Awesome massage and wonderful people! 20 years ago, I was a frequent client of Swan Day Spa in Lake Elsinore. My job was very physical and stressful, and a massage is a great way to reduce stress and muscle recovery time. Swan Day Spa was operated by a wonderful woman from Korea who took great pride in her service. Her team were always professional, patient, and kind. I moved out of the area but often thought of how experience driven her day spa was.
I moved back into the area and decided to visit Swan Day Spa again. This review is based on my September 2025 visit. Writing a review about a massage parlor is tricky. Many people imagine something negative or naughty takes place in massage parlors, especially if the staff is Asian. It is an unfair and undeserved reputation. I have traveled the world for work and so my perspective is much broader and less biased against such fictional stereotypes. California has very strict licensing requirements and Day Spas are highly regulated.
First of all, Swan is right next to a mall church and a sushi bar, so the parking lot can be busy. Swan has consistent longer hours thanks to a fully resourced massuese staff to manage both walk-ins and scheduled appointments. The abundance of staff allows Swan to keep their service prices affordable.
Ownership of the spa has changed several times. The current owners put money into upgrading the rooms, lighting, tables, relaxation music, etc. Most of Swan's massuese staff are from Korea and that is a good thing. Of all Asians, Koreans have a strong work ethic, very disciplined at mastery their craft, and are generally stronger if you need a deep muscle rub.
When I went inside, the lobby/waiting area was roomy and bright. There was a menu of services fully explained with pricing by time. Affordable pricing. Great deals when you think about the cost of the services provided. I was lucky to have a team of Yuna and Connie to help me from check-in to goodbyes at the end. They are AWESOME!!!! Very kind and patient staff who answered all the questions I had and guided me through the experience. My massage was the best I have ever had. I don't know if it was because my stress levels were high or because the massuse is an expert or some combination. It was thorough, it was symmetrical, it was principled. My massuse was cheerful, energetic, zen like. I micro dozed (fell asleep) at least 3 times. It was exactly what I needed in that moment.
When we said our goodbyes, I was offered water to drink, invited to come back again, then I tipped lavishly with waves and smiles from both Yuna and Connie until I walked out the door. It is expected that the guest will tip generously, at least the amount of the service, but I tipped lavishly. I personally think that whatever service you select, your gratuity should be at least double that amount. Don't be pulling that 18%, 20%, 22%, OTHER type of the gratuity game in this industry.
I definitely will be back! I will get my massages at Swan Day Spa until I have worked with all their staff roster of supermodels and moms. (Then maybe I'll write a review ranking their staff!)
In closing, It isn't a front for a brothel. It is a group of very skilled Korean craftswomen who happen to be very beautiful, elegant, and mother-like. I had a great time and will be back. Swan Day Spa doesn't care about reviews because touch service has to be experienced. Swan Day Spa staff doesn't tolerate creeps. You are expected to be a gentle-person, minding manners, and tip generously. The asshole who wrote that 1 star review was likely a creep and got rightly turned away at the door. I don't know why Yelp allows someone to review a service they didn't experience. Their loss.
Do I get to pen my review? If so, I stand for my words...
Magically yours,
Pilot Denni - the celebrity balloonist® read more
