- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
JJ Family Spa Plus
Category: Beauty and Spas Day Spas Day Spas [Edit]
3000 Christmas WayCoquitlam, BC V3C 2M2
(604) 552-1048
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 12 am
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
20 reviews for JJ Family Spa Plus
20 reviews in English
-
Review from M C.
Vancouver, BC
4/14/2012
I was sold on Korean Family Spa after I visited one during a Korea trip. Now, I have been to JJ Spa Plus many times.
This is not a big and multi-level spa like the one I went in Korea (or even the ones in the US), but it has all the essential: In the 'wet' area, where one enjoys the amenities in the nude, there is hot tub, steam room, sauna, cold plunge tub, salt room. The nudity factor is not a problem for me because it is strange to take a shower and bath with a swimsuit. The 'regulars' are so free and comfortable with the setting, but for new users, the initial cultural shock can take a bit of time to get used to. Luckily, they gave small towels to be used at the Spa, and those could be the last pieces of cloth to hand on with. However, after a while, you forget that you do not have any clothes on anymore and appreciate the korean family spa culture more with no inhibitions. The 'wet' area is gender-segregated as well: both the men's and women's sides have similar but separated facilities. There is also a closed-off area for body scrub. The shower facilities are a bit broken on the men's side, though. One divider has been gone for a long time, some tiles have fallen off and the floor can be slippery at some areas.
In the Co-ed 'dry' area, where one wears the shirt and shorts provided, there are Korean TV programs to watch and a lounge area. You can pay to get tokens to use the massage chairs, get treatments such as massage, cupping, tanning, use the internet, and order some food. There are also a "Yellow Soil" room and a "Charcoal" room to enjoy as well. I saw many newcomers just stayed in the 'wet' area and did not come out to use these 2 rooms. You can also order food from a nearby Korean restaurant to be delivered to you.
As for people who wants to give this Spa a try. Here are the procedures to "use" this Spa:
1. Take shoes off in the entry area and carry them with you inside to be put inside lockers. Just no outside shoes to walk on the floor but no need to keep them outside.
2. Pay at the front desk. There is an admission fee for using the facilities. If you would like treatments (body scrub, massage...), you can book them at this time too.
3. You will be provided a locker key with wrist strap, 2 small purple towels and a t-shirt and shorts to go to the locker-room with. (Re: no sandals provided though and most regulars do not use them). The one I went with in Korea did not provide sandals too.
4. Most people use the 'wet' area first. You take off your street clothes and keep them at the locker-room. You keep the t-shirt and shorts in the locker too. Only need 1 or 2 towels provided.
5. Always shower and clean yourself before entering the hot tub/cold tub or using any facilities. You want clean skin and clean pores to sweat on.
6. Remember, the whole 'wet' area is being enjoyed in the birthday suit. Enjoy the steam room, sauna, tubs etc alternately, but make sure you are not overheated. Lounge around or take a cold shower, to cool down if needed. Body scrubs are done in the 'wet' area. Take shower in between to make sure you don't make the tub water dirty. In Asian culture, the communal bath is NOT for washing, but for enjoying water-therapy.
7.After enjoying the 'wet' area, put on the t-shirt and shorts to go to the Co-ed 'dry' area.
(Re: The salt room is still in the gender-segregated area. I saw some people used this area nude and some put on the t-shirt and shorts before entering it.) Massage, tanning, and other treatments are all done in the Co-ed area. Asian body treatments, including massages, however, are often done with clothes on, and only remove partial clothing when necessary. This is especially so when the therapist is of opposite sex. If you are not sure, ask the therapist for clarification.
8. Your admission allows you to enjoy using the spa for the whole day, and you can use the 'wet' and 'dry' areas again and again while you are there. (Don't think you can leave the spa altogether and come back later though.) Just remember there is only one set of t-shirt and shorts for use, so keep them if you plan to go in and out of the 'wet and 'dry' areas. There are also only 2 towels provided. Unlike a luxury spa, there will be extra cost to get extra towels.
Extra tip #1: If you want to get a more korean communal bath/spa experience, go during the weekend,when the place is more busy. If you want a more private time, weekdays can be better and you may almost get the whole place for yourself to use.
Extra tip #2: DO NOT try body scrubbing the first time you visit the the bath. See if you like the "korean bath" experience first. The body scrub can be quite intimidating for a newbie to the spa.
JJ Spa is an authentic family jimjilbang and Korean cultural experience, so don't try to compare it to a Western spa. It is not the same pampering, but I always feel refresh and renew after using this spa, especially on a wet cold da -
Review from Leon F.
Vancouver, BC
4/10/2012 1 photo
For $15 it's reasonable, it has everything - hot tub, steam room, sauna and cold tub plus free internet.
I would give it four stars if it wasn't a bit rough around the edges. Literally - the tilework is pretty sketchy and seems to have been constructed in a rush. For example, the floors are very uneven. It's not hard to find duct tape used as a construction material. Also, I was bothered by the random objects left lying around like a bottle of bleach and a garden rake. These are potentially dangerous as kids use the facility. Also, the control panel for the sauna was open (it should be locked or out of sight).
The salt and charcoal rooms are nice and unique. The charcoal room is interesting because it's down the hall from the eating area so it's neat to see how the charcoal sucks up all the smell.
Overall, I would probably choose one of the newer aquatic centers if I wasn't missing a Korean version. But since it's the only one around it's acceptable. -
Review from Jenna B.
Coquitlam, BC
2/16/2012
I've always wanted to try an onsen. I have stress galore, and pain. I'm not a spa massage kind of person but, I've always enjoyed a good soak in a hot tub. That's how I heard about a Jimjibang on Coquitlam.
Basically this is how it works for $15 you go in to be given a towel, a change of clothes and really no instructions. Basically, you get a locker so you can get changed aka, get butt naked and then you go off to the showers. You shower each time before you enter an area, dry off with your towel, and for the earth, and charcoal rooms it's co-ed so put your shorts, and t-shirts on that you are given still taking a shower before hand. There is a dry and wet sauna, hot tub, and several amazing rooms. The rooms are what makes the $15 worth it , if I wanted to go use a hot tub or sauna I could just go to the local pool. There is a salt room, yellow earth room, and charcoal room. My favorites were definitely the salt and yellow earth room I just felt all my pain melt away. Several hours here is definitely worth it.
Be careful of the showers, they are super slippery and I fell horribly luckily I was in the best place to make my pain go away.
Too bad this place is in the middle of NOWHERE. Definitely a good place for university students, and people with high stress jobs to eliminate some stress though
I would have given this place a higher star rating but, the man at the front desk was pretty rude when I came in. -
Review from Sarah O.
Updated - 9/16/2011 7 Check-ins Here
I try to make it out here once a month and always feel like a brand new person when I walk out. If you've never been to a spa like this, you should try it- it's so incredibly good for your skin. If you want your skin to be as soft as a baby's bum, sweat out toxins and scrub all your dead skin away. At $15 entrance fee, it's worth it, especially because you can stay as long as you want. When I start feeling like I'm getting sick, I hit up a sauna or this place and like magic, all the symptoms go away. It's not uncommon to sometimes see big groups of Russians here...I assume because Russia is a cold country and the brigadas need a private room warm enough to gather and plan the logistics of the next whacking or perhaps assign the torpedo? Russians are so G.
If you decide to get a back massage: beware. This is no relaxing, soothing massage. They will pound you until you beg for mercy. I almost fainted a few times today because I was in so much pain.. I don't even know if the masseuse is even legit.. he might be just some guy who was eating ramen in the back that was called in to pound out some aggression on loyal customers. He told me that my knots were "incredibly severe" and that my shoulders were crooked and that I should stop being so stressed because I have a weak lower back.. then he continued to beat me with his hulk strength. Totally savage but completely memorable. To be fair, they offer all kinds of spa packages, including gentler oil massages and foot rubs.
Another thing to remember: If you decide to get a body scrub.. it can turn out to be a very awkward experience if you've never done this before. Basically, you lay on this table, butt naked, and a (fully clothed) worker scrubs your body really hard with a tiny glove and then hose you down with water in between sessions. So amazingly awkward!
Go here! It's great!1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/3/2011
I'm Korean. I go to steam rooms. This is the only steam room of this kind in Vancouver. The price is… Read more »
-
-
Review from Mya N.
Langley, BC
1/16/2012
Fun naked times for $15! I love saunas and sweating my balls off. Spent over 3 hours here the other day chillaxing amongst the Koreans and Russians. It's like entering another world where the ladies scrub each other down in the showers and frolic around naked. Definitely not for the shy at heart. I loved it! The salt room was a highlight for me... felt like I was lying on hot sand- awesome. Of course it can be cleaner... the bathroom in the ladies area was kinda scary and dark... but for the price, you can't go wrong. Don't come here expecting a Spa Utopia experience- come to relax, laugh at the weirdness of it all, and sweat the day away.
-
Review from Nellie C.
Vancouver, BC
3/18/2012
I'm a big fan of all things hot tube/hot springs. I've been to jimjilbangs in Korea and onsens in Japan. JJ Family Spa has the basics of Korean jimjilbang: public bath, sauna, steam room, common room with TV playing variety korean TV shows, and a few themed, quiet rooms. I applaud the owners' efforts to make it as authentic jimjilbang experience, yet I feel they can do more, particularly in terms of facility maintenance. The bath section really needs better staff attention. The floor is really slippery and it's not enough to just put a caution sign. Maybe put some bath mats on the most slippery and high-traffic sections. A bunch of shower heads were broken. The soap dispensers are not replenished. Instead there's a couple of giant soap containers lying about (I guess staff expects us to use the awkward containers), but it's just taking up space in the small washing area. One of the tubs are empty - not sure what's going on there. There are many spaces that are used as storage in clear view.
The main entrance to the women's rooms could be a little more protected. The floor layout ensures that men don't see through, but it sure could use a door to provided added assurance. Another entrance to women's changing room takes you to the common room, but again, I wish there was extra thought in the design to make it more discrete. If a guy accidentally opened the door or leaves a door open, immediately he'd see women changing - there should be a curved wall to provide extra discretion. Maybe I'm picky but it's small things that makes you relax more.
The quiet rooms were nice though: salt room (not co-ed), charcoal, and earth room. After a hot stay in the earth room, the cooler temperature in the charcoal room is really nice. The main common room with the TV is OK. I wish there were more mats and pillows. In Korean jimjilbang, there are usually plenty, but not at JJ Spa, so people end up dragging mats and pillows between rooms.
The cafeteria is a bit odd. There's nor direct food service; you have to order food via third-party vendor. The delivery is all in styrofoam containers. My opinion is that styrofoam destroys the flavour of Korean food. The air could be better ventilated in the cafeteria, because all that food smell permeates through the rooms. It's very hard to relax with strong smell of spices.
The staff were courteous; the price is reasonable; parking is easy. It's a good experience for novice jimjilbang visitors; but maybe not for those who's been to a few. I'm glad we have one in Greater Vancouver though. -
Review from Michelle R.
Vancouver, BC
7/16/2011
Not too much to say except...I'm a fan.
I'm a fan on any regular day.
I'm an even bigger fan after a 3 day backpacking trip when my hair has matted onto my greasy head and grime has taken permanent residency under my fingernails.
This place was great, clean, comfortable the first time I went. It was almost paradise after the backpacking trip. It's fun with a group of friends. And it's relaxing on my own.
If only it were closer to Vancouver. But, then it wouldn't be so special-- you always want what you can't have (right away). -
Review from TOMICA D.
Vancouver, BC
5/7/2011
I was stunned to hear about a Korean spa in Port Coquitlam that sets you back a mere $15, being that a simple mani-pedi costs 4 times the amount. JJ Family Spa is a traditional Korean spa that claims to be "the first-ever of its kind in Canada." The spa consists of five different rooms, each offering different health benefits and mineral structures. The first section is segregated (and nudity is mandatory). There you can indulge in the hot tub/cold tub room, as well as the steam and dry saunas. The best part is the Salt Room - a small haven where you lay in a heated room over salt minerals reminiscent of a sandy beach. Aside from offering the ultimate relaxation, the minerals can apparently help cure "women's diseases" and release hormones.
The second area is co-ed and cover-ups are provided. You can literally fall asleep in the Charcoal room (boasting to help prevent hangovers) while the Yellow Earth room is great for eliminating toxins, releasing stress, and restoring your skin. Or you can simply chill in the lounge drinking tea and watch Korean soap operas.
I checked it out earlier this year and try to go back at least once a month. It's not the most luxurious looking place but it sure feels like it when you're done. If I see you there hopefully we can overcome the awkward nude conversation in the ladies section. :) -
Review from Cyndi H.
Vancouver, BC
11/18/2010
Having lived in Korea for awhile I am a HUGE fan of Korean spas, or 'jimjibangs'. When venturing to the city of Seoul for the weekend, these serve as the ultimate hostel, spa, pajama party, games room, karaoke lounge and restaurant all rolled into one. I miss these fun little havens of relaxation, so naturally I was overjoyed to discover that we have one in Coquitlam!
As can be expected, it's not as busy as one in Korea, so they don't have the programs that would traditionally be at a spa (not open 24 hrs, no karaoke, restaurant or games) but they do have the hot and cold pools, various steam and sauna rooms, heated floors and a co-ed place to chillax in, in matching garments (so funny).
I came for my friend Wes' birthday, and our big group had such a great time. If a Korean spa opened up downtown Van, I'd be there ALL the time, but for now, Coquiltlam is where I'll go to get my relaxing on. Some people go in the nude (not in the co-ed parts), but there's no need to feel awkward either suit you wear--bathing or birthday!Listed in: Unexpected Spaces, Random Adventures, Spa's on the Cheap!
-
Review from Peter B.
Burnaby, BC
3/5/2011
I just experienced this wonderful spa with my best friend who is from Kazakhstan. He has been after me to try this sauna for a long time. I can tell you that it was wonderful. I feel like a new person after this experience. I just have to learn how to beat people with the Hemlock branches that they use in the steam sauna. Everyone should go and don't be shy about the nudity, everyone is the same. Feeling so free is wonderful.
Peter. -
Review from Wendy C.
Vancouver, BC
3/15/2010
Yep. I lived in Korea, and got hooked on the "Jim-jil-bang". It was my super relaxing thng to do on Sundays. Also, whenever I travelled in Korea, I just slept on the ondol (heated) floors. Super cheap (about 8 bucks or won) and you fall asleep and wake up to a spa. What could be better than that?
Well, what's suffient here in Vancouver, is the closest thing; JJ Spa.
It's way out in Coquitlam, and worth it.
If you go, be sure to know that naked is normal there. I know, you might feel like, 'um, no way I'll do that'. But, yes you can. You CAN wear a bathing suit...but to get the experience in a sit down Japanese/Korean style shower scrub down, I'd recommend naked-ness, free as a bird.
After you're scrubbed, (try the scrubbers u can buy at the front for a dollar or two), you can go to the hot tub and soak and relax a bit. Or go to the wet sauna. Or you can get your shorts and tshirt (that they provide) and go into the quartz room. You lay down on the hot rocks that suck out bad stuff from your body, and you feel absolutely amazing after!
You can go into the public areas and watch some Korean tv. If you're lucky the funny shows will be on. You'll be wonder what-the-heck they're doing. It's reallyl entertaining, I promise.
You can eat Korean food. Hard boiled eggs are nice.
You can chat and hang out with your friends. Or listen and learn.
You can sleep. You can go into the charcoal room, or the red/yello mud room. These things detoxify your body. You might not feel it right away, but when you leave, there will be a difference.
SO what have you got to lose but an afternoon of relaxing and experiencing a bit of something you've never done before. A snippet of something different. :D
Just DO it! And remember to leave your shoes at the door. :D -
Review from Louise G.
3/16/2010
Definitely agree with the positive reviews here; well worth the visit!
I discovered that Friday nights here are often Russian night. The place fills with Russians who bring along hemlock branches to beat one another with.
For the small cost of a smile, and some general friendliness, the Russians will be glad to beat you too! And then you can beat someone else! An excellent way to work out the tensions of your week.
I can't say enough about the quartz room; truly heaven.Listed in: Healthier Choices, Korean
-
Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
11/9/2008 1 photo
This Korean-style spa is truly unique and completely relaxing. It consists of a number of heated rooms, hot tubs, and saunas, which you enter for a few minutes at a time, then take a rest period, and then go in again. The cost for admission is $15, and you don't need an appointment. It's completely free form and self-paced, and you can stay as long as you like, although two hours seemed like a good amount of time. Although I was a bit confused at first about what I was supposed to do, I soon picked up the vibe.
The spa is divided into men- and women-only areas, with a co-ed area in the middle. The co-ed area includes the heated Earth room, two rest areas with TVs playing Korean soap operas, and a cafe. The women-only area (and I assume the men's as well) had a Salt room, in which you lie on blankets spread on top of a gigantic layer of coarse salt. The idea is that evaporated salt particles in the area draw out impurities or some such thing. All I know was that it was like lying on a very comfy beach.
When you enter, the spa provides you with towels, a locker, and a shorts-n-top combo to wear. In the aforementioned rooms, you wear the outfit; in the wet, "onsen" area, it's time to go nekkid. Here is where I tried out the dry and steam saunas and the hot tub, with quick cold showers in between. The saunas and the hot tub were just barely lit with little LED lights, so I didn't feel so self-conscious hanging out in the buff.
My friends who went to the onsens in Japan said this is the closest thing you get to that experience in Canada.
If you go, though, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the experience, as I didn't and thus felt drier than a bone when I left. I was pretty tired too - don't plan too much for afterwards. But hanging out in the heat was also excellent for my cold - I feel much less sniffly after sweating it out!Listed in: But it's so far...
-
Review from M K.
Vancouver, BC
2/7/2011
I've been to JJ's several times now and it's my favourite place to be on a cold, miserable day. Remove your shoes at the door, pay your entrance fee and you'll be given a locker key, towels and pyjama type clothes to wear while in the co-ed areas. Then prepare to go in the buff.
I love the choices among the jacuzzi, wet sauna, dry sauna baths and showers. You can spend the whole day being a sloth and it's all good. I highly recommend the scrub and massage combo in addition to the spa experience. The staff knows their stuff and virtually every region of your body (yep, you're buck naked during the session) will be rid of copious amounts of dead skin. For most North Americans, the idea of being totally naked with no modesty covering is daunting, but all I can say is "get over it". No one cares and neither should you. -
Review from Sheila W.
BC
12/8/2008
After a year in Japan, I was looking for a closer-to-home version of the "onsen" or hot spring spas that are common in the land of the rising sun.
This one is Korean-owned, so it is not trying to be a Japanese onsen. But the experience is comparable. Men and women are split into different areas. Nakedness is mandatory. There's a hot pool, a cold bath, a steam sauna and a dry sauna. There's also a salt room with blankets on top of a bed of heated salt that you lay on top of to suck your impurities out ... through a blanket ... I'm not sure if I'm convinced, but it was relaxing none-the-less.
In the clothing-mandatory public area they had heated floors that you could lay on too. Everything was clean, but it didn't have either the extravagance or rustic nature of the different onsen we'd visited in Japan. But it costs a lot less to get out to New Westminster that to Hokkaido or Kyushu. -
Review from Aaron C.
Vancouver, BC
5/26/2011
Went to this place after my Korean friend told me there is a jjimjilbang in Coquitlam. Adult admission costs $15 dollars + Tax, their website is a bit outdated however... prices have gone up (probably due to HST)
This place is not bad... since this is the only Jjimjilbang in the lower mainland... its pretty damn authentic. It is smaller than its counterparts in Korea, but it will do the job.
The facility is run by a few individuals, and the place i kept alright... not totally clean like most people expect at spas, but much cleaner than your local community centre swimming pool locker room.
I guess there are too many government safety regulations, and rules that prevent this place from operating the same way they do in Korea. So if your a jjimjilbang pro, the facilities would not be too extreme, as you might find the heating systems cooler than the ones you would find in Korea.
This place also look like a popular Russian hangout as there are signs written in Russian in addition to Korean and English.
Get ready to get naked... and share soap...
They have a giant TV for viewing KBS... yay...
Just like most Korean places, there is a high tech water machine where you can help yourself... and you will need to drink lots to hydrate yourself.
Go during normal business hours... the place is quite dead and you can enjoy most of the facilities in peace.
The place is located on the otherside of Superstore from the main bus loop at Coquitlam Centre. Its a 7 minute walk to JJ Spa from there. -
Review from Steph A.
Calgary, AB
3/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good value for 15 bucks - good to try but maybe not our thing...
-
Review from Ameia A.
Lone Butte, BC
10/1/2011
A friend and I tried this place recently and I guess it was okay, but neither of us feels drawn to return there.
When we were there, the floors and other surfaces were clean - I didn't notice any stray hairs or slime, etc, so that put me at ease. We stayed about 90 minutes and tried all the rooms.
The earth room was relaxing and very warm, the charcoal room was cool and made me feel sleepy after the earth room heat. The salt room was pleasant and very warm. The steam room was artificially scented so I only stuck my head in for a second. The dry sauna was nice and hot and I spent the most time there.
I stuck my legs into the hot tub but it was regulation-cool and not worth getting into. I didn't see anyone else in there either.
We wandered around to the 'cafeteria' to find a wall-mounted photo menu with several traditional Korean dishes available for about $15-20 each. There was just one diner-style table with benches and one Coke machine in this 'cafeteria' and the ordering was done at the front desk.
I wish we had enjoyed it more, but we didn't really feel cleansed or renewed by the experience. I went home and had a hot bath that evening to make up for the letdown I felt.
My biggest complaint is quality of their products. A true spa should offer a hygienic, healing experience and that is impossible if the products used are toxic. Why sweat out toxins while breathing in and absorbing new toxins? They could greatly improve their credibility if they used non-toxic laundry and personal care products because the clothing and towels included off-gas toxic scent, as do the shampoo, conditioner and body lotion they provide. It's no healthier than inhaling exhaust fumes while eating a green salad.
We felt our visit was less rewarding than we had hoped, so we're off to Hastings Steam Baths and maybe that spa in Seattle! -
Review from Anna M.
4/11/2010
Closed by Health Department when I was there
-
Review from Vanessa A.
1/7/2009
I came here after going to Olympus Spa in Lynnwood, WA and loving the experience there. Boy was this ever a huge step down.
Granted, we came before they started on some big renovation but, still, if they're going to be open for business and charge me the regular rate I expect to see regular service. When we arrived the woman at the desk barely bothered to look up from her newspaper. We paid our fee and I headed to the ladies area which I had to figure out myself since she took our money and said not a word, didn't even point us to the locker rooms. The shorts and top that you wear in the common area smelled terrible, like they need to be replaced badly or they need to find a new laundry service.
One of the tubs was totally drained and had a mop and bucket in it, and the other hot tub was grimy and there was dirt at the bottom. Ugh no thanks. All the shampoo dispensers and shower heads were broken and the women's area just looked like it was in a state of complete disrepair (or like they had started renovating while still open for business).
After checking out the steam room and sauna in the women's area I joined my boyfriend in the heated rooms where there were little timers strewn about but all of them were broken. One of the heated rooms actually had a TV in it and it was blaring, hardly relaxing. I got annoyed and headed into the common area to use one of the massage chairs until one of the staff members barked at me that use of the chair (like the ones you see at stores in the mall) costs extra. That was just plain rude and for a facility that was barely functional, they could've let that go. Seriously, paying for use of their massage chair when the hot tub is full of dirt and the other one is empty?? By that time we were completely fed up and left. The only nice thing about this place is the front door featured in the photo. The service is absolutely rude and the place is really tiny and poorly maintained, and I could not be bothered to go back to check out the renovations, not after that experience.
If you're in that area, you can just pay $5 at the Coquitlam rec center for a swim, hot tub, steam room and sauna. The only thing they don't have are the heated salt and charcoal rooms. The city's facilities are, in fact, a lot cleaner.Listed in: Places I love to hate
