I would highly recommend Ivan. He clearly knows a lot about the body and does not just give you a relaxing massage, but also recognizes where things are tight. My shoulders and back were supertight and he knew exactly where the knots were. Certainly one of the best massages I have ever had. The one thing that was disappointing to me is that a super high tip (over $12) is expected which I did not realize beforehand. The massage is around $50 which I think is not that cheap (I'm from the Bay Area and get massages for $30 an hour there). The receptionist told me that Ivan actually only gets something like $13 an hour. If that's the case, I'm even more disappointed in LaVida. After all Ivan is doing the work so I think he should get paid at least half of what I'm paying? Otherwise I would recommend Ivan to start his own massage business. Ivan, you're a great masseuse and you would get so many customers right away! I would give Ivan 5 stars, but because of this money-issue I decided to give 3 stars. read more

horrible customer service. you get bounced around to different employees calling you back when trying to cancel benefits program. rude employees for sure. never returning here again. will not recommend to anyone especially with how the front desk girls treat you over the phone. The manager never apologized for any of the rudeness the employees gave me. Very good customer service you have. save your money and go some where else. read more

Have been having such a bad month with my back and Mina was amazing and helping me relax and working on my back. I wish I was in town more because I would be there weekly! read more

Very first time at LaVida as well as getting a massage and I've already booked my next appointment. I work a desk job and lift 4 days a week so I had a deep tissue massage done by Jeanie.. entire experience was very enjoyable. The massage was painful but expected. It only made me realize that I need to incorporate regular massage into my lifestyle. Would and probably will recommend a friend to go. read more

This was first ever massage and facial. I have been on the hunt for months for reasonable pricing and a welcoming environment. This was perfect! The pricing was great, and I arrived early they constantly were asking if i needed anything, making sure I was comfortable. In the back I had my massage and facial and everyone was very knowledgable in their craft. I was asked if the table was too warm, if I was comfortable, if i needed extra pillows etc. in the beginning. IT was a very relaxing experience. I was very pleased and signed up for their benefits program! read more

My wife and I both had masssages, and the atmosphere was a great mix of both fun and professional. Kate, our massage therapist, was excellent. She created a very relaxed environment, spoke with us about our needs, and gave a fantastic massage - feeling out sore spots and taking care of them. Without hesitation, we recommend La Vida and Kat! We are planning on going back soon. read more

I've been a member of La Vida for several years now and I love the services they provide; I've never had a bad experience here. I enjoy chatting with the front desk staff before and after my services. Jeremy is super helpful and the massage therapists and estheticians are miracle workers! read more

Here is a brief recap of what happened after my first review (written over the weekend): I got a call Monday morning from Lavida (see owner's reply). The girl was apologetic, but partially defensive. Then, she told me that they let the girl go who did my facial... That wasnt the purpose of my review! Way to start a week with a good vibe, I felt terrible. The fact that this girl told me that there were "other thing" too that made them decide to let her go, didnt help much. Then, she offered me a $10 discount if I would come back. I have to say, I wasnt impressed. After already paying full-price for a very poor facial, this wouldn't even "even out". I told her that I wasnt impressed with that offer. She said that she could do $20 off. This is still not even half off, but I somehow agreed to it. Now, however, they didnt have anyone that does facials (only massages). She'd let me know when they have someone new for facials, since that's what I was mostly interested in. This entered me into a brief phone-tag thing, where I'd return a missed call and they have no idea what this is about, then call me back asking ME why I called before,... I still dont know why I was called in the first place. I ended up having to go for a massage b/c they still didnt have a facial person when I had to use this credit... I have to say, that massage I got was very good. Like I said the first time around: not horrible, everyone was always polite and nice. I may give them another change in a year or so... assuming that this girl who gave me that last massage is still around :) read more

The place is clean. Sweet front desk. My experience. The guy was all about his life family and drugs, churches and all over the place. Felt like a therapist. Lol he also has long nails. Ouch. Lol. So I gave 50$ away really. Hubby going for one now. Another person. We shall see lol read more

I called that day and was able to easily get an appointment. It was great they have free parking . The woman who greeted me when I walked in was friendly and attentive. My massage therapist got me from the lobby right on time. She really listened to what I wanted focused on and checked in during the session. If I'm in town again definitely want to see Aafke. Great hidden gem in Pittsburgh. read more

Overall I was impressed with the cleanliness and ambiance of the place but there were a few things that took away from the experience. I was surprised that hot towel option was a la carte instead of included with the massage. If you go to a massage place in a mall or any nail salon that does pedicures, they almost always offer a hot towel to wipe off the oils used without requiring you to pay more. Another thing that made the experience less than desirable was that my fiancé's masseuse apparently was sick or getting over a cold and kept sniffling during the massage. She also smelled of cigarette smoke. Other than that, the massages were good but I will say that I'm glad I had gift cards and didn't pay out of pocket for the experience. Mina was great and seemed very knowledgeable about massage and migraines/headaches. I'd go back again, I just think that they should have a no-smoking while working policy and that the masseuses should not work on clients if they are sick/recovering from being sick. read more

It seemed the reviews were somewhat mixed so I was a little nervous about going to La Vida but I had a SpaFinder gift card to use and they were one of the only places in Pittsburgh to accept it. I have to say I am so glad that I ended up there! The atmosphere was clean, quiet and relaxing with beautiful relaxing music, smells, etc. I had a first-time custom relaxation massage with Jamie and it was very good. Other massages I have had have been a little too deep for my taste, but Jamie's was the perfect pressure and she continued to check in with me to make sure that I was comfortable with the pressure. I felt very relaxed and comfortable, and it was nice that I was asked beforehand if I had any target spots that needed worked on. I thought it was very professnal, reasonably priced and a great experience. I will most likely be back! read more

I visit LaVida in Shadyside every 4-6 weeks for a massage with Allegra. Allegra is, hands down, the best massage therapist I've had around the Pittsburgh area. She applies the pressure you prefer, has great technique and is always friendly and professional. If you want to talk during your massage, she'll be happy to do so, but if you want to be quiet the entire time, she's quiet, as well. I highly recommend Allegra... you won't be disappointed! read more

Since my original review, I have cancelled by massage membership. The turnover rate seemed quite high and it was hard for me to build a relationship with a masseuse. I was sad to see Andre leave, but then found a new masseuse. Not even 4 months later she was gone too. I tried a few others and it just no longer seemed worth my time and money. read more

I should start off by saying this was my first massage by a "professional" and I was satisfied. I was worried it would be a bit awkward, but my massage therapist was very outgoing and kind. The free parking was a unexpected plus. Next time I visit Pittsburgh, I know were I will be heading to. read more

I have had many massages here only because it is very close to my apartment and their hours are convenient for my work schedule. There has been absolutely no consistency in my experience. Of the many massages that I've had, I enjoyed only one- with Letti. She is their deep tissue therapist. I went for a massage here yesterday for a sore back and it was a disaster. I had asked for Letti, who unfortunately was not available yesterday. I was almost going to wait a day for Letti but the receptionist tried hard to sell another masseuse, saying that she's one of their other deep tissue therapists. My back really needed a massage so I finally went in. It was a huge mistake. She had very poor technique- it did not feel like a professional massage at all. I asked for deeper pressure and she started using her elbows! The head massage felt more like someone scratching my scalp. My back felt no different and I came out more frustrated. When I politely shared my experience with the receptionist all she said was "I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it". I regret taking a membership at this place. I'm going to cancel it right after I use my rolled over massages. And I'll go only for Letti regardless of what they try to sell to me. I would have given 1 star for their overall service but the second one is only for their scheduling convenience and for Letti. read more