Justinne R.
Yelp
Spa experience
Likes: relaxing massage, masseuse's soft hands
Dislikes: Only cold tea was offered, no music during the massage, felt greasy after the treatment
Background:
I went here on my birthday in August 2012, on a Sunday, after getting a recommendation from a friend. She said that it is an amazing choice for a spa as well. This spa is located in Chinatown, and is by the street. I had the first appointment that morning, and the shop had just opened.
My experience:
The spa is located below the tea shop, and they take you downstairs to this zen-like atmosphere with dimmed lights. My masseuse was polite, and respectful. I had a relaxing "spa massage" ($75 plus tax and tips) from their menu. They offered me cold tea before my experience.
I can't remember which aromatic oil I went for, but I was given a choice. My masseuse's hands were the softest I've ever experienced. She was very gentle, and perhaps a little too gentle.
However, there was NO MUSIC throughout the whole massage experience! I didn't say anything in the beginning as I thought that it was going to be turned on, but it was not on at any time! The music usually sets the mood for me, and creates a great spa atmosphere, and going sans music takes away a lot of the experience for me. I asked them later on why this was, and they said that the speakers were broken. Weird.
I also fell asleep...which some people like, but I don't. Perhaps I was just too tired, or my masseuse had really soft hands, or perhaps the lack of music made me lose interest.
Also, the masseuse did not give me a towel to wipe myself after being lathered in oil after the massage. Or usually, the other spas I've been to, they make sure that THEY wipe off the oil after your treatment. This made me feel very greasy and gave me an "incomplete" experience.
Verdict:
I would not recommend the Silk Road for their spa services. However, they have a wide selection of tea and tea accessories, so I would probably recommend it to tea enthusiasts for that. However, they did not offer hot tea during this time. Sure it was summer time, but how can you not have hot tea in a tea shop? Odd.