First, I would like to say that my previous visit was phenomenal. The masseuse by the name of Yoyo…read morewas excellent. I should have written a review about her, but this past experience really took away from the business as a hole and I will explain why. I purchased the Groupon for one hour deep tissue/Swedish massage. I have a friend visiting from out of town who also purchased the same Groupon offer. We called ahead of time and nobody answer the phone, and then somebody text from the establishment and we arranged for two massages within 30 minutes. Great! Upon arrival, they set up the rooms. We quickly went to our tables and proceed with the services. As my girl was entering in the room, I noticed she had her basket with two cell phones. Passing thought, I hope that's not a problem. well, I looked at the clock and it was 2:40 PM. During the massage, I kept hearing her answer the phone, in English, of course, to make arrangements for customers coming in. In between the phone calls when she was supposed to be massaging me, I felt her hand touching me as if she was making sure that I knew she was still there with her one handed very light touchmoving around on my leg and arm at different times. That behavior went on several times throughout the massage. I asked her to get into my shoulders and my neck with the deep tissue. Not only did she leave the room twice, take three business calls and spoke to clients while doing my massage, but several times I could tell she was texting because she was not massaging me, but rubbing me with her fingers of one hand while she was obviously distracted, and then she went back to two hands. When she finished the massage, I felt extremely gypped. Not to mention, she finished five minutes early. And for anyone getting a massage who really needs some muscles pushed, and work out because of pain, that five minutes is golden. Upon meeting my friend back in the front of the establishment, she was even more upset than me. She said that her girl kept talking on the phone, and her native language so she knew it was a personal call not a business call... And she did not follow her instructions either. I still tipped my girl $10 because I didn't have any change and my friend tipped her masseuse, six dollars. Hindsight, I should not have tipped them at all. And I'm a little upset about that. As we walked out of the establishment and shared our experience, I felt compelled to go back in and let her know how we felt about it. Of course she just smiled and said we will do better next time. I asked the girl where my previous masseuse was. She said she left for Seattle. I really hope they can do better because I thought I found my little diamond in the rough over there in the hood/not so great neighborhood.

The Aura Spa has become one of my most favorite locations. Yoyo totally took care of my shoulder…read moreand back pain. She was AMAZING! The room was also quiet and clean. I walked away feeling totally relieved and would highly recommend this place. I will definitely be going back. Many thanks to the entire Aura Spa staff for my wonderful experience!

Me and my spouse had been stressed with work/life and thought this might be a good solution, the…read moreexperience absolutely blew our expectations outta the water. staff was very kind, patient and attentive and the session left us feeling like new and didn't even hurt the wallet lol would definitely recommend especially to couples looking for a nice romantic experience

I was gifted a 2.5hr spa treatment for my birthday and loved this experience. The woman who took…read morecare of me was very nice and patient with me. The spaces looked clean, smelled good and had a relaxing vibe. Overall it was a good experience that I recommend. Everyone should at some point have a spa day. I left my phone in the locker, so no pictures. That being said, the lockers have PIN numbers you set yourself so your stuff is safe during your stay.

I was gifted a certificate for a service to Girl on the Go for my birthday. I finally decided to…read moremake an appointment, and I am SO glad that I did! I am always a bit nervous when getting a facial service, but when I walked into this adorable space, I felt reassured. You are greeted with that wonderful spa scent that calms your spirit, along with lovely snack treats and spa water. I waited a very short time before I was brought into the service room. In the room you are provided with additional special items that make your visit unique ( I won't spoil it). My facial was with Dana and she explained everything to me before, during and after the service and is super skillful, knowledgeable and kind. My skin looked so good when she was done! I can't wait to go back. I highly recommend Girl on Go, you will not be disappointed!

I cannot say enough wonderful things about this place! My custom facial was delightful, the place…read moreso lovely and Dana was so sweet. I left feeling like a queen. Will definitely be back when I'm next in San Diego!

I came here for the sauna and Epsom hot bath a couple days before my bikini comp. $70 cash for…read moreboth, 30 min each. Wow I was overly relaxed. Dress as you please because it's a private room up to 2 people, so bring a friend or a lover to join. They shower you with drinks and sweets. I am so glad I found this place. The infrared felt like being in the car under the sun, where you want to take a nap. The best feeling. The hot bath tub, was my very first hot bath, so took time to slide my whole body in, but eventually acclimated. I do plan on coming back to try the massage package also. They provide razor, shampoo, conditioner, towel, face wash and face lotion. so leave those at home. Bring a loofa and body wash and a change of clothes. I felt very zen and slept really good the night of. Much needed! Thank you Essential! Recommending to my friends and family for sure.

I found street parking by the grace of God, not really good parking but that's every place…read moredowntown... When I walked in, I was instantly greeted with a smell of mildew. I paid a deposit prior to booking, so she asked if i wanted to pay right away or later. I like to get things over with right away but I should have waited--probably could have gotten a discount for my complaints. I used the restroom before I was shown to my room and it was old, and dingy looking. Very outdated, and it smelled weird. The room seemed nice at first. She informed me that she wasn't able to fully close the door all the way but there was a curtain that could be pulled close. There was still a gap open so I felt exposed. There were two men who had just finished their massages and were getting ready to check out, and they walked past, I didn't like the fact that if they wanted to they could see me. They need to get that fixed... I looked to my left and there was the nice set up tub with snacks then I looked to my right along with a nightstand that had someones toiletry, items and used retainers!?!? There was also a tub filled up quarter of the way with dirty towels?? Idk. Didn't seem clean at all. I kept my crocs on. I got in the Sauna, my first time, that was okay. She asked if I wanted to shower and the shower was disgusting, so I didn't. The sauna was only supposed to be 20 minutes I believe according to my package but I was waiting for much longer for her to come and take me to my next room. The only good thing about this entire experience was my massage. I honestly didn't want to put my face in the hole because everything smelled funny to me. That was my only concern in that room. After I got over that the massage was great. BUT she used some kind of strongly mint scented oil and when we got to the front of my body it was very overwhelming. My overall experience was not great at all. I did not pay for this my significant other did and I feel so bad. But I give it two stars for customer service because she was very nice.

Stephanie is an absolute legend!…read more Based on my experiences (two ashiatsu and one fusion, so far) I feel she is genuinely interested in finding exactly what her clients need and acts on those needs with a quiet confidence and strength that comes from conscious practice and a solid sense of connection with her client. I have some long term sports injuries/traumas that have hardened up in my older age (thanks to my invincible younger self!) and her ability to dig in to those as deeply as they need without anything snapping back through the movements is testament to how well she understands pressure modulation and control of the body. I have had found great massage therapists over the last twenty to thirty years and she is absolutely the best I have found. In short, I'm a big fan and I will be keeping regular visits as part of my healing journey!

I have been receiving massages for the past 15 years. I came to Kuba Uchi and received a massage…read morefrom Stephanie who is definitely a seasoned massage therapist. Her technique was by far the best I have experienced in San Diego! She did a combination of Tui Nai with balanced deeper pressure and relaxing to help me destress and unwind. Stephanie listened to my body's needs and left me feeling relaxed and pain-free. I would highly recommend receiving a massage from her and not to mention what an amazing atmosphere.

James is the most incredible body work therapist I have had the good fortune to meet. I struggle…read moreintensely with depression and many times, body work is the missing piece to help me heal and get back on track. James's blend of techniques are perfect. He always knows exactly what to do and where my body needs to release. The fascia release work he does is incredible. I've had some of the most intense healings in my life happen on James's table. He is also greatly in tune with energy and how the body and energy field work together. As an energy healer, that's really important to me. As I said to James, he is an integral piece of my healthcare. I can't go too long without a session from him. James thank you for caring so deeply about your clients and offering your incredible expertise to the world. We're lucky to have you.

James is a very kind and caring Massage Therapist. I've received a few massages from him already…read moreand I can feel an improved range of motion. During the bodywork sessions, he becomes very intuned with your body. He will ask you questions to address any sensations felt during a specific technique and will explain how the technique may benefit you. His hands are a perfect combination of strength and sensitivity. Since James has been been treating patients for a very long time, he is very knowledgeable with various methods. He is on a continuous journey of enlightenment and spends time attending classes and seminars to educate himself. Highly Recommended!

I've been dealing with chronic foot pain and sciatica for a long time, and this massage made such a…read moredifference. After the session, my body felt much more relaxed and the pain and tension were significantly relieved. Most importantly, I finally had a really good night's sleep! I highly recommend this place to anyone dealing with pain or muscle tension. I'll definitely be coming back!

I didn't have a good experience here…read more First I asked for female staff. The owner was very gamey over the phone, he told me they did. When I got to the room, I was expecting a woman since he never disclosed to me... that they only have a man here named Kevin working. I also had to pay $60 BEFORE, I got services which is truly wild. Kevin, seems like a great man. I kept saying "please don't do that" "go softer" "be careful my shoulder" and he just kept saying "don't worry" and proceeded. Overall I was uncomfortable. I needed self care and now I feel worse. As I was walking out and said goodbye they both said "are you not going to tip?" I was baffled.

My brother booked me a thai massage at this location on a whim and usually I have a few spots in…read moreClairemont that I patronize. This was a pleasant surprise! You can book online and pay online, depending on the time of day, there is decent street parking around. The place is on the 2nd floor through an unassuming door, and you are welcomed with a zen and peaceful entrance foyer. The people are friendly and attentive. My shoulder was bothering me and the massage was exactly what I needed. Definitely returning here :) Highly recommend!

I had my first deep tissue massage here and had such a great experience! At first, the pressure was…read morea little too intense for me, but my masseuse was amazing and immediately adjusted when I told her. She really listened to what I needed and made sure I was comfortable the entire time. I left feeling so much better, and all of the knots and tension I had were gone. I'll definitely be coming back!

Had a one hour deep tissue with tina last night and honestly was very impressed with how good and…read morestrong her pressure was . I will definitely come back for a deep tissue when needed..

Great experience!! I'm sold!!! Very relaxing and theraputic!! My main goal was to get relief from…read moretightness in my back and shoulders!! Mission accomplished!! Thank You

A comfortable, quiet environment. If you arrive early for a treatment, the waiting lounge is a nice…read moreplace to relax. Front desk staff was welcoming, courteous, and efficient. Kit did a great job working out knots in my back and increasing mobility in my neck. A great choice for a massage.

Time for a little review update. With a change in schedule, over the past few months I had the…read moreopportunity to try a different Massage Therapist at the Knotstop -Itzel! She is a true healer, and is very gifted in treating lingering injuries. I've been grappling with arthritis in my hands, and have an old shoulder injury that keeps dragging me down. Itzel does great pressure point work and also active stretches that have been very beneficial to my healing. She is professional, courteous, and superhumanly strong! I'm very grateful to have exceptional care at the Knotstop with Itzel and Ryan! Pro tip, treat yourself to the membership. I get the 90 minute massage deal for $135 for deep tissue, you can't beat it! Also, for a more chill experience, check out when you check in! That way you don't have to go to the front desk twice. I square up at the front desk when I check in, that way, I don't have to go back after my massage and deal with any details. I always tip my Massage Therapist in cash after the appointment.