Spa Ratings
- Spa at The Four Seasons Great Exuma, Bahamas
By "The Massage Mice"
This periodic feature rates the massage/spa experience using the criteria set forth below. The authors, dubbed the "massage mice," are professionals who do not work in the spa or massage industries; instead, they pay full price for all services and do not disclose their intention to rate the spa's services. The opinions of the massage mice do not necessarily reflect those of Massage Today.
Rating Criteria
Reservations Desk (5 points): Evaluation based on the helpfulness, friendliness and promptness with which the task was handled.
Waiting Area/Changing Room/Locker Room/Showers (5 points): Evaluation based on spa amenities, atmosphere and cleanliness.
Massage Room & Massage Table (5 points): Evaluation based on ambiance, cleanliness, lighting, music/sound, aroma, and temperature of room, as applicable, and the comfort of the table, as well as the type of linens and bolsters/support devices employed.
Massage (75 points): Evaluation based on whether appropriate questions were asked of client; technique and pressure; time allocation; response to client needs, requests, questions and feedback; use of massage oils, lotions, devices and aids; proper draping technique; relaxation/therapeutic effect of massage; water/refreshments offered to client; overall attitude of the massage therapist; and final impression.
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Points
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Rating
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95-100
90-95
85-89
80-84
70-79
50-69
0-49
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Excellent
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Average
Below Average
Poor
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This Month's Spa: Spa at The Four Seasons Great Exuma, Bahamas Total Score: 98 points
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The massage experience was outstanding. The use of pressure was first rate and the massage therapist did an excellent job of responding to feedback. The Balinese technique used builds on itself. The second massage was more satisfying and had a longer lasting effect than the first. The oils used were a Bali-Spice massage oil that kept the skin cool. Time management was excellent and refreshments were offered during the massage.
This is our first review of a "Balinese" styled massage. It features skin rolling, long, kneading strokes, acupressure and reflexology-style foot massage. The effect is heightened by the use of herbal coconut oil infused with ginger. Balinese style is a strong technique with a lot of potential.
Reservation/Reception - Flexible on changing times, very polite, personally escorted each client to waiting room. Reception area bright and inviting. Merchandise was tastefully laid out. Very clean.
Waiting Room - Tranquil. Beautiful cherrywood accents. Refreshments available. Topical reading material. Personally escorted from waiting room to changing room. Very clean.
Changing Room/Locker Room Amenities - Nice amenities. Continuation of cherrywood accents. Used towels, slippers and robes quickly disappeared. Same-sex locker room attendant brought towels to showers and took each client up to massage room. Very clean.
Massage Table - The table was wide enough, adjusted up and down electrically, but had an uncomfortable face plate that caused the client's neck to be bent forward in an uncomfortable way. Flowers were put on the floor under the face plate for a pleasing visual and aromatic effect.
Massage Room - Roomy, fresh flowers, good aroma and good temperature. Use of lighting could be improved for second half of massage, when clients are on their back and an eye cover is used. At the end of the massage, the eye cover was taken off with the overhead lights still on. This is jarring on the eyes. The room was well-decorated with beautiful tile and was very clean. The music was a very nice mix of Bohemian and Balinese music.
Massage - The massage experience was outstanding.
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Service
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Points
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Massage
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75 out of 75
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Massage Room/Massage Table
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4 out of 5
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Waiting Area/Changing Room
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5 out of 5
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Reservations
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5 out of 5
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Grand Total:
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98 points
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