I love this cutie little sauna in the woods that is clothing optional. Simple and effective, this little 4 personal sauna allows you to add water to the rocks to create steam. Cooling off options are a gorgeous outdoor shower or just resting on the seat outside. No frills, just good vibes. Vela provides a basket for your personal items, towel, and optional sandals. I didn't see lockers. I didn't have a massage but maybe one day. I would definitely come back for a little sauna-ing! Price: $30/1hr - they want you to complete showering and dressing within the hour time slot. read more

I visited Vela for a 90 minute massage and brow wax. I appreciated that I was able to book with minimal notice and the staff did their best to be accommodating. Vela offers numerous services, including two types of saunas, which can be used as a standalone or add-on feature. The vibe was light and comfortable, the staff were very friendly and attentive. Even the clients were friendly and eager to recommend the services while I waited. I was pleased with both services. The only thing that keeps me from awarding five stars is the need to go up and down stairs to the treatment rooms. As someone with osteoporosis stairs can be a challenge and took some of the relaxation out of my experience. Nonetheless, I would definitely recommend Vela. read more

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I had a customized facial with Suzanne, and she did an absolutely amazing job! The location is cute and charming with great amenities and all of the staff are very friendly and attentive. read more

Vela feels like a true retreat. I received a one-hour massage from Brian and he was phenomenal. He applied the perfect amount of pressure and provided the stress relief I was seeking. I arrived 30 minutes prior and enjoyed the infrared sauna before my massage. Only thing I didn't care for was a tip jar for the front desk team. The receptionist was very friendly and professional. Prompts for tipping have become beyond ubiquitous and this one seemed out of place in a tranquil spa. I am sure there are responsibilities for she handled that enhanced my experience, but where does the tipping stop? I already recommended Vela to two friends and hope to return soon. And I left over a 20% tip in cash for my massage therapist Brian :-) read more

This was the perfect little getaway about 20 minutes from my location. The spa has a very clean, peaceful, welcoming and rejuvenating vibe. They have a couple of indoor and outdoor seating while you wait. Also, the staff is super friendly. I had a massage from a man named Kevin and I thought he did a great job. I had a 90 minute massage from Kevin and his technique was wonderful and he was very pleasant. He even gave me a little extra time. They offer a sauna treatment that is complementary with a 90 minute massage. So I spent about 30 minutes in the infrared sauna which was perfect to detox after my massage. Afterwards I took an outdoor shower, bought a local kombucha and was on my way. I spent about 3 1/2 hours total and it was very affordable. Super worth it. I will be going to this place again. read more

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UPDATE 6 years later... Another phenomenal visit at Vela. Had a massage and facial and left floating on a cloud. I think it's important to share that this is a WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS celebrating their 15th successful year. Brandy Hill, the founder and force behind Vela (who was also my esthetician this visit... did not know this until well into the session, she is so low-key!), has built a business that attracts a talented, giving, creative and exceptional staff, and not only survived the pandemic but is continuing to thrive and enhance her community. She could not be more kind, knowledgeable or humble herself. Even though I do not live locally, this is the kind of business I want to support in the world, and I am always happy to return. read more

This place is a haven. It's employees are friendly and helpful while setting up the time/day for your massage. You can request a male or female depending on your comfort level and they are happy to accommodate your needs for any essential oils/special lotions. It's location is a bit strange as it is in the older industrial section of Grass Valley, but don't let that deceive you. Upon arrival you will be greeted and given a basket with a robe, towel and sandals. They will direct you to a changing area and you can leave your clothing in the basket for the time being. The outdoor shower is to die for and the sauna is very relaxing. Absolutely recommend this place. read more

I highly recommend Vela Massage Retreat. I enjoyed the sauna and cute outdoor shower before my full body massage and hand & foot reflexology. It was very relaxing. Gwen was my massage therapist and did a superb job getting the knots and tightness out of my body from head to toe. I felt like a brand new woman when the massage was over! This was my first time at Vela and will definitely go back and ask for Gwen!! This is by far the best massage I've ever had!! read more

I woke up yesterday feeling super achy and was dreaming of how good a massage would feel. I acted on impulse and called this retreat for a couple massage. They were able to fit my boyfriend and I in same day! We started off changing into robes which were provided by the staff. They also had sarongs too and towels which was great. We spent some time before our massage in a sauna which was incredible and loosened up our muscles. They also have an infrared sauna which I would be curious to try in the future. Sadly we didn't budget our time and didn't get to use the outdoor shower! But our massage room did have a shower for us to use before our massage. We had two massage artists, Sarah and I believe Carrie (I forget her name but she had dreads). Holy moly, the second the massage started I new it was going to be a good one. I've had horrible massages in the past were they are essentially just rubbing lotion on you, talking too much, super jumpy... Sarah was incredibly talented and worked beautifully on my achy muscles. I paid a little extra for the deep tissue massage and it was so worth it. This was the best massage of my entire life. Like, considering driving from Sacramento regularly to come here! (Alright probably can't happen, but at least will be visiting again). I had so many knots release and was in a pure state of relaxation. My boyfriend and I could barely talk after the massages. We were complete jello humans. read more

Kaelin is amazing!! Definitely will be back to get another facial! Thank you so much again!

I had a massage with Megan and it was one of the best massages I have ever had. I have a lot of tension in my neck and shoulders. She listened to me regarding pressure and was very intuitive re where to focus to best help me. I highly recommend Megan and Vela. read more

While i have always received excellent massages and facials- i woke up with a fever today and called to cancel/reschedule. Even with a positive Covid test they do not/ will not apply my payment towards a future time. I would have totally accepted even a 20% cancel fee. But they keep the entire prepayment of $120. I want to be able to support local with my hard earned wages, but this makes it really difficult. I saved for a few months for this luxury. read more

I like to think I'm a pretty manly dude. I sip whiskey, shoot guns, and enjoy weekends in the wilderness. Spas aren't my thing... or I should say, they weren't my thing. But Vela just changed my life. Thirty minutes in a sauna and sixty minutes of deep tissue; I'll never be the same. The music took me to the hills of Japan, the lavender lotion took me to heaven. If Vela isn't the first place where Jesus appears in the second coming, my whole life is a lie. I'll be back, and next time I'm bringing my wife. Not only did Vela save my back, they saved my marriage. read more

Love the nature setting! Have had some great services here. Love the steam room /deck area.

This was the massage experience I have been searching for! As a massage therapist myself, I am very picky about 1) the ambiance of a massage business, and 2) the quality of the massage (specifically, how attentive is the massage therapist). I have had so many bad massage experiences in the past, that I get nervous about receiving now. Vela far exceeded my expectations. My husband and I went here to celebrate our anniversary. It's easy to get to- right off the main road- but it feels secluded. I love the forest views and the tranquility of it. I love that the sauna is included with the massage. Having the sauna outside along with the shower was so nice... the cool fresh air feels so good after a nice sweat. Our massage therapist were Zonia and Damia and they both did a great job. Both my husband and I were so happy with the whole experience. We will definitely be back! read more

I had Megan today for a 60 minute massage. I have been painting for four days straight and my upper and lower back were screaming. She listened to me and was very through. I have to say it was one of the best massages I've had, and I have had a lot. She has a healing energy and very intuitive. I came home and did more painting and now laying here with a relaxed back! I will definitely be going back to see her again when I'm done with this DIY project and on a regular basis. read more

I had an absolutely wonderful facial with Chelsea! My face feels and looks amazing. The sauna before and the outdoor shower were so relaxing. The surrounding area is a beautiful setting. I would highly recommend coming here! read more

My wife and I have been 3x in the last two months. We infrared sauna and then do a couples massage. Amazing! Place is spotless, service is 5-star and the massages are best we've found in Grass Valley. Strongly recommend this retreat! read more

Beautiful retreat! The staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is so relaxing. You don't even feel like you are in town.

Vela is a lovely place with great ambience and great practitioners. The massages I've received have been really fabulous. Some of the staff really need training in customer service and basic people skills. When the infrared sauna is not heating properly, for goodness sake say so up front! Instead I was offered the infrared and after finding my way there I sat for 15-20 minutes and realized I was neither sweating nor feeling more relaxed. I went to inquire and was told that a part was on order. When I expressed disappointment at not being informed up front so I could have chosen the traditional sauna and at not getting to pre-massage warm-up I had anticipated I was told I could come back some time for a 30 minute sauna, the point having been completely lost on this weirdly defensive woman. I was not allowed to reschedule the massage, it was too late for that. When I go somewhere for a relaxing experience I don't want a weird and abrasive interaction during the check in or check out process. I'm generally pleasant and appreciative and I like to float in and float out feeling relaxed not annoyed at interacting with someone with poor people skills. You've got to have some skills to work at a retreat! read more

I've been here three times. Two to sit in the infrared sauna and have a facial and once just for the sauna. The first and second time everything was pretty good and I really liked the sauna. The third time was a different story. The esthetician was nice enough but there were several times that it was very uncomfortable. Treatments were too abrasive, I'm almost positive she could see my skin turning red-it was too intense. I've only ever had one other facial where anything like that happened and I get several every year. read more

If you a choice between a great massage and a great massage with wonderful ambiance which would you choose? We've had some great massages here in Grass Valley but the settings were more like a visit to a doctor's office. Today my wife and I got to experience Vela Massage Retreat in Grass Valley. Not since a massage we had on the island of Hawaii have we experienced such sweet ambiance. Vela Retreat is off South Auburn. The area is mostly industrial and commercial. As we looked for the address we began to wonder if Vela wouldn't be what we expected. Then we saw a sign that directed us up a long driveway to a lovely building in the forest. Stepping inside we were transported into a space of sweet serenity and looking out on a mature forest. After doing the initial paperwork, we left our street clothes behind, donned our robes, walked outside to the steam sauna located on the deck beneath the tall pines and cedars. The sauna is "clothing optional." My wife and I chose "optional." Fifteen minutes is all we could take of the sauna. We spent another 15 minutes on the deck cooling down in the shade. We also had the option of showering in the shower on the deck. Noona (sp) came out to the deck and invited us to join her and Christine for our couples massage upstairs. Yes. There are stairs to climb. I'm recovering from a total knee replacement 5 weeks ago, am still using a cane, and didn't find the stairs a problem. The couples massage room was very pleasant with soothing music. Both my wife and I thought our massages were excellent, as good as the best we've had. On our way out we had the opportunity to meet the owner, Brandi (sp). She is a delightful person and it is plain to see that she has incorporated her beautiful spirit into Vela Massage Retreat. We will be coming back again and again. read more

I have been getting massages here for the past 6 months and my girlfriend and I regularly do couples massages. The SPA is a very tranquil environment and is both relaxing and rejuvenating. I live in Orange County (1/2 the time) and frequently visit the nicest spas in Southern California and Vegas, Vela is my favorite. I have always gotten a great massage and I personally feel like I am paying half price (paying $140 anywhere else). The customer that reviewed and left a 1 star below has no valid complaints; changing, not a big enough towel, she didn't get a sarong. I am surprised she didn't say "my car broke down on the way there" and that affected her "pre massage". read more

I usually wait to write reviews until I can give a "full experience review" and not just a "one time experience" which at times can be misleading to others. However, I have been to see Vela multiple times now and I LOVE IT! I love the setting, the peacefulness, and the attention to detail. It is clear the owner is making improvements with on going investments into the property because things keep looking better each time I am there. In any case, businesses always come down to one simple thing: Customer Service. Vela has this dialed in to the nines. I am looking forward to my next massage and I have my wife booking appointments now too. :) Thank you Vela and "See you soon!" read more

My friend and I were able to get in today on this cold and rainy afternoon; I'm a massage therapist myself so am always looking for "what doesn't work" and from the moment we walked in to paying our bill, I'd rate the experience a ten plus. The sauna was awesomely hot, the two gals that worked on us, Ann and Marissa were excellent, the atmosphere superb! I'm so glad they were able to get us in, what a perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon . We are so fortunate to have such a high quality beautiful spot in our community and "very" reasonably priced as well. Thank you Brandy for all your love that you put into building this lovely (for all of us) business. This maybe my 6th time there and always am perfectly pleased. read more

I just had what could very well be THE best massage I've ever had. I'm quite picky, as over the course of the last 20+ years I've experienced many great massages, and some so-so. Damia was very attentive to my needs and comfort. She worked areas and muscles I didn't even know existed. I often ask for a firm massage only to be left somewhat disappointed. Happy to report this wasn't the case this time. I also loved the sauna in its pretty outdoor wooded area. I'll definitely go back again if I find myself in the area in the future. read more

Update to my post of 5/3/21. The owner wrote me a long message explaining why they have to keep the sauna on one temperature and I appreciated that she took the time to write all of that. I will def go there again and at some point they hope to go back to the way it was. read more

I went for a deep tissue massage. Pleasant surroundings, however the service provided was NOT as described. Lovely spiritual experience, but no relief for tired, sore muscles. I sent an email to provide feedback and spoke with someone on the phone. They mentioned they would call me back and make amends. I have not received a phone call back, as promised. Expensive and ineffective. read more

Kevin is amazing. He is clearly gifted at massage therapy and it was a stellar massage. The spa is clean and comfortable. Next time I am in the area, I will definitely be back! read more

This review is for Vela in general and for massage therapist Jamie Stathis specifically. I have received massages from Jamie twice now and each time her powerful healing hands provided me with much needed pain relief. If I could afford it I would get a massage from her every week. Or at least once a month lol. I will definitely book with her again. I love Vela's steam sauna in its beautiful setting. I love that it is clothing optional for comfort. They provide everything you need- a sarong for modesty and towels and robes. I highly recommend Vela and I hope it continues to thrive as a local business. It's a gem. The online booking system makes it really easy to book an appointment when I need to without any hassle. And they now have facial treatments too! A real treat and quick relaxing getaway. read more

I so wanted to love this place. And, perhaps if they make some tweaks, it will be loveable. But here's what happened: I arrived, and was barely greeted by the receptionist. Mind you, this is a RETREAT, which I take to mean, everyone working there will be warm, pleasant, friendly, and anticipating my needs. She wasn't unkind, but I never even got her name. After changing into a lovely sarong (it wasn't all bad :-), I was, as instructed, awaiting the unnamed receptionist's return to lead me to the sauna. I waited quite a while in that lobby, all alone, listening to the staff gossip, loudly, in a connected room, before someone came out and seemed to almost take offense that I was there! Then, to the outdoor shower and sauna. I'm no prude, but i was a little ill at ease showering with absolutely no coverage in the woods. It wasn't the woods that made me nervous, it was the sound of cars passing and people walking by, and just knowing that anyone who knew about this open shower in the woods could easily sneak a peak. Then, to the bathrooms. They were, to say the least, uninspired for a "spa" setting. They were also not clean! Also, the water glasses were plastic. Not the best to bring into the sauna! And the outdoor furniture was not clean or inviting. And, finally, the moment when the anonymous receptionist took my purse and stuck it in a closet worlds away from where I was to be, with no word about where my purse might be while I was gone or if it would be safeguarded. For a relaxing experience, having this small worry in the back of my mind was not ideal. Especially considering my wait in the lobby earlier, knowing that it was not monitored. Oh, last thing - the parking lot is far away and completely dark. I felt a teensy bit vulnerable walking to my car alone, but maybe that's just me :-) BUT, it was still a fantastic massage, by Angela. She was tapped in, using breath, ensuring I focused on the massage, yet also personable and fun to talk to when the mood struck. Also, on the positive side, the setting is beautiful. I offer this as feedback, in the hopes that the business will see opportunities to refine what they offer and align the staff with the purpose and philosophy of a retreat. read more

Suzanne has RUINED ME. I travel a ton, have many places/choices of where to get a facial. I won't do it anymore. Waste of money. I KID YOU NOT- here, in BFE, Suzanne is the best. Full stop. read more

Vela is the absolute best. I had a facial by Constance and she is outstanding!! The product line is beautiful too. My skin looks and feels amazing!! I'm one happy mama today!! Thank you Vela!! read more

Seriously, the best massage I've had in my life. (And I've had a lot of massages!) Thank you, Zonia, and thank you, Vela Massage Retreat!

My friend purchased a gift card for me to get a message and relax. Relax and enjoy myself is exactly what I did. This please was amazing from start to finish. The receptionist was very nice and friendly. She got me all situated and made me feel very comfortable! I dated with the sauna then was able to shower after that before my message. My message was amazing! Kelly Mayer was my masseuse and she nailed it! I will definitely be back. read more

Thank you everyone at Vela for creating such a calm and peaceful environment and for helping everyone who comes into the space feel welcome. I have been enjoying your sauna for many years but I have to stop coming as much since you raised your prices. I'm sorry but that Sauna is not worth $15 for an hour. I hope you consider putting the price back down to $10... You will get a lot more return customers that way. read more

Got a yelp deal to go here. Great experience. Tranquil environment and friendly staff were enough to get me relaxed. The sauna and the massage just topped of my day and I felt amazing. Essential oils, nature, and massage....I walked out of there on a cloud. read more

I am Catalina's friend and went to Vela with her today. My massage therapist was Lynn and she was great. She did deep work in all the right spots and then followed up with gentle, nurturing work. I loved it and it was just what I was looking for on this rainy day. Plus, they found a way to get us in at the last minute. I'm sure there was some special caretaking in the background. The place is warm and beautiful. The steam room perfect. Great experience. read more

My boyfriend and I got a couples massage here and it was absolutely amazing! The setting was comfortable and the staff was really friendly and nice. The massage was the best I've ever had :) they've earned every one of these five stars read more

We had a great experience at Vela Massage Retreat. Environment was very relaxing in spite of the unsightly business next door. Massage was also pleasantly relaxing. Just a couple tips, clothing is always optional in the co-ed sauna, which surprised me They provide a sarong that can be worn in the sauna so no swim suite is needed unless you prefer it. read more