The Raven Spa

Went here with my hubby for our anniversary. It was nice and relaxing. Not the best massage I have had but not the worse either. The room we were in had a VERY loud portable AC unit and it was nice after it turned off (which was almost near the END of our hour session). The receptionist told us it would turn off soon but it was loud and very obnoxious for almost the entire session. When it did go off, the quality of my relaxation was much higher. All in all, it was a fun experience but not worth the price or drive for us. The masseuse I had also would shake me when I would get tense. Thought that was awkward and counterproductive.

Best studio in the area. They offer great and reasonably priced classes and workshops – they have regular specials and a sweet unlimited deal when you sign up to do direct pay. The studio is also very beautiful. There floor is a bit bowed in some areas and it can get cold in there during winter, but they have heat and it is such a quaint and small joint that you can move your mat to a better location or trade places with someone.
The classes are offered by seasoned teachers who provide traditional as well as creative flow practice. All are capable of giving alignment cues to provide you with a practice that feels good and is safe.
I think the yoga world is expanding and we are now seeing more non-​conventional and fitness oriented studios and this is fine, sometimes I want this, but it is nice to know that studios such as this one are still accessible.
I love Tony, the owner. He is a fun teacher with years of experience. His classes are so next level that teachers will attend with regularity, BUT beginners will do well to take his class from time to time to be inspired and to take themselves to their edge in a fun atmosphere where she or he will still receive alignment cues and Tony’s support to ensure safety.
I also favor Leigh’s class. She begins with a theme that is life affirming and she wraps up the class with a gratitude prayer and by chanting the peace mantra: om shanti shanti shanti. At first her approach felt dogmatic because she ‘prays’, but everything she says and does in class only affirms being good to self and others, being grateful, and keeping things playful so I have come to love her class and to miss it when I am too broke to pay for yoga. Of course, Leigh is also very lovable. She is friends with all her students. She takes time to answer questions and to help students address injuries or to find modifications that are more appropriate for their bodies.
Ellen Hwang offers a super alignment-​based class that is ideal for beginners, but also great for advanced students who like to focus on alignment.
Hagar is fun and she plays with philosophy a bit more so if your into that, she is your gal!
Oh and don’t let me forget Nichol! She is amazing and such a great teacher. She is adept at breaking sequencing down and also at inspiring because there is nothing she cannot do AND it is a real treat to experience her singing at the end of savasana!

I received a gift certificate to this spa and used it when I had bad back pain. I got an appointment the same day and Angela asked me what was going on with my body. What followed was seriously the best massage I’ve ever had. It wasn’t relaxing– it was therapeutic. There were moments it hurt a lot– but she really knew what she was doing. I left feeling like my body really benefited from the massage. And I immediately booked another the following week.

Absolutely loved it. Feel like we went to Morocco and back. Thai massage was outstanding. We took a Rockstar package and we surely felt like rock stars after.

Love this place! The décor is super cute and the few massages I have had there have been great… The only thing I would say not negative but as feedback would be I felt like the lady giving me my massage didn’t fully understand what I said when I asked her about certain areas that needed work more than others. But other than that you leave feeling relaxed and stoked on life!

Came here for the full body massage and left happy & well relaxed.
Never had any body massage before so I was uncertain & not sure if this place is the best but I’m glad I came here.
Great experience and I will most likely be coming back again.
After your massage, you will be getting a cup of tea, a cup of water & some small fruit slices to enjoy while you relax.
Anyone who is new at body stretching & body massages give this location a try~

I was in town visiting a friend who practices at the Raven frequently. She took me to her favorite class taught by Tony. He is obviously the life-​blood of this community and is such a lovely human being. It took a few minutes to warm up to his style of teaching, but once I did I could not get enough.
He genuinely appreciates each student. Knows names. Knows what people are working towards. Inspires during class with a smile and very easeful commentary. He knows how to challenge advanced students and welcome new ones. He understands the body in a way I’ve never seen another yoga instructor do. And I gathered all this just from one class!
My only hesitancy with the Raven studio totally ended up being overshadowed by the rest of the experience: I am typically turned off by studios with traditional décor and typically connect best in less-​spiritual-​more-​physical based yoga studios. If an ornate, beautiful, spiritual studio is up your alley, this could easily be your home-​base.
I took 2 other classes at two completely different studios during my stay in LA and if I come back to the city, I’ll definitely just be coming back to Tony’s class! Thank you!

Still loving The Raven.
I recently went back for a Restorative yoga class, and returned later for the Therapeutic Sound Journey «with Irwin», and it was absolutely amazing. I took a new friend and we both loved this event (actually wish it had been longer). The should journey took me on a very relaxing meditative journey through deep, pulsating, rhythmic sound, and I couldn’t have asked for a greater experience of release and calmness.
My friend and I are dying to attend this event again… hoping The Raven will offer it soon, and perhaps make it a regular event. :-)
Lastly, every time I’ve been here, I have found to staff to be absolutely beautiful. Genuinely nice, caring individuals.
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My favorite studio in Los Angeles! I’ve been practicing yoga (on and off) for over 10 years now, but in just 2.5 months at the Raven, I’ve learned more than in my previous 10 years combined. I still consider myself a beginner/​intermediate yogi, but I’ve come to understand and appreciate the alignment of each pose on a much deeper level and I’ve totally fallen in love with yoga here.
The instructors: Tony G. and Ellen’s classes are my favorite. Tony G.‘s classes are an EXPERIENCE you must try at least once. He’s quirky, funny, charismatic and so kind to everyone. Ellen is also a unique instructor and no two classes are alike but they are all super challenging and rewarding. Ellen always helps me find my appropriate level of the pose. I’ve also really enjoy Tom’s basics classes and Jessie is another fantastic instructor I just discovered. They are all so great.
The space: My new hOMe away from home! Every time I enter the Raven, I feel like I’m entering another world, it’s a peaceful oasis. The yoga studio is always clean and calming — I love the high ceiling. It’s such a beautiful independent spot of tranquility.
Flow yoga: Be prepared that the pace of class may be a tad slower than your typical flow yoga classes, but by holding the poses a bit longer, you can really lean in, learn more and gain strength. At first, I was a little annoyed by the pace but now I love it. Also, Tony G. often includes abs in his workouts, he taught me how to properly support my back while doing core work which has been really rewarding.
Parking: Street parking only, but it’s never a problem to find a spot within a block or two. Be CAREFUL to feed your meter (even on Saturdays) or you may otherwise get a very large parking ticket.

This review is for the spa, not yoga classes. The Raven is not for everyone. Let me preface by saying I’m used to commercial massage spas like Burke Williams and Glen Ivy so I will compare it to those places. I visited the Raven with my husband and we were expecting a serene bohemian retreat. We were surprised to be greeted by a not so welcoming front desk gal who seemed irritated we were early for our appointment. The décor is charming though.
The massage «rooms» in the place are semi-​private. Luckily it wasn’t very busy when we visited so it was mostly quiet. I agree with a previous reviewer who stated that the massages are on the rougher side. We both ordered the custom massage and were assigned female masseuses when we arrived. Although I generally take off everything except my underwear for massages, the masseuses at other places typically keep me covered while they move around. This place, not so much. Also they come dangerously close to private bits — not in a pervy way though, more in a massage thoroughly kind of way. I imagine some might find this uncomfortable. My husband and I were laughing about it afterwards. It was all very strange. In the end, I enjoyed my massage. I did find it relaxing and I am fine with a more vigorous massage. My husband didn’t find the experience as relaxing although he enjoyed the change of scenery and the bohemian décor.
I’d probably give this place another try. Although to be honest, for not much more money, I’d rather have a massage at Burke Williams. The rooms are private and they have much better amenities.

I spent a hellish month slaving away at work and wanted to treat myself to a massage to lose all of my stress and tension. On a whim, I decided to try the Raven and let me tell you, it was so utterly disappointing.
I was escorted to the back room and while it should be serene and calming, all I could think about was how HOT it was. Granted, it was a toasty day in September, but I would think a spa would have some sort of ventilation system. As I laid down to get my massage, I could only focus on the sweat dripping off of me (gross, I know) and the loud noises coming from outside because the window (fresh air beats the noise). I counted the minutes until this was over and will never be back. To top it off, it wasn’t cheap. I’d rather go to Chinatown for a massage.

This review’s for Yoga at the Raven, and I’m just going to tag along with Tony’s huge fanbase because even though I’ve only been about four times so far, and I’m relatively new to yoga in general, he’s made me feel SO comfortable in the new space, and he’s given me a truly unique yoga experience. He’s one of the most friendly people you’ll meet in LA, and that’s really saying something, and ever since my first day he’s treated me like an old friend, which I really appreciate since I’m new to town and am still trying to get used to things.
The spa in general is so peaceful, and everyone who works there has been more than friendly. I’m currently doing the summer deal, but I’m definitely going to start on the new student monthly unlimited, because it’s so worth it (90 minute classes!)
They have mats for sale at a very good price, and they have a clean water filter as well. The bathroom is very clean, and there’s plenty of shelf space for your belongings.
What you have to expect is a non-​traditional yoga experience. It’s vinyasa, but Tony makes it more of a workout and throws in some ab or leg exercises and usually has a theme or a story that he talks about throughout the whole class. I always leave having learned something new, and I’m SO lucky that I found a yoga place in LA that made me look forward to going to class again!

My daughter and I had an amazing spa experience here at the Raven Spa. We each got into an antique– style tub, soaking and relaxing in a lovely and bubble bath along with a glass of herbal tea served to us.
Then came the best part– a long and wonderful body scrub on a warm flat surface with lots of warm water pouring over our bodies. I can’t describe enough in words how good it was, done very professionally and so invigorating and enjoyable.
After this fantastic experience we were placed on massage tables and has an excellent professional massage.
I highly recommend trying this special spot next time you want something different and super relaxing.

I rarely review on Unilocal,but I had SUCH a lovely Thai massage that I had to. I was visiting from NYC and decided to treat myself. The masseuse was awesome. I’ve never quite had a massage as good.
Afterwards, they give you fruit and tea and you can peacefully relax in their lounge area. Great experience!

«How was your massage?» AMAZING!
Is it possible for a therapist to be so in tune with body/​muscle/​breath? Yes. This place is amazingly wonderful. And it all starts at the beginning, the receptionist, warm, helpful and… Well, amazing. Amazing amazing amazing it’s all amazing. (This has not been a paid advertisement, thank you and goodnight).

I’d love to try the spa some time but this review is for the yoga studio only.
It’s basically what I now consider to be my home studio. Tony G is a master of his art and I find his classes to be such an experience that I drive 40 minutes to take his class. He’s authentic and makes no apologies for who he is. I find it refreshing and it also helps that the guy is downright hilarious. I just adore him and the studio that he has created. Amanda’s classes are also incredible, and she’s amazing in private sessions too. Really wanting to try Elizabeth and Leigh’s classes too as I hear they’re amazing.
The Raven is a sanctuary; the real deal for those looking to connect with themselves, others and something greater through the practice of yoga. Oh, and if you’re interested in a teacher training, then I highly highly recommend the 200 hour. Life changing.

I had a complimentary Infrared Sauna Treatment and Eucalyptus Steam Shower.
I made an appointment at 12:30pm on Saturday.
Parking: Street only.
The receptionist Jeroen was kindly enough to tell me what I need to do.
I got in the sauna for about 45 minutes.
I wish I brought some magazines to read.
After the sauna, I went to the steam shower, smelled eucalyptus inside and nice warm shower.
I felt so good after using sauna and shower!
The thing is…
It was a hot day, I should have come here at cool night.
They have Yoga classes every day.
It looks like a lot of local people take classes!
Nice experience :)
Infrared Sauna Treatment
5 pack $ 90. 10 pack $ 160. Single: $ 20.
Eucalyptus steam shower $ 5 with any infrared Treatment.

If the name sounds different that what you would expect from a Yoga studio, it is with good reason — The Raven is a very different kind of yoga studio.
I’d done yoga before, here and there, briefly, but never at the same studio repeatedly. And when I heard that a former Navy SEAL friend of a friend was doing yoga here in the mornings, I got interested and gave it a try.
Most of the classes I’ve taken are with Tony, the owner. He’s amazing, funny, perceptive. From the first moment of class, you realize that this is a very inclusive and supportive environment. The spiritual and philosophical aspects of yoga are as present as the physical (strength, stability, flexibility) and the class is guided through a gentle arc from first breaths to Shavasana.
I’ve had some great results. I always leave class with a refreshed perspective and I fall asleep more easily by focusing on my breath.
Amanda is a very warm and talented teacher as well, and I’ve only taken one class with Ellen but it was great. I’ll be working more of each of these teachers’ classes into my weekly schedule in 2015.
If you’re looking to give yoga a try, I highly recommend The Raven.

Came across The Raven by accident a few months ago and I’m hooked ever since. I fell in love with this lovely yoga house/​studio badly. I don’t think I could go practice anywhere else, lol.
The entry way is so gorgeous. Imagine you walking down a path way to the wonderland. Yea, pretty much like that. The décor gives out peaceful energy. The ambiance is so blissful. Ahh… I’m so relax just describing the place. Too much? :p
Tony G. is amazing! I love how he change my whole perspective of yoga completely in a few classes. Steffany V. is very supportive. I won’t forget my very first hand stand with her.
Buy a package for a better value. Or you could just pay per class as well. Mats are available for rent for $ 1. But I suggest invest in a good quality ones and you will feel the different. Get the non-​slip if possible because you will sweat a lot!
One down side about this yoga studio is there’s no designated parking lot. There’re plenty of street parking, but make sure to read all signs if you don’t want two parking tickets within a month like myself.

Walking through the front gates is like entering another dimension of serenity and calmness (or something like that!) Staff is friendly and welcoming, free filtered water is available, the facility is clean and gorgeous.
Never had a spa treatment here, but the yoga is out-​of-​this-​world awesome. Try Tony G, who has an interesting way of teaching. Be warned, even the basics classes can be super-​tough!