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Aqua Day Spa
Category: Beauty and Spas Day Spas Day Spas [Edit]
4637 Convoy StSte 105
(between Dagget St & Opportunity Rd)
San Diego, CA 92111
Neighbourhood: Kearny Mesa
(858) 279-8889
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 8 am - 11 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
99 reviews for Aqua Day Spa
99 reviews in English
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Review from Yui T.
San Diego, CA
4/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
sooooooo... its my 2nd time at korean spa.. both dont look like what i see in the drama xD
anyway!! apart from that.. yes.. all the reviews before me were true.. all the scrubbing that everyone describes was spot on.. i was kind of grossed out when i saw my skin lol.. but hey!!! my skin is glowing and soft!!! like a baby and i LOVED it!!
the massage pressure was spot on too.. i liked everything except when she massaged my "sensitive" part.. u know when u hit ur knee, ur legs automatically moves.. lol.. u have same kind of thing around ur butt area and yea.. i hated it..
lol..
i loved the red clay sauna, steam room, and of course.. who doesnt like jacuzzi.. xD
HIGHLIGHT: cucumber mask.. i'm that girl who hates people touching my face.. but this time.. i let the korean lady touched my face.. in hope she can make my face look better.. HOLY.. that cucumber mask... i have to do daily now!!!
my dark circle diminish like never before!! i swear!! i looked at the mirror and goes wth!! i bring my bb cream and concealer for what?! lol.. no i swear!! i brought all my make up with me!! and i ended up not using single one coz my face was so glowing and my dark circle was like almost gone.. why do i need to mess up the result with make up?! :)))
well.. i'll be back to have the $20 spa pass.. i cant afford too many sessions of $90 scrubbing and massage even though i wanted to.. so bad..
they should have a groupon or student discount!!!!
i was a very happy customer! :) -
Review from Diana K.
Carlsbad, CA
5/8/2012
i'm having mixed feelings about the place...
First of all the positive is - I feel like a million bucks.. at least for now...
I will let you know if I caught some venereal disease or fungus in a few weeks... because that was all I could think about while I was pushed around on the plastic wrapped table where all the "action" happened and everyone rubbed their bare genitals on the same plastic cover - without any disinfection... they just washed the table with water and soap from an old school pan and slapped you on it naked, where they scrubbed you with gloves that I didn't seen them change either!!! The little Korean woman tried to scrub the dead skin from the inside of my butt,,, which I didn't appreciate... thinking that glove has been places... a lot of places... I don't know... maybe i'm too hard to please... but I kind of like it to at least appear to be sanitary and not bluntly dangerous...
If it wasn't for the questionable hygiene I would certainly be back, because the rest of the scrubbing and the way they massage the hell out of you seems to be superb.
I really hope they read this stuff!,, I would gladly pay extra $10 for new scrubbing gloves and clean slippers as well as some sort of disinfection of massage tables.. oh and if they separated the tables with curtains - it would be just perfect!Comment from Catherine B. of Aqua Day Spa 5/20/2012
Hi Diana, First of all, we would like to apologize for… More » -
Review from Christy C.
San Diego, CA
3/19/2012
My first time experiencing a korean bath house. After reading the reviews, I had a gist of what to experience. I have no problem with nudity, so I was comfortable with walking around in my bday suit. The ladies are hard to understand so I was walking around a little lost. I did the scrub and oil massage....and for 1 and a half hours for $90 for everything I got is a LOT better than some of the "hoity toity" spas I've been to. Yeah, you get to see the other women get their scrub on, but no one in paying attention to each other. We are all just relaxing and enjoying our treatment.
3 girls came in and they were talking and laughing and wearing bathing suits...which being in a bath house were you're suppose to be naked, it was weird to actually see people in bathing suits. Please remember....it's still a "spa" and people are trying to relax!! Keep the talking to a minimum and please talk in a low voice. I couldn't really relax because these girls voices were screaching in my ear!!
I came in an hour early to take advantage of all the saunas, I sat in the lounge area, read some magazines and had some water and tea. The lounge has heated floors. You need to arrive half an hour early for your appointment because they want you to take a quick shower, sit in the jacuzzi, and then you wait for them to call your locker number.
When you first check in, they give you a pink basket with a rob, toothbrush, bath towel, and a small towel. You take the pink basket with you whereever you go (there are shelves you can put your basket on so that the floor is free from random baskets, but the shelves really don't provide enough room for everyone. You have to remember where you placed yours, because they all look the same.
When they call your number, make sure you take your pink basket with you. First, she started with the scrub and it feels like they take years of dead skin cell off you...and you get to see the "dirt." Kinda gross. Then, was the oil massage. I read in the reviews that the massage hurts. But, lucky for me, I like really deep pressure, to it was perfect for me. If you're looking for a "swedish" massage, then this won't be for you. They grate cucumbers right there and place it on your face and then she washed my hair. Even while they wash your hair, they give you a scalp and neck massage.
My overall experience was great and I definitely plan on coming back (hopefully every month). The only downfall is parking. The lot is a little small and crammed, it's situated in a little strip mall with restaurants. But, a great place to get some sushi next door or get some Korean BBQ, or even some Pho. -
Review from Mel S.
Del Mar, CA
5/11/2012
Went for a full body scrub... SO GOOD!!! it's a small clean place, be cautioned you will be laying naked on the table without dividers from other clients. But everyone has cucumbers on their eyes so it didn't bother me much!
Sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, comfy chill out room and great service. I've never felt so clean! Great value for money too. -
Review from Gestalt G.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 5/13/2012
I usually give this place five stars, but my last experience was only four. I think that with the success of this place, the staff are getting a little lax with the talking. I am trying to enjoy my scrub and massage and almost every single staff is consistently talking,,,, and loudly. One other thing: guest ladies, please shut up, they are often more loud than the staff. Other than that, the actual services are great!
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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4/22/2012
I usually give this place five stars, but my last experience was only four. I think that with the… Read more »
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Review from Kathy L.
Redlands, CA
2/21/2012
I won't go on and on because my bbf Lannee did a great job already. I totally agree they need curtains. I came with a friend and it was really awkward enough walking around naked without having to potentially seeing her being srubbed down by another woman.
It's a pretty good deal and I felt so soft but I was a bit sore the next day. Don't be afraid to ask them to be gentle if you are not used to massages. They might be ladies.. but they really use their muscle. Also they advertise that they have a place for you to sit and watch TV and read, but its just a place for the working ladies to sit and chat.
Bring cash for tip or ask for cash when you pay for the massage because they will hand you an envelope that you are supposed to drop off at the front desk before you leave. -
Review from Hannah Z.
Encinitas, CA
Updated - 3/2/2012
Blissed out.
I went again this last Saturday and I asked myself... why the heck don't I go more often.
I saw Monica - I like her...she's got moderate strength. The other ladies have ninja fingers. I'm small and petite so I don't need miss bionic hands.
I was explaining the experience to my sister. This is a "bath house" set up. You get to a common room and you're all in your birthday suit. So if you're squeamish ... get out of your comfort zone and strip down and don't even sweat it. Come early to enjoy the space, the jacuzzi, the steam room, sauna, and the cold dips and more.
These ladies have hands that have a mission to find your knots. Before they start the "massage" they exfoliate which actually acts as the pre massage and gets you all loose before the massage happens. It's amazing to me - I totally fell into this trance... my eyes rolled back... I wasn't asleep... I was just so relaxed.
My skin felt like butter after. My voice deepened. I had this hazy look in my eye like I just drank a secret potion or something. That's how relaxed I was.
Going back in 6 weeks. Can't wait.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/11/2011
Went last night - thoroughly enjoyed my experience.
I was exfoliated from head to toe. Such an… Read more »
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Review from Neil B.
12/28/2011
Background: My wife and I had the day off and were looking for a spa treatment. I originally had us booked at La Costa since we've been there before but my wife wanted to try some place different which brings us to Aqua Day Spa.
* The first thing you have to do in the locker room area is remove your shoes and grab some used slippers that are in a bin. I was hoping they were washed but I verified that they don't wash these because when I was done the guy simply told me to put my slippers back in this same bin.
* The moment I walked in I thought the area was small and was hoping that I would stumble upon a hallway that led to a bigger room, but unfortunately that didn't happen. Everything is in that one room. Looking around the room counter clockwise is the body scrub area, 4 showers, a shaving station, a cold bath, the steam sauna, the dry sauna, and a jacuzzi in the middle.
* Awkward. I guess I'm just not a locker room type of guy because I feel awkward being naked amongst other dudes. The first thing I saw was a guy at the shaving station squatting on a foot stool shaving his face. It reminded of those samurai movies I used to watch as a kid.
* The body scrub was interesting. It was done by the same guy that maintains the mens area. One moment he was in his pants and shirt, but when it was time for my body scrub he slipped into something more comfortable and summoned me while he was shirtless and in swim trunks. They use these brillo pad gloves to do the body scrub and I was wondering how many other people were scrubbed with these same gloves. I didn't get to see how much dead skin I was laying in because I kept my eyes firmly closed and tried to think of my happy place. When it was all over I sat there naked and he gave me a handshake. I thought that was pretty funny. I would have preferred a fist bump instead to keep it macho since I was sitting there naked and feeling violated.
* The massage was done by a woman named Anna that didn't speak much English. She had strong hands and I had to breathe through a lot of the pain. She kept asking "Everything okay?" and I'd reply with, "Yes, it's good." I got used to this dance until the last time she asked, "Everything okay?" but what she really asked was, "Walking okay?" Of course I said, "Yes it's fine." That was when she stood up and proceeded to play Tony Hawk Shred on my back. The funniest was when she'd walk up towards my shoulders because it would inadvertently smoosh my face into the massage table. The whole time I kept wishing for it all to be over with and how I can't wait to write my yelp review.
* I guess I'm just spoiled by places like Rancho Valencia and La Costa. Mind you a week before we were at the Spa at the Palms Place in Vegas so going from one of those places to this place was an adjustment. Interesting experience but I doubt I'll be back. I'd probably suggest it to one of my friends just to play a trick on them. -
Review from Lannee N.
Santa Ana, CA
2/21/2012
In my opinion, a purification scrub, oil massage, and a head wash respectively, in 90 minutes for 90 bucks was a great deal. It was definitely a wet spa where everything was happening in the same place. If you don't mind being in the complete nude and getting scrubbed down with someone who is laying next to you three feet away completely in the nude getting scrubbed down, this place is for you.
The red clay sauna is actually a sauna room, not to be mistaken for a mud bath.
This place is pretty organized in the way they run things which is always a plus for me.
I'm giving four stars because I think they should have curtains between the massage chairs in case some people don't feel too comfortable being butterflied out in their birthday suit. And it should be quieter because people come to spas hoping for relaxation, not a bath house social -
Review from Kim B.
12/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I thought I was prepared to come here after reading the reviews, but I wasn't. I came here last night with two of my best girlfriends and it was an interesting bonding experience, to say the least.
We walked into the locker room area, stripped naked, and put on the robes they gave us. We then walked into the main spa area and were greeted by at least 6 other naked bodies. We had no idea that everything happens in the same room (showers, sauna, jacuzzi, spa treatments, etc). If you're not comfortable being naked, you'll learn how to get comfortable here.
I had the "Purification Body Scrub and Oil Massage" and this was my experience:
Purification Body Scrub - I felt like a baby, being scrubbed all over. I will warn you that during the treatment, you are lying on a table in the middle of the spa where everyone can see you. The Korean ladies working there have no shame in opening your legs up for everyone to see and will scrub your entire body. It was pretty awesome. I've never felt as clean as I did after the exfoliation.
Oil Massage - I prefer a gentler massage so this was definitely NOT the place for me. The Korean lady working on me had small hands, but boy were they powerful! I tried to tell her to be gentler, but she didn't speak much English. She had to keep gesturing for me to relax because my body was tense from the pain of her massage. She massaged my entire body with oil, including my neck and head. I was in pain the entire time, but I will tell you that I feel great now (the day after).
In addition to the purification body scrub and massage, my lady also shampooed and conditioned my hair, gave me a cucumber facial, wrapped my body in hot towels, and rinsed me in warm milk. Your service also allows you access to the rest of the spa (jacuzzi, wet sauna, dry sauna, etc).
For the price I paid, I felt like they did SO MUCH! The treatment lasted 90 minutes and cost me $90 (excluding tip). I really enjoyed the body scrub, but not the massage because it was so painful. I'll still give this place 4 stars because I feel awesome the day after my treatment! My skin never felt cleaner or smoother, my face feels like a baby's bottom, and even my scalp feels healthier! I'll definitely come back! -
Review from Renata C.
San Diego, CA
10/14/2011
If you expect luxury or fancy facilities, peace and quiet - then don't go.
If you expect "good scrubbing and massages", clean steam room and sauna for a reasonable cost - then you'll enjoy it.
This place is more like a "bath house" or a "Russian banya".
My favorite service is "body scrub". $50 for 30min of continuous scrubbing of the whole body including the butt and the boobs. Best exfoliation I've had in San Diego. I feel the effects of the scrub for at last a week - it makes my skin super silky and velvety. I try to go once a month to maintain the healthy skin.
I tried other scrubbing services at different spas that are more traditional fro US. And let me tell you - they usually cost twice the price and you don't get the amount of scrubbing, not the effects from them. And they will avoid touching your butt or chest. -
Review from Isabel L.
San Diego, CA
3/11/2012
Love this place!! If you are ready to go full naked and get scrubbed by korean ladies dressed in bikinis, this is the place for you. It is only $91 for a basic scrubdown, and let me tell you, they will scrub years from your skin (it comes off as these pinkish grey little balls that look like silly putty. Trust me, its your skin, you will be in disbelief). It makes for a great bridal shower experience/gift prior to the wedding :D
Here is the process: Once you pay you are given a basket with a robe and your key. Go to the locker area, void if you need to, undress and keep your key on you (I usually roll it up my upper arm). Then, enter the shower area (you can choose the sit down or stand style) to use their body soap/shampoo to get clean prior to entering the steam sauna and open up your pores. One of the spa ladies will find you by confirming your key number to take you to a plastic sheet covered table in which you will lie face up then down for the entire experience. Once they finish scrubbing you down one appendage at a time, they will wrap you up like a big burrito with warm towels and apply a cucumber face mask (made with real cucumbers!). Lastly, the experience ends with a head to toe full body massage which is great for those of you that love pain, but if you are a wimp either bypass it all together or see how far you can go and try to ask them to do is softer (hoping they understand you) -- you will be sore the next day!!
**If you make an appointment, you should arrive 20 minutes before time in order to have enough time to shower and sit in the sauna prior to your scheduled scrub down time** -
Review from Amelia R.
San Diego, CA
10/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Modest...me?
Ha.
Going to Aqua is similar to the differences in car wash options.
There's the gas station drive thru car wash option or you can drop it off for an intense detail job, right?
Well, this is like getting a 2 hour detail for the bod. It's major.
Each time I go there, I get a little mad that I don't come more often. I loose like 2 pounds in dead skin and I'm as loose as a goose from getting beat up by some tiny little asian chic. I freaking love it. -
Review from Anastasia B.
San Diego, CA
2/16/2012
I tried this place last week for the first time. I have to say,it was very inresting experience. I paid $90 for the scrub+massage. For that money they let you use shower, sauna, jacuzzi and of course you get scrub, massage, face massage, cucember mask and your hair washed. Scrub was Amazing!!!! They scrubed me everywhere and I mean it. Only weird thing you have to lie naked and everybody can see, plus they don't mind open your legs and turn you around in all directions. I think they could use some curtains for that. Massage was little to hard and I usually like it hard, but sometimes it was not only hard, but paintfull. Cucumber mask was wonderful and refreshing. After all my skin felt great and silky and extremely clean.
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Review from Vicki J.
La Mesa, CA
10/23/2011
I am in heaven!!!! I have found the spa of all spas!
As others have stated if you are looking for fancy decor, peace and quite or privacy this is NOT the place for you! But if you are looking for an intense scrub down that leaves you squeaky clean and a massage leaves you with legs that feel like rubber then read no further! This is your spa!
I had Sarah and found her to be very nice, but boy does she work you over. If you are not into strong massage, she would accommodate you. I found the service to be efficient and very professional. -
Review from Marie M.
Antioch, CA
5/1/2011
I visited Aqua Day Spa yesterday - and it really isn't fair to compare it to western day spas - they are entirely different experiences. I have been to day spas before - in the SF Bay Area suburbs and Napa Valley hotsprings.
Aqua - doesn't claim to give you a fru fru - champagne and chocolates experience.
I got exactly what they said I would - and then some.
It was the best $110 I spent. $90 for the scrub ,massage, cucumber facial, milk sprinkle - not exactly bath - and hair wash and condition -n $20 for the well deserved tip. Sarah worked damn hard. That girl is amazing. Non stop - asked if if was comfortable often - and explained what she wanted me to do - the best she could - and I understood just fine.
Also - the nice lady at the reception desk gave me a tour and explained what I should do with what and when before I got nekkie.
Yes nekkie. And yes - true to previous reviews - they will scrub everything from the neck down to in between your toes - except the baby birther.
Everything.
And you can see the little dead skin pill balls - much like from an old sweater - some folks seem to get really grossed out by it - but as a healthcare worker a little dead skin doesn't phase me. I was thinking yeah! Get off me sucka - you go Sarah. Hahaha.
If you aren't afraid of gettin nekkie - in front of other nekkie women - and you can take a good scrubbing and deep massage - DO IT. I'm so baby soft a day later I can't stand it. -
Review from Lauren M.
5/13/2011 9 Check-ins Here
So.. I admit. Despite the wonderful reviews, I was feeling a little apprehensive before I visited this place. Buuuut... once I walked in, I immediately fell in love!
Mind you, I have a problem with relaxing. I, by no means, can even relax while getting a massage. Until now!
This place is F(excuse my wordage)ing AMAZING! The $90 I spent here (plus tip) was probably the best investment I made to myself in such a long time.
So once you walk in, you are given a robe, towels, and a key for the locker to place your belongings in. From there, it is pretty self-explanatory: you get naked, walk into the spa room, and parade to the different rooms at your discretion. I loved the jacuzzi, steam room, and clay sauna! After about 30 minutes of playing, the tech called me back and began her pain-worthy scrub.
I considered myself to be fairly clean to begin with! I use an exfoliator in the shower and make sure I get every corner of my body clean. But Cindy (my tech) proved me wrong! I immediately saw dead skin come off of my arms and back and legs! After about 30 minutes of scrubbage, you are told to wash your face and rinse. Once you get back, she massages with oil.. All. Over. Your. Body.
This must have been the most relaxed I have been in such a long time. After 40 minutes of massage, she wraps your body with warm towels and then proceeds to massage your scalp and place a cucumber mask on your face. Afterwards, she soaks your body with milk and honey, and then massages your face and shampoos your hair.
Total time = 120 minutes including use of the spa. I didn't want to leave! The receptionist in front warned my boyfriend that I would be floating out the doors cause I'm so relaxed. I for sure did.
Best $110 I spent. For sure!Listed in: Spa-aahhhhh.
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Review from Jennifer C.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2011
Love this place! The best $90 spent in a long time. I have a hard time relaxing, and with the 90 minute scrub and massage I had no choice. There were so many amazing elements. Where to begin? I'll get the negatives out of the way first. I was on a table covered on plastic with my face pressing against it at times. I didn't care because the treatment was amazing. The skin care products were low end and not organic. Again, I didn't care because the treatment was amazing. Ok now the positives. Whirlpool and cold plunge. Love the cold plunge. Nice cotton robe and towels. Everything was very clean all things considered. The scrubbing was harsh at first, but once I surrendered it was incredible. I loved having big bowls of warm water poured over me. I think i would pay to just have bowls of warm water poured over me for 30 minutes...I digress. Loved the hot oil. Loved the massage. Particularly the face massage. I wish it was possible to get my cheeks, eyes, and jaw massaged like that more often.
Oh a few other things. Yes you must be naked. They do offer the service for men in a separate area. I don't enjoy sauna, but I have to tell you they have a TV in the dry sauna. They also have a red clay sauna in a large room where you can lay down on mats. I enjoyed a few moments there.
I left feeling fantastic and glowing. You will too. -
Review from Su-Ji V.
Escondido, CA
6/15/2011
So even after reading all the wonderful reviews I still debated about coming here for about a good month and a half. Why I waited that long I'll never know. Needless to say I loved it and will be coming at least once a month.
I thought it might be awkward having to be naked in front of other people cause lets face it I'm not as skinny as I used to be, but I got over it quickly. I enjoyed the body scrub and oil package for $90. Let me tell you that was the best $90 Ive ever spent on treating myself.
Like all the other reviewers you think you exfoliate well in the shower at home until you get a body scrub here. I seriously was amazed and kinda grossed out how much dead skin came off during that scrub. I seriously thought I exfoliated well in the shower on a regular basis...yea so wrong.
I enjoyed the red clay room very much I was in and out of there often during my time at Aqua. I think I totaled around an hour in that room.
I enjoyed my first visit to Aqua Day Spa very much and from now on will go no where else to treat myself to a spa day. I highly recommend Aqua Day Spa if your looking for a Korean Spa to go to. -
Review from Mj J.
12/4/2011
My curiosity drove me to checkout this place with a friend. Sure enough I was entice by the greetings of the front desk clerk. She was so nice and very friendly. To be honest, my friend and I were just going to take a peak to see if it's clean, however by just looking from the window door, it was clean enough for me to spend an hour or two for relaxation treats. :) I love it!
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Review from Valerie L.
Pasadena, CA
9/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
We were here for a new spa experience, and since the bride wanted to try here, this is where we went. Well, getting to it was a challenge! We were headed south-ish (the street curves) and not one of us saw the sign or the address. When we got to the next light and realized we'd passed the address, there were no u turns allowed. Load of crap! It is very hard to see the sign because it's in a strip mall, but if it helps, it's blue with white letters. Be very careful in the parking lot; it was not properly done and the spaces are rather small and the rows cramped together. Aqua Spa is tucked into the corner.
Once inside, we were greeted by the front desk person. You pay upfront for your treatment(s) and the wet and dry areas are included in the price. Having done my research, I figured I'd try the Purification scrub and massage. It is a terrific price for a scrub and massage, plus they take amex, discover, mc and visa! They do have a separate door for men to the right of the desk, which I assume is the same as the women's area. Once you have your little basket with a robe, hand towel, and larger towel, you are also given a locker key for your clothes. Again, having researched it before, I didn't have an issue of being in the nude; the moral of the story is if you are weird about being naked, don't go, or go alone. And you take off your shoes the second you step in the women's door, so you don't track in dirt.
Their facilities include a red clay room (we didn't go in), a small seated area, a small locker area, a huge vanity area, and the wet area. The wet area is a big room with various dividers. There's a few showers, a sauna, a cold pool, steam room, and whirlpool, with treatment tables off to one side. First, you must shower, to get clean before you go in, which keeps things clean. We three soaked in the whirlpool. Once you leave any of the pools or rooms, you shower again. As you can imagine, the floors are very wet, so step carefully and slowly. I hung out in the steam room until my treatment, which the therapists call by locker key number.
I must say, it was interesting getting a massage from a woman in a two piece, as I'm used to things being more prim. First the scrub. You lay down on a table covered in plastic, and you will notice there are mirrors all around you. I'm still not sure what for...After reading reviews, I expected to feel like a stained plate getting an angry housewife scrub. It wasn't. I actually thought it felt more like a cat tongue; kinda weird. The amount of dead, dirty grossness of skin was rather shocking, and when you think they are done scrubbing, you turn and get scrubbed some more. Your nooks and crannies will be cleaner than a newborns when they get done with you...And then you shower again before returning for the massage. I am the kind of person that is not capable of relaxing during a massage. This was no exception. She found knots in practically every square inch of my back and woman-handled the bejesus out of them (aka a strong massage). They even wash your hair for you. When I was finally done, I showered yet again, and hopped into the whirlpool. I was able to observe that the plastic I was on was getting a bleaching, and when a therapist is done, she removes her bathing suit to clean it and herself before taking on another client. Yay for being clean! After I showered for the last time, I was happy to note the vanity area had multiple hair dryers, and various useful things (lotion, Q tips, etc), along with it being 3 walls of mirror. All in all, I would say hands down, the best scrub I have ever had-it's been a week and I am still smooth. If anything, go for the scrub! -
Review from Angie P.
San Diego, CA
7/22/2011
It's alright. I've been spoiled silly by the ones over in NYC so this place feels more like a closet compared to them...
did the scrub and massage for 90 bucks and had bruises going up and down my back for a nice week. had a nice time trying to explain to my husband why i looked like i was beaten up. i have asked the lady to lighten up but after about a minute it was back to full strength. The scrub is worth it but i wouldn't recommend the massage especially if you bruise well.
Inside there's one tiny tiny hot tub and one cold tub...no real diversity. the steam rooms are okay (wish they had some eucalyptus to throw in there to really open up the sinuses) the red clay room was very nice unless you have a couple of very chatty girls in there with you...
again. it might just be that i've been spoiled by the multi-floor, choose between 10 types of hot tubs spas but this place was a let down, especially for what they charge you. -
Review from K F.
San Diego, CA
4/20/2011
ATTENTION: You have to be in your birthday suit!
It took me 5 times after using the restroom to get comfortable being bare naked in front of strangers. The female workers are in bathing suites or bra and underwear.
I love the body scrub. They clean you from head to toe and in hard to reach areas!!!! I had a lot of dirty ropes flying every where.... What can I say? It was my first body scrub!!! You don't know how dirty you really are until you receive a body scrub from this place!!! It was worth every penny!!! -
Review from Stella A.
11/6/2011
So if youre looking to get squeaky clean with all the crevices of your body scrubba-dubbed, then this is the place to go. First off, I need to tell all of you out there that if youre not comfortable being naked, you can learn to do that here. The facility is clean, with each person required to shower prior to entrance of the spa area. So when you enter the place it is very simple. There is a jacuzzi, a cold pool, sauna, steam room, and a heated clay room. The massages take place next to the jacuzzi and showers. The package I got was a full, and I mean FULL body scrub in which every dead skin cell was sloughed off. Then a massage, then a cucumber mask, a shampoo and conditioning of my hair, and finally all over warm milk cleanse. I think this is a good place to go to if you want to feel rejuvenated and clean. I would go again
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Review from Valentina V.
Los Angeles, CA
1/8/2011
I couldn't get more for my money at any other spa - unless it's a sister spa to this one run by Koreans....
These ladies leave you feeling invigorated, clean, sparkly, squeaky, relaxed all at the same time!
I enjoyed my experience so much that I immediately went searching for that sister spa in LA, since I live there.
Found it!! I'm excited to try Hanook Day Spa in LA!! -
Review from kidye m.
Boston, MA
11/13/2011
OK here is the deal. I wrote a review twice in my life. One, was about a bed and breakfast in Vermont. It was very bad. Second is this Aqua day spa. What i am trying to say is i just don't write reviews if i don't have a reason.
Aqua day spa is an amazing place. I didn't expect what I saw when I got inside. Clean place, all the staff looked professional (non of them spoke English LOL). But who cares they know what they are doing. You don't have to tell them anything. I have been to so many spa places in my life. This is something great. I loved it, and my girl friend loved it. Its $90 in my opinion it worth more.
So i hope this helps. I had the best spa in my life at Aqua day spa. -
Review from Yoli C.
San Diego, CA
12/3/2011
Love it! Have never felt so exfoliated & relaxed.
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Review from Amy S.
San Diego, CA
10/17/2011
Best deal in town for a morning of self care. For $90 you get 80 minutes the most amazing, and thorough, body scrub and massage. This is no place for the modest or delicate. They leave no stitch of skin unturned and no knot untouched. . It is not super fancy, but clean with everything you need to spend a few hours rejuvenating with full access to hot and cold pool, saunas and steam. I am making this a monthly habit. Who wants to join me?
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Review from Connie R.
8/19/2010
I urge every woman (sorry - this particular service is for women only) to try this place out! WARNING: you WILL need to be in the buck!! At any rate, for $90 you get an hour and a half body scrub and oil massage. (Add $20 for aromatherapy and a longer massage) It is the BOMB! :D
It is absolutely amazing - and utterly disgusting - HOW MUCH dead skin they take off of you. So much, in fact, when I opened my eyes for a second, I wish I hadn't. (Ick)
Now that I grossed you out - imagine the feeling of having all that crud taken off of you and getting your skin replenished with oils, lotion and a massage! You will walk out of there feeling cleansed like you never felt before.
They even give you a cucumber facial mask and wash you hair! This place is truly amazing but definitely NOT for the timid!
This was my 3rd time and it was excellent - as always.
TIP 1: Don't be shy and get in the nude - you'll need to anyway!
TIP 2: They don't speak English all that well but they will understand if you tell them the massage is too hard or too soft (these little Korean women tend to all have these muscular hands that can probably turn a piece of coal into a diamond). I'd start by having them do a soft massage and work your way up.
TIP 3: Expect your whole body to be cleansed (even deadly close to your privates!!) but believe me, you'll feel super cleansed afterward!
TIP 4: Spend at least 15 minutes in the whirlpool and/or the steam room BEFOREHAND to get your body all moisturized (It helps with taking off the dead skin).
TIP 5: Tip well - those women deserve it - you'll see!
Now that I'm probably a pound lighter, cleansed and massaged, what else is there? -
Review from J. F.
San Diego, CA
4/1/2011
I have been coming to this for 3 years now, don't know why I never yelped this place?? Maybe I thought it was my secret place to having soft skin ALL OVER LOL!!!
This spa is simple no candles no extra towels just clean and have the right saunas to do the job. My favorite is the $90 oil & massage scrub with cucumber face mask. No bathing suits required just make sure to bring a pair of plastic slippers if don't feel comfortable walking around. Yes they do provide you with a locker for your personal items.
I love spoiling my self once a month at this place, once you try it you will know exactly what I mean. -
Review from Audrey Y.
San Diego, CA
10/2/2010
As an afficiando of Korean Spas in Los Angeles, I was expecting to be a bit let down by this tiny Korean spa. Although it's tiny, it does have the key facilities that are common to all Korean spas.
The steam room is pretty damn hot. I can stay in only for about 5 minutes before passing out. The clay room is also super hot and detoxifying. It's one of those rooms that makes you sweat without overheating your body.
Definitely go for the scrub and massage. It's $90 but includes about 30 minutes of scrubbing (dead skin rolls off like yarn) and then about 50 minutes of intense massage. It was wonderful. After the massage, she then wandered away for a few minutes to grate some fresh cucumber to put on my face for a cucumber face mask. A nice hair wash with conditioner and then a splashing of milk oil topped it all off. My skin was silky smooth!
The only downside for me was the tv room. Although it has couches, the heated floor is so small, only one person can lie down with a blanket there. (I'm used to having more space so more customers can take a nap.)
Oh, and yes --- you have to be naked and be okay seeing naked ladies. It's not for everyone but it's totally worth it. -
Review from Kat S.
Walnut Creek, CA
6/29/2010
All right... here's the truth:
My experience tonight was so good I have a huge urge to lie in bed naked as I write this.
Everybody's pretty on-point about how this place works. You pay first, grab your basket 'o' towels + robe + key, disrobe, put on some sandals, spend some time in the sauna, shower, then lie face-down on a plastic-covered, orangey massage table.
Thusly begins the most detailed and intense scrubbing experience of your life. You might feel a bit awkward at first since you're completely nude, and the woman who motions you to the table wears a bikini, but honestly, I don't imagine how anyone can provide as awesome a massage wearing anything else (if that makes sense).
Rough scrub, soft scrub, oil massage. Real massage--the woman will get to every crick in your body by the end of your 90 minutes. You think it's over? No! Shampoo and conditioner and --yes!--head and neck massage! Are we finished? Oh but wait: you haven't yet had freshly ground cucumber+yogurt mask and full rinse/massage with yogurt wash.
You will be pure jelloid by the end of your session. And, by golly, you will be grateful. Shower, brush teeth (free toothbrushes!), come out feeling cleaner and glowing more than ever before. Full bathroom accessories: hairdryer, products, etc.
Totally worth it. Tootally.
A friendly hint: between scrub down and massage, when they put the shiny liquid in your hand and gesture you to shower, that stuff ain't for your face =). -
Review from Geo D.
Daly City, CA
3/27/2011
I paid 20 bucks to use the day spa but it's nothing like the Korean spas in L.A. It's small but the area is kept very clean. I like how they make everyone take off their shoes before entering the locker room (less dirt that comes in from outside). This is my first place I visited with a Red clay room--good for detox. There are little pouches of herbs that are hung around the room and you can lay down with a pillow.
I booted a star down because the workers were gossiping loud in the lounge area. And it was a hard for me to make my way through them to the complimentary tea. -
Review from cher h.
Spring Valley, CA
9/21/2010
Every time I come to Aqua Day Spa for this wonderful spa experience - I think that I know how soft & relaxed I'll be at the end of the treatments...and I'm pleasantly surprised of how this spa experience is so magnificent from any other!
There was a diverse group of ladies when I went with my GF last Saturday...young daughters with their mother and women that you can tell it was their first experience and were still a bit hesitant in the naked zone...but after getting showered, minutes in the red clay room, quick dunk in the absolutely ice cold bath & straight into the steam sauna...awwww, how more relaxed can it be after a long week of hard work?! But it came time for my treatment with Monique (that's not a Korean name!?)....fabulous!
I had the scrub & oil massage (90 minutes) and loved every minute of it! I hadn't been there since January and I figured I shouldn't have shed THAT much dead skin??? Wrong! Okay, scrub, scrub, scribbled it! Then of course after comes warm water splash, milk bath, oils slathered all over and the wonderful Korean massage techniques! Afterward, quick shower, back on the slab, mini-facial, hair shampoo & conditioned! You couldn't this much at any other spa in San Diego! I definitely recommend going for this pampering & scrubbing at least once a quarter! -
Review from Sleepy B.
San Diego, CA
2/13/2012
I thought the spa was nice but extremely small compared to some of the other ones I have been to in LA...I felt like there was not enough room to relax. Hopefully a bigger one will open up soon...
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Review from Jennifer J.
San Diego, CA
7/22/2008
After a hellacious weekend in Vegas (Vegasfest 2008), I ended up walking into the Aqua Day Spa in Kearny Mesa yesterday. I had heard that a scrub at a Korean Day Spa was on par with going through the Shell Gas Station Touch Free car wash in Pacific Beach. Aqua is open 7 days a week until 11pm.
I will tell you, without a doubt, that some more sensitive gals would have have RUN SCREAMING from the building five seconds into the scrub. Don't even get me started on the massage. I have bruises all over my body, it was the least 'gentle' spa experience I have ever had, and I will tell you honestly, that I CANNOT wait to go back.
Got dead skin? Not anymore! I was Meryl Streep in Silkwood dammit and I loved it! My skin has never felt smoother and all together the experience was just so calming. The massage was full on Shiatsu and for someone like me who has knots the size of golfballs, I was grateful for the sweet lady who got every single one of them out for me. At $90 for 80 minutes which includes a hairwash and a mini facial...it's a steal. You're also welcome to come much earlier than your appointment and make use of the wet/dry saunas and jacuzzi.
For those wary about the communally naked (ladies only) atmosphere of the wet room, just relax, get out of your head, and go with it. Not one single person cares one single bit about what your body looks like. If everyone is naked (or just in bra/panties as the employees are) everyone looks the same right?
I'm devoted!
Edited to add: Check out my review for Pilates Plus...cause being flexible is a good thing when you're getting the scrub! Knees to Ears "Nice to meet you." -
Review from bella d.
San Diego, CA
1/9/2011
As far as I know, this is the only Korean style spa in all of San Diego. My sis was going to try one in Japantown SF so I decided I wanted to experience the fun.
First of all, if you are shy and aren't comfortable with full nudity, this is not the place for you. However, if you are in search of (what I consider) true exfoliation then this is the place for you. The ladies work hard and are very focused on the art of scrubbing, scrubbing and wait, more scrubbing. You will leave the spa feeling smooth and silky. The two hour package is well worth the investment.
A definite most for spa aficionados. -
Review from Teri C.
6/12/2008
The next time you feel like the need to confess your sins, let me suggest an alternative...getting your sins scrubbed right out of you.
For $90, females can have all their body parts scrubbed clean by a Korean woman in her panties and bra or swimsuit. And I do mean everywhere, they'll get all the nooks and crannies that you can't reach or probably ignore. You'll also get a body massage, a mini facial, and your hair washed during this 1.5 hour session.
Upon entering, the menu of services is listed over the register. They'll suggest the Scrub and Massage for first timers, which is the service I got. You'll get a key to your locker and enter the gender separated facilities. The floor is supposedly heated, so they'll ask you to be barefoot. You'll be asked to shower before entering the jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, or getting any services done. When it's finally your turn, you'll join all the other completely naked ladies on a plastic covered table for the big scrub down. They use this rough loofah gloves that are a bit abrasive and can take some getting used to. It's a bit slippery when you're turning over and modesty is soon forgotten as you appreciate those hard to reach places getting a good cleaning.
When all the scrubbing is done, you'll get a cooling cucumber-like facial mask as your body is worked with what smells like baby oil. When you think it's all over, your hair gets shampooed and conditioned.
Sure, it's not exactly what you're thinking when you get a spa experience, but you can't beat a good scrubbing. There are definitely some language barriers, so hopefully you won't feel the desire to ask any questions.
Overall, I would have given Aqua Day Spa a four stars, except for the fact that I broke out in a rash later on in the day. It definitely makes me question the cleanliness of this place.
3 stars.
P.S. Don't bring your friends to a place like this! This is far from a girls' getaway spa trip. Just be nude on your own! -
Review from Hannah Y.
San Diego, CA
7/11/2010
Woohoo!! Came here last night and spent the most luxurious 2 hours in my entire life. Sure it was a bit awkward being naked but everyone else makes it seem normal that you began to relax within the first 15 minutes. I hopped around the jacuzzi, steam room, and dry sauna room for the first 30 minutes because my body scrub/massage wasn't until later. I made sure my skin was soaked in moisture so the woman who was working on me would get all the dead skin cells off of me.
I took my little towel and keys everywhere. The steam room and sauna is SO hot that my bare ass would have been burned if I didn't have the little towel (keys are self explanatory). I didn't use the robe much except when walking across to get to the red clay room. I was pretty much the only Asian on the massage beds. The women work really hard! Props to them! They are in underwear or bikinis. I haven't had these body scrubs from when I was a child and my mom used to scrub me till I was red. Oh my god.... I was sooo disgusted at how much shavings I produced. I bet if I went back today I would still have more crap stuck onto me. Anyways, the massage was nice. My skin feels sooo smooth and is almost glowing. Will definitely come back!! -
Review from Bekka K.
San Diego, CA
4/27/2010
Just got back from the spa, and it was fantastic! This was my first time ever at a spa, and I've never felt so relaxed. I got the purification scrub/oil massage with Jenny, who's really friendly and puts you at total ease. She scrubbed so much dead skin off of me it was almost embarrasing+the massage was great. The only downside for me was that I ended up being allergic to the cucumbers they put on my face. (if you're allergic to cucumbers, let em know beforehand!) After the massage, my girlfriends and I went into the wet sauna/and the dry spa room. The latter was FREAKING HOTTTT!!!!!! The air was soooo dry and it felt like I was baking in an oven.
Overall I felt soooo relaxed, not to mention the cleanest I've probably ever been in my life. :)
