After such a stressful morning, I arrived feeling tense and achy. I needed a massage badly but since I usually go to health spas in SF and don't know of any good spots in the East Bay, I was reluctant to take a chance on some place new. Desperate for relief however, I ran a quick search and found Bellissima Zen Spa. Priti was my massage therapist and she did a stellar job! During the massage, she'd check in to make sure the level of pressure was exactly how I preferred. She was professional and a pleasure to speak with. I feel entirely better after my session and I would highly recommend Priti to anyone who needs some restoration and a mood boost. Thanks, Priti! I'm looking forward to my next session. read more

I can't believe I just found this haven. The moment you walk through the door, calmness abounds. The person who helped me on the phone and the therapist was fantastic with the right amount of pressure. I got a massage with added cupping, and a facial. It was heaven. I felt it was reasonably priced. They were able to accommodate me just the day prior for all these services, and I saw they were able to accommodate a walk-in for an hour massage as well. I will definitely be returning and recommending this to my friends. read more

This place was so cozy and had a very serene setting. It stands out on the road and has a very cute garden in the front. The group I was in all thoroughly enjoyed their massages and many aches were eased at the end. The facial I received was very relaxing and even the extractions were very painless. The environment is fantastic and the people working here are very kind, offered me tea when they saw that I had a sore throat and such. Highly recommend, very relaxing and rejuvenating. read more

The massage was on the gentle side in terms of pressure but the setting was very relaxing and I liked the oil rub down

Had a couples massage and it was awesome! We went in for our one year anniversary being married and this place was just perfect. The ladies were super friendly and we left relaxed read more

Booked a same day appointment for wedding anniversary and was stoked because of 4.5 star review. The masseuse had no idea what she was doing. She rubbed bone alot of the time and had sharp nails that dug into my skin. I left with and still have a sore lower region in my back. Not worth $75, wouldn't have paid $5. So disappointed. read more

i had to write an update. I wrote a 5 star review in July of 2008, but since then my experiences have not been very good. Each time I've gone since then, I've been kept waiting for at least 40 min past my appointment. The last time I came in was at the end of my pregnancy in summer - I was hot, tired, sweaty, and I had an appointment for a manicure and pedicure. I was kept waiting for over an hour and when I went to see what was up, someone came out and said that the manicurist was on her lunch break and she didn't know when she would come back! By the time she arrived, I had only time to do either a manicure or pedicure, not both. I haven't been back since and I now get my pedicures elsewhere. Sorry, Bellissima, I can't wait more than an hour past my appointment time! 15 min is okay, an hour is not. read more

I have been getting facials for two decades now. This was the worst experience of my life. I had a groupon for a hydrating facial. Called and made an appointment. Reached before time. They were free, took me immediately. From there, everything went downhill. She started with the facial, which was way different than what I had gotten earlier, but I thought new place.... She applied cream which would with difficulty moisturizer my little finger on my face and then left it and concentrated for some bizarre reason on my hair! Hair! More hair! It was supposed to be a hydrating facial. I am lying there half naked and a woman walks in demanding my phone to pull up groupon and do the billing! In middle of the so called facial!! Before I can think, she takes it.. God knows what else she did with my phone. I am hoping that now the facial would start and she announces thank you! Not even an hour!! When I ask her what was that she says no one told her it was hydrating facial! She said facial to me in the beginning, then I go the counter and ask them about the joke of a facial and they say that they don't do all the steps for groupon customers!!! I was almost crying with anger to my car. I feel cheated and taken advantage of! I still tipped her, but she didn't deserve it. It's horribly and deliberately disorganized. I felt that she knew what she was doing as the lady who took my phone signaled something to the facial woman and said something in their native language. It was all on purpose. Very disappointed and sad. read more

I took my daughter here for a facial -- really to remove the henna she accidentally smeared all over her face. They were so nice and professional. Also, they made time for me to do a pedicure at the same time. Lovely and relaxing. I wish they'd been more aggressive at scrubbing off dead skin, not to be too gross. read more

Affordable, Relaxing, Quiet, Attentive Service. Great place to get pampered and escape worries or stress. I've been coming for years. Owner Monique is gracious and lovely. Thanh gives a great massage with a deluxe pedicure and also does a full body massage. Get a 15% discount if you come on your birthday. I've often fallen asleep at the end of my pedicure. Clean, pleasing environment without the fumes found at most nail salons. No kids running wild or people talking on their cell phones. Treat yourself without busting your wallet. read more

What a lovely place! I will definitely come back. Such great services and a wonderful deals that ultimately lead you to feeling relaxed and all jelly-like. I got a package deal which included an hr massage, 30 min facial, and a hot tub soak with an added eyebrow wax for only 120 dollars. Thanh was great. read more

I love the vibe at Bellissima! Trickling fountains, relaxing music, Buddhist sense of compassion for all. It sounds silly but I really feel that the owner cares deeply for all of her clients. Monique is fabulous! The aestheticians at Bellissima will indulge you like a queen, serving you tea or cool water with orange slices. The spa atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, not the kind of place where you have to listen to people yacking on their cell phones. I've had massages, waxes, hot tub, pedicures and a facial. For waxing, I always asked for Monique. If you want her, make sure that you ask for her specifically (same for anyone else). Otherwise, you may be passed around from one waxer or pedicurist to another. She gives a great bikini wax and has a light touch. If anything is uncomfortable, let her know and she will slow down. I've had leg waxes done by other aestheticians but none of them compare to her. I also enjoy her light, soothing Reiki energy healing and massage. If you want a more shiats-style rubdown, ask for Brianna. Brianna also does great Thai-style massage stretching. She used to work at a chiropractor's office so she is great at facilitating muscular release. By chance, I had a pedicure done by a new employee, Thanh. It was the best that I have ever had! Thanh gave me the best pedicure that I have ever had...she lavished my soles with attention and worked out all of the tough spots on my toes, too. My feet have never looked so good! She does an incredible foot and leg massage, too. I always have to close my eyes and take in the moment I disagree with the reviewer who said to head to Annahita. I considered them once, when Monique was out of town and I really need a waxing. I left a message describing what type of services I wanted and what times I preferred. The owner left not one...but two rude voicemails on my cell phone, irritated because I did not pick up my phone. (I am a teacher and I was...you know, teaching.) Since I go to the spa to relax and not to be chastized, I didn't give Annahita another thought. I never regretted it, either. I have referred several friends to Bellissima and they enjoyed it, too. read more

Bellissima Day Spa is amazing. I've been here 15-20 times as I'm incredibly loyal. Their massage therapists always have new techniques and are never repeating the same old massage. The vibe is very relaxing and they give you water after your treatment. I love it here and will keep coming back. read more

This place is pretty fantastic! It's a bang for your buck. It's not pricey, so I figured I would get what I paid for. I had a 45 min massage, 30 min facial, and pedicure. I can't lie- I checked the time because I figured I would be skimped on time. I had a legit full 45min of a good massage! I'm pretty picky, so I was pleasantly surprised. The facial was good- no extractions or exfoliation, but the facial massage was pretty bomb. My therapist (same for both) hit all these facial, neck, and head pressure points and I was allll loopy and on cloud nine after that. I had a manipedi scheduled- note to self.... They don't remove gel..... So i ended up only getting a pedi. Pedi looks fab. All in all- this place is a hidden little gem and I'm STOKED I found it. read more

My 90 minute hot stone massage with Monique at this place was extremely disappointing. I just don't think she has much skill. She wasn't able to get the pressure right or the right spots. I also thought it was odd I was never asked what spots need attention. She just started the massage without ever asking. I left this spa feeling unsatisfied and $120 poorer. read more

Oh, why didn't I discover this place years ago? The perfectly Berkeley vibe, convenient location, reasonable prices and excellent services gives Bellissima five stars in my book. I'm leaving the U. S. this week, so I won't be able to revisit them, but this spa is clean, well appointed, friendly and just wonderful. read more

My boyfriend and I came here for a couples massage (60 mins) and it was exquisite. I got the complimentary underarm wax for first time clients and I loved it because it was virtually painless. I haven't had many massages in my life, but of all of them, this was definitely the best. My boyfriend and I felt completely relaxed and physically, my body felt free of tension and aches. We both agreed that we will definitely come back here. It was a great experience. Next time we will get 75 mins or longer -- I was so sad when the massage ended. Also, I think the price was very reasonable. read more

I've frequented this spa about five times and have never had a bad experience. Today I decided to ask for Thahn, since Yelp reviewers seem to love her, and I was not disappointed. I got a 90 minute massage and Thahn made use of the full time. The pressure she applied was perfect: firm, therapeutic, but still relaxing at the same time. Thahn is a petite woman and at times, I felt compelled to peek and make sure she was the one still giving me the massage, since her hands are pretty strong. I'll be back again. read more

I don't get massages often but this past Saturday I was feeling just beat up (from driving Go Karts to a happy hour gone long and just overal bad work ergonomics). On my way back from a brunch my wife suggested I try Bellissima since she had good experiences with them. Well, I have no complaints about anything with this place. I can't give them 5 stars since I don't get manipedis or facials but my massage was very good. Brianna was very professional and the spa/home feel is nice so I hope to be back. read more

UPDATE (8/08) The last few pedis I had here were somewhat disappointing. The girls always seemed distracted, and the polish didn't last long at all. My last leg wax there was disappointing as well - I had lots of missed patches... read more

Finally got around to using a gift certificate I received. I had the Celestial Path package, which includes a one hour massage, 30 min facial, and 30 mins bath. I think the massage and facial combo finished about 15 minutes early... but that's okay because Thanh did a pretty good job. It's a lovely little place and not too busy. If you're looking for a nice little place to get pampered in Berkeley I'd recommend Bellissima! read more

OMG price to getting what you want ratio is fabulous here! Ask for Thanh, she is AMAZING!! Got one of their packages and it was amazing.

Great deals on Mondays, cozy little Zen environment in the middle of Berekely. Massage & hot mineral bath is so worth it.

Just keeps getting better. Modest environment with the most skillful masseuses. My boyfriend and I travel from san francisco to have massages here. We've tried numerous spas and fell upon this one by accident. I would refer this place to the most fastidious people though the surroundings are antiquated, the service is outstanding. read more

Super happy I found this place! Very peaceful environment and convenient business hours. Thanh helped me and she was amazing, happy and discrete. I am definitely going back! read more

Nice Staff. Great all in in one stop to be pampered, tortured kindly with hot wax then maybe pampered some more.

The massage therapist, Len (a woman), and the nail technician, Tan, were sweet and very competent. This was much nicer than a strip mall nail salon, and very reasonably priced. I'll definitely return! read more

I loved this spa, and its right in my neighborhood. I had a very therapeutic massage, and then a nice soak in a hot tub.

I LOVE this spa! The location is great, prices superb, and all the staff are wonderful. I mainly go to Thanh for massage, manicure/pedicure, but you can't go wrong with anyone there. Try this secret hideaway out for all your self care needs :-) read more

Bellissima Day Spa is a paradise right in the middle of Berkeley. When I go there I feel like I have entered another world and another time. The sense of calm surrounds me as soon as I walk in the door, and when I sit down a cup of herbal tea is served to me before I even know I want it. Every need is anticipated and attended to. I always ask for Monique for a massage, and sometimes treat myself to a facial, which leaves me feeling not only my face is cleansed but my mind as well. The head and neck massage that is part of the facial frees my mind and creates a sense of lightness, as if my head could float out into the universe. Monique is truly a healer, and intuitively is guided to the places where I am holding tension. With the deep tissue work that I request, she loosens muscles, skillfully releases aching joints, and enlivens my circulation in a way that makes me feel twenty years younger (I am sixty-eight). When I leave the table it is with ease and comfort. I truly believe Belissama Day Spa is why I never get sick. When I feel something coming on, physical or emotional, I go to Monique. A massage once or twice a month has reduced my medical bills to almost nothing. read more

I came here for a much-needed massage & Vivian was wonderful. I will be back! 90 minutes of heaven, a truly healing experience...I feel lighter & circulation is back, relief! I'm relaxed like never before. read more

I love this place. A truly relaxing vibe and very nice people enhance the great manicures and pedicures.

I recently moved my family to the South Berkeley neighborhood and was delighted to find a local day spa around the corner. I had injured my back during the move and was in serious need of a professional deep tissue massage! Priti was absolutely amazing! They got me in within two hours of calling and Priti gave the BEST massage I have had since being in northern India. Aruyvedic, deep tissue, pure heaven! And the staff were so sweet and welcoming! I came back with my 12 year old daughter two days later for a pedicure and eyebrow waxing...all fantastic! They also have very reasonable prices and great jewelry and such up front. I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! And I will definitely be a regular! Thank you Priti and the wonderful staff at Bellissima for making me feel nurtured and welcome! read more

I was very happy with the eyebrow and lip wax. I don't like the brows shaped too much - just enough that they look thicker. Accompli. So, I schedule a manicure and pedicure. Though the practitioner was very nice, the polish job was seriously chipped within two days. When I removed the polish, I could see that the filing and cuticle trim is uneven. read more

Bellissima Day Spa is a pretty cool spot for facials! It was very relaxing and my skin feels so soft! I took my daughter there today for her 16th Birthday! We will be back! Thank you for much needed facial/neck message! It's definitely worth the money! read more

Amazing service and an awesome massage! The place is very cute and relaxing. Definitely a place to go to.

Hands down the best facial I've ever gotten. I called at around 5pm asking for an appointment that same day and they told me to come in at 6pm. I was a bit skeptical because they had an open spot that last minute. But boy did they prove me wrong. Highly recommend Priti for a facial. Very friendly, very straight-forward, takes her time (because what's worse than a rushed facial??), they have reasonable prices, and the location is lovely as well. Definitely found a place that I'm sticking to! read more

Since my last review, I have gone in for more extensive packages. I love Moniques phone voice & of course Thanh is the man!! Or woman but you know what I mean ;). I have had several health issues & no extra money but I thought, I really need to take care of myself if I want to get better. Thanh was so aware of what I must be going through & she took awesome care of me. They accomodated my needs as well, I didnt need certain things from the package so they substituted them with other services for a sort of self made package. LOVE LOVE LOVE this day spa!! read more

I thought that I would finally write a review. I choose to have one person, Thanh, do my facials and eyebrow wax. She is awesome. She pays a lot of detail to having beautiful eyebrows. I've had massages, manis, and pedis. I would highly recommend Thanh for facial and wax. They are reasonably priced and it's not too hard getting appointment. read more

Theresa just gave me the best mani/pedi I've ever had. For the price, you can't beat it. Last summer I had a less-than-5-star experience, but now I know who to ask for. My nails looks fab, she was patient, I was relaxed and happy. I don't shell out for this kind of thing often, and when I do, I like to be able to tell that I didn't do it myself. Jungle red, girls. read more