• About ZEN Sanctuary

    ZEN Sanctuary offers all-natural botanical and herbal massage, skin-care services, acupuncture, and Chinese medicine as well as nutritional counseling. The spa has a Japanese-inspired design with an outdoor garden area and a quiet room with a tea bar. There are five treatment rooms with bamboo flooring, original oil paintings, and heated massage tables. A unique retail area offers Chinese internal and external formulas for detox, balance, stress reduction, organic personal care products such as all-vegetable soap, moisturizers, bath salts, Japanese-style gifts, and professional skin-care products. Healing services include salt scrubs, mud wraps, and facials customized for a variety of skin types. The spa focuses on alternative medicine, and also offers massages, such as ZENThai, shiatsu, hot stone, deep-tissue, neuromuscular therapy, traditional Thai, and lomilomi, reflexology, reiki, Tui Na, cupping, moxibustion, ear candling, Chinese herbs, and waxing.

    Location

    ZEN Sanctuary

    ADDRESS

    4183 Adams Avenue
    San Diego, CA  92116
    United States

    Phone: +1(619)269-9322

ZEN Sanctuary

4.76 out of 5 stars
Overall rating based on 21 Reviews
20 of 21 (95%)
Customers would visit this business again
Best Massage
By DonaldM | November 2, 2011
5.00 out of 5 stars
77 of 152 People Found This Review Helpful
I've had several massages over the years, but this one was the best. I knew this was going to be a great massage as I walked through the door. I was greeted and immediately realized I was in a different kind of place. The atmosphere, decor, and calmness definately made it feel like a retreat. I had a 60 minute Deep TIssue massage and 30 minute Craniosacral massage treatments. After a new job and other confounding factors had yielded me with headaches, tightness in neck and shoulders, I tried several massage locations near my home with only temporary relief. The services I received from Zen, provided great relief and I truly feel great. Thanks again!!
Would you visit again? Yes
Service Quality
5.00 out of 5 stars
Service Variety
5.00 out of 5 stars
Atmosphere
5.00 out of 5 stars
Staff Expertise
5.00 out of 5 stars
Excellent massage
By ChristinaB | October 22, 2011
5.00 out of 5 stars
67 of 135 People Found This Review Helpful
I rewarded myself with the Zen Warrior massage in October 2011 and David was my Massage Therapist. It was an excellent experience, if a little pricey. David provided a well-paced massage and had a very appropriate bedside manner. I was glad I chose this type of massage from their extensive menu, though I really can't speak to their other services; I was a bit overwhelmed when booking online, but made a good choice. The only down side was the price - for $85 for 55 minutes, I thought the atmosphere would be more luxurious. This spa is nice inside, but is situated in a little business park, so the spa itself is apparently a well-decorated office space. While this is not an unreasonable price to pay for such a nice experience, apparently they are raising their prices in the very near future by more than 10%. Oh well, it was a great one-time visit.
Would you visit again? Yes
Service Quality
5.00 out of 5 stars
Service Variety
5.00 out of 5 stars
Atmosphere
4.00 out of 5 stars
Staff Expertise
5.00 out of 5 stars
A Family Affair
By AlittleofHeaven | August 3, 2011
5.00 out of 5 stars
80 of 154 People Found This Review Helpful
What a treat! My mother and sister both received treatment at the location and suggested I go. They purchased a gift certificate for me directly through Zen Sanctuary. My appointment was made with a little strain to find time, but they were able to on last minute! So grateful for that. I booked a massage. My therapist was phenomenal. My massage therapist gave me a massage that left me totally relaxed. To enter into a world that is so "zen" is in itself a treat, and to have that energy carried through the entire treatment was a beautiful, energizing, and comforting gift. I myself will be returning as I have booked another appointment already. My mother and sister are now regulars too. THANK YOU ZEN!
Would you visit again? Yes
Service Quality
5.00 out of 5 stars
Service Variety
5.00 out of 5 stars
Atmosphere
5.00 out of 5 stars
Staff Expertise
5.00 out of 5 stars
It is totally ZEN!!!!
By CarmenP | January 4, 2011
5.00 out of 5 stars
108 of 207 People Found This Review Helpful
From the moment you call and book your appointment, to when you walk in and have your treatment, it's pure ZEN!!! Diana at the front desk was extremely helpful in booking our appointments; and providing all requested information. Lindsey was my massage therapist who was wonderful. I was having sciatica problems, but the deep tissue massage worked wonders. The Owner was very nice and appreciative with the feedback we gave him. This place is in Kensington and has parking off the street, which makes it very convenient. I will most definitively be going back.
Would you visit again? Yes
Service Quality
5.00 out of 5 stars
Service Variety
5.00 out of 5 stars
Atmosphere
5.00 out of 5 stars
Staff Expertise
5.00 out of 5 stars
Little Buddha Massage
By MoriahB | May 11, 2010
4.00 out of 5 stars
138 of 256 People Found This Review Helpful
I received a Spafinder.com gift certificate which led me to search for spa's in my area and discovered that Zen Sanctuary is only a few blocks from my house. I was pleasantly surpirzed that they offered Sunday evening appointments- it was the perfect way to start my week off right. This was my first pregnancy massage- they call it the Little Buddha Massage- and my therapist was terrific! The attmosphere inside Zen is very peaceful and calming. They have some terrific products for sale that I will be purchasing on my next visit! I would recommend this spa to anyone who wants a terrifc, low key, and personal spa experience.
Would you visit again? Yes
Service Quality
4.00 out of 5 stars
Service Variety
4.00 out of 5 stars
Atmosphere
5.00 out of 5 stars
Staff Expertise
5.00 out of 5 stars
loved it
By GeneralI | December 22, 2009
5.00 out of 5 stars
167 of 368 People Found This Review Helpful
Went in for the first time in this place. Smelled great, felt welcomed by the first person we saw, Lena (I think her name was), asked us if we'd like tea or water, and was very sweet and professional. The massage was fantastic. I never had such a great feeling and relief after. This was a great find. I wish it was a bit bigger though with female only rooms! Would visit again.
Would you visit again? Yes
Service Quality
0.00 out of 5 stars
Service Variety
0.00 out of 5 stars
Atmosphere
0.00 out of 5 stars
Staff Expertise
0.00 out of 5 stars
HEAVEN ON EARTH!
By | May 23, 2009
5.00 out of 5 stars
173 of 341 People Found This Review Helpful
I absolutely love this place! I have to come in at least once a month to relieve the soreness/tension from stress of a full time work and full time school schedule. Kim really knows what she is doing! The atmosphere is relaxing, the staff are very professional and friendly, and the quality of the massages are unsurpassable!
Would you visit again? Yes
Service Quality
5.00 out of 5 stars
Service Variety
5.00 out of 5 stars
Atmosphere
5.00 out of 5 stars
Staff Expertise
5.00 out of 5 stars
Response from ZEN Sanctuary

Thank you for your review with ZEN Sanctuary. We are truly grateful to have clients like you and we value your feedback. We look forward to seeing you on your next visit. Please continue to update us as to our service so that we can continue to provide the best quality of services and customer relations.

The Best!
By LJSepj | October 22, 2008
5.00 out of 5 stars
171 of 331 People Found This Review Helpful
I had a Thai foot and table massage with VIctor. I was completely unfamiliar with the Zen Sanctuary and Thai massage. I chose the Zen Sanctuary because of the excellent reviews it had received on this page and chose the Thai foot and table massage after talking with VIctor about my needs. The place is tastefully decorated and relaxing. The receptionist was pleasant and made me feel welcome. And the massage was different from anything I'd ever had -- different in a great way! My body was stressed from work, my leg muscles extremely sore from hiking, and I had a bit of congestion. I feel like a different person now. Apart from his amazing skills as a massage therapist, Victor is a super nice and calming person. I would most strongly recommend Victor's Thai massage to anyone. I enjoyed it so much that I booked another appointment on my way out!
Would you visit again? Yes
Service Quality
5.00 out of 5 stars
Service Variety
5.00 out of 5 stars
Atmosphere
5.00 out of 5 stars
Staff Expertise
5.00 out of 5 stars
The best spa experience
By Stressrelief | July 20, 2008
5.00 out of 5 stars
179 of 352 People Found This Review Helpful
I had been looking for a spa to get my massages and facials. The services that I received were beyond fantastic. I would recommend this spa to anyone that wants an excellent experience. If anyone were to receive services that were not up to their standard, the owner is very helpful in resolving your concern. I have never had a problem with this spa or its staff. With any business there are those staff members who do not do as good as job as others and I think that this is were we as consumers need to challenge management to educate staff. I cannot say enough good things about this spa. Go and see for yourself. Give them a chance.
Would you visit again? Yes
Service Quality
5.00 out of 5 stars
Service Variety
5.00 out of 5 stars
Atmosphere
5.00 out of 5 stars
Staff Expertise
5.00 out of 5 stars
Absolutely Wonderful Experience
By The22ndday | July 15, 2008
5.00 out of 5 stars
175 of 344 People Found This Review Helpful
I received a SpaFinder gift certificate from my daughter for my birthday. While seaching on SpaFinder I found Zen Sanctuary. They had wonderful reviews so I thought I would give them a try. Am I glad I did! When I walked in I found the atmosphere to be to be calm, clean and inviting. I received the ZEN Facial with Debbie. She explained what she was doing but also allowed time to just breathe deep and enjoy. I had a ZENThai Foot - Nuat Tao Ritual by Victor that was truly a wonderful experience. He even e-mailed a thank you note to me later that day. I will most certainly be back to enjoy the Zen Sanctuary experience!
Would you visit again? Yes
Service Quality
5.00 out of 5 stars
Service Variety
5.00 out of 5 stars
Atmosphere
5.00 out of 5 stars
Staff Expertise
5.00 out of 5 stars
What a wonderful experience
By WorldSpaTraveler | March 6, 2008
5.00 out of 5 stars
170 of 308 People Found This Review Helpful
I recently visited some friends in the Kensington area and they recommended this local haven for massage and skin care. I was greeted with a warm smile when I entered and asked if I would like tea or water. I sat down and enjoyed a perfect cup of camamille tea. The receptionist made me feel comfortable while I waited for my treatment. I wanted to try the "Kahlomi Destress" since this sounded like the most relaxing. I thoroughly enjoyed my massage. The aroma of coconut and mango along with the connected, pleasant Lomi Lomi style of massage helped me to drift off and brought back pleasant memories of my recent trip to Maui. Thank you for making me feel at home and relieving my travel stress. I really like this smart sanctuary and would recommend it to my other friends.
Would you visit again? Yes
Service Quality
5.00 out of 5 stars
Service Variety
4.00 out of 5 stars
Atmosphere
4.00 out of 5 stars
Staff Expertise
5.00 out of 5 stars
My esthetician rocks!
By RegularFacials | March 6, 2008
5.00 out of 5 stars
162 of 323 People Found This Review Helpful
I never believed it when I was told that regular facials would greatly improve my skin. I just thought it was OK as a once-in-a-while thing on a holiday or for my birthday. After meeting Debbie and getting a facial from her, I was hooked. She is an absolute expert and has a golden touch. I alternate between peels and soothing treatments, and I completely trust her to make the right decisions about what my skin needs. In addition, I love ZEN. The calming energy upon just entering the space is wonderful, and the staff are all focused and attentive. I have never felt more relaxed than when I'm there being served hot tea and treated like a king. I have been a client for over two years, and I have never been disappointed.
Would you visit again? Yes
Service Quality
5.00 out of 5 stars
Service Variety
5.00 out of 5 stars
Atmosphere
5.00 out of 5 stars
Staff Expertise
5.00 out of 5 stars
A big disappointment
By HSKMLC | March 3, 2008
1.00 out of 5 stars
126 of 260 People Found This Review Helpful
I took my best friend for a massage at Zen Sanctuary as an engagement gift this weekend. The goal was to help her to relax in the midst of wedding planning, however, her treatment was less than relaxing. When we walked in, the woman at the front desk greeted us and asked my friend if she was my mother (we are both 28 years old). We were BOTH VERY OFFENDED by this question. As it turned out, the very same woman gave my friend her massage and wore rubber gloves through the entire massage- which we both thought to be odd. Especially since, I got the exact same massage, just with a different masseuse, and he did not wear gloves. Gloves were obviously not a company policy. We had looked forward to a luxurious and relaxing experience and Zen Sanctuary failed to deliver.
Would you visit again? No
Service Quality
1.00 out of 5 stars
Service Variety
3.00 out of 5 stars
Atmosphere
2.00 out of 5 stars
Staff Expertise
3.00 out of 5 stars
Great massages!
By Nandog | February 27, 2008
5.00 out of 5 stars
110 of 230 People Found This Review Helpful
My mom, sister and I went for massages and all were very pleased with our treatments. The staff was very nice and friendly in addition to being skilled masseurs/masseuses. The place is quite small, but it is a very cozy neighborhood day spa. Chance worked really hard to try to get to the root of my back pain issues, and Janet gave my mom and sister very deep, yet relaxing massages. What a lucky find!
Would you visit again? Yes
Service Quality
5.00 out of 5 stars
Service Variety
5.00 out of 5 stars
Atmosphere
5.00 out of 5 stars
Staff Expertise
5.00 out of 5 stars
A very special visit. We will refer our friends.
By GraciousSpaCouple | February 19, 2008
5.00 out of 5 stars
98 of 200 People Found This Review Helpful
I want to thank you and the entire staff at ZEN Sanctuary for making this Valentine's Day very special. Both my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the couple's massage. She also really enjoyed her reflexology. Please relay to your staff our appreciation of your services and professionalism. We will be sure to refer you to our friends and come back again.
Would you visit again? Yes
Service Quality
5.00 out of 5 stars
Service Variety
5.00 out of 5 stars
Atmosphere
5.00 out of 5 stars
Staff Expertise
5.00 out of 5 stars
One Happy Happy Client!
By SDjt80 | February 6, 2008
5.00 out of 5 stars
76 of 148 People Found This Review Helpful
I came into Zen Sanctuary for a therapeutic massage and requested a deep tissue therapist that can work out the knots and kinks in my neck and shoulders. I love the energy of Zen and the staffs, very peaceful and friendly. No gossips like at most spas and I was able to enjoy the fine arts, decors, and hot tea. When I saw my therapist Thavy was very petite and I thought to myself...no way she can do a deep tissue on me! I was totally wrong! She gave me the best deep tissue/sports massage ever! She did some trigger points that was very intense, but worth bearing and felt an automatic relief in my neck down to my back. She's very strong and skilled. I have received many many deep tissue massages before and she is the BEST and a MASTER at her craft! I am so looking forward to my next session with Thavy and I totally recommend her to everyone.
Would you visit again? Yes
Service Quality
5.00 out of 5 stars
Service Variety
5.00 out of 5 stars
Atmosphere
5.00 out of 5 stars
Staff Expertise
5.00 out of 5 stars
A fabulous facial experience!
By AllisonG | January 26, 2008
5.00 out of 5 stars
72 of 152 People Found This Review Helpful
Debbie, the esthetician, gave me an excellent facial today both being attentive to my fear of painful extractions while providing a superior experience. Particularly notable - as opposed to leaving you when you have a mask on, she gives a wonderful neck and hands massage. She also gave great advice for the care of my face in the future, without pushing products!! This is the best facial and spa experience I have had. The atmosphere of the spa itself was wonderful: serene and caring. I highly recommend it.
Would you visit again? Yes
Service Quality
5.00 out of 5 stars
Service Variety
5.00 out of 5 stars
Atmosphere
5.00 out of 5 stars
Staff Expertise
5.00 out of 5 stars
Professional and relaxing
By bkw1028 | January 23, 2008
5.00 out of 5 stars
74 of 149 People Found This Review Helpful
Being a guy, I'm usually skeptical with doing the massage and facial ordeal. I must say though, after my first real facial, I left ZEN with a definite yes on another return. The location is in a very quiet plaza and the overall layout of the spa is cozy and quiet. The great thing about this spa is: you don't feel like youre going to a dermatologist office. I had a men's facial with Debbie and i must say that it was a great first time. She was super friendly, knowledgable about products and she def. has good hands. I've already made it a plan to come back more often. I recommend Debbie and her staff to those in the san diego area.
Would you visit again? Yes
Service Quality
5.00 out of 5 stars
Service Variety
5.00 out of 5 stars
Atmosphere
5.00 out of 5 stars
Staff Expertise
5.00 out of 5 stars
Best Massage I've EVER Had
5.00 out of 5 stars
70 of 138 People Found This Review Helpful
I came into ZEN looking to replace my regular massage therapist who recently moved. After receiving my treatment, I thought, this is what I was looking for. I think the work on my neck and shoulders has opened up the tightness and stiffness I have been dealing with for the past couple of months. The attentive staff were able to make me feel comfortable right away and the treatments I received have led to a "pain free" life for the last eight months. Thank you.
Would you visit again? Yes
Service Quality
5.00 out of 5 stars
Service Variety
4.00 out of 5 stars
Atmosphere
5.00 out of 5 stars
Staff Expertise
5.00 out of 5 stars
Skin Care at its BEST
By A Skin Care Fanatic | April 5, 2006
5.00 out of 5 stars
63 of 121 People Found This Review Helpful
I recently came in to see Debbie B. at the ZEN Sanctuary in Kensington and was pleasantly surprised by the calm and beautiful atmosphere. Debbie greeted me immediately and made sure that my needs were being met. After a thorough and relaxing facial, as well as some waxing and tinting services, I went away compeltely satisfied. I will recommend Debbie to all my friends.
Would you visit again? Yes
Service Quality
5.00 out of 5 stars
Service Variety
4.00 out of 5 stars
Atmosphere
5.00 out of 5 stars
Staff Expertise
5.00 out of 5 stars
Beautiful from start to finish
By Kensington Resident | March 16, 2006
5.00 out of 5 stars
63 of 129 People Found This Review Helpful
Congratulations, your facility is beautiful and in a great location with plenty of parking. Very, Very Nice! It was especially nice to be treated with such heart felt kindness and respect. Your abilities as a massage therapist are remarkable. Thank you for your assistance in relieving my congested energy and bringing balance to my state of mind and physical being. You have given me a lovely gift.
Would you visit again? Yes
Service Quality
5.00 out of 5 stars
Service Variety
5.00 out of 5 stars
Atmosphere
5.00 out of 5 stars
Staff Expertise
5.00 out of 5 stars

Location & Hours

Business Address

ZEN Sanctuary

4183 Adams Avenue
San Diego, CA  92116
United States

Phone: +1(619)269-9322

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