I came here for the sauna and Epsom hot bath a couple days before my bikini comp. $70 cash for both, 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. read more

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I found street parking by the grace of God, not really good parking but that's every place downtown... 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 Very outdated, and it smelled weird.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. read more

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Wow! I got the Thai Combo massage with Patty and it was life changing. I get massages pretty often and this was truly an incredible experience; Patty went above and beyond! read more

Bibi gives me the most amazing body scrubs and my skin feels so great. I had been getting dry skin in this weather and I feel new. Absolutely love it! Thank you Bibi. Im definitely coming back again. read more

This was a great experience. The people were friendly and the room was clean and soothing. I opted for a Swedish massage and it didn't disappoint. Using hands, arms and feet they were able to loosen up my back which had been bothering me. Yep...feet. They have overhead rails to allow them to work areas with their feet and heels. The have a great system setup where you draw on a body map where your issues are and they get to work. Prices are very reasonable. They offer snacks, water and other goodies when you finish. Street parking is available. Call or text when you get there as they keep the doors locked unless you are coming in and out. Overall, great value and I feel great. read more

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This was an experience I'll never forget. I got the hybrid massage which included Thai and Swedish, and added hot stones. I didn't know what to expect. The masseuse started off by walking and sort of like crawling lightly on my back, which was uncomfortable at first, but then I got used to it. Her feet were cold, so that was a shock too, because I could feel the coldness through the thin sheet they provided. She then proceeded with the Swedish massage and hot stones. She used A LOT of oil during the Swedish massage, which isn't my preference. That much oil didn't really help my muscles relax, because I felt her arms and hands slipping all over me, instead of causing some friction on tense muscles. The masseuse's hands were also very COLD, so that was causing me to get goosebumps during my massage. So instead of feeling relaxed I kept thinking of how cold I was. It was my first time with hot stones and I wasn't too impressed. This was the only time her hands were warm. She then massaged my scalp which felt amazing. Lastly, she helped me stretch and that helped my back crack, which felt amazing too. The room was also cold and I wish they had a heavier blanket or cover. The beds are hard beds. Not your typical massage beds. The rooms are very close to one another and I could hear the conversation in the other room. The masseuse was really nice and respectful. I should have shared early on that I was cold and that her hands were cold so she could have done something about it. She did ask a few times if I was okay, but I didn't know how to tell her that her hands were ice cold without sounding rude. I think I would try this type of massage again (minus the hit stones) but let them know that I get cold easily. read more

Best massage ever. They were so nice and my back has never felt better. Thanks to Yelp for putting me onto this place, probably wouldn't have walked in off the street but 4.5 stars never lies. read more

It was pretty decent, but I am not sure if it is worth the money. The location is in the corner of Downtown. You need to park in the street parking here. There are homeless tents right in front of the business, just a note. I have had multiple massages before, and this one didn't relieve my pain or my knots. I felt the same as when I first came in. My boyfriend did enjoy his massage, so I guess it depends. We got the couple's package for around $300 and tip, which includes a hot bath. The hot bath was disappointing because the water was not hot. I felt as though I could've done the same at home. However, they do give you good snacks though. They offered the infrared sauana use for the water, which I appreciated. IDK I guess for paying around $300, I expected a bit more. read more

I have no idea if this place pays for AI reviews or if all these people leaving reviews have never had a decent massage. This place is in a horrible area next to a lot of homeless. The bath/saunas are old and gross. The therapists do not do traditional Thai massage. I am so confused at these reviews. If you want to spend $300 on a package plus tip I could recommend a hundred other PROFESSIONAL places for you to visit where you can get your money's worth. Avoid avoid. She literally massaged me while being on a phone call. Terrible service. This place is what I call lipstick on a pig. read more

This place was a sad little place on a corner that smell like sewer water, bathroom was raggedy and scary they need to tear down and start over.. when you go you don't want to fill Like you walking away with germs.. sorry you guys need a remodel read more

Wow. This place was truly incredible, from beginning to end. Nunu the manager was very kind and accommodating when scheduling my appointment. I did the 60 min Traditional Thai massage and the Infrared Spa. For the infrared spa portion, they offered complimentary drinks (choice of hard seltzer and water) and cutie orange. Inside the booth, you are given body oils and controllers for the light and music! For the massage portion, you fill out a quick sheet to indicate level of preferred pressure and to circle exactly which areas to focus on. What a clever tool to use for communication. I've had about 10 massages to date and this was by far the best, honestly. This was my first Thai massage and because of this experience, I am definitely going to get more Thai massages. Nina was my masseuse and she did a FANTASTIC job. She was very attentive and highly skilled; it's clear that she is a pro. I cannot recommend this place enough. read more

Did a walk in Swedish 90 min. Massage was great, prices were good, ambiance was solid, and service was awesome. I'll be back for sure.

Patty, BB, and Stephanie were great. We had the body scrub , Swedish massage and body massage and we enjoyed it. I recommend this place. read more

That "thai massage" was WEAK. It was generic. I went there w a great attitude - I left feeling ripped off and annoyed and greasy. I kept asking her to focus on a certain area but she just kept doing this gliding motion on the opposite side of what I asked. She walked on my back - but i could tell she was inexperienced and it was awful. I got the 169$ special w the eye mask. But after that rip off massage I left before the sauna. I paid 143$. It was terrible. read more

Love! Had such a good massage , very friendly & welcoming . I can't wait to come back read more

Essence Thai Spa - Soak - Massage Near Me - San Diego, California

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I found Essence Thai Spa on yelp conveniently located in Gaslamp Quarter, few minutes away from Kimpton Palomar hotel I was staying. My legs were in need of a good Thai massage after intense leg workout and walking around Little Italy for 4 hours. Then I met Milly. Not only Milly did an amazing job getting rid of stress from my muscles, but also she made me feel young again by relieving stress off my mind. Had a great time talking with her about common interest we shared. There are many great things about Essence Thai Spa such as ease of online booking, hot tub and sauna (video attached), but Milly is the reason I'll be back again. #sundogram read more

Staff were friendly and the massage was pretty good. Was disappointed by the quality of the tables, ambiance, and decor. Felt very old and cleanliness was questionable. read more

I was overall impressed by the service and care. The ambience it dim, with soft sound music with nature vibes. They have a chart with the list of service and when you checkin you circle your focus points. The place is tight and confined but it's just right for your massage/spa day. I best loved the sauna room where 30 minutes i got to sweat away the toxins. A plus for me was the complimentary snacks and drinks (water, green tea, rice crispy, chips). Recommendation: Bring cash :) read more

Amazing spot for full body Thai massage. They include everything; hot stones, warm oil, hot towels. The stretching was my favorite part, since I have lower back pain, my hamstrings and claves were very tight and they stretched me completely out, included loosing up my hips. The pricing was higher than most places, so that's the only down side, but their work is amazing. I would recommend. read more

Angie is how her name appears on her photo but she explained that her name is actually spelled with a T. All I I know is that this was the best massage I have ever had. Bar none. Including massages I've had in Bangkok. Auntie, Angie, Anti, or however she spells her name speaks multiple languages and has a pleasant way of checking in, just to make sure you're ok. She has so much control of the deep tissue massage, including walking on my back and using her feet to get to the worst pain in my neck and lower back--her sense of humor included that she uses that kind of pressure very carefully because she wanted to be able to retire in a nursing home and not spend the rest of her life in prison. If I lived in San Diego, I would try to have one of these massages at least every couple of weeks. After a stressful few days at work at a conference, this was just what I needed. My lower back pain is almost gone and my shoulders are about 2 inches lower. Run don't walk to make an appointment for one of the best massages ever. read more

Advertisement of this place made it look a lot nicer and cleaner than it was. Once we showed up I and my sister who was in town was extremely disappointed. Don't waste your money here. read more

Made a same day couples massage appointment that we were able to upgrade for a longer package when we got there. Both of us left very happy with our service. Massages were great and BB and Linda were amazing and super friendly. Would definitely come back to them! read more

Clean, COVID compliant, professional, and accomodating. I booked an appointment online on a Tuesday for Thursday afternoon. On Wednesday, I realized I needed an earlier appointment and was able to change it online without any problem. I called just to make sure and they already had me scheduled for the adjusted time! I was impressed. The massage and infrared sauna were both an extremely relaxing, comfortable and safe experience. I highly recommend this spa for anyone looking to add massage to their workout recovery plans or just as a special decompression day. Side note. I'm familiar with the downtown area so I parked in F St. but up near 13th. There are always spots there, it's about $1.25 an hr to park, and the walk to the spa is about a 1/4 mile. I went at 10AM and there were several spots open near the spa too! I just didn't bither driving closer. read more

It was pretty relaxing, just didn't like that my small titties were exposed when I turned on my back. The stone massage is a Must if you go get a massage. The sauna also has Bluetooth so you can connect your phone while You sit read more

It was a great experience. Everyone is so friendly specially paula, she was my therapist, very relaxing , and trust me, she is very professional. I got a Essence package and it's very reasonable price. highly recommended... read more

Essence Thai Spa - Including with my package - Massage Near Me - San Diego, California

I don't usually write reviews, but this please when you see the pictures you think is so cute. Well, I scheduled a couple's massage and the place was dirty. I didn't expected luxury but at least clean. I couldn't relax thinking we will get snowed with dust from the fan. The minute we got in you can tell is not clean but decided to give it a chance the massage it wasn't bad (scheduled a 90 minute) but I wasn't impressed either. The girl I had seemed like she was in a rush and i asked to slow down. for the amount they charge the place should at least be clean. Another complain is you schedule for a couple massage but is a big room divided into 2 tiny spaces and you can only see the other person head. We ended up only staying for 60mins and when we left i told the front desk lady about the place not being clean, honestly, I felt tricked, robbed. It wasn't a great massage; it was supposed to be special with my significant other. The girl tried to be nice and gave me 10% off but I still think that wasn't enough. read more

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Really liked the Swedish massage. Apparently I fell asleep at some point, which is a good sign. It was very relaxing, which was what I wanted. read more

Went here for a Swedish massage. I asked for a soft massage because my back&neck muscles are sensitive. Bibi did an awesome job with a great care and I feel very relaxed after the massage. Would go back again! read more

So I did a walk in for an hour massage. I explained that I haven't gotten a massage in months because I got a breast augmentation. I've probably explained it about three different times and I get it, a lot of the workers there don't speak English, but the person that I spoke to was fluent in English and I'm not sure if there's a miscommunication, but that was like my biggest problem with this place. My second biggest problem was that every time I kept telling her to go softer or to stick at one spot she just wouldn't listen. Not sure if it was the miscommunication aspect of it or if because she just didn't understand me. I just feel like if you're gonna work from a different country, you should at least know the language a little bit to comprehend a customer or at least have full understanding from your manager or whoever interprets the service to you to do it properly. Because not only did I spend $85 for a massage that I would've regretted instantly. I was sore after a whole week leaving there. It was honestly the worst experience I've ever had at a massage parlor. Secondly, they only did my massage for 15 minutes and they tried arguing that it was from the moment. I walked in the door but I showed her the time that I walked in the door. It was the time that I called them. I showed proof and they said that they would only charge me for 45 minutes but honestly I was desperately in pain and was so upset that I didn't want to make a scene that I just wanted to pay the $85 and leave. I do regret paying it because I didn't realize how much pain this lady put me in and just the worst place to possibly go to. I would not recommend this place. read more

Great place for downtown body scrub. Angie has super strong hands. Scrub on table then bath in a tub. Angie super attentive

It's very relaxing and best massage. And the stuffs are so awesome. Very very clean. Highly recommend I feel like new man. read more

Essence Thai Spa - Spa room It's very hot and detox my body. It's very cozy and made me sweat. - Massage Near Me - San Diego, California

Wasnt t the worst massage I've received but definitely reminded me of my mom rubbing me down with lotion before school. I asked for harder pressure and she just rubbed lotion faster. The place also smelled like mildew and was very cumbersome with items. read more

Went in for a couples package. Hard time finding parking. Give yourself 15 extra minutes because this spot is in a very busy location. My bf liked his Thai massage. So that is why I'm giving any stars at all. However my experience was less than satisfactory. I had a female who started my massage and was great then without a word she left. After what felt like 10 minutes someone else came in and I immediately could sense a difference then out of no where a male voice asks if the pressure is ok? Huh? After some light strokes for 15 minutes he left for 10 minutes. I wish I could report that I fell asleep and dreamed this experience. I didn't get a Thai massage what I got was the first and last experience I'd ever have at this facility if I lived in this town. First of all leaving the room for an extended period of time and not announcing there's going to be a change or am I OK with a change it's just not OK. I go to Thai massage very frequently I know the difference. I always have a lot of stress and tension in my neck and shoulders and hips and relaxing massage does absolutely nothing for me. The point in going to Thai massage is to have THAI MASSAGE. Glad honey had a good massage cause if he's happy I'm happy. He took me to extraordinary desserts after and that made me smile. read more

I just had my first massage at this spa yesterday. I had a deep tissue massage with Angie. She is amazing and included some wonderful traditional Thai massage stretches that I love! She is also very warm and funny and had me laughing a couple times which is a great way to relax. The private room that I was in was very clean, smelled amazing and was so quiet and peaceful. Angie was very communicative with me through the entire treatment adjusting pressure as needed for problem areas. I will definitely be making regular appointments for treatments at this spa. read more

Horrible customer service, wasted my time showing up lady gave me incorrect information read more

Essence Thai Spa - Would not recommend this place horrible customer service - Massage Near Me - San Diego, California

I am an avid lover of massages who is in the area visiting from Cleveland. I have never experienced a Thai massage and I am so happy I did! I had wonderful service from Antie who was so attentive to my needs. I felt wonderfully relaxed after. I booked an appointment online after looking at the menu and it was a quick and easy process. The salon was clean and the women who worked here were very friendly! I whole heartedly recommend read more

Had an amazing experience at this spa! My boyfriend and I came into San Diego for a close friend's wedding and we decided to end our trip with a visit to Essence Thai Spa for a couples massage. We got the couples package and were blown away. The package included a Thai aroma massage with hot stones, and time in the sauna. We loved the sauna and the massage - probably the best massage we've both received. Everyone was so friendly and lovely, really cannot recommend this place enough!! read more

Came here to ease the pain I was feeling in my right side. Paula did an excellent job getting the kinks out in my neck as well as stretch my entire body. I was in town for a weekend and immediately booked another massage with her before heading back home. read more

I have had Ashiatsu, Swedish, Stone, Deep, and sports massage, and this was a mixture of all the above. The masseuse moved quick, but fluid, and got all my knots worked out, then stone, and finally Thai stretches. Safe part of town to walk from hotels, very friendly, and good communications for proper pressure. You can book online which was a bonus as I was able to get next day appointment. read more

I just got a massage here and it was one of The best I've ever received. Hot towels, hot rocks, relaxing music and a very talented massuse. I would recommend this place to any one in the San Diego area. read more