I was ethnically and religiously discriminated against, manager verbally assaulted me and made me leave the facility, then sent me a harassing text, my massage was only 40 mins instead of 60, the massage therapist was sick and didn't clean her hands after each time blowing her nose throughout massage, massage therapist was fighting on her phone in lobby, and several other issues happened. I recommend never going here even if you get a great discount because they have so many problems that you are almost guaranteed to leave stressed. I am more than appalled and they don't even deserve one star! There's not enough space for me to leave all details here. But most importantly... When I politely talked to the manager about the issues, she interrupted me, kept repeating herself and getting louder, then stood up and told me that she didn't want customers like me (referring to my culture), didn't want my tip, and told me to leave. I was not yelling or being aggressive at all. She had anger issues and is extremely defensive and reactive. She said she would give me a full refund through Groupon but to get out and never come back because they don't want people like me. I never received the refund from her. --When she asked me to leave, I stood up and went towards the door, told her I was shocked and appalled that she would treat a customer like this, left, and she closed the door hard then locked it. I could hear her talking about me to the receptionist. --About ten minutes later I received a very long text message from the manager basically repeating what she already said including an ending that stated: "Out of respect for you and your culture, we respected that and gave you female therapist but you did not respect the therapist in talking negative and talking about her personal matters. I'm aware your culture is different being from the middle east but here, in our culture we can not talk about personal issues." --Note: The manager is not originally American and is most likely from somewhere in Southeast Asia. The massage therapist seemed African American. I totally respect them as human. I'm only pointing this out for context and to show the hypocrisy. --Note: I am part European, Mexican and Native American. I am not Middle Eastern. People always think I'm only white because of my light features. My immigrant family immigrated to the US in the 1700s and 1800s. I have no foreign accent at all and I was wearing American style clothing. I never asked for or insinuated that I must have a female massage therapist. She was religiously profiling me because I wore a scarf on my head when I entered the facility (because it was literally freezing outside)! Notably, when I came out of the massage and went to the bathroom through the lobby, I wasn't wearing a scarf on my head and there were men around. Don't do it...never go here. Such a shame! read more

I've been here twice and am about to make my third appointment today. If the service continues to be as good as it's been, I'll be a customer for life. Ladies, see below for more details if you're interested in a brazilian wax and vagina facial. (I didn't use a groupon, but if you do, just follow their booking policies and you should have a good experience. Keep in mind that groupon keeps 50% of the price you paid for the groupon and the business only gets the other half of the already heavily discounted price. It makes sense that they need to keep 40% of their daily bookings open for customers who pay full price so that they can afford to give groupon customers a great experience. Or better yet, call them directly and ask if you can arrange a deal that's equivalent to the full price of the groupon and book whenever. Seriously, I didn't use a groupon and I know their policies because it's super clear on their website. Sorry for the long interlude, I just feel bad for illa spa and the bad reviews from groupon customers who didn't follow the policy, but write that they had a great service once they arrived.) Back to my experience. I have coarse curly hair and get ingrowns, so I was really intrigued by their brazilian and vagina facial services. I believe Hanna performed my service (sorry if I got the name wrong). It was a full facial, including cleansing, manual scrub, chemical exfoliation, steam, and manual ingrown extractions using a cool threading technique. She even waxed some of my stray hairs during the facial, which I didn't expect. I went back for a second appointment, and this time she performed microdermabrasion to lighten some dark spots and I also added on a full brazilian for a really great price. For the first time since I've started waxing/sugaring, I don't have ingrowns even as the hair grows back. She is a miracle worker, and I can't believe how inexpensive all of these services were. I'll be back! read more

BUYER BEWARE! DO NOT BUY THIS GROUPON! It's obvious per my experience and the experience of other reviewers that this place has a troublesome booking system. My original appointment was changed, but they didn't let me know. So I showed up and the manager kept claiming that I had been notified when in fact I hadn't. She even went so far as to suggest that I was a liar, because her computer "never fails" is literally what she said. Instead of solving the issue, the manager refused and started asking me to leave. She was unbelievable rude and completely out of line. I was so aghast by her attitude that I didn't know what to say and left the place immediately. I was so sad because this was a gift for myself and I realized I had just wasted all my money. Groupon should not be listing these business that are engaging in such predatory practices. Again, please DO READ THE REVIEWS and see that there are a lot of people out there who have been scammed in similar ways by this business. I feel really bad for the people working there, because that angry, rude manager is going to end up bringing down the business with her. She sounds very rational and composted replying to negative reviews on this site, but trust me, she will be nothing like that in real life. I have never personally encountered such bad business practice. STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE!! read more

We purchased a voucher for the European Facial at $75. 1. The staff lacked professionalism, contacting us via text and phone calls after 11 pm. They were rude over the phone. 2. The environment had a bad odor and was not clean, with food left out in public areas. 3.The facial itself was mediocre and did not match the promised experience. The "Custom Facemask" turned out to be a generic sheet mask. The session, advertised as 55 minutes, was closer to 30 minutes with us spending 20 minutes lying idle. The extraction lasted only about 3 minutes and was not thorough. There was excessive rubbing of exfoliants without proper professional attention. They did not inquire about our skin types or problem areas. 4. We were dissatisfied with the service and had decided not to tip more than $10 each. However, the staff at the counter insisted on a minimum tip of $15 each. When I expressed surprise, she claimed it was stated on the website. Upon checking, the website only suggests a 15% tip. It seems we were misled. It was evident that the staff member was uncomfortable enforcing this "tip," indicating pressure from management. Overall, we felt deceived by this establishment. It was neither worth our time nor money. ALSO! It would be more transparent to label it as a service fee. read more

I had a short trip to DC and my travelling in the city was super hectic that I became so tired and wanted to unwind the fatigue so I looked for a spa near my hotel on the internet and iLLa Boutique Spa came right up. Frankly speaking, since I was new to the city, so I checked out the reviews and decided to try out. Not what I expected, but I would say it's beyond my expectation of having a massage from great yet professional masseur on one of the massage services called "Deep Tissue". Here are some points what I found great and some advice about this: - Deep Tissue course doesn't take much time so it's advisable for those who have limited times - Deep Tissue is the way of giving a pressure right to the tissue layers and is releasing the pain on the muscle - Deep Tissue helps me to release the painful shoulders and back that I have had for a long time - Last but not the least, Deep Tissue helps me to relieve the stress and have a good sleep. Therefore, I would like to suggest any of you who haven't tried or thinking of taking one of the massage courses from iLLa Boutique Spa that it's worth both money and experience. Thank you iLLa Boutique Spa for a wonderful experience!!!! read more

I had an awful experience with Ila Spa massages. I purchased a coupon for 5 Swedish massages and none of the massages received with the several massage therapists was good. I felt more at a business/cash center than at a relaxing place, since I was told I needed to pay more whenever I asked for more pressure when giving the massage, which was too soft and inefficient. What made me feel uncomfortable as well is that the massage therapists look exploited and stressed, they sit in a back room with no space and I have seen the owner speak to them in a rude fashion on several occasion. At my last massage, the man behind the counter forced me to pay a 15% tip of the original massage price, even though I was not satisfied with the massage. When I told him I did not want to, he yelled at me and became extremely rude and hostile, as a result I felt stressed and vulnerable, loosing the effects of the little relaxation I got with the massage. I will never ever come back to Illa Spa, and hope to never face such a bad customer service and treatment. read more

My girlfriend got us couple massages specials on Groupon. After read some reviews we weren't sure if we still want to come. Anyways, as we arrived we were greeted by a very nice warm lady in the reception who offered us refreshments. We did some paperwork and she directed us to our room. My massage therapist was nothing less than amazing!! I travel a lot for work and I have had many massages but this was the best massage I had on my entire life. I wish I would remember her name, but I will come back for sure and ask for her. She looks Latina with blonde light purple hair. The place is under new management and things seemed that had improved. Although, the place looks dirty and too many things all over. They should know that less is more! They also offered us some complementary discount package that I wish we should have purchased. If you have Groupon here few things you should know: they don't make appointments for Groupon on weekends. If you booked online make sure to select the massage fallowed by voucher. read more

I get a lot of facials because I love them more than massages. So I feel like I can honestly say that Hannah at Illa Spa near Dupont Circle in Washington DC gives one of the the best facials I have ever had and probably best facial massage I have ever had. One time she even did a cold stone massage on my face- it was amazing! I have gone 4 times now and every time has been wonderful. After she gave me some deep tissue massage to release the toxins and a special mask to remove the layers of dead skin cells, along with deep exfoliation my skin feels and looked better than it has in years. I travel frequently for work overseas so She she has given me good advice for how to maintain my skin care. I cant recommend her enough. The space is small and simple but dont be fooled by appearances, the facial is amazing. Added bonus, they use Dermalogica products which I use and love. If you are stressed, this is a great way to feel relaxed, happy and ready to take on the world! read more

I traveled to DC for sometimes and wandered around for spa. Finally i found illa spa near by my hotel. I m really love massage as weekly thingy. Because i always work hard physically and mentally, also i play sport regularly, so my body is kinda stiff and has some pains. That day i went for service cos i had muscle and joint tissue pain. After full course of deep tissue, the pain that i ve been suffered for 3 weeks healed in just 90 mns. I was really satisfied. Ms hanna did wonderful job on healing this pain. Only the real therapists know how to fix your body in the right place. Honestly, i would recomend this spa to everyone who want to heal their body as well as their mind.. Its really Worth going there!!! read more

Good massage i have found in DC area for now is Illa spa.we have couple massage there on wednesday.We saw a deal on living social and called to conform whether they had any openings for the same day(but couldn't make it coz there services for coupon deals was booked for whole month). we were lucky on that moment that they gave us some discounts at regular price and we entered as full price clients. They have few places to their regular clients and may some have cancelled at that moment.Our therapists asked about our medical conditions,preferable pressure,parts of muscles tension etc.We had a very relaxing Swedish massage at a herbal aromatic room.We recommend this spa to everyone who want relaxing massage. read more

When I found Hanna, the owner of ILLA Boutique, I told her about a problem that I was having with compartment syndrome in my calve area. The doctors told me that surgery was my only option, Hanna told me 6 treatments. She was spot on. After 6 treatments I was running and doing martial arts again. Without her I would have suffered. I have been going to her for other needs, she broke free years old issues and has made me feel wonderful again. I went to climb Everest in the spring of 2016 and she was able to help me through my hard workouts. Since I have met her, I have referred 4 other friends and every one of them said that she has saved them from years of problems. She is a miracle worker. Bob read more

This place SUCKS! They call that a deep tissue massage, my fking niece could have put more pressure. When I arrived I had to wait, the person who was supposed to do my massage apparently his work shift was hour so I was downgraded to one of those little Asian women who couldn't get a knot out of a tennis shoe. I was HIGHLY disappointed. I am a personal trainer and my muscles get tight so my expectations when I go get a massage is to leave feeling relaxed and not as tight, when I left here I ended up calling another place, paying FULL price but for a real hands down DEEP TISSUE massage. NO wonder you are still on Groupon trying to get clients. read more

I bought a Swedish massage through Groupon, and it was amazing from beginning to end. It was super easy to book online through their website and put the groupon code in and there was a special section for third party purchases. I was able to make my appointment only a few days after I bought the groupon (which is amazing because it is usually a headache to book a groupon). When I got to the Spa on Thursday I was instantly greeted and filled out a form. My masseuse Kendra was amazing, I highly recommend seeing her and I will definitely will be going back. Before I left, they gave me a deal on my next massage so I already paid for my next one! read more

This place is a gem! I had some serious aches and pains and somebody told me I should check out Illa Spa. That was the best advice ever! The spa is easy to find; less than a ten minute walk from Dupont Circle metro. I was met by a Guy named Nam (I think) who immediately whisked me into a comfortable, clean and quiet room. The next 60 minutes was pure bliss. Nam was firm enough to undo some off the knots he immediately located but still gentle enough to put me in a trance for the rest of the session. I floated out of there feeling refreshed and free of the aches I went in with. I'll be back! read more

This place is a godsend for me. I've always had back pain due to stress that used to cripple me at times and after a visit to Hanna, it wasn't as bad as before. I'm very sensitive to pain and it did hurt for the first couple of minutes but the rest of the remaining 40 minutes was just peaceful and I felt very pampered. Recently, I went back for a couple's massage after weeks of trying to convince the boyfriend and Tony who was my boyfriend's massage therapist did an excellent job too. This place is highly recommended, especially for those with chronic pain. I know I'll be a regular. read more

Found this place as a Groupon deal, and am so happy I bought it. I bought a couples massage for my boyfriend and I as an early Valentine's Day gift, and it was perfect. He was a little skeptical of it at first due to the location and layout, but soon felt comfortable after reading the other reviews. Daniel and Jessica were our masseur and masseuse. They were very professional, and made us both feel very comfortable. As a couple who lifts throughout the week, it was so nice to finally have the kinks, and tight/sore muscles worked out. We will be returning in the future. read more

This review is specifically for Hanna. She is easily the most gifted, intuitive and knowledgeable massage therapist I have ever been to. I initially went for a Thai massage and then made 3 other appointments in the week so that she could do more of this hybridized orthopedic massage that is her specialty. The work that we did was specifically to improve my lymphatic system's functioning. This kind of massage was more productive (read: painful) than relaxing, but I feel better in my body than I have for quite some time. She is a genius! I was sad to leave D.C.! read more

I visited Illa Spa with a friend to indulge in a couple's deep tissue massage. We were warmly welcomed by the receptionist and quickly escorted to our room. My friend and I both experience neck and shoulder pain and we were greatly satisfied with the care each massage therapist took in understanding where our concern areas were and how much pressure we needed to enjoy and relax. We had a phenomenal experience with Illa Spa. We walked out feeling relaxed and more importantly our areas of stress felt much better. Highly recommend checking out their massage services! read more

I found this place in yelp with mixed reviews and thought to give a try. It was very easy to make an appointment online (was booked for week already though). Then I called and fortunately could make schedule at discount rate for the other day(at the place of someone's cancelled appointment).I had a lower back and shoulder pain for few weeks.My therapist SIDA listen my problems and he work pretty good.I liked the aroma there at room. I got full 60 minutes massage that other spa usually gives 50 minutes.I would like to highly recommend this place for everyone. read more