Five stars for massage by Alef--he has a very unique technique--long bold strokes, various pressure points, using his arms, elbows, hands, with continuous movement from your shoulder/back all the way to your toes. He also does some stretching in the masages. I agree that this is one of the best massages I have ever received (and I have had massage for over 12 years on a regular basis). You cannot be shy though. I agree that it was very hard to get an appointment intitally--website appointments had none available and I never got a return call after several messages. I, too, found this place thru Groupon, who intervened after I complained. Thereafter, I have made other appointments with Alef, which also took a while for a return call. Keep trying! It takes a few weeks to months to get an appointment. read more

The greatest massage you will have in your entire life.. IF you can get an appointment. Yes, it is extremely difficult to get a hold of Alef via phone to schedule an appointment, my suggestion: BOOK ONLINE. I am absolutely going back, IF I can get an appointment. PS The suite is located upstairs, pass the gate. read more

I purchased a 50 min deep tissue massage, I told him I liked it more on the harder side, it felt like a Swedish massage. It was a 6 out of 1 to 10. Wouldn't suggest it to a friend. Bummer, I really needed a good massage. Cute place tho! read more

I should have written this a long time ago, but to be honest, since Alef is only one person with a schedule that books up quick, I didn't want to share him! I've been going to him monthly since December 2011 when I came across a Groupon Now deal. He is the best massage therapist out there. Hands down! His muscle expertise is like no other, the best I've ever known and I'm not a newbie to massages. He's able to find tight muscles and he has a certain fine pointed technique to really get in there and break that muscle down. I'm on his monthly program and it sounds like I'm really lucky that I got in when I did and became an established client. I'm sure there are a bunch like me that book up his schedule real quick. I've missed only 2 months out of the last 18 months. As for those out there that gave him a bad review because they didn't get a call back..be patient. It's honestly only because he's THAT busy cause he's THAT good. If I can't get a hold of him, I email him. That works best. Think of him like French Laundry up in Napa...some of you will get that reference. Also, once you meet him you'll realize that he's just truly the most kind hearted person that just wishes he had enough time to help as many people as possible with his gift. read more

I did the detox hydrating therapy treatment as part of a bloomspot deal. The spa is very small (I believe it only has one or two treatment rooms) but the ambiance is very nice and the staff was great. Alef, the owner uses custom lotions as part of the service. He did an amazing job identifying the areas that needed the most work and really catered my massage treatment to address my problem areas. I have had a number of massages over the last few years and this is absolutely one of the best ones i have ever had. I would highly recommend this location! read more

As a Female Veteran suffering from PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, back, and neck problems I discovered that since I started getting body treatments from Alef at One Zen Spa I can definitely see the difference in my body, mind, and spirit. There have been huge shifts in my body and emotional state ever since I started getting these body treatments. I go there once a week and have been doing it non stop for a few months now and the results have been amazing. I can definitely say that the body treatments that I get from Alef have become a huge part of my healing process. The set up of the spa, the music, the essential oils that Alef uses mixed with his expertise, allows the person to experience healing in so many ways. I would definitely recommend his treatments to all people from all walks of life. read more

I've had several messages here and I can honestly say that the girl that does my messages (Robin) was OUTSTANDING! I have a lot of arthritis in my neck and I always ask the therapist to focus on the neck area. Rarely do they ever do this, but Robin did! I have had many many messages in my life, at many world famous spas around the world and this girl was definately world class! I would go once a week if I could afford it. Now with groupon etc., you can usually get a message for under $50, so if this place did some sort of special I would go more often. I love this place and I think they really do an awesome job. Only downside is if someone in the lobby is speaking, you can hear it in the room which can be distracting. read more

I bought a coupon from DiscoverSd for a Massage with Onezen Spa.The massage studio is small yet cozy and relaxing. Alef the owner was very professional and his massage was amazing! He really focused on working on my neck as I have requested. He paid special attention to the pressure as I tend to tense up with deeper work. He is from Brazil and he brings a holistic background to his practice. After the massage was over he met me at the lobby with a delicious and natural blueberry flavored water. It was the perfect touch to such a great experience! Highly recommended! read more

Alef is the best. I have suffered from migraines for 10 years. I have been migraine free for over a year now, and credit that to seeing Alef twice a month. In every session Alef consuls me on what what exercises and stretches I could be doing that are custom to the issues my body is concerned with. One Zen spa is different than any other place I've been to, and the main concern is always overall well being and healing. I cannot recommend this place more. read more

Alef is a god send. I went in with tension, headaches and back ache and after two sessions felt it melt away. I'm definitely going back and recommend if you enjoy your first session to book a second right away. He books up pretty quick. read more

i bought a 50 minute massage for 39 dollars as a promo on blooomspot.com and it was the best massage i've ever had. i had a girl named Robin and i told her im a cyclist and she really worked me good. got sooo deep into my muscles. noone else has ever done such a great massage! i've been to a lot of masseuses too. la costa resort and spa is a close runner up to great massages. anywho, best massage ever from Robin. i feel like i should have been paying hundreds of dollars for such an awesome massage! read more

This place is a fraud. I also purchased a groupon and have been unable to get a hold of anyone since october. Taking money from a person and not providing services or goods is known as stealing. DO NOT PURCHASE any deals from this guy, unless you like throwing money away. I dont care how good you appear to be on yelp, you are a crappy business. read more

I really really wanted to like this place. I got a Deal a few months back and finally had a chance to use it last Friday. The massage itself was pretty good (I asked for a relaxation/Swedish massage). But the Deal I purchased was for an 80 minute massage with a 20 minute hand and foot reflexology. I got a 50 minute massage instead. I would make the assumption that the front desk girl failed to mention the details of my visit to Alef. She was the real problem. She is absolutely awful. After my massage I went to hand over my Deal and she was very dismissive of me the whole time even saying "Well, are you going to leave a tip?" And finally saying "Well...you're done, you can go now." Not what I would call a very enjoyable or relaxing experience. read more

Here's the thing: Alef is probably as wonderful as everyone says. I got my massages from 2 other therapists and they were good. Peggy especially. But, the other reviewer said it truly: what is the deal with not being able to get an answer when you call??? This is a BUSINESS! and there is a forward to another cell phone and that cell phone is FULL, and for days you may not be able to leave a message or get an appointment with a Groupon. I got one for myself and 2 as gifts, but not sure I can fulfill the gift if I cannot get an answer on the phone, and no way to email a request...very strange. I thought he had hired someone finally to handle the phones but guess not. read more

Tried for 2 days to make appointment... Only answer machine.... left several messages and still no call. Are they out of business?

I have been coming to One Zen to see Alef a couple of times a month for the past four months and I could not be happier. I sought out a regular masseuse as part of an ongoing treatment plan to rehabilitate my back and I had seen a couple of different ones and of course I had seen many in the past as well, but after my very first massage with Alef I knew I had found the best one. As my back is healing and changing, each massage is a little different as he focuses on different areas and uses different techniques. He seems more in tune with my body than any other masseuse i've seen. But he's more than just skilled, he's super sweet and really listens when you tell him what you're feeling and what you need. He makes excellent recommendations on what to do in between massage as well. I had one massage from another lady there as well, I don't remember her name, but it was terrific as well. So I would highly recommend One Zen Spa! read more

I tried this place out due to a Groupon and I'm so happy I did. Alef focused on my neck just like I asked and used a combination technique that left me feeling great. When the massage was over he provided some great holistic advice to help me feel less stressed, and to release the tension in my neck. I highly recommend OneZen. The only downside is the space is shared with another salon so I could hear the other client talking during part of my massage. read more

Alef is amazing - I'd call what he does more "body work" than "massage". I've had many massages where I feel like a slab of meat being worked in a generic pattern, but Alef feels your body as he works, incorporating a variety of techniques including stretches, myofacial release, trigger point & deep tissue. Besides the great massage, parking and scheduling are easy and the price can't be beat ($39 for one custom massage per month). I knocked off one point since the place doesn't have a very spa-like setting (only two rooms with thin walls) and they've had some trouble with running credit cards but you forget all that when you're face down getting a fantastic massage. read more

So glad I found this place through Groupon - I will definitely be back. Had a prenatal massage today with Alef, and it was AMAZING. I have had other pregnancy massages and they were relaxing, but nothing compared to my session today. FYI - must book appointments online; I had a very hard time reaching him by phone. read more

I just got my groupon massage this morning. ..It was absolutely perfect for me. I am also a Massage Therapist and require just the "right touch and technique"... Alef met my needs and exceeded them. He is a very talented theapist! Such a wonderful space to reieve a massage as well. I bought my husband a gift certificate on my way out! read more

I had my 2nd massage tonight from Alef! Really good experience both times! I signed up for monthly massages at a discounted price! Totally worth it! Nice room, music, and parking! Happy client! read more

I signed up for biweekly massages with Alef after I found this place through one of the social deal places. He is the best massage therapist I ever had. Highly recommend him! read more

I just had my first massage with Alef at ONe Zen Spa. That was one of the best massages I've ever had. I've had a lot of massages before and I am very particular in pressure and technique. He needed no guidance and had the perfect pressure. He knew exactly what areas to work. He even gave me advice and guidance on how to relive the tension in my legs. I used my Groupon to go here and was so happy that they offered me a great discout again. How can I refuse? I bought another massage on the spot! read more

I bought a massage for One Zen Spa off of Groupon. I am so glad I did. I tried out the table-shiatsu massage and it was great! I was so relaxed when I left. Alef did a great job with the pressure and I felt very comfortable. I will definitely be back soon for another massage. read more

Outstanding massage and body work by Alef of OneZenLife spa! Understood exactly where my sore points were and treated beautifully. Treats your body holistically and you will leave feeling very relaxed. Can't wait to book next one! read more

In the Fall of 2011 I was going through some tough physical times. An injury (spine fusion/disc problems) had resurfaced. Not only had they resurfaced but I was experiencing new bulging discs. I was going to physical therapy and a chiropractor but things weren't improving. My Chiro suggested I try massage to relieve stress. So I saw a groupon for OneZen Spa for a massage. I purchased it. It was a little hard to schedule at first, but actually every groupon I've gotten for a service appointment has been the same from any vendor. Delightfully though, once I did I have been going to see Alef at OneZen Spa every 2 weeks ever since!!! He and his style of massage have changed my life!! Seriously!!!! Alef is the owner of the Spa. He runs it all by himself, so please be patient. Good things DO come to those who wait. I promise. I call Alef my Brazilian Massage Guru. He is extremely knowledgable about massage, the body, how you are holding tension in areas, sports/injury massages, holistic healing and he is very connected to his clients. I look forward to every appointment with Alef because I know it will be a mind, body and spirit experience. When you come in he greets you so kindly. He has water, gives a hug if you like, and is genuinely interested in you and why you are there. He really is more then a masseuse. He's a healer. I know that sounds weird but when you come in to see him he gets to know your body. He assesses your muscles and tension before he even begins the massage. He can be very gentle or do super deep tissue massage treatments. Trust me! I know from experience! Each time I go the massage is different depending in what's going n with me body. At first, I thought why is he only focusing in this area or why is he so hard or gentle in a spot. Now I know. It's part of his healing treatments. And yes I call them treatments because that's what they are, for me. If you give Alef a chance you will NEVER be sorry. He gives an excellent massage with light to heavy touch. He can customize a treatment program to heal your injuries through massage and suggesting epson salt baths and certain oil treatments. He will listen to your problems (lol) and he gives wonderful advice if you are open. Like I said if you want a healing mind, body and spirit experience you MUST go see Alef at OneZen Spa. he is kind. He is genuine. He honors himself and every person that walks through the doors of the spa. My experiences for the past year or so there have changed my life! Truly the best massage and experience! read more

We bought 2 80-minute massage Groupons last June and couldn't be seen until today (more than 6 months later). But that was the only problem we've encountered. The massage was great- I agree with the others who've written that Alef knows what he is doing. In fact, we are now thinking of joining at $49/month each for 50-minute massages. The place is lovely and convenient (with some off-street parking). The massage room is very sweet; nice lighting and a heated table- when it was too hot I asked Alef to turn it off, which he did right away. All in all, I think I've found a massage Healer who will help me feel and be better. I recommend Alef and this establishment, but you'll have to be patient in terms of actually getting an appointment. He told me that as members it will be much easier to establish a monthly routine. A VERY good massage for $49! read more

Alef is incredible! I have massages with regularity, and this was one of the best. It is the little touches that make a HUGE difference, and they were all there... some I'd never even thought of. First, there is a heated mattress pad. Heaven! Before rolling you onto your back, Alef dims the lights! And he listens to your body when it comes to amount of pressure. He alters his routine to what your body is asking for - unlike the "one size fits none" approach many practitioners take. All of this and I was there on a Groupon! read more

I found this company in response to a groupon and I am glad I took a chance on it. I mean lets be honest, we never know how things can turn out and especially with a massage. I had a great experience from the start. The front office staff was polite and customer oriented. When I arrived at the office 15 minutes early I wasnt made to stand in the waiting room til the start of the hour, I was taken immediately. I had a 2 minute discussion with Jaoquin about what I wanted and he followed my wish-list perfectly. He didnt ask a million questions during the massage and used the time efficiently to work on my trouble spots. and btw, when they say a 50 minute massage, they mean it. Its not this bullsh*t with 60 minute session but then you wait in the hall for 10 minutes and then in the room for another 5. I would highly recommend it and I will be back soon. read more

As long as I live in San Diego, I will not get a massage anywhere else. What you have to remember is that Alef is just one man and he can only see one person at a time and doesn't work 24-7. Best massage I have ever gotten - completely customized for my needs. I would describe the massages as part relaxation massage, part spinal adjustment and part physical therapy, which is exactly what I need with IT and hip issues and a stressful job. I too found it frustrating to make appointments by phone for my groupon. However, once I went a few times, I realized how much I needed to go on a more regular basis so I joined Alef's monthly subscription - I see him once a month for a 50 minute massage for an insanely low amount. I book my appointments a month or two ahead of time. read more

I am in my 50's looking to improve my health in the face of increasing arthritis, tendonitis, etc. I get a deep tissue massage from Alef monthly for the past 18 months. These massages have helped me to repair my posture by alleviation of pressures and pains getting in the way of my daily efforts to keep my back straight. As such, I think of Alef's monthly massages as medical-grade *therapy* sessions without drugs, scary chiropractors, or worse (surgery?). Alef listens to my progress reports and actually customizes my massages based on what is currently happening in my spine and muscles. Deep tissue massages can be painful, I hear, but Alef is very sensitive to the condition of the muscles, and applies a comfortable, but effective pressure always. His concentration is phenomenal, and I truly feel he is a caring, compassionate, *healer*, who is always working to improve his techniques. read more

The bad news: I was not able to make an appointment after several voicemails, emails, and attempts at making an appointment online for....MONTHS. The good news: He must be a great masseuse. The bottom line: It doesn't matter if he is great, he is running a business. I am disappointed I was not able to use my groupon to experience his greatness. Groupon was great about resolving the issue. I didn't want it to come to this, but it's only fair that I give you the warning. read more

In their defense I haven't had a massage yet, so I don't know how the services are. My issue is that I bought a Groupon and have been trying to make an appointment with them for 2 weeks! No one answers the phone and when I've left messages, no one has returned my calls. Their online booking system shows they are booked through the rest of the year, which I am guessing is an error. Even if you're busy with Groupon business, this is a crummy experience for a potential new customer. read more

I purchased a massage back in November and still have not been able to schedule it. Nobody picks up the phone (I've left 2 messages) or responds to emails (I've sent at least 3). I even walked in to try to get it resolved and nobody was there. It's pretty ridiculous that the business is being run this way. It won't last long if it continues. I am STILL trying to get a refund. read more

Same as all the other one-star reviews: bought a Groupon, can't get Alef to call me back. Must be nice having so much business that you're willing to accept this much negative publicity. Have requested my money back from Groupon. read more

Last minute decision to get a massage with a Groupon Now deal and it was MORE than worth it! Joaquin was terrific! I basically went in saying I was full of stress and sore all over and he worked and worked. Can't wait to go back for a second massage in a couple of weeks and I am not normally a regular massage person. Perfect balance of pressure and relaxation. Highly recommended! read more

I have group on for this I called them emailed them thousands of time in last two months but they never replied. I left so many voice messages but they never get back. You can book appointment online but they ask for credit card info so group on or deal you get on yelp won't work for it. I can never get the service or money I paid through groupon. I am planning on taking legal action against them. read more

Sounds like you can get a great massage here - too bad I can't get an appointment. I bought 2 massages through Groupon, called several times and left voicemails but never got a call back. I also tried the on-line scheduling system but couldn't get an appointment before the Groupon expires. Frustrated, I turned to Groupon for help, and they didn't get a response from OneZen, either. I finally asked for a credit from Groupon, which they provided. I will be much more careful about buying massage Groupons again. read more

I would give Alef 10 stars if I could! In fact, if I ever have doubts about buying a groupon deal, I think back of the time I bought the massage at One Zen Life through a groupon deal and all doubts disappear! So glad I found this place. I have become a regular client! Alef is very knowledgeable and caring. His techniques are superb and I am a VERY picky client! He books up quickly so you will have to be patient. He is worth the wait! read more

Massage was amazing! I really liked the vibe of the spa, it was peaceful and very relaxing. The owner was really intuitive during massage, found all the problem areas without me mentioning.He doesnt make you feel rushed or uncomfortable at all. It was not an unconnected, weak massage like some other places I have been. Enjoyed my entire experience and would highly recommend!! I am going back again. read more