A spa day to celebrate my birthday at the Salamander Spa in DC and I loved every minute of it!…read more I was greeted by the receptionist and taken to the relaxation room as I waited to be taken to the spa area. I was given a brief tour of the facility and since I arrived 45 min before my service I was able to enjoy the infinity pool, steam room and sauna. The ice cold washcloths by the sauna were heavenly. Taquita did both my signature massage and my pure radiance facial. She was amazing! She took the time to ask me my pressure preferences and well, the rest is history. After my treatments, I enjoyed reading my book in the relaxation room while hydrating with the water that was provided. The snacks were also a nice touch. Will I be back? Yes, I think this might become a birthday tradition.

Visited the Salamander Spa with a good friend on a Tuesday afternoon in December. I'll start by…read moresaying that the booking process was pretty awful. I suspect they are either understaffed or...something...because my friend had to put in several phone calls when the online system was giving us the blues. Once we got over that hurdle, things were pretty smooth sailing. I received several confirmations in advance and when I arrived the day of there were no issues or complications. For a long while, we had the lounge relaxation area to ourselves. The snacks were water, tea, pretzel bites, wasabi peas, and some kind of unsalted nut mix. Not the best spread but I did have my share of pretzel bites. Our massage therapists arrived promptly and on the other side of our services (90 minute massage for her and 60 minute body exfoliation followed by a 60 minute massage for me) we were both incredibly relaxed. We didn't use the steam room, pool, or sauna but I'll be sure to check those out next time. The services are pricey but the facilities are nice and I wouldn't hesitate to return. Special shoutout to my massage therapist. Duane was my tech and...he did that! Very professional from beginning to end, and very good at what he does. When I was checking out, somehow I was nearly charged for both my services and my friends. I was in such a relaxed state that I didn't catch it but the staff fortunately did. All things considered, a lovely experience.

I came to Balian Springs for celebrate my birthday with some self-care care and relaxation. To…read moremaximize my time, I arrived right after they opened at 9. It was nice to seem to have the place to myself for a while before more people came in. This was also during the middle of the week, but by the time I left the spa was pretty packed. It's also cheaper during the week, and if you buy a student ticket. The facility is stunning, making you feel like you're in the tropics. The heated pools on the first level were the perfect start to the day. My muscles almost immediately felt looser and relaxed. The massagers were a nice touch as well, just the press of a button gets jets of water shooting at your back. They have smaller pools in the larger one with hotter temperatures, and there are 4 on the side along the wall as well with varying temperatures. I enjoyed all the saunas with their various health benefits. The bar offered different frozen CBD drinks and mocktails. Kelvin was the man! He made you feel right at home, and I like how you can sample the frozen drinks. I got the Mango Guava CBD water, which has the same amount of CBD as the frozen drinks for half the price. It was refreshing, delicious, all with zero sugar. For lunch, I ventured to the 2nd floor and ordered lemon pepper wings with a side of truffle fries. Of course there was an upcharge to get the truffle ones. It was nice and hot, and very filling. I enjoyed the aroma room, immersion room, and peeks my head in the multimedia room. There were also numerous areas to lounge and relax as well. The third floor was the rooftop bar and outdoor heated pools. If you're looking for a luxurious spa day, Balian Springs is the place to go.

Ive started to notice that people who like King's Spa dislike Balian Springs, and I am one of those…read morepeople. I like that King's Spa provided uniforms. At Balian Springs, you wear a "modest swimsuit" with an optional robe and they provide a towel as well that you carry between the spa. I think that the uniforms at Kings Spa keep things more sanitary. I also don't drink so the bar options at Balian Springs don't appeal to me. I did try the virgin sangria and it was a lot of sugar. The body scrub experiences are comparable. I have tried the Gold full body scrub and CBD full body scrub at King's Spa, and the K Scrub luxe at Balian springs. All three include the body scrub with an exfoliating glove, a wash, oil, massage and hair treatments if you want. The services are comparable in price between the two locations, ranging between $170-$220. Balian springs is definitely a larger spa space, and you can spread out, but there's pool right in the middle so naturally there's a lot more conversation. I prefer the quiet of King's spa, but at the end of the day, a spa is a luxury I hope more people can experience.

I'm trying to live a healthier lifestyle and the first step I'm hearing from the fitness community…read moreinvolved detoxing the system. While looking for a colonic black owned business, I stumbled upon Inspired Thru Nature. As I began browsing their website, I noticed one service I always wanted to try, the ionic foot detox (scheduled a colonic for another time). An ionic foot detox is said to work by pulling the toxins out of your body through your feet. I texted the number on the website and sent an email requesting an appointment for two and luckily, the business had a dual machine and was able to do a couple's detox. Response was quick and a few hours after my initial contact. The owner is very accommodating and helps to work around your schedule. As you walk in, you're asked to complete paper work, a quick two/three page doc. We were then escorted to the back room, sat on a comfy sofa and advised of the purpose of each device we were being connected to.... a wrist wrap, foot basin w/ sea salt, and warm waist wrap (for comfort). She started the machine and checked on us a few times throughout the process allowing us to relax and enjoy the soft music and aromatherapy smells in the air. During and after the treatment she explained what toxins was being release based on a color chart. Once done, our foots were removed from the tub and placed in a regular soaking basin to clean off followed by the owner drying our feet off and providing a quick oil rub massage. I highly recommend these and the many other ways to detox the body (cleanses/colonics). Our systems are overloaded with high levels of toxicity from the harmful chemicals in our hygiene products, cleaning products, foods we eat, and natural airborne toxins. The liver/kidneys works overtime to filter them out so detox methods are a great way to help out.

I moved to MD last November and was happy to see there was a colonic wellness center in my area…read more(literally about 8 minutes away). I was even more excited after I noticed the 5-star reviews and it was Black-owned. During my first visit, the noticed how clean the area was - which is a PLUS! Depending on what kind of person you are, Pam is not very welcoming nor does she say a lot. So if you're a person that requires that level of attention, then I'd pass on this place. The prices are a little high from what I'm used to ($85 per visit), but I was curious to inquire about any special discount packages Pam was offering. The rule is, you come three times, but on your 3rd visit, it goes from $85 to $65. What wasn't communicated to me was that you have to come within a week of each other. I spaced mine out over 2 months and was quite surprised that during my third visit, I had to pay $85. After she explained that they had to be done within a week of each service, I let it go --- and paid the $85 for the third visit although, she never communicated that to me in the beginning. I was thinking she'd meet me in the middle and have me pay $75, but nope. And I let that go... Well... I started a "new series" with her and this is when it began to get weird. I would text her and she would be late responding or would hit me up the day before an appointment that I never scheduled. Or, she wouldn't remember when you came/didn't come (she keeps a really bad time sheet in a manila envelope in a large file cabinet). There was even one time I booked with her and the next day, her assistant never showed up which was a total inconvenience to me. She kept saying she would make up for it etc etc. and when she finally did... she tried to charge me $85?!?! I went through my phone and gave her each time I came etc. She was missing a visit (of course) which brought my total from $85 to $65 -- then I looked at her like "Ummmm, didn't you say you were going to give me a discount for the no-show incident." She gave me a discount --- it was $10 off. So, I received $10 off of a service when you didn't show up for a confirmed appointment that I had to move my schedule around for? Wow! Whenever I patronize businesses, I will give you an opportunity to make it right before I make the decision to not come back. As a business owner, you have to truly ask yourself "am I doing the right thing by the customer?" or "Is there something else I should be doing to make my customer's experience better" or "If I was in their shoes, would I come back?" Maybe she was like that previously hence the 5-star reviews, but I don't think it holds in 2019. I haven't been back nor will I.

First time getting a colonic. The place was clean and inviting. The staff was professional and…read moreensured I was comfortable. They explained the process which put me at ease. My experience was very pleasant so I'm going back for a few more. I left feeling lighter and more energetic. Go get you one. Health is wealth!!

The doctor is strange and maybe crooked about something - I can't ever tell what; beyond me. She…read moredidn't provide any off-boarding for my time there - she just kind of stopped paying attention and acted like I was doing something improper. I was really offended. I had to do a lengthy examination of blood work to determine a treatment plan for overall fitness and I was expecting Dr. Knights to go over the improvements in my internal readings ~ to off-board; because I really did take the health improvements seriously. The visits in between were helpful. I entered myself as a patient for mental clarity. Sauna work, colon care, some IV stuff - but it was already backed by a personal interest and some information I already have in the natural medicines. I really don't like how some of the staff did not know how to professional enter medical needles into the skin - one of the girls really hurt me by improperly sticking me and I wish I had stopped all treatments that day. I think they can improve a tremendous amount and I am still offended that they don't respond to any of the unprofessionalism. I don't feel safe in their care so no ~ I would not recommend to anyone or feel safe recommending to anyone.

Whole Health Massage - a treasure of a place, a jewel amongst all others. Cross the threshold of…read moreWHM is like taking a step into an enchanted cottage. It's unusual to find a skilled and tuned-in professional who immediately knows how to approach an individual's massage with fantastic results. Aches and pains disappear, flexibility restored. Scheduling is very easy and efficient to do from the website and confirmation quickly communicated. I highly recommend this business located in the trendy Huntington Ave corridor!

Brenda is the best. Been going for 10 years. I have osteoarthritis- always feel better after I've…read morebeen w/ Brenda!

Good energy serene atmosphere I would visit again real soon top notch services and my massage…read moretherapist was very kind and attentive just showed a amazing time at Body Bliss

This is old- but it was so bad I have to get it off my chest! This company did cancel a lot so that…read morewas already not good . But a few years back, a chocolate tone, kind of short woman who worked at the front desk and was the masseuse, was a complete nightmare to clients. She was rude, manipulative and unhinged. I had two sessions with her. The first session with her was mediocre. The second session reception said she was the only one available so I took a chance because I needed it fast. I still remember how while giving the massage she tried to trauma dump on me about her walking into her apartment to see that someone unalived themselves in it. Wtf?! Why are you telling me this while you are massaging me? Why are you talking to me? It's completely inconsiderate and inappropriate. And if you are a kind person it's hard to hear someone went through that and not have empathy- But I'm paying for this time and you are ABUSING IT!! I didn't want this woman touching me anymore she was just a soul sucking, destructive, bleeding spirit that needed personal help and to find another profession so that her toxicity wouldn't spread further. I remember calling to make an appointment for someone else for the 3rd session. I had no qualms about politely but directly saying that I did not want her again. Then she pretended to be someone else and said that she was the only person available for the time time slot. I just said never mind. She kept intercepting the calls for some time and it was impossible to get anyone else to talk to. I wish I didn't buy the package. This was years ago. It seemed like they were ok with this nightmare of a soul working there in a space of healing for so long. I lost money on this and it's been years and I still have triggers of thinking about how terrible the service and the masseuse was. I HOPE they got rid of this person because I'm sure she single handily ruined significant income and clientele for this business. I haven't been back because her energy was so bad it ruined everything. I think she even pretended to be the owner in writing- it just wasn't worth the time to figure it out. it says a lot for a business to have someone so horrible like that around and they not see it. Rebuke!

This business has extremely shady business practices and I would not give them a dime of your…read moremoney. They have a Groupon that is $68 for a Colon Hydrotherapy Session (a $110 value). On their website, it shows the $110 value session is a 40 minutes session, so that is what you would expect your session to be. However, when you go in there for your session you anticipate to be a 40 minute session, they have you fill out your paperwork, make you wait additional time and see you 30 minutes after your arrival, and then tell you your session will only be 20 minutes. When I mentioned the discrepancy in the time, they said they can choose to have their sessions for as little or as long as they would like. Run far, far away unless you're really into deception and supporting businesses that have no ethics.

Run. Stay away…read more Scamming: They wont book you unless you pay for 3-5 sessions in advance. I used one session. Got sicker than a dog (vomiting, fever hours after). When I asked for the 2 other sessions refunded they gave me the ol' palm to the face. At the appointment, I basically had to administer the entire thing myself. (Unlike the places I have been in my home town). I was left in a room with a machine. Unsanitary Practices: Community coconut oil lube jar next to the machine. Need I say more? Sicker than Ive ever been in my life a day after. Poor Customer Service: When I asked "hi please take me off your appointment calendar. yesterday and last night and today im sicker than ive ever been in my life. Kindly refund me for the 2 unused sessions" Her response was. "All sales are final." Even though I had given her plenty of notice to fill those dates. Horrible experience.

Bought a Groupon and was pretty nervous because I've never had a colonic so I didn't know what to…read moreexpect. I hope you find this review helpful if you are considering one! PRE-COLONIC: -Do not eat 2 hours beforehand -Avoid gassy foods day before and day of like: cauliflower, cabbage, beans, broccoli, onions, cucumbers, raw apples, melons or unripe fruit -Apply abdominal castor oil pack for 1 hour 3 days in a row before (I didn't do this) COLONIC: -You will be lying down, undressed from waist down, and completely draped at all times. -Warm alkaline water (about 20 gallons) flows through a small sterile one use disposable tube that is inserted into your colon. -Occasional gentle massage aids in the release of accumulated waste and toxins. -She explains everything very thoroughly (super interesting to hear more about your body) and answers all of your questions. POST-COLONIC: -Right after you will want to go to the bathroom and empty all of your fluids and it takes awhile but after you're done you feel amazing...the only thing I can compare it to is when you wake up in the morning and brush your teeth and your mouth feels so fresh and clean, that's how my gut felt after! -Avoid gassy foods for 2 days -Avoid strenuous exercise -Eat laxative foods: salads, vegetables, fruit, juice, soup, fish, chicken, turkey -Drink several glasses of water with lemon juice CONCLUSION: I've read the other Yelp reviews and I can understand their concerns with the appearance but that's just aesthetics. I mean when you think about some of the best food you've ever had it's typically in a low key, hole in the wall spot. What's important is the end result and I highly recommend if you're looking for an effective cleanse this the place to go! She also provides you with a care sheet and information on how to maintain your wellness. I'm interested in coming back for some of her other services!

This "doctor" was rude, unprofessional and acted as though she would rather be doing ANYTHING but…read more be in her office yesterday . I was so shocked at her nastiness and snarky attitude that I almost walked out twice, but went ahead- thinking she "cant" be this way the entire time. But- I was wrong.. she got worse. To begin ... she was late and left me at the door outside ... for 10 minutes. We she arrived she didn't even introduce herself.. I thought she was a front desk person. But she was slamming around clipboards and no eye contact .. just over all rude. She attempted to charge me for a consultation ... but I told her there was NO place where a $50 fee was attached to this appointment. The paperwork does mention a consultation ... but there is no mention of money . I told her " of course I assumed you would consult with me before sticking a hose up my backside .." she agreed to continue without a fee.. but from that point on was like a used care salesman.. or timeshare.. Pushing products and upselling with every word. When I questioned her about anything ... from the amount of water being used, or what was in the fluid of the "green coffee mugs" she was adding ... she blew me off and said "its a basic colonic that you asked for" there was no explaination of the service... no step by step sharing of what would happen before or as it was happening. For someone who has never had it done... that would be the least she could do ... It went south from there. I told her I was full, and she added more... told me to tell when I had enough and was full and I told her I already had a few minutes prior and she continued to add more. As she told me to roll to my side, I told her fluid was escaping and I could feel it on the table and on my buttocks.( in fact i had to raise my body and l lift my shirt, so it wouldn't get wet . When she told me to get up and walk across the hall to the bathroom - fluid came out ( as expected.. right :?) and she got furious. Told me I did it on purpose. While I was in the bathroom - she was banging doors etc... When I exited the bathroom she told me that she has 2 mops .. I just looked at her.. and say "excuse me" Her reply ? yes, I have 2 mops, get one and help me clean up your mess" I told her absolutely not - I was not about to do that. Would you clean up blood if you bled on the floor of the lab during a blood test ?? she told me to go out the back door ... ( my car was in the front parking lot. As you can imagine... I will not be sending any referrals her way . I would never go back and wouldn't send my worst enemy to her. She obviously needs more customers or she wouldn't be advertising with Groupon, but with this attitude - and demeaner - its no wonder she isn't doing well .

So thankful to have found Denise and Rain Health and Wellness via a groupon last week. I completed…read more2 sessions of colonic hydrotherapy and what a difference it has made! It was recommended to me by a friend as I restart a health and wellness journey. Luckily, I found a groupon and purchased 2 sessions. I called in advance and asked a bunch of questions before making the purchase. It was my first time and I was nervous and anxious about the procedure. Alva spent a lot of time answering my questions by phone and walking me through what to expect. I made my appointment and went in the next day. Denise is the most amazing provider! She made my experience super comfortable (considering the circumstances lol)! She walked me through all the steps and really helped me to understand the process and my body. She shared so much insight and details of her own personal journey. I wish I had looked into this process years ago! Only 2 sessions in and I already feel such a difference! Excited to see how this helps me with my detox and journey to a healthier self.

I loooooove the infrared sauna here. The staff is laid-back and friendly. The price is very…read morereasonable to me. An absolute rejuvenating experience every time I go there. I highly recommend it. I love their service - either for my health or for pampering myself.

There are not a lot of cold plunges in the area and decided to go to Bethesda as I saw you could…read morerent your own room with a sauna + cold plunge! I was very impressed with the set up. Got there at 8am in a Saturday and had a great time! Since I was the first one in there I believe the dry sauna was just getting warmed up and didn't get to really sweat from it but was able to sweat a bit before jumping into the cold plunge. Great experience and highly recommend trying it out and facing your fears with the cold water