I still go here every time I am in San Diego! It is one of my highlights. I love the whole experience. They have very experienced and skilled staff who take fantastic care of you. Spa followed by excellent bibimbap at Friends Korean restaurant in the same strip mall is my idea of a great day :) read more

4/5 spa quality: sauna, cold plunge, jacuzzi, steam room all very clean. The floors by the showers were brown with rust. 2/5 massage quality: very rough and fast technique, not relaxing at all, identical to the speed and technique they use to perform the body scrub. 3/5 customer service: the masseuse hands you an envelope with a recommended tip percentage of 20-30% read more

Aqua Day Spa - Envelope with masseuse name and recommended tip - Massage Near Me - San Diego, California

Although this is the og for the San Diego area, the parking is now a real nail in the coffin. It was noted back in the day that there was really no hard, firm effort to make a patron leave if they stood beyond their time. Now you have to scan and reserve your parking spot, and if you want to extend it, you have to pay an additional charge. So now I have to pay the entrance fee at the Aqua and additional cash to extend my parking time. Really, for such a small place, this has surely blown this spot for me. I guess I'll head back to the LA area, the surrounding cities, or the OC, where these Korean Spots are worth the drive and money... read more

There are no-frills old-school Korean Spa. They used to be amazing when they were the only one in town until Yu Spa arrived. Now after closer to 10 years, Yu Spa has gone downhill and they're not as new as shiny as it used to be, and they charge very high prices for their Jimjilbang. If you want to sit in a hot Jacuzzi or a nice steam sauna for a few hours, this is the place. It will be ideal if you got one of their scrub massages as then you get free access to the Jacuzzi and the sauna. read more

I wondered why there were no Koreans there. Soon found out when I saw that people were sitting in the saunas and then going to wash off their sweat in the hot and cold pools. When I very politely told them the protocol not one but two of them - a yucky British woman was the worst - freaked out as if I were the one being rude. There are signs literally everywhere but unfortunately people who come here are or only thoughtless but proud of it. Gross. I feel dirty and will never go back. It's not a real Spa. This would never be tolerated in LA. read more

Sadly, after having visited this establishment several times over the past decade, I will no longer be returning. Normally, when I visit, I get the body scrub and massage combo. Yesterday, however I visited with a couple of my girlfriends and we all decided to add on a body wrap. It was my first time getting a body wrap, and I was excited! We paid at the front before the service and I added a 15% gratuity. I had another $20 bill in my wallet that I was planning on giving to the woman that provided my service at the end. I like to arrive early so that I can enjoy the variety of saunas and hot tub. Yesterday was no different and I had a great time with my girlfriends relaxing. The service was wonderful. I never find the scrub to be a particularly relaxing experience, but I love the way my skin feels after the full body exfoliation. The massage and the body wrap afterwards were delightful and I finished up with skin smoother than a baby's bottom. The problem came at the very end. The second I sat up off the table, still wiping the remnants of the milk bath out of my eyes the woman hands me an envelope with her name "Michelle" on it and points where it says 20%-30% gratuity. No problem because with the extra $20 bill I was gonna give her it would've put me at 25%. And she did really work very hard. I go over to where the showers and I wash off and I had set my towel and the envelope down. I'm putting on my robe and she's standing there handing me the envelope again. The whole time I'm in the dressing room with my two girlfriends she's standing there by the sink watching me. I asked my two girlfriends if they got the same envelope and they said no. They tipped the same way I did. Also, their providers were not standing there watching them. So I walked out to the front desk and I asked the woman at the front desk am I able to leave some extra cash and I want to be sure that my provider get the the entire amount of the gratuity I left. The woman at the front desk apologizes that she may have forgotten to tell the provider that I had left some money ahead of time but that I'm welcome to leave additional money if I would like to in the envelope for her. While I'm standing there, the woman comes out to the front desk and starts yelling at me over and over "20% to 30%". I'm holding the $20 bill in my hand. Woman at the front desk shows her that I tipped ahead of time on the credit card and she looks at me angrily and says "no credit card" and continues to yell at me in Korean. The woman at the front desk is obviously uncomfortable and rolls her eyes and shrugs her shoulders. I'm sorry, but I'm not going to somewhere for a service and going to be bullied. So I turned my happy ass around and walked out. Not only did that woman not get the $20 bill I was planning on leaving, but the Aqua Day Spa has lost my patronage, nor will I be recommending it to my friends. They've got a competitor right down the street that I'll be going to from now on. read more

Aqua Day Spa - Hot and cold soak tubs flanked by a dry and a steam sauna - Massage Near Me - San Diego, California

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OMG. What a life changing experience. I got a 90 minute scrub followed by a massage and then oil. I showed up an hour early to enjoy the hot tub, cold soak, wet sauna and dry sauna. The facility is completely nude and segregated by sex. No bathing suits. It's also a quiet place (many Shh! Signs) so for those two reasons it's more of a solo spa. Not a place to go with your friend and especially not a place to spend time with anyone who isn't the same sex as you, since you will be in separate areas. Which is the case for myself and my wife. We both love this place so much even though it's not a couple's spa. read more

2 years ago, it was $80 for acupressure that would release everything and that you could feel the next day. Today, I paid $120 for a back rub. Not going back. read more

Came to Aqua Day Spa for the body scrub and honestly, it was such a reset. The place is clean, a little dated in spots, but still very well-kept. Since it's gender-separated, full nudity is part of the experience so be ready to walk around fully exposed. It's definitely something to embrace if you've never done a Korean spa before. Now the scrub... phenomenal. My skin has never felt this smooth. The treatment was thorough and relaxing in its own way. The only thing I'd mention is that the scrub area is right next to the hot tub, so you can hear people chatting while you're getting your service which slightly pulled me out of the moment. Still, highly recommend. If you've been curious about trying it, just go. Totally worth it. read more

Yikes. This place is pretty run down. From the moment I walked in, I should have turned around. From the robe they provide, to the lounge area and the amenities, everything needs to be updated. I walked into a sad, outdated spa room. I had to ask for the hot tub to be turned on. The cold plunge was really small and you had to go down a mini ladder to get into it, not steps. The whole atmosphere was creepy. Behind a low wall with barely any privacy, was the body scrub station. The lounge room had a fan on, faded chairs and the locker room was really small. For $35, you get what you pay for. I will not return. There's another Korean spa in convoy I'll be returning to, not this one. read more

First time going here. Girl at the front was very nice and explained how the spa worked. I got the body scrub. Which I recommend. John was my scrubber and he did a great job. Amazing how smooth and soft your body feels after. Highly recommend. Facilities were clean. Hot tub was perfectly hot. Saunas had just the right amount of steam and heat. Cold plunge was freezing as it should be. Overall great experience and I'll be back next time I'm in town. read more

The massage was ok, very light, fell more like a rub. I would have like a lot more pressure. The spa in itself is ok. Is like a down graded version of the Yu Spa. I like Yu Spa better. Aqua Spa feels stuck in the past. The decore needs to be updated. It's not a bad place it's just very mediocre. I also found it odd to have to take my robe off while my massage therapist was in the room. I'm not shy so it didn't bother me, I just found it strange. I've never experienced that before. read more

Updated YELP rating: March 2026. Things have changed since May 12, 2021 review. 2024 onward--last TWO owners/mgrs at front office not so good with customer treatment / appreciation. From approx. 2014-2023, many times I purchased package of 10 services/Cash and brought some friends. Have not purchased packages since 2023 or brought friends since 2024. Anna gone. Therapist Michelle is highly recommended. read more

Fantastic!!! I wasn't sure what to expect as I have never been to a Korean Day spa but I honestly had such a wonderful experience I got there 45 min early and checked in They do charge you upfront and tip etc which I'm fine with but I hate tipping upfront unless I know how good the service was! So you may want to bring cash for tip after. I soaked in the jacuzzi also there is no bathing suits allowed so you are not the only one naked walking around (fyi) they do give you a robe and a locker and obviously the women's/men's locker rooms are separate. From there the technician came and got me and my service started with a vigorous yet wonderful whole body scrub. I mean boobs and all It was amazing and refreshing Also during the scrub they continue to pour warm/hot water on you and that is surprisingly wonderful as well! Anyways after the scrub don't be surprised to see your dead skin.. it's everywhere and you'll probably think "that's disgusting" lol The massage and oils come next. This is not a deep tissue but more like a Swedish massage technique. From there they do a mini little facial with cucumbers all over your face and after that they wash your hair. That was also wonderful and they really concentrate on the scalp and neck! At the very end they sprinkle on you only what I can describe as green tea and milk? I don't know but it smells wonderful, it nourishes your skin and was a great finale It was really an interesting and wonderful experience. Everyone needs to try this place at least once! And tonight my skin is flawless! I'm only wondering now how often I can go! read more

i've seen sexual activities going on inside the steam room and other rooms and felt very uncomfortable. I did not pay for this! I've complained several times to the owner and nothing has been done. They failed to fix the door in the wet steam room which allows the heat to leave and they don't have any urgency to fix the heating in that room. now the owner kicked me out of this place and told me not to come back because I complained too much. How do you ever get anything fixed? If you don't complain and say what's going on?! She was very rude. I DON'T recommend this place at all! BEWARE!!! read more

This is my very first time getting a Korean massage. WOWZER! After getting over my shyness about how it's done I relaxed. Suzy instructed me and made my 50-minute completely comfortable. The warm oil along with the full body massage made me feel like a million bucks! A fresh cucumber facial and hair was was included. My DIL got a 90-minute massaging scrub. She also feels wonderful. I don't know if there's one close to me at home but if you're in San Diego... definitely plan on spending a few hours here. I hope to come back while we visit! read more

Aqua Day Spa - The business card ... - Massage Near Me - San Diego, California

First, you'll need to be comfortable with walking into the spa area totally nude. The spa is sectioned off, one side for men only & another for women only. 5 of us were in San Diego on our annual girls trip & I wanted to try Korean body scrub. Our appointment was at 10 am but we were told to arrive at 9:30 am so that we could soak in the hot tub or sit in the sauna for better exfoliating during the body scrub. When we arrived we were greeted right away, we all paid our fees & were given each a key for a locker. When you walk in, you'll see a relaxing area than to the left is the Himalayan salt room, to the left is a little locker area and sink area with blow dryers, and brushes, lotions and cotton swabs. Once you open your locker, you'll see a basket with 2 towels and a robe. The robe would only be used for when you sit in the salt room or the relaxation area, otherwise in the spa area, you'll need to be completely nude. First, you're required to take a shower then you can enjoy either the sauna, steam room, hot tub or cold tub. If you are doing a massage or body scrub treatment, when it's your turn, a massage therapist will call you by number. That is the number on your key wristband that they give you for your locker. We all got the body scrub with pineapple yogurt scrub, which cost $180/person which included body scrub, full body massage, facial, hair wash and body wrap. I have to say, this was quite the experience, in a great way! Once you get over the fact that you have to be completely nude, just relax & let the massage therapist do their magic. This spa experience was by far the best one that I ever received! Julie was my massage therapist that did all of my services, after she completed all my services, I came out feeling relaxed, pain free, rejuvenated and my skin felt wonderful! I had a great experience and would definitely do this again! Just a quick note though, after your service your massage therapist hands you an envelope which is where you put the tip. read more

Do you love spas or just need a reset this spa is perfect for both reasons. I usually go there for a reset because I'm a mother of three and I have a lot of stress and I go in there and it just washes away with the three different saunas they have the pink salt sauna the steam sauna the dry sauna hot Jacuzzi And then get the scrub massage. It is the best! My girlfriend and I sometimes go here together and then we go across the street and get tofu house soup highly recommend this place read more

BEWARE!!!! This is my second time at this spa-the first time I went to this place was about 2 years ago. I scheduled the Korean body scrub and also a massage afterward. I was quickly checked in and taken to my locker, the no slippers rule once again- a hot bed for toe fungus. I was lead to the scrub "bed" the technician was rough and condescending. I asked her not to massage my head or face- she agreed but went on to roughly rub my face and head- extremely painful. The scrub was rough and the water splashed over me was almost to boiling point- I yelped at the first dousing and was laughed at by this gal. She managed to scrub off the dead skin with zero bedside manner- painful and rushed. Afterward I was led to a private room for a maassage- it was more of a torture chamber. I kept asking her to ease up- that the pressure hurt- she ignored me- she poked, and prodded my back and left me in complete pain. I finally told her I needed to leave and to let me out of the room- she did reluctantly trying to massage my head after I asked her not to touch my head or face l. I can't say the language barrier was the problem, this was something I've never encountered before- it felt angry, and almost abusive. She handed me her envelope which instructed me to leave her a 20% tip. The take away is as follows: the place has severely gone down hill- the floors and walls are moldy. My back is bruised and has broken out into a million red bumps in a matter of hours. As the bruises begin to appear darker I'll take more pictures. read more

Aqua Day Spa - Broken out in scary bumps and bruises - Massage Near Me - San Diego, California

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This spa has potential but currently the only thing working on the women's side is the dry sauna. The jets in the hot pool- broken, the cold dip-broken steam room-isn't hot or steamy and there's black mold in the hot tub. I asked for a discount on the $30 admission but the owner refused. I should have walked out. Definitely not worth $30. And insult to injury, unlike every other K spa where admission covers the whole experience, here the jimjilbang was an extra $10. Epic rip off. Basically take a shower at home and save your money. read more

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Been coming here since 2017 when my old boss recommended it to me. Love it so much. I always get the body scrub and massage, and I always come out feeling so relaxed. It is separated by gender. The scrub makes you baby soft. The massage is deep tissue but you can always ask them to go lighter. I love all the products they use and I always get something new to try. They accept card no with no fee. Parking is difficult as it is in a small plaza so I would try and go during the afternoons when there are less people. Very clean and they have a nice area for you to do your makeup/hair after! read more

I haven't been here for 5 years so I was DEFINITELY overdue for a scrub. I made a last minute appointment and was able to be squeezed in for 8:30 check in and 9:00am service. First thing you gotta know, is to definitely make sure you have sufficient time to soak/steam before your service. Unfortunately due to the last minute reservation I only had 15 minutes to ise the amenities before my service. I highly recommend getting here an hour before so you can leisurely bathe and use the saunas. The steam room wasn't warm but I got here right when they opened so I hung out in the hot tub. If you can, you should request Lee. She was so thorough and told me that because of how much dead skin she was scrubbing off that she would have to shorten the massage time which totally worked for me because that was the main reason I had come in. Plus I really liked that she asked me before the massage what pressure I preferred since I normally walk away from Korean massages with a few bruises lol Cost was $110, plus tip. It's an awesome price when you think of how freaking clean and rejuvenated you feel when you're all done! read more

"Hurt so good Come on baby make it hurt so good Sometimes love don't feel like it should You make it hurt so good" - John Mellencamp Any 80s music fans out there? I recently spent 3 heavenly hours at this small Korean bathhouse, channeling these lyrics. For those not already in the know, a Korean scrub and massage is anything but gentle - frankly, it can be borderline painful... You'll be scrubbed and kneaded *everywhere* (no such thing as modesty here!) within an inch of your life, but your resulting baby soft skin and thoroughly relaxed body will love you for it. Be sure to arrive for your appointment ~30 minutes early to shower and enjoy the jacuzzi, steam room, dry sauna, and cold plunge beforehand. Due to COVID precautions, I had the entire facility to myself, right up until my double-masked and face-shielded Korean auntie/scrubber/masseuse arrived to start working on me. These ladies do an amazing job, so please tip well! Although language can be a slight barrier, customer service is gracious - my therapist made sure to solicit feedback throughout our session, and the owner even honored an expired gift certificate! This place may not have the bells and whistles of larger bathhouses in OC and LA, but I will return very happily again and again. read more

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Wow. Went for a body scrub and was assaulted in the dressing room. When I went to the attendant at the front, they threatened to call police on me! read more

TERRIBLE legality issues; no consent forms or legal work/personal info. Pay BEFORE the service. Very pushy for tips after a $120 1hr massage- as in didn't even let me get dressed first to have the chance to give her cash. The privacy was the biggest issue. When heading to the treatment room you go through the spa room and waiting room, in front of the front door that was wide open. So people eating sushi at the restaurant across can see you walking naked in a robe/anybody hanging out outside. After entering treatment room, the masseuse failed to close the curtain. I stared at the cameras as she took my robe off and any other possible customers entering would've seen me laying completely naked as well. It was not shut the whole duration of massage. "Security" camera just recorded me laying naked at least half the time. If you care about privacy and any legal safeguards, don't go here. read more

Really depends on what you're looking for. This place is OK if you just want the midday shower, maybe a little bit of Jacuzzi and steam room. However this place is small and old and a little bit of rundown and for the price you get the experience that you're looking for read more

Great place for a day of self care. It's smaller than some Korean spas but it's clean and quiet. I've noticed some other the bigger spas tend to be a little louder with chatter with guest. So if you want some peace and quiet come here! read more

Love love love the body scrab there! With the massage! Always enjoying to go there when I need a relief of tiredness

I have not been here for some time since i have moved out of state but there isnt a day that goes by that i dont think about coming here. This has become my happy place since i found it and now i miss it more than ever. Mr. Choy ( i believe thats his name) gives the best body scrubs and i always leave here feeling clean as ever. Aqua is a great place to relax and free yourself from the outside world. I got to pamper myself and enjoy my time as i put my phone away and soaked in every minute. Now i am living in Alabama and have not been able to find anything remotely close to this place. Oh how i miss Aqua Day Spa. read more

Love coming to this place! It is always so great to get a scrub and massage after a hard day of work or week! The amenities are always clean. read more

I would like to update my review to 1 star. Absolutely horrendous experience. I went here on a weekday after work as I was feeling stressed and need massage/spa services. I called to make an appointment for 7:30pm and was told to show up at 7:00pm. At the counter I told her I only wanted to do 1 hour and she insisted that 1.5 hour scrub/massage service was worth it given the 1 hour doesn't give a "full experience". The horrible experience started with my therapist being bad her job. The scrub was fine but the massage was terrible. I kept trying to communicate to her but she doesn't understand English and can't adjust the pressure of massage. I tolerated until it was over, and was looking forward utilizing the spa for at least 10-15 mins before heading out. Immediately after I got out of the massage table, the owner/staff came in and I told I can't use the facilities anymore and that I need to get out because contractors are coming in, which made no sense since she insisted that I get the longer service knowing that at 9 pm, I will finish and the contractors will come exactly at the same time giving me no time. I went to the dressing area and she stood there huffing and puffing for me to hurry up and change and to "get out" so the contractors can come in. I have to rush getting dressed and putting my shoes on and was constantly barraged to "hurry up" and "to get out". I wasn't able to even comb my hair. It was the most horrible experience I've had at any spa, I will never come back to this place. read more

Came in to the spa today. Hoping for a nice experience. Boy what the opposite. 1) the jacuzzi is literally 90% chlorine. Couldn't breathe bc of the fumes. 2) several times the attendant was politely asked to turn down the steam room bc it is hotter than the devils asshole...he did not....and people were wondering why ? (most people want to enjoy the experience, not have their skin melted off and be unable to stay in for more than a few seconds) 3) I am literally currently writing this while sweating my tits off in the relaxation room, which has to be a balmy 85 degrees. He was asked to turn the AC on (not by me) but also did not perform the request. (It's like 95 degrees today) 4) attendant asleep again while paying customers would like to sit on the couch. Get it together Aqua! This is once again unacceptable for the cost of admission. read more

I can't believe I've never come here before today. I feel like a fresh newborn baby! This place is amazing and unlike any experience I've had before. I will be back for sure, hopefully once a month. I actually can say that I've probably never been as clean as I am after leaving this place. She scrubbed off skin and dirt for decades, uncovering baby soft skin and a healthy glow! The facilities are super nice, intimate and very clean and calming. My therapist was named Lee and she was highly skilled! read more

Aqua Day Spa - This room was very nice - Massage Near Me - San Diego, California

I come to the spa every couple months for my scrub. very comfortable and humble and definitely a good regimen for health. The ladies are very kind. A new lady there her name is Sara started working on me and wonderful if you want recommendation. read more

It is a very unique experience , A mix of people, from young to old, straight to gay, White to Asian. Most western men are not used to walking around nude. Sometimes I wonder about the sanitation process of this place? read more

A very different experience than a "traditional" American spa -- it's amazing! You leave feeling super clean and refreshed. Great facilities. Great scrub. Great massage. All for an incredibly reasonable price. read more

I would come here for the jimjilbang and body scrub experience. This rating was purely for my 1 hour acupressure with coconut oil. They have you fill out a piece of paper to see which area you'd like to focus on and ignore. My lady was so rushed to get situated that she ended up touching the areas I clearly put I didn't want, having to explain it several times. She then proceeded to ask why I'm so tense - answering that I'm working too much lately. She had the audacity to ask if I make so much money?! I intentionally didn't respond and she asked AGAIN! Her: "Did you not hear me?" Me: "No. I did. But I didn't answer because that's never something you ask a client. That was crossing a hard boundary. She then said her son went to see a doctor for similar issues to get on acupuncture and exercise, recommending I do the same. I DIDN'T come here to be told I need to be active! Very inappropriate. I had a super long day and wanted to relax! What bothered me was they charge nearly double the amount and the majority of the time she massaged me WITH THE SHEET ON! I barely got an oil massage AND the facial part felt so rushed and sloppy when applying the wet towel. When I got turned over, I didn't even get massaged on my feet, calves or hands the way I usually do in other places. I told her that hands are OK from the beginning and never got that massaged. Lastly, she finished abruptly and didn't give me time to put on my robe / get my things. She was in the room the whole time and it felt invasive. I sorely lament having spent $110 for a massage here when SO many other places are top tier for $60. I truly thought paying more was going to override everything else but it ended up being very uncomfortable & invasive on various levels. I wish I would have chosen the scrub - this was absolutely not worth the exuberant upcharge. read more

I tried this spa for the first time, the first disappointment was when they didn't provide any slippers and we had to walk barefoot which increased the possibility of toe fungus. The masseuse worked on me was great but I am not sure if she used a brand new washcloth or not, and also she was using some gel or material on my body which was definitely used on other people as well, which made me so uncomfortable for sharing the germs. I have been in Turkish baths which every single items was individually wrapped and opened in front of me and at the end given back to me to take home. I really had to calm my nerves to be able to enjoy the time I paid for it. Other than concerns for sanitation everything else was very good. read more

I received 60min Body scrub & Massage with a friend and we are both planning to come back for another service. 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Aqua Spa has been around for years (probably under different ownership now) and I was amazed by the neatness and cleanliness of the facility. Water was clean and I was told that the owner changes water frequently to provide clean water for customers. I've visited U-spa once to check it out when it was 2 years old after it opened in San Diego. It was a disappointing experience. The facility is definitely newer than Aqua Spa but looked much older. Aqua Spa is the place I recommend to anyone who is looking for a korean spa experience. Thank you Suzy and Annie for a great service. read more

I have been going to Aqua for the last 10 years or more for a number of their services and have recommended this spa to many over the years. My recent visit was extremely unpleasant as my therapist was really rough and did not lighten up when I asked her to. She also caused me great pain when she carelessly scrubbed my nipples and anus, poured water directly in my ear opening and poked me in the eye. She scrubbed my chest so hard my skin was stinging for about 72 hours afterward and would burn if I tried to apply lotion. Her massage techniqe was hasty and irritating. She was not really paying attention as she was talking over me to other providers and not very tuned in to what was going on with me. Really unpleasant and disappointing experience, bordering on abusive. I left there without the usual deep relaxed and refreshed feeling I have experienced in my previous visits and kind of wanted to cry. At least most of my skin had the smooth polished affect expected and I got to use the Steam, cold plunge and hot tub. On a more positive note I do always appreciate how clean this spa is. My former therapist there, Laura, has moved on and gave an excellent service, was mindful and considerate and possessed a sweet bedside manner, and I am so sorry she is no longer there. I may go back to use the spa or perhaps just get a massage but I am not so sure I will get a scrub there again. Maybe there is a better therapist who cares about her work that someone could recommend. I would like to return but do not want that experience ever again. read more