A Terra Del Sol visit is perfect if you want an escape, a vacation, but can't realistically take one due to time or budget. You leave the Spa feeling as if you've been gone a few days, rather than a few hours. I have highly recommended this spa to bridal parties, soldier's wives, first-time spa goers, veteran spa goers, athletes, elderly people, and the Ultimately Stressed, and never heard a disappointed word back.

Pros: Fantasy decor, caring staff, excellent treatments

Posted 11/09/09

Response to autumnlove2:

Terra Del Sol's prices are some of the lowest in town being sensitive to economical times, 40 min/$40 treatments. 50 min/$50 massages and up.
Our basic manicure 20 min/$25. Basic pedicure is 45 min/$50; is performed in our foot baths that are very unique, and rain from the sky. Includes complimentary appetizers/beverage. A 1.7 oz jar of moisturizer cost $26-$45. Terra's product formulation team has had forty years experience in organic chemistry and in Aesthetics, Health & Beauty. Organically certified. Listed with the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients. Masque de Perlas is a unique plant-based Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid that protects skin from the environment. This high performance luxurious masque is infused with mineral rich micronized Mother of Pearl and botanical extracts. If you prefer a deep tissue massage, request Michelangelo's David Massage. If you are not receiving enough pressure or a product is causing your skin to sting, communicate this to your therapist in the moment. The sun and sand room has broad spectrum lighting for seasonal depression. The heat penetrates through crystals of sand soothing and relaxing tired and sore muscles. The artist recently painted murals on the Street of Dream's condos. Terra Del Sol does not discriminate in age or any other way. Six staff members have worked at Terra for a year now! I am the luckiest boss in the world. Christi, owner

Pros: Destination Spa without ever leaving the City

Posted 11/09/09

Well first off Terra del Sol is way over priced. They owner had her own line of products created that she charges an arm and a leg for and after spending some time testing them out, as a skin care specialist I have to say I was not impressed. I was requested the Peal facial, and no where in the description does it let you know the smell of the product is a very potent black liquorish, which I hate... the product made my face burn and the results could have been achieved just as easily using drugstore products. The managers and owner of the spa have a very fake, demeaning, pageant like personality. I have been there 3 times due to a gift card, and their employees come and go more frequently than I. My first massage was done by a girl who smelled horrible of sour milk, and did not use enough pressure leaving me completely unsatisfied. It is also apparent that the design of the space was done by someone with no real experience or taste, one minute I'm in Morocco the next, Greece... it is a strange combination filled with a whole heap of tacky, like the animal print they have everywhere. Its a good thing I came with a gift card because after seeing the actual prices of the treatments I completely lost my breath... 75 DOLLARS FOR A PEDICURE, done by a girl a year older than myself!!! COME ON! The only thing I did like was the time you get to spend in the grotto before a treatment. I did enjoy the free wine and snacks, and its hard to find a hot tub in portland, however, their sun and sand room is a joke. One of their treatments charges 35 dollars I think to lay in a room the size of a closet with a tacky mural painted on the wall, sand on the ground and the heat on. It was embarrassing.

OVERALL, spare yourself the time and money. The owner is so rude and fake. The products aren't worth crap, treatments are incredibly over priced (remember 75 for a pedicure) and a tacky set up.

I give this place less than a year before they have to shut the doors.

Pros: They way it smells, the hot tub, food

Cons: the owner, the strange decor, bad products, overpriced

Posted 11/06/09

I have visited Terra del Sol on several occasions over the past year with a pleasurable experience resulting each time. In getting either an independent or couples massage, I have been happy with the treatments received. Having only been to a half dozen or so other spas in the Portland area my comparison base is somewhat limited, however, with that said, the treatments were on par to those offered elsewhere. Where Terra del Sol shines brightest is in the service and facilities it provides. From my initial entry into the building the employees were very polite and attentive. In not feeling rushed or over oversold services, I was able to have a truly relaxing treatment. Although I did see other visitors while at Terra del Sol, I did not feel overly crowded or have to wait for shower and/or a locker to become available, a situation I unfortunately experienced at one of the other spas in town.

It is quite apparent that a significant amount of detail went into the design of their facilities, in particular the grotto area. Soaking in the pool with an adult beverage while taking in the color adjusting sky ceiling, unique color palette chosen by the painters, and travertine enriched grounds makes for an immersing experience. Overall, I have been pleased with my past experiences and intend visit Terra del Sol again.

Pros: Service & Facilities

Posted 10/21/09

My spa experience at Terra Del Sol was by far the best I've ever had. I was kindly greeted by the front desk staff with a cup of tea before my massage with Alex. I was led down to "the Grotto" with Alex, which was beautiful. In the grotto area I was taken to a massage an extremely comfortable massage room with a warmed massage table. Alex gave me a fantastic massage and focused on areas where I needed it the most. I nearly fell asleep! After my massage I was able to spend some time in the Grotto, where I was served wine and utilized the steam room, the jacuzzi and the cold plunge. The Grotto is such a unique space and it was incredible. I had a wonderful experience at Terra Del Sol.

Pros: Impeccable service, wonderful massage, THE GROTTO

Posted 10/18/09

Thank you Terra Del Sol, for making me feel like a new woman! Thank you Julie, for my AMAZING massage, which sent me to a far-off place. Thank you Emileigh, for allowing me to doze off a few times during your soothing facial--Never have I felt like I was melting into the bed and never have I left a spa with such a glow. Thank you Rebekah for making my hands and tootsies as soft as silk!

The spa chair, the music, the Grotto, the luxurious robes, the cheese, the wine, the olives, the sweets--are you sure I was in rainy Portland and not on my favorite island, Santorini?

Thank you Terra Del Sol for your attention to detail, for making me feel like a princess or better yet, Cleopatra or Persephone. Most of all, thank you Christi, for showing me what being 'pampered' really means. I don't have just one reason to come back, I have a hundred. I will be back sooner than you can say 'spa'.

Pros: Great services, wonderful staff, incredible atmosphere

Cons: Can make one unproductive, for one wants to stay all day!

Posted 10/12/09

This was my first visit to Terra Del Sol Spa. This spa is right here in our own back yard in NW Portland and is just exceptional and took my breath away! I have been to many Spa's all over the world and I'm extremely picky and have high expecations during my Spa visits. I was pleasantly surprised and pleased with Terra Del Sol Spa on all levels.

The owner took personal care and time with us to make sure we had a complete tour of the Spa (and let me tell you, it's incredable) Christi (the owner) is truly a visionary and was able to take that vision and turn into something so unique and devine to the Spa industry and specifically Spa's here in Portland.

All the staff is incredible! The entire staff was amazing and treated us like queens. All of our treatments started on time and were given nice amounts of time. Not rushed thru like so many other spa's I've been to. They brought us snacks and kept the beverages flowing during our mani's and pedi's.

The Spa is designed in such a way that you just don't want to leave. It's all the little touches that make it so special. You can visit the "Grotto" or head to the "Beach" and soak up the the heat of the sand.

I would highly recommend setting up an apt. and experiencing something like you've never experienced in a spa before! You won't regret it!!! I didn't!

Pros: Unique, location, service, environment, services, staff

Cons: None that I experienced!

Posted 10/09/09

It was a pleasure meeting Christi, I couldn?t stop talking about how cool and easy she was to talk to! She is an amazing person with an eye for interior design. I felt so welcome and relaxed at Terra! I can?t wait to go back! I have already been talking to all my friends about how wonderful your spa is!!! I am excited that they're on Forkfly too! The entire staff is led by their owner in a very professional manner and they all make you feel like princess!! Great job Terra, See you again SOON!

Pros: Atmosphere, services offered, cleanliness, value, location!

Cons: Can't think of one!

Posted 10/08/09

No comment.

Posted 10/04/09

I visited this spa a few months ago when my dad first died and had a great massage by Zack. The staff was friendly and accommodating. I had every intention of going back until today. I booked a same day appt for massages and to my dismay when i called back to specify the type of massage they said I was not on the books and would call me back. Kristy, the OWNER (who originally booked the appt) of the salon called me back. And said she understood someone had a problem with a male massage therapist, before I could talk she talked over me saying she could book me at way later in the day or a different day. After attempting to clear up confusion of the situation, she started to get extremely rude and demeaning. She continued calling me "sweety" in a condescending tone and continued to talk over me. I asked her to stop calling me sweety that it was unprofessional and she said "when you open your own business you can run it the way you want to." I have never been so infuriated and shocked at a lack of professionalism. I told her that her staff was great and could learn a thing or two from them. I will never be going back hear, despite their great massages. I have no intention of supporting a business owner of this kind.

Pros: the massage therapists are great

Cons: the OWNER

Posted 10/02/09

If you haven't had a hot stone massage by Alexsis at Terra del Sol Spa, you MUST! Her technique, knowledge and skill at massaging you with warm stones is EXCELLENT. Her massage table is warmed, and she takes very good care of you! She intuitively knows what areas of your body need the most work. She is an excellent therapist and I will definitely return for more hot stone massages. The whole experience at Terra del Sol Spa is wonderful! If you haven't been, you must go!

Pros: Alexsis is excellent w/ the hot stone massage

Cons: None

Posted 09/09/09

Regardless of what these other moronic women might think, Terra Del Sol is fantastic. I have been to many Spas in town, Terra Del Sol Spa is a unique place for relaxation, excellent facials and massages. I love the people here, they know exactly what they are doing. Clean, friendly, always open, reasonably priced for an upscale salon. The service was very nice, before I even made it downstairs for my massage they offered me a cup of their amazing tea. For something special and different try the socking pool and the steam room.
This was an amazing experience and I would recommend Terra Del Sol to anyone who wants to sneak away from their crazy schedules for a moment of relaxation. Don't knock it before you try it.

Pros: Amazing place, Friendly people, great service.

Posted 03/03/09

I have been to many spas in the area, and Terra Del Sol Spa is truly a unique experience! It features everything you could ever ask for in a spa and much, much more! The interior and exterior of the building are totally amazing! The Grotto has a wonderful jetted hot tub that sits beneath fiber optic stars! It is filled with Greek columns, waterfalls, and gorgeous tile work. You will really feel like you are relaxing in a high end Mediterranean resort. The owner hasn't spared a touch of painstaking detail anywhere.

From the moment I first arrived I was greeted by friendly, smiling staff and a relaxing environment. The massages are all amazing. The owner and staff are extremely accommodating in every way. Like anything else, you get what you pay for. Each of my experiences have been worth every penny.

Tired of the Portland rain? The Sun and Sand room is a special experience unique to Terra Del Sol. It has a heated sand floor, bright, re-energizing lighting, and incredible hand painted walls. I love sitting in the hot and cold tubs before and after my treatments, as it is included. My treatments at Terra Del Sol have been the most relaxing of my life!

If you visit one spa in Portland, you owe it to yourself to check out Terra Del Sol!!! You will NOT be disappointed! Thank you Terra Del Sol!!!

Pros: Amazing overall experience, beautiful building, friendly, accomodating staff, central location. Very special, unique experience!

Cons: None

Posted 02/23/09

I've been going to Terra Del Sol since it opened and not once have I left feeling disappointed! The staff is always friendly and professional, the massages are TO DIE FOR and you can't beat the relaxing atmosphere! The grotto is beautiful, especially the Sun and Sand room which is PERFECT for people who have Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD,) like myself. The hot tub is a perfect place to relax while you wait for your appointment, glass of wine in hand and food plate to devour.

Today I had an awesome 50 minute massage which left me feeling very relaxed. I always go to Terra Del Sol for all of my massages, waxing, hair, and facial treatments. There is nothing that compares!!!

Pros: Aweomse Massages!

Cons: There are none!!!

Posted 02/23/09

I just had the "Moroccan Mud Wrapsody". If you have been thinking about getting a full body massage, the Moroccan is the one to get. I was washed with sea salt, painted with basaltic mud, steamed under a canopy, and then massaged with oils, all for over an hour! The feeling of my skin being so clean and healthy with my muscles being relaxed from the massage was pure heaven. And all of this was done in a dimmed private setting with very soothing music flowing through the room.

My tired feet were also treated to the Cinque Terra Footbath. First my feet were washed from a fountain that showers down from the ceiling, and placed in a hammered copper tub filled with very warm stones. Next I had an exfoliating scrub from the knees down, mud painted on, then wrapped and covered in hot towels. Afterwards the mud was washed away and I chose a mint oil to be massaged in. I can't remember a time my feet felt finer. Total Luxury.

I can't say enough about the incredible employees and owners of Terra Del Sol. Everyone goes out of their way to make your time spent the best it can be. I love this place!

Pros: Quality of service, Ambience, Cleanliness.

Cons: None, It was amazing.

Posted 02/22/09

I definitely give this spa a full 5 star recommendation. After a long work week I found myself needing a day to relax so I made an appointment at Terra Del Sol Spa and Salon. Christi and her staff were absolutely wonderful. I've never seen so many nice smiles. Everybody there was in a great mood and I felt like a King for my entire stay. Drinks were available and that was a very nice touch as well. I went for the back facial first, which I had never had done before, and it was amazing...like a facial for your back with steam, hot towels, and a great massage mixed in. Afterwards I headed to "The Grotto" where I proceeded to relax upon heated sand at the beach, lean back in the jetted hot pool, melt away any remaining tension in the steam room, and finally cool down in the Atlantis Cool Dip...cool pool. Lockers, thick robes, big towels, and sandals were provided. Everywhere you look in this building, the cleanliness, design, and craftsmanship is just amazing. It's not just another spa, there's something extra special about Terra Del Sol. It's luxury and I will definitely return.

Pros: Luxury, Service, Quality, Cleanliness

Cons: None, I had a great experience.

Posted 02/18/09

I went to this place with a recommendation from a friend. It is BEAUTIFUL! I didn't realize it the first time, but you can sit in their hot tub before or after your appointment. Awesome. It The girl who did my facial was so sweet! She did an awesome job and my skin looked and felt like a babies butt after she was done with it! She also did my eyebrows, which needed a lot of work... I got quite a few compliments on them afterward!

It's kind of a spendy place, buts the services provided are well worth it! I was very surprised to see the bad reviews. I've been back twice now and have always had a great experience. Can't say enough good things!

Pros: Skills and atmosphere are great!

Cons: Kinda Spendy

Posted 02/18/09

My girlfriends and I have been going there for months and can't say enough about it! I've been to many spas in my life, but never have I experienced such a relaxing atmosphere in a place as luxurious as TDS.
The services are wonderful and at a fair price, especially if you pair it with the grotto(if you don't know what it is, you gotta go see it!).
Aside from the services and the building, my favorite part about this spa would be the ladies there. You would think at a place as nice as this, the staff would be cold and stuck up(exactly what I've gotten from places like Dosha and other "high end" spas in the Pearl).
Bottom line, this place is great for new mothers like me who don't much time to devote to taking care of themselves. It's nice to know that I have an exotic getaway only blocks from my house where I can FINALLY be treated like a queen! Thanks Christi!

Posted 02/17/09

We had a client Sunday, February 15, 2009 who booked a Mediterranean Massage, (50 min/$50).
It was a busy Valentine's weekend and her appointment began five minutes late. Her therapist gave her a 50 minute treatment. The client first complained her treatment was supposed to be 60 minutes to her therapist and later to the front desk that her treatment was 40 minutes. To the owner she complained her treatment was only 35 minutes long and now she wrote on another site it was only 28 minutes long.

Terra Del Sol offers ONLY 50 or 80 minutes to allow room set up time and time for the client to change. I looked at the time the treatment began; I spoke with the therapist before and after the treatment and it was in fact 50 minutes long, as long as any client receives for the Special Mediterranean Massage.

I was disheartened to hear she was dissatisfied. Several calls were made to the client?s home with no response. Finally on Tuesday the client called and I explained to her that I investigated the matter and she in fact received the service she was supposed to receive a 50 minute Mediterranean Massage.

I?m sorry she feels this way. Terra Del Sol Spa did not receive any payment for this treatment as it was a promotional service; however the client was treated her as we would a full paying client. Obviously we cannot make her happy.

Terra Del Sol Spa receives clients from all over the world and nation wide who love us.

Christi
Owner of Terra Del Sol Spa

Posted 02/17/09

Kauia is always in a great mood and always does exactly what needs to be done to my hair. I have such faith in her that I tell her she can do whatever she likes and when I go out after it's done I get tons of compliments! I would never go to anyone else. Another positive is that the new spa she works at is BEAUTIFUL and AMAZING!!! This is a must see place!!!

Pros: relaxing!!!

Cons: none

Posted 02/02/09