I have lived in Ithaca for about 12 years. It has taken me a long time to find the right spa with the right massage therapist. When I found Tamara at RASA SPA it was game over -- for both myself and my son. We are regulars! We both enjoy massages once per month. How can I describe Tamara and her massage services? Tamara is welcoming and kind - but that is only the beginning. Even though she knows me well, Tamara still asks me at every session how I am feeling and "what do "I" want to work on today"? Tamara adjusts each session to my needs, the pressure, the movements, the temperature, the lighting and most importantly, pays attention to my mood state and whether or not I need to chat or want silence. I am not the easiest client - things hurt, my neck isn't always comfortable and Tam will do everything she can to make sure I am OK. I don't have words to describe how wonderful this experience has been for me and for my son. We regularly purchase multiple packages so we can take advantage of the "buy 5 get one free" specials, so we always have a massage on the schedule. Ahhhh! Please don't fill up Tamara's schedule but at the same time, please fill up Tam's schedule because I want her to stay at Rasa! Enjoy! read more

I've been going to Rasa since they opened. Have had every offering on the menu probably more than once. I am there at least every 6 weeks- massage, facials, waxing. My last visit was the other day and while I love my massage therapist my Rasa experience has changed. Not the warmest reception. Fine. Washing my hands and notice in the mirror that the vents above the sinks are absolutely filthy. The vent filter is so dirty that the lint is encompassing the entire ceiling. This is not something that happens in a day. Or a week. Or a month. This is just neglectful. In an environment promoting health and vitality...ceilings are peeling in showers. Candle holders in relaxation room covered in cobwebs. Please play closer attention to detail for the prices we pay.... read more

For massage therapy- some therapists are quite good, some not so much. And prices are HIGH. Amenities are very nice- sauna, showers, relaxing room with river view. But hard to justify the massage price if you don't have the better part of a day to spend here. read more

The spa is beautiful. Love the decor. Perfect for groups. Plenty of magazines and other reading material while your friends get their services done. The sauna is small but very nice. Also love that they are size inclusive with plus size robes! Days prior to service, I was told dry brushing was not available. The next day, a staff member called out and my service was cancelled. Receptionist did everything she could to rearrange our services to make it work. I ended up taking my friend's massage and she kept her scalp massage. My masseuse Tamara was small but mighty. She worked out the knots and stress from my shoulders and back, but was able to get me relaxed enough that I actually fell asleep on the table. read more

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This place is top notch! I had a very enjoyable first visit to Rasa Spa. The spa is located on the second floor of the Cayuga Wellness Center. Parking was free and easy. I was warmly welcomed upon entering and given a full tour by the associate on duty yesterday morning. The spa is very clean and lightly smells like relaxing herbs. It isn't overpowering at all. I was given a robe and very comfortable spa shoes to wear during my visit. I had an Ananda treatment with Brian which was absolutely amazing. I then spent the rest of the morning relaxing in tranquility room. They had a variety of magazines and books to read and I enjoyed matcha tea while I did so. I then spent some time in the sauna. The spa was busy but not overly crowded. I was able to comfortably use every amenity. Another associate checked in with me during my visit to ensure that everything was satisfactory. It was a great morning. I can't wait to return! read more

On the advice of my physical therapist, I booked a "medical massage" post-knee surgery since six weeks out, I still suffered with pain. I was skeptical that it would make a difference, but WOW! After just 1/2 hour, Peter somehow managed to all but eliminate the extreme sensitivity on one side of my incision (the other side remains numb, as it has since surgery) and overall, I am now 48 hours post massage and my knee feels as good as new, FAR better than I anticipated! I could not be happier with the result. Thank you, Peter! read more

Wow! I had my first massage yesterday at Rasa Spa. It was a fantastic experience start to finish...I went with a friend, and because of the timing, I ended up scheduled with a massage therapist named Piers. When I arrived, the folks up front couldn't have been nicer and gentler, as they no doubt detected a bit of my anxiety, being in a new place, my first time there and all... They got me set up with a robe and slippers, and steered me to the Tranquility Room, where I really began to relax and "be in the moment". I was silently chanting when Piers came in and introduced himself and led me to a private room. We talked a bit about my medical history and what I was looking to get out of the massage.  I told Piers about some nagging pain I'd been having and he asked a few questions to be sure he had a good idea what he was working with.  He was fantastic. Super competent (says my pain free back and neck), sensitive to my comfort, completely disarming and very, very helpful with suggestions on how I might make some changes with posture, etc., etc. We also had a few laughs about being tall on a planet of small people. I will DEFINITELY go back, and couldn't imagine working with anyone but Piers. Rasa...the staff...Piers. Everybody hit it out of the park! One happy client here. read more

The massage was ok, but I won't be back, as I was not comfortable at Rasa Spa. My massage therapist ran her fingers under my panties while working on my back which made me very uncomfortable. At first I thought it was a mistake but then she did it a few times. I was about to comment on it, but then she thankfully moved to my legs. The therapist was also very loud, rolling around the room, and dropping things. Then I when I was trying to relax in the sauna, another client walked in and started talking to me very loud. She opened the door before she needed to enter to tell me how much better it is with the light off and turned off the sauna light on me. She then proceeded to undress right in front of the sauna door window and then walked around the locker room in the nude with no towel covering. I did not feel comfortable with her behavior engaging with me while in the nude. I had come to the spa for my anniversary to spend quality time with my husband, but the locker room set up with the sauna caused us to be separated for a chunk of the time. I wish they had their saunas outside of the locker rooms, and with a clothing requirement, so we could have used it together as a couple, and I wouldn't have been forced to see other clients in the nude. I did not feel comfortable with the other woman in the locker room with me, so I ended up leaving earlier than I intended. I will be going to another spa that does not have a locker room next time. I prefer to get changed in a private space. The tea and lemon water in the tranquility room was nice, but the seating was so low you don't really get to enjoy the water view. Also it was hard to be tranquil when the staff were rushing back and forth making quite a bit of noise. read more

Went for a couples massage. It was amazing! The masseuse are skilled and talented; we worked with Christina and Joan and they are great and communicates well during the massage. The meditation alcove has delicious teas and lounge chairs to relax. Although it was a little cold, there were circulating heaters in the room. The sauna in the locker room is also a great part of the services included. Would definitely come back! read more

We did a couples massage and it was amazing! The staff were kind and attentive and the ambience was very relaxing and beautiful. The massage therapists were very attentive and it was both of our first massages. We will definitely be coming back. 10/10 for us read more

Leana Love-Fabian!! I had the most incredible bikini wax of my life with her. It was almost pleasant, which sounds absurd. She was attentive, gentle, efficient, and yet didn't rush. I hadn't had a wax in about a year and a half, and I was afraid it would hurt a lot, but it was, in a word, amazing. Leana is so professional, sweet, funny, and exactly what you'd hope for when in such a possibly awkward situation. I cannot recommend her enough. (I told her that she has to move wherever I move so that I can have her for life!) As for Rasa, the spa is beautiful! You walk into a relaxing oasis, are greeted with a kind smile, and sit in a beautiful waiting room. Go!!!! read more

Consistently excellent spa. Talent practitioners, friendly staff, well-organized, and full-service facility. Locker room, showers, sauna, and reflection room are all really well-designed. I always visit when in Ithaca. Thanks Rasa Spa team! read more

I have had 2 60 min facial + peel sessions with Caitlyn and I cannot wait to go back for my 3rd... 4th... 50th. Caitlyn is a light and I find myself feeling like a new person when I'm done with my appointments. I have already seen a reduction is skin texture - even my dermatologist is impressed with Caitlyn's work. Thank you, Caitlyn! read more

Christy Carpenter is amazing! I am new to the area and this was my first massage at Rasa Spa. I suffer from chronic neck and shoulder tension, and this was one of the best massages of my life. I arrived in pretty rough shape and left feeling like a brand new person! The waiting area was relaxing, everyone was friendly and the massage was perfect. I can't wait for my next appointment! read more

The Rasa spa space is truly serene and relaxing. I love the day room with its view of the Inlet, tea and water options, soft music, blankets and pillows abounding to make your own nest. The meditation room is a lovely space as well. But my favorite thing this time around was my massage therapist, Ana DiPilla. What a truly special person. Her combined methods of massage, healing touch, trauma focus, and meridian therapy had me feeling safe, secure, and more relaxed in a massage than I've ever been able to be. I hope she never leaves because I have found my body healer! read more

I had a massage here during Covid and it was fabulous! Staff was friendly, I felt safe and they took the proper precautions. I had Brian as a masseuse and he was awesome! The spa has very tranquil decor and it was so relaxing to be here. Would definitely come again! read more

I visited Rasa Spa with a group of four on a girls weekend. We were all completely blown away by the beauty and tranquility of the facilities, the amenities, and the massage services. We all said that if we lived nearby, we would be members to take advantage of the spa more frequently - none of us have come across another facility on par with Rasa in our city. Thank you for such a wonderful experience! read more

I consider my Rasa Spa winter membership a necessary part of my self-care. Like many, I have a hard time carving out time for myself, but having the 3 month membership with 6-half hour massage appointments, sauna, meditation room and tranquility room at the ready for my use, I am much more proactive about stopping to breathe, relax and reflect during the winter months. 10% discount for members and the guest pass allows me to share the Rasa experience and to try new services. I walk in and exhale... The staff is friendly, helpful and always able to assist, or explain. The amenities of teas, towels, blankets, showers, loungers, lockers, soaps etc. are always well-stocked, clean and add to the comfort of each visit. Therapists are responsive to the desires and needs of clients. I cherish my Rasa time and ask for gift certificates for every single holiday! I bring my partner (couples massage) and my adult children, as well. Thanks Rasa, for providing a peaceful, client-centered space for self-care! read more

Okay, my New Year's resolution was to try something new each day...so, on January 5, I decided to try a Bro-zillian wax. I know, sounds weird, but, life is about new adventures. Sarah did my wax, and was very professional and polite. She helps me get comfortable and relaxed. When she applied the wax, she told me to just take a deep breath in and then let it out right before removing the wax. It did hurt a tad, but not quite as bad as I imagined it would. It looks and feels great and I honestly think I might make this a regular thing. read more

I booked an appointment here after a few days of really severe tension headaches caused by shoulder and neck muscle tension. I was lucky to get Emma as my massage therapist. She was incredible! Super professional, gentle but after my session with her all of my shoulder and neck pain went away. I feel like a new human :) The reception was also very happy - from helping me to book the appointments to guiding me through the experience. Unfortunately I live in Brooklyn so I won't be able to come as often as I'd like. But whenever I'm in the neighborhood or any of my friends are visiting, I'll be sure to recommend this location. read more

My partner and I had an amazing experience with Rasa Spa. We were visiting for the weekend and found them online. The place is BEAUTIFUL. Very tranquil and relaxing. My favorite was the tranquility room which had chairs to lounge on and a view of the river. It was a great place to center ourselves before the massage and then relax for a few minutes afterward. Picture beautiful rugs, pillows, crystals, and plants. Then the massages exceeded our expectation. Dex was SO great, very experienced and knowledgeable, and was definitely one of the best massages I have ever had. Such a great end to our trip, and really good for our sore muscles after hiking all weekend! Highly recommend. Also, I was unsure about going during Covid, but I was really no problem.. wore a mask while face up on the table, and then they have a towel for when you are face down, although I still kept my mask over my mouth and was very comfortable. read more

We got a couples massage but since Covid you get your own room for each. It was $110. I think it was really good especially that you know you will get a professional masseuse at this place. They give you tips to help with areas that need more help, like certain exercises and stretches that work for your tense muscles. Very clean and professional. I just found that the set up of the place is odd. U walk into a hall then there is the Bathroom, then u continue walking to the waiting room, then u loop around to get to ur room. I was confused as of to where to go. Ofcorse they gave water after. They get booked up pretty quick so you would have to reserve. Lastly if you are not sure about this place you can book half an hour instead of a full hour massage. They do give 10% off for certain employees. So check with them if your employer gets a discount here. I know Cayuga medical center workers get a discount here. read more

I've been to Rasa Spa several times and had good experiences mostly massages and some facials. However, the last time I went the experience was very subpar. I was surprised and disappointed so I called the following day to speak with a supervisor. She took note of the incidents and said she would get back to me via email in the following week. It's been almost a month and I haven't gotten any follow up. Unfortunately this experience has made it so I cannot recommend Rasa Spa. It is too expensive to have such bad customer care and dirty facilities. read more

From start to finish I loved the whole experience at Rasa. I was greeted warmly and introduced to the facility. The day room is lovely and I took advantage of the meditation alcove after my massage. The best part was my massage therapist, Allegra. She is calm and quiet with a positive energy I felt right away. She made sure I was comfortable and checked in throughout the massage to ensure the pressure was good and that I was getting what I needed. I have a ticklish back and she helped me focus on staying relaxed and focusing on my breath, so for the first time ever I truly got the best massage of my life! I highly recommend Rasa and Allegra and I will be back soon! read more

I was finally able to come here for a waxing appointment because the first time I tried the lady called in sick. Sara is very meticulous and makes sure she gets every little hair. She also doesn't rush through, which I found many estheticians do when they do Brazilians. Brazilians can be pretty painful and this experience was by far the least painful experience I have had. It is more on the expensive side, but it includes use of their tranquility room, sauna, and showers. read more

I don't want to love a place this expensive. But I do. I love Rasa. I've had a few massages here - all very good. But if you're going for fall-down, drool-worthy relaxation, go for the Ananda hot oil scalp treatment. It will put you into a coma. A happy, warm, oily coma. Come on, admit it, you've always dreamed about being in an oily coma. No?? Welllll... then you'll have to trust me on this one, it's pretty darn nice. What's great about Rasa is that they offer 30 min add-ons for many of their services - so you can try something out before committing to a whole hour and a hundred dollars. The mini-spa sampler is also a nice way to get your bliss on. Really, you can't go wrong. Be sure to arrive early or plan to stay late, so you can milk the "Tranquility Room" for all its worth. I would recommend bringing your own book or trashy magazines, because all the reading material is spiritual detox crap. I saw a copy of Paradise Lost, too - who the hell goes to a spa to read Paradise Lost? The locker rooms include a hot sauna and hot showers with those delightful rain-shower showerheads. You can use the amenities all day as long as you have an appointment - that helps take the sting out of some of the prices. Enjoy!! read more

I had the worst spa experience of my life at Rasa spa... And that's saying a lot because I have been to more spas in more cities than I can count. I was scheduled for a Reiki session and a scalp massage. Upon arriving I was able to relax in a sauna. There was a bowl of water and a mug and instructions saying to add water to the hot stones for steam. Well I did this and was immediately burned by the steam the came up from the stones. Apparently there was supposed to be a long handled ladle that someone failed to put out and had instead replaced with a mug. I was in so much pain I could barely get my robe on. I went out to the receptionist and told her what had happened. She was completely stumped and said she had no idea what to do for a burn. After several minutes of confusion she brought me a bowl of ice and seemed to think this solved everything. I went on to the reiki session which was nice. It would have been sublime if I had not been in such pain. Then I went for the scalp massage. I am African American and I was planning to go to dinner following my appointment. Imagine my shock when my head was saturated with a hot oil that smelled like old cooking oil! No where in the description was it indicated this is what would happen. Furthermore, my hair is not of the wash and go variety, even if my hand had been up to submerging it in water hot enough to break down this horrible smelling oil. As I left the receptionist was just as clueless about my unhappiness with my service as she appeared to be about everything else. All she cared about was getting payment. I contacted the spa owner who informed me that the spa actually had creams for burns on site but apparently the receptionist hadn't been trained properly. She didn't know why anyone would put a mug instead of a ladle. And perhaps I'd like 25% off my next visit. It took a week of back and forth before she refunded the cost of the scalp massage and provided me with lavender cream for my burns, which were still visible. No matter what was offered I will NEVER return to Rasa. I value my safety so much more than that! read more

Visiting town and wanted to recharge. The 60 minute massage with Francesca was perfect. Very clean and tranquil space. Will definitely return next time I'm in town. read more

I had a great experience at Rasa Spa. I went in for a half hour massage on a Tuesday afternoon and ended up spending about two hours total there between the massage, reading a book in the Tranquility room, relaxing in the sauna, and finally taking a long hot shower. I definitely recommend allowing yourself some extra time before or after your appointment to enjoy the rest of the spa. The therapist I had was named Emily and she took the time before my massage to ask what kind of pressure I liked and if I had any areas I wanted her to focus on. Overall I thought this place was so relaxing and I will definitely be returning!. read more

Thank you Melissa at Rasa! Yesterday my sister and I spent the day at Rasa to celebrate her finishing exams. We usually go to celebrate birthdays, but both of us have spent the past few months hunched over computers for hours on end, so massages were in order. We arrived a few hours early to read in the relaxation lounge and enjoy some snacks we brought in. The staff at Rasa brought our snacks out to us on trays, which was great! My only issues with the lounge are 1) It's time for new cushions on the lounge chair, there isn't much between you and the wood anymore; and 2) other guests in the lounge thought the food was for everyone and we had to shoo away a few people who already had their hands in our food. Of course- this was no fault of the Rasa staff! My massage was excellent and my neck and shoulders feel amazing today. I love the heated beds, the cande lit rooms, the relaxing music, and the whole decor at Rasa. Melissa even went a little over the 60 minutes and into her break to help loosen up my neck. I am very grateful! I am hopeful that my next trip up to Ithaca will also include a visit to Rasa. Thanks again! read more

My mom and I went to Rasa Spa for hot stone massages. While I haven't had many massages to compare it to, my mom has and she says that it was the best one she has ever had! She just wishes that we didn't live in Maryland so she could go more often. I highly recommend going early and taking full advantage of everything they have to offer. We went to the sauna before the Tranquility Room. Then after our massages we returned to the Tranquility Room for a good two hours of relaxing. They even brought us lunch! read more

I found out about Rasa while searching for spas near Ithaca. After reading the positive reviews we booked appointments for a weekend getaway to the area. My boyfriend had a deep tissue massage, I opted for a body scrub. I agree with the comment another reviewer here had about the cushions- given the prices you would think they'd replace the cushions in the Tranquility Lounge. It's difficult to relax with wood slabs pushing through well-worn cushions into your body. The women's locker room comfortable and odorless, but a little on the small side. There were 3 other women in there at the same time as I was, and it felt crowded. Pack light for your visit - lockers are small and the locks are not that strong. Other than that, the place is super clean and peaceful, with a well-organized flow to it. Price-wise, I'd put Rasa at the high end of average. The products themselves are just fragrant enough smell but not so strong that they overpower you. I do need to find out where to get the spa slippers they give you for your visit....wearing them was like walking on a foot massage:D The staff were all friendly and strove to make it a relaxing experience (which it definitely was!!). Melissa did my scrub and made it a very pleasant, relaxing treatment. I left feeling refreshed and my skin is still so soft. Between the scrub, the aromatherapy massage, and the relax-and-take-your-time shower in between the 2 treatments I walked out of there feeling pretty fantastic! Rasa is definitely worth a visit if you are in Ithaca and want a relaxing spa treatment- I highly recommend! read more

My massage at Rasa Spa was excellent and I really enjoyed relaxing in the tranquility room.

Serene atmosphere. Beautiful decor. Competent and attentive technicians and staff. Fair pricing

The massage with Sarah was excellent. It was our first meeting. She listened to me and responded. She did not do a scripted routine. She did some extremely deep tissue work which due to her patient, slow and careful movements were tolerable - normally that depth of work could be painful, but her approach minimized the "uncomfortable". Her diagnostic skills were impeccable and she was methodical and unrelenting in her ability to work through difficult areas. I was really impressed and she helped release some very tight area in my body. Very grateful. I had a facial the following day. I was not as happy with the experience on a number of levels. (Did not catch the aesthetician's name). I will give this feedback in the hopes that she can learn. My concerns were brushed aside when I told her I had reactive and sensitive skin. She said the products were "organic" as if that were the answer to any type of allergy issue. If someone has a peanut allergy, it doesn't matter if the peanut is organic or not. The correct response would be that she would choose products that from experience she knew to be less reaction inducing. Also, she gave almost no explanation whatsoever as to what she was doing or why. By smell and texture I could discern some information about the products she was using. Also, she chose to use a scrub at one point, which if you have sensitive skin, is a no no. She was also insensitive to noises she was making as she moved about the room - it was jarring - closing doors loudly and dropping jars heavily. Her treatment felt scripted. In fact, the movements were so repetitive, I became bored for her. The extractions were unnecessary. I am 55 and haven't been able to produce a decent pimple in years. Never have I experienced such an aggressive and painful extraction. She actually was using a metal tool on my face to dig and scrape. Again, I don't have acne. My husband thought my head had caught a spray of buckshot. I hope these suggestions will help her provide a better experience for future patrons. Overall, the spa provided a quality experience for me. Thank you! read more

Very warm and friendly staff. Excellent service all around. I got a full body package and it was excellent!!

I can't rave more about Rasa! My whole experience was so thoroughly enjoyable that I didn't want to leave after I was done with my treatments. I got a 60 minute facial and a 30 minute massage, and both of my technicians were wonderful and incredibly knowledgeable. The atmosphere was relaxing, the facility as a whole was lovely, and I will definitely be going back the next time I'm in Ithaca! read more

From start to finish it was a great experience. Jackie was very helpful in setting up appointments for three of us and welcoming us to the spa for the first time. Your venue and the treatment specialists are first class. My girlfriend and her friend had a wonderful experience with waxing and massage, and my massage from Amy was also excellent. We'll all be returning soon, and of course spreading the word! read more

So pricey. But so worth it. Booked a couples massage and had just the best time with my hubby - exquisite, clean, calm environment. Little perks everywhere. Welcoming and warm staff. Did not feel rushed, took my time in the sauna. read more

Never disappointed at Rasa Spa. Beautiful space, great therapists. I've suffered a number of different arthritic and sports related injuries and feel instant relief after they do their magic! Healing goes much faster and I always receive expert advice on caring for my injury. They take the time to listen and get the full scope of the situation, then explain to me what's really going on inside, and what I can do to help it along. read more