Spa Velia

Update review: they credited the difference back to my card. For the record, the birthday party was fine and my review did not reflect the party as mentioned. A manager emailed my friend instead of reaching out to me on Unilocal.Then someone else reached out after the fact. I even tried to call them. Regardless, the issue was solved and I appreciate it.
This review is for the business and not the facial. I gave them the one star for my esthetician because she was great!
We went to this spa with a party of 9 ladies for a birthday celebration. All appointments were made in advance and each lady got a service $ 100 or more.
The locker room is tiny. So small 9 women can not fit. So it’s uncomfortable and chaotic if there are more than 9 people which there was clearly more people than our party. One of the girls didn’t have a robe or slippers so we had to hunt someone down since there’s no one around and you have to go downstairs to find someone. This took like 10 minutes. Then they gave her a robe without a belt. Then we had to find someone and that took forever so she just had to use a belt off another robe which she found. Then one of the girls lockers wouldn’t lock. Then it took another 15 minutes as they found someone to help with the lock. This all took way to long for a short spa experience. If you can not accommodate 9 women don’t take the party.
Another thing, their website suggest a facial to be $ 95 but they charged me $ 100 and 18% gratuity since the party was large. I asked the girl charging me and she couldn’t be bothered and did not help me. So I emailed and asked about their misleading online prices and what not but nobody responded.
There are many other spa places in San Diego with better customer service and better facilities.

As a «spa snob» I find myself rarely going into a place where I am wow’d by the experience from start to finish. This was certainly not the case at Spa Velia. I arrived about 30 minutes early as I walked from my hotel in Little Italy to this location. I was worried I would get «the look» sometimes received by the front desk worker of «what am I to do with her now for 30 minutes?» Instead, I was enthusiastically, and warmly greeted by the woman at the front, and instantly felt my stress begin to melt.
I was brought upstairs to change into a robe and slippers, and was offered a glass of champagne. Very 5 star! I had a scrub and massage planned for my trip, and the therapist was a delight! She made the perfect amount of conversation, and had an amazing energy to her. She truly loves where she works, and this, above everything, made the experience even more amazing.
I am very impressed, and will recommend this place to anyone passing through San Diego. I hope to be back sometime soon!

Spa Velia was everything that I needed yesterday. My back ached, my neck hurt, and I was so tired from my work week. Being in the restaurant biz, this was what the doctor ordered. I was greeted by two lovely women behind the desk upon arrival, and was asked if I would like a mimosa! Of course, I said, then I proceeded to the changing room where I had a luxurious black robe and slippers waiting for me. I have big feet, so I asked if they would replace mine and they had them there in a heart beat. I then waited in the relaxation lounge where I picked up a book and read it all because it was a short book. My mimosa was wonderful. I was greeted by my massage therapist and escorted to my room. Heated sheets wow! She asked what type of scent is my favorite, and it was lavender… so there it was. I was in heaven all through my massage. By the time she was done, I think I fell asleep a bit. AAAH, now to the steam room with more aromatherapy scent… breathed deep and enjoyed the steam bath. I took a shower and got dressed and asked if I could go back in the relaxation room for one more mimosa… YES of course. I feel so relaxed today, thank you Spa Velia for all that you did for me.

You can use the steam showers and sit in the relaxation room all you want. The experience of a 50 minute massage can last all day if you really want it to. I told the lady I had a massive kink in my neck, and I felt so much better after the massage was over. I highly recommend this place. The décor and the professional staff are on point.

As I’m typing this review, I’m here for a facial appointment that was supposed to start 11 minutes ago, yet here I am, waiting in a cheaply and bizarrely decorated lounge, with no sight of my aesthetician. Well, at least they have free sugar loaded mimosas…
I went to this facility back when it was Spa Tiki, in 2007, and the showers at THAT time were already in dire need of replacement. To my shock, the showers still look the same, I was disgusted to even touch them (please see for yourself). If you must take a shower though, please be sure you throw a towel on the floor, otherwise you will slip (the shower curtains are very loose and let the water out from all angles). The maintenance team is nowhere to be found (I saw some crumbled up used towels on the floor right by the showers when I came in — two hours later they were still there!
That being said, my facial experience itself was pretty good (aside from the aesthetician showing up late); the person was nice and friendly and did a good job. If you go to spa strictly for a service, you will be fine. However, if you are like me and go to spa for the overall experience (relaxation, ambiance, luxurious facility, amenities etc.), I would not recommend this place. Actually, I would take it further and say, EVEN if you just want a «service only», this is still not the spa I would recommend, because you can find a service only spa facility for almost half the price elsewhere. With what they charge here you would (and you should) expect more, which unfortunately they don’t deliver.

I had visited the spa yesterday, New Year’s Day. I am disappointed in my over all experience. It sadly was mediocre at best. I have had lots of experiences in several spas on a big and small level. This was not the experience it could and should have been. First It is over priced as most spas are, my children bought me a spa package GC and when I tried to ask about the package on the phone to book I was rushed thru the phone call no explanation of the package to my dismay was given. In actuality, I was told to go look on line myself. It should be simple to tell me I would hope since it was bought at the spa. I had actually been trying to book this a few times and one thing or another kept me from being successful, I finally got fed up and just booked a massage and mini facial. This was a mistake because it cost me more this way than my package that I originally wanted to be booked for. Needless to say when I arrived at the spa which I was asked to come (30
Min early) no one was there to greet me in fact 10 min went by before they showed up. Long story wrapped up. Facial had some good qualities but had not removed my Scrub well and my facial massage was miserable and scratched me up instead of relaxed me. My massage was ok nothing even close to special .(too much talking even when quiet had been requested, nice girl, but shhhh, plz) The eucalyptus steam room Had No Eucalyptus ! I asked them why they said it must have ran out and could assist me but then later told me maybe later bec it was in use at the time, so I was told. I went to drink some hot tea they provided in the relaxation room and the water was cold. Ugh .
Some things were nice and relaxing at the spa but in paying extremely high prices, tipping, plus parking fees; Shouldn’t the entire experience be beyond wonderful with out so many glitches.

This place is so relaxing, I love the ambiance and the mimosas! The staff are very nice and helpful. There facial and massages are wonderful. I come 2 to 3 times a year and get reward points. A few times I ended up not paying, I used my points! I highly, highly recommend this spa! You will not be disappointed!
(Spa Velia please change the tea bags back to the original bags).

I had my birthday party here over the weekend with four other girls and wow, that experience was amazing! Spa Velia gave us our own private relaxation room complete with snacks and mimosas.
I opted to get the vitality massage and add one peppermint foot scrub with Charlena. Charlena was amazing! She listened to me when I told her go tough on a stubborn knot on my back and when I needed her to go softer in other areas she eased up on the pressure. Easily one of the best massages as she was great with communication. If I had a question, she was able to answer them all. I would definitely come back and get a massage with Charlena again!
I would definitely come back here again for a girls spa day, the staff was super nice, accommodating, and thought of all our needs. Highly recommend!

This place is amazing! First of all, the pomegranate mimosas were fantastic and, just like the masseurs, were not weak by any means. I never get a firm enough massage anywhere else, but lauren gave such a deep massage that it was right on the cusp of pain. I LOVE it. Also you get to relax before and after in this beautiful lounge, perfectly temperate, with cookies, nuts, cucumber water, and hot tea. And let’s not forget the free mimosa… Wait did i say that already? There is also a eucalyptus sauna you can use as long as you want. The whole experience was one to remember, i will definitely be back.

I really don’t want to post this… Ugghhhhh.
I’ve been here several times since they moved next to the convention. I hesitated to comment on the slight changes because I really really like this place. BUT I have to be honest to the Unilocal community, so here it is: towels are a bit tattered, there is some sort of air conditioning or air flow problem in the ladies changing room. Today it is so humid in there that I won’t be able to stay and enjoy getting ready after my treatment. The little tea bags have changed to package tea name brand bags and the water was not heated. Sounds silly but I feel like this spa has taken a step down in luxury. They have been running Groupons which are AMAZING and I am sure it’s good for business but it has been so difficult to get an appt. I just hope the massage is still good :)

Seriously one of the best massages I’ve had in SD. Super clean, cozy, upscale setting. The staff is very sweet and attentive. My massage therapist WAS AMAZING!!! she used aromatherapy, deep tissue, and gave my poor feet some LOVE! I will be back for sure! (Karma package)

My boyfriend and I just experienced an amazing morning receiving our first couples massage here. The place was clean and very welcoming. The workers were friendly and accomodating. We both left very happy and relaxed, and we both agreed that we loved our massages (even coming from my picky boyfriend). Probably the nicest spa I’ve been to in San Diego for a massage. Will come back!

Spa Velia was as beautiful and tranquil as it appeared in all of the photos! As part of my sister’s pre-​wedding relaxing date, We went to Spa Velia with a Groupon, and were pleasantly surprised with the level of service and amenities available to us! During our visit, we enjoyed a very relaxing massage and some delicious snacks and tea! We loved our experience and will definitely be going back to enjoy more of their services!
On the flip side, the only challenge was the location and parking… It was hard to find and the parking was a little challenging and expensive.

I would have given four (4) stars, but it is about the massage, not just the people, building, location, atmosphere, etc.
My wife and I went to Spa Velia because of the Groupon discount. Just as most people have said, the people at the front desk are very polite and friendly. The lounge was nice with all the treats and drinks to consume while waiting to be called for the massage.
They have robes and slippers in each locker provided. I am an average sized man and the robe made me look small. Also, the robe was ripped and cut in several areas. Very worn out. My wife is very petite, so the robe was WAY too big for her.
The hallways were too dark. I really had to focus on where I was walking from the locker room to the lounge.
We did like the Steam room.
Now for the massage. I have to admit that both my wife and I left disappointed. There was not much massaging. Meaning pressure using the hands and fingers. There was a lot more of rubbing. And when my back was massaged, rubbed, I was completely covered with a blanket. She massaged through the blanket which I felt nothing. My neck was massaged by her pulling on a towel that was wrapped around my neck. This was very unusual.
I do not know if we will come back to Spa Velia. We would like to, but if it were to be the same, we would unfortunately find a different location.

I received a clarifying facial.
Such a relaxing experience. I’ve been to quite a few spa places and this one is definitely on the top 3 list. Friendly staff, a personalized experience and completely relaxing environment is why I give them 5 stars.
1. The woman who greeted us (me + husband) first, gave us a tour of the spa, and talked us through the process. This was nice, because then we didn’t feel lost during our time here. My esthetician was really sweet and didn’t hesitate to provide me with whatever I needed. She did an excellent job with the facial as well. I got 3 tattoos the day before and she was careful not to put any products over them — 2 are on my upper body.
2. We each received an assigned locker with slippers and a robe. The staff was also good about making each guest feel like individual VIPs. The also offer a free mimosa or glass of champagne after your service!
3. The lights in the entire spa are dim, which made me calm from the very beginning. There is a nice lounge area with a variety of tea, infused water and cookies. There are also two private areas in the back of the main lounge each with a chase lounge chair. The bathroom has toiletries provided for a shower except for shampoo. There also wasn’t any body lotion in the shower, but by then I was so happy with my experience it didn’t really matter.

If you are looking for a relaxing experience at a spa, then 5 stars all day long. However, if you are looking for a massage, i would consider elsewhere based on my experience.
There are plenty of good reviews that detail everything outside the massage, so I’ll quickly run through those just to confirm they are still the case. Incredibly friendly staff, yes. Show up 30 to 45 min early if you can to enjoy a pomegranate mimosa or straight bubbly, complimentary or course. While you are hanging out wearing your robe in the lounge (comfy furniture and peaceful noises and such), snack on some fine nuts, cookies, hot teas, etc. after, or before if you are so inclined and have time, check out the eucalyptus steam room and take a shower… they have everything you need to do yourself up, but you can bring your own toiletries and store them in your personal locked locker.
On to the massage. We got the couples massage, though we did get it through Groupon, but that shouldn’t make a difference as far as our experience. We were politely fetched from the lounge, brought to the massage room and then asked about our preferences. When the therapists return to the massage began it was incredibly relaxing. The best part of my massage was the first 30 seconds when she did some sort of maneuver that put pressure on my entire back and cracked my whole spine like a chiropractor. It was amazing. I feel like there wasn’t a ton of variety in the action that was happening on my back and I didn’t get the toes and finger massage (you know, when they get to the end of your arm or leg and just individually sort of pull/​rub down each for like 2 seconds). I feel like that’s a pretty standard massage maneuver, but maybe I’m wrong. That’s not what ruined the massage for me. The real killer is that I think my massage therapist was a little under the weather, as she kept sort of sniffling throughout the massage and was chewing /​sucking on what I believe were cough drops. It was pretty distracting when you trying to zone out and enjoy the massage. One focus area specifically mentioned was my neck, it tends to get pretty tight with stress, and she did my neck for the last about 10 minutes, which I’m totally down for. But most of that it was just a repetitive maneuver on my traps, which weren’t even really the focus area, but it felt as if she was just trying to kill time until the massage was over. The icing on the cake was the touch of roughness on her fingers that added a bit of sandpaper to the massage. I didn’t notice this until the end because the majority of the time she was using a larger surface such as her palm or knuckles to provide pressure. And the final cherry on top — for the last minutes or so I guess she got lazy and didn’t want to have to wash any excess lotion off of her hands at the conclusion, so she just didn’t apply any. Much to my surprise, this resulted in an incredible amount of friction and heat on my neck. My girlfriend was not pleased with hers either, though I don’t have the specifics.
Overall, can’t say we’ll be back for the price. Although the extra pampering was awesome, we were really looking for an amazing massage that was nowhere met.

I have now been to Spa Velia 3 times for massages. Every time it was nothing but relaxation and professionalism.
I love the dark relaxing facilities, everything is clean and the staff are welcoming from the moment you walk up to the desk to check in.
The 2 different massage therapists I have had had excellent pressure, were great at their jobs and friendly to boot.
I will continue to come back here for massages on a monthly basis. Yeay!

Because the services where excellent I increased the rating. After the first impression of walking in almost had a very low rating. We walked into no air condition. It was so uncomfortable it made for little relaxation. It came across as if the spa was near broke. Crazy for a city like San Diego where the temperature in city is perfect.
The service providers were so pleasant and good with their profession and were very conscious of the temperature so it helped tremendously.
Champagne was a nice touch.
Receptionist was also exceptional.

I have gone to Spa Velia twice now and have been absolutely satisfied with both visits. I had the deep tissue massage during the first visit and the Swedish Massage during my visit this weekend. The staff are always friendly and bring you a Mimosa prior to your service.
After the massage, you enjoy their sauna and relaxation room with tea. I will continue to come to this spa to receive relaxing services. Highly recommended.

I took my Mom to Spa Velia for Mother’s Day last Sunday to get massages together. I was a little nervous because neither of us had been here before. I saw the excellent Unilocal reviews and decided to book an appointment. Luckily, on Sundays, street parking is free downtown. If you plan on going any other day, be prepared to pay. There is a parking lot conventionally located next to the spa if you want to pay a flat rate. It was $ 15 when we drove passed it, so we decided to look around a little bit to see if we could get a free spot. Fortunately, we found street parking only a few blocks away and still arrived about 15 minutes early for our appointment.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by a female at the front desk. We signed in and immediately got the tour of the spa. Then, we changed into our robes and relaxed in the lounge provided with snacks (cookies, nuts, and adorable mini pastries topped with fruit), tea, and water as our appointment time approached. Right on time, our masseuses, Cora and Lauren, came to get us. They took us to a room down the hall from the lounge and let us pick out aromatherapy oil for our massages (I picked lavender). They made us feel at ease and asked us if we wanted specific areas focused on more than others. I decided to go with the full body massage since I don’t really have any problem areas. Lauren, my masseuse, told me to let her know if I wanted more or less pressure, but it was pretty much on point throughout the entire massage. I will say, the only part about the massage that I think may have caused some pain afterwards was having my neck pulled upward with a towel and rolled back and forth. It felt good at the time, but my neck hurt for a few days following. It wasn’t a big deal though as I would try it again.
After our massages, we had adequate time to hang out in the lounge again and enjoy a pomegranate mimosa as well as try the snack items. The mimosas were awesome and the food tasted fresh. It was a really nice way to end the massages. Overall, everything went well due to how organized this spa is, which made the experience great. I really liked that we received a confirmation email for our appointment two days early and an appointment thank you email right after we left. The staff was extremely professional and did a fantastic job making us feel completely relaxed and pampered at all times. In addition, the facilities are upscale and clean. I would be more than happy to come here again and recommend this spa to others. Bringing my Mom here really made her day and will be a very special memory for us both!