KOSA Wellness Spa & Retreat

This was hard to write because I know the people at Kosa are good, which is why I gave 3 stars instead of 2. I wish I had read reviews beforehand. I trusted the “voted best in National Geographic” claim and their online presence, but my experience was disappointing and far too expensive for what was offered. From the start, communication was poor—I had trouble hearing the front desk staff and was left to figure things out on my own. When I arrived early she recommended I wait outside because I would be "bored" in the sanctuary. ? My meal was not available for me, leaving me hungry and unsettled before treatments. They did offer me some snacks and later which helped. The sanctuary space was underwhelming, with distracting noise, My treatment began 10 minutes late, which typcially would not be an issue but I was in the sanctuary, without my meal and unattended for an hour. The Shirodhara treatment itself was pleasant but not remarkable for the price, and charging extra for a short rest afterward felt wrong. The rest time should be part of the fee for the treatment. Staff were kind and apologetic, and the food I eventually tried was good, but by then the retreat energy was gone. And I didn't want to eat late in my spa day because I was being taken out to dinner. The sauna was nice, but the steam room never warmed up properly. I had to figure out how to turn it on a couple times because it ran for only 15 minutes. Overall, not worth the hype or cost.

The dry and wet saunas are great. I booked the private spa and it was so great to have alone time in there. The price is too high for what it is sadly. On the website it says snacks are included and I wasn’t offered any and there was no water in the lounge area. Those things weren’t a huge deal but for $100 for an hour I was surprised all the things offered were not given. I was also charged gratuity for “the host” and “the practitioner”. I want everybody to get paid of course and I believe in tips but I didn’t see a practitioner and when I went to look for water I couldn’t find the host. So my overall review is, yes it’s beautiful and the saunas are perfect..but it’s not worth $100/hr in my opinion. I would pay $40 total happily but won’t be paying the $100 again.

I absolutely loved my experience at Kosa. I got the Indian Head massage, which was incredible. Besides the service being great, the ambiance was relaxing and beautiful. The locker room offers a locked locker, showers, robes, and bathrooms. Before your service, you are offered tea and a chance to relax in the prettiest, calmest room of plants and cozy vibes. I will be back!!

My husband and I were completely blown away by the level of intentionality given from the moment we entered Kosa until our time there came to an end. We thought the emphasis on Ayurvedic practices are such a crucial part in making this experience so exceptionally unique and personal. I LOVE that every herb, tea, aromatherapy, food and oil used is specifically geared towards supporting your system in the current season. We did the personal retreat consisting of a 1 hour of hot to cold: steam room, rain shower, sauna ritual followed by food and drink offered in the sanctuary lounge. We loved the turmeric latte and delicious Khichdi. The meal option changes regularly and I highly recommend staying for this part. It was really amazing to feel nourished on so many different levels. Needless to say, we are feeling incredibly refreshed and inspired by our time at Kosa. We look forward to our next visit with some spa services! If you haven’t experienced Kosa yet, I hope you can make time for it this year. It’s truly transformative!

I had a 45 min massage with Cooper who was very skilled and knowledgeable, would book with her again! As well, the various teas and food felt healing and the lounge space brought me serenity while enjoying these offerings. Would book again and would recommend KOSA to others!

Our experience was very overpriced for the underwhelming experience. This spa has the potential to be so much more - the site and decor is nice but the service was disappointing. My husband and I both scheduled Classic Abhyanga, but after he and I talked about it we realized he received far less treatment than I. We both expected more for the price. We have visited many spas and by comparison, I would expect this treatment to cost 1/3 its current fee. The locker rooms could be really nice, but the little things are overlooked. Initially, I could not find the robes/towels and the shower valves in both men and women lockers were semi-broken - both my husband and I struggled with the shower valves. The whole experience was just 'awkward' at best. Two family members visited this spa also and they reported the same disappointments. The environment has so much potential but I will not go back. Less expensive spas have provided me with a more satisfying experience.

I had the opportunity to visit this place a month ago, and unfortunately, the massage didn’t match the price. I honestly forgot who provided the massage, but I felt I was being oiled up rather than an actual massage. Before I knew it, the massage was over, and my relaxation never kicked in. The candles I purchased were ok; they smelled great but didn’t burn equally. Overall, experience for yourself, but in this economy, choose wisely. The staff was friendly, and as a Black man in Madison, I felt safe in the space.

We went today for a couples massage and facial to celebrate my husband's birthday. Absolutely amazing first time experience. Staff walks you through everything. You have access to lockers to lock up your stuff during your stay, as well as slippers and robes provided.