Sensorielle Spa: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Sensorielle Spa: Frequently Asked Questions

This page is meant to answer some questions that have come up about our services and programs. Please feel free to email us with any additional questions, or suggestions for this page.

What type of payments do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Spafinder, SpaWish, Wayspa, Sensorielle Gift Certificates, Downtown Boulder Gift Cards, and cash for services and retail; cash only for tips (tips are accepted, but not expected).

How do monthly memberships work?
You pay a monthly amount (there are four membership options) and we charge your credit card that amount each month on the day you sign up. You will receive 10% off all retail products for the duration of your membership, four 20-minute free siestas (a nap on our luxurious tables with relaxing music, and a gentle zen clock to wake you) per month, a free enzyme treatment with all facials, and 10% off services outside your membership. Check out our membership page for more details.

What is your Cancellation Policy?
Arriving late will unfortunately limit the time for your treatment. As all treatments are reserved especially for you we will charge 50% for treatments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice. Please note that you will be charged 100% of the price if you miss your appointment without prior cancellation. We hire only the best therapists we can find, and this policy helps to ensure we keep them! Thank you for your business and respecting the time of your practitioner.

Where should I park?
We validate for 1 hour in all City Parking Lots. The most convenient lot to us is the lot above the RTD bus station at 14th and Walnut (turn right/East on Walnut from 14th). We validate for 2 hours in the One Boulder Plaza building only for packages and 2+ hour treatments. We have a limited number of validations for the One Boulder lot. Unfortunately we do not have a way to validate for shorter treatments at One Boulder. Saturday and Sunday, all City lots are free, and street parking is free on Sundays.

Are you still a non-tipping spa?
When we went to a pay-what-you-can structure, we decided to let go of our non-tipping policy. We are no longer a "non-tipping" facility. We received a lot of feedback about the non-tipping policy. Some clients liked not feeling pressured to tip, and some clients wished to leave a tip as a token of their appreciation, but were not able to. We feel when clients are told they are not allowed to tip, this blocks energy flow even though sometimes they understood the reason behind our philosophy. Therapists were not allowed even to accept cash tips which often created confusion and negative feelings with both the therapists and clients alike. The idea behind our non-tipping philosophy was to be viewed as the wellness center we strive to create rather than just a service facility. You wouldn't normally expect to tip a doctor, nurse, naturopath, or homeopath. However after practicing this idea, and receiving feedback, we do realize that these practitioners usually make a much higher wage, and we are indeed a luxury spa that also offers holistic wellness services. Clients are permitted to leave a cash tip if they would like to. At this time, we cannot accept tips on credit cards. We wish to emphasize that all clients are welcome to come in for services and not feel obligated to leave a tip. Therapists are not expecting tips. It is a nice surprise bonus when they receive one. We do absolutely want to honor our clients who enjoy the non-tipping atmosphere. Please know you are not expected to start tipping if you are use to paying only for your services. We leave it up to you to decide what feels right, with absolutely no judgement or obligation on our end.

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In 2009, Sensorielle explored the rewarding idea of becoming a "pay-what-you-can" day spa for all services. We have enjoyed this experience and love to give back to our community. Due to valuable feedback from our clients, and an in depth review of our structure, we have refined our system beginning January 1, 2010 to offer "pay-what-you-can" on Tuesday and Thursday for specific services. All other days, we offer all regular services at our normal prices.

How does "pay-what-you-can" work?
Our price list is based on the value of services. We do require a monetary exchange for the service, and ask that in honesty you pay all that you can and think is fair for the services you receive. We trust that you will pay as close to the value as possible. If you do not know what is fair, we can help you find a comfortable price. We treat all clients equally, and with all the usual extras, regardless of what you are able to pay.

Which services qualify?
Some services have a high cost for products. Pay-what-you-can services are all 30 to 60 minute "classic" Holistic/Deep Massages, Craniosacral, Reiki, Reflexology, Acupuncture, Acutonics, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, Pediatric Chinese Medicine, and our basic Sensorielle Facial. Please note: One hour maximum per day for all PWYC services. You may combine one 30 min facial and one 30 min massage, but we cannot schedule combinations of several one-hour treatments in one day.

Do you require proof of income for sliding scale clients?
No, we do not require any proof of income. Our structure is based on an honor system.

How do I know what is a fair PWYC price?
Give us a call. Our friendly front desk staff is ready to answer all your questions and help find a price that feels fair to you.

Is there a minimum?
No, we do not have a minimum. Our exchange is based on an honor system. We trust that our clients will truly pay what they can and think is fair, and our clients can trust that we will give them the best experience we can. We will help you find a fair price for your services.

Why did you raise your prices to compensate for PWYC?
Some clients have expressed concern that we have raised our prices in order to offset PWYC clients. Our prices were changed slightly in 2006 and again in 2007 in order to keep up with inflated prices in products and overhead. PWYC began in 2009 and our regular prices remained exactly the same, no changes for any services have been made since 2007. As most spas and practitioners do, we re-evaluate our prices annually or every 2-3 years to ensure continued efficient operations, and good business practice, taking into account cost and overhead as well as therapist compensation. Some prices may increase slightly and some may decrease depending on the expense of the treatment. In 2010, we made a few minor changes to our pricing and reduced PWYC services to Tuesday and Thursday only for limited services.

Do you accept PWYC for gift certificates?
Gift certificates must be purchased at the regular price, or any dollar amount of your choice. All gift certificates may be redeemed for the regular price of services only. PWYC is available to clients who come in for services on our PWYC days. You may purchase gift certificates in person, over the phone with a credit card, or use our online system.

Are your therapists fairly compensated for PWYC?
Our highly trained therapists are dedicated to providing high quality healing treatments for all regardless of income. They are paid based on what comes in for their schedule, and do feel fairly compensated. Everyone receives the same excellence in service and products.

Please visit our spa fundamentals page for tips about what to expect for your spa day.
Also read our article for insight on our PWYC perspective.

Should you have questions about Sensorielle Spa or wish to purchase any of our spa treatments or pure botanical products, please feel free to contact us at:

Sensorielle Spa
1801 13th St, Ste 150 (One Boulder Plaza)
Boulder, CO 80302
phone 303.247.9932
fax 303.247.0062
email: experience@sensoriellespa.com
online: send us your questions or comments online!
Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am to 7 pm (7-8 by appointment), Sun 12-5
Monday - family day 9-2 (pediatric oriental medicine)
Tuesday/Thursday - "Pay-What-You-Can" days (view faq for info)