Spa World got dirty and loud. Used, crumpled napkins, straws, dirty towels. And people are so loud. No one in any area of a Korean spa should be speaking above a whisper. The common area sounds like a food court. The reason why the Korean community started not coming is because expected set of manners was not being followed and not strictly enforced by management. Respect the culture, please. Not coming back until it gets quieter read more

Great setup. 6 different rooms for general admission and it's co-Ed. The disco room is pretty cool, nice lights and exciting atmosphere. The rainforest room is moist and green. Lots of wildlife and compelling weather changes simulations. That being said, the antártica room was so fkn cold and nippy. Speaking of nippy my nippys were hard. Because it was so cold. The lsd room was probably my favorite. Colors. Lights. Gyrating geometric shapes. Oh and how could I forget. The culinary room. The smell of sardines tickled my nose. I could almost taste it. Last but certainly not least, the red room was sexy by all means, but slightly upsetting. Seriously it put 50 shades of grey to shame. I went with my ethics in literature philosophy professor and when she whipped me it felt wrong. But I liked it. read more

From a friend's referral, I chose my first visit to be an anniversary gift to by baby. This was the best decision I could have made. First, there is plenty of value here, but I would recommend if you can save, then save. So check for a coupon from anywhere. Even not having one, we were quickly checked in and the instructions are plain and simple. Leave your shoes at the from, here is you used yellow jump suit which woul will change into once you get inside. The bade pool you are completely naked. This place rocks! The pool area has so many jets and pools at different temps. If you can not find what you need here, you do not know what you want or need. We spent the first hour of our day meeting back up in the area with all the hot room where we could do couple stuff. Then we signed up for a couple message. It was good. Really good. We spent the next hour in our gender specic pools. I wasn't aware there was such a place like this but it is heavenly. A jet to hit every muscle group on your body. Not sure I even needed the couples message, but it was our first so the memory is always good. So, my favorite was the clay ball sauna room. I'm sure we spent 30 minutes embedded in balls...hmmm? We decided we would jump straigh into the freezing ice room, because the sign said that shock was good for you. Uh huh, 5 minutes and that happy place was done. Back to a warm room. This place rocks and we will be back quarterly. read more

Plan a day, at least 5 hours. Soak. Rest in the salt rooms or commons. Soak some more. Relax in the Bade pools (massaging water jets). Also do: Get a meal in the cafe. The Bibimpap is delish. Get a scrub-massage. read more

DON'T DO IT!!! The did not honor our massage appt. because they were running behind.

Quick notes - Drinks lot of H2O during your visit to avoid dehydration. You'll thank me later. - You're naked most of the time except in the communal areas. IF you're not comfortable being naked in front of the mirror at home; chances are you won't be comfortable being naked in front of tons of other naked people of your same gender in the spa area or locker room. - $40 covers the admission fee for 12 hours. It does not cover food or any other spa services such as the body scrubs or massages. - Massages are between 10am-10pm with the last one being scheduled for 9:30pm. Book in advanced. - Body scrubs are on first come/first serve basis. - Open 24/7. - Restaurant is on site. - You're not allowed to leave the facility under any circumstances unless you want to pay another $40 to re-enter. - Family oriented spa facility. My Experience. The component that drove me to this experience is probably the one that would drive most people away -- I was going to be naked. To freely roam naked in the spa area and the saunas inside the spa absolutely made me ecstatic. Truth be told, I am a nudist in my own mind. I find the human body to be a beautiful thing, and something to not to be ashamed of. This coming from a 190 something pound plus size woman who has battled weight gain/loss and gravity over the years. Bottom line -- there is ZERO shame in my game, and I am a firm believer if you 'got it; flaunt it.'... when appropriate, of course. This was my favorite part of the experience was to be FREE! I had never been to something like this before, and I was quite unfamiliar of these Korean bath houses and of their apparent common existence. I am not up on the latest trends of bath houses like some of these other Yelpers. Read their reviews and their comparisons to get more of a pro perspective. Mine is definitely at the beginning level. As mentioned at the beginning of almost every review -- you come in; pay your $40 entry fee (or display your Groupon like I did); they give you a key where you put your shoes in a locker designated by a number. That same number that you deposited your shoes will be the same locker number you deposit your clothes and other items once when the designated gender locker room. At this point, you are required to fully disrobe. You're allowed to take their towels with you into the spa, but you won't be sporting them around your waist or chest.The towels you use to dry off with are equivalent to the size of a hotel shower mat. They're not full size towels. The towel might be big enough to cover your 4 year old, or a very petite adult, but not a typical individual. I went in and started wandering from the large pool to the varying temperature bade pools. As far as I could tell all the jets were working in most of the pools. I enjoyed myself. More so than anything, I appreciated that they had the temperatures of each pool on display that way you could decide what was best for you. I found myself between the main pool set at 89°F and the 105°F bade pool. I scheduled a body scrub for 4pm. I arrived at 2:30, and thought that would give me enough time to enjoy the other options before being scrubbed to death by an elderly Korean lady in lingerie. I checked out the poultice rooms which to be completely honest I did not find that all relaxing. I can't relax laying on my back on a hard floor with my neck being propped up by a piece of wood and towel. It just wasn't my style. I tried out the Amethyst Room at 155°F, Blue Onyx Room which was set at 47°F, and the Clay Ball Room. I didn't really sit out in the common area long or talk to anyone. I did check out the fruit juice menu and the food menu. They've got a bit of a selection. I didn't eat or drink from it though. My thought was after dropping $55 on a body scrub plus the groupon... that was enough for one day. FYI - the Groupon does offer the more than just the entry fee option with other options to add the massage and body scrub as a combo. Initially I didn't do that because I thought the experience would have been fine with entry. I opted for the scrub after the fact. The little old Korean lady that scrubbed me down man handled me. She would flip me over, and scrub all of my crevices then flip me back over. This went on for 30 minutes and for some reason took a lot of my energy. After we were done; she processed my payment. She then dropped her black lacy panties right at the door where I got a full glimpse of everything that God had given her. She proceeded to scratch her behind with the same hand she had just scrubbed me down with 2 minutes before. Goodness... I hadn't felt awkward the entire time until that happened. I was fine with the nakedness everywhere then her dropping chow and doing that was my motion to exit. *Heads for the exit* Spa World for me was an interesting, neat experience, but I won't be running back any time soon. read more

I called in to ask if they are open on Thanksgiving Day and for how long. The person who answered the call said "Why do you think I'm here". I was surprised by the answer being at customer service myself, but I understand that they are people too that they may not have a good mood. So I said "You are open now but until when"? He said "Thanks for being an asshole" then hang up. read more

I looked up this place after I visited a friend in Texas and she took me to Spa Castle. It's true, EVERYTHING in TEXAS is BIGGER =D Spa World is very small compared to Spa Castle and they seem to be the same company since. I could be wrong. But a lot is very similar. Spa Castle has two other pool bath areas that aren't nude as well. Anyway, overall the experience was nice, the staff was nice and helpful, and everything was CLEAN. I took off a star because it could be more quieter in the communal area, maybe if it was separate from the sauna areas you wouldn't hear the noise in the saunas. We used a Groupon deal for two people for 12 consecutive hours which was def better than paying $40 each. I went with my husband who had never done anything like this before-- he had quite an experienced and said he enjoyed it! You check in, pay entrance, they give you a receipt number for each person and a sauna outfit, then you go find the shoe locker that matches your number, take off your shoes (I suggest keeping your socks or bringing slippers if you don't want to go barefoot), lock your shoes and that key must stay with you (if lost it's $30). You go down the hall to find the lockers according to your gender. You find your locker number (same as your shoe locker number) and use your key to unlock your locker. They key also acts as your wallet, they charge everything you purchase on the key. When you check out, if you have charges on your key and try to get your shoes first the locker will beep. Then someone will tell you to check out first. I suggest if you know you have charges, to just walk to the counter to pay (same counter you checked in at). LOCKER ROOM: There is a nude shower bath/pool area within the respective locker rooms through the clear doors. So don't be alarmed when you see lots of nude bodies. Towels are small, so if you want to bring your own, I think you can-- not sure tho. To exit to the sauna rooms from the female locker room it is the door to the left of the seating area. There is a bathroom with 4 stalls towards the back of the locker room. They have hair dryers and lotion for use. There is also a water cooler. There are water coolers available throughout the sauna area too. There are also bathrooms in the sauna area. Don't forget to grab one or two towels from the locker room before you head out to the sauna area! You'll need it to wipe off the sweat that will be dripping from your body!! There are no towels provided in the sauna areas. We didn't do any of the massages, but we stayed in Spa World for 8 hours 1pm-9pm on a Saturday. A lot more groups of people came around the evening time. It wasn't too crowded, but there were bigger groups coming and going in the steam rooms with them was not quiet. We did more of the sauna rooms, there were 2 igloo style sauna rooms, one ice room, and 4 other sauna rooms. Some had more spaces than others. The most fun one is the red clay ball room, but it is loud when people come in and walk in it. Each room has different benefits listed outside the door. The coldest room was about 45 degrees but it rose to like 55 I think because a lot of bodies after awhile. The hottest went to about 160 degrees. It is only suggested to stay in the suanas for 5 minutes at a time and cool down inbetween. They have wifi but both connections sucked for us. Outside the sauna room is a communal room where you can lay on the rugs they lay out, sit in benches, couches and comfy chairs. There are TVs. There is a few desks where you can plug into an outlet. There is a child care room next to the restaurant. There is also a juice bar with small snacks. The bubble teas are $6.50 and taste very good! The juice bar isn't open 24 hours, but for the most part they are open on the most popular times. I'm not sure if the restaurant is open 24 hours either, but they have a good selection of Korean food and the prices aren't bad. My total was about $44 for two meals, 2 bubble teas, and 1 hot honey citron tea. Things I suggest you bring: - socks (I was barefeet in the saunas, but I wore socks in the bathrooms even if they were constantly cleaning) - water bottle (have ice already in it because they don't provide it, but you can buy a cup of ice for 50cents at the juice bar) - battery charger or battery pack for your tablet and/or cellphones (there are outlets but only some available) - some people bring a book - headphones (to use in the sauna too, you can tune out the noise inside even if it's suppose to be quiet, some people talk!) - extra clothes Little kids were allowed but no one under 10 years of age were allowed to go in the sauna. There were quite a few kids that were there. read more

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If you just love being TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY NAKED in front of your friends and a bunch of old ladies (I imagine old dudes, too, though I did not go in the men's locker room), then Spa World is the place for you. Seriously, if you go here with your friends you will see them naked. That's not a threat, that's a promise. But first, you will be given a little uniform to wear so that you can go in the various saunas and sweat houses in the main room. It will feel a bit like you've joined a cult and you're just waiting around to be served that delicious Kool-Aid. By the way, you'll need to ditch your bra and panties under your uniform -- all the easier to subsequently be nude in front of your friends, whom you will be very, very naked in front of. You can get massages and pedicures here, like at a normal salon where you don't have to be naked in front of your friends. The pedicure I got was A-OK, though a bit more expensive than I'm used to paying at a normal salon where I didn't have to be naked in front of my friends. The massage adds an interesting twist to the day because it's performed by old ladies who are in black lace bras and underwear (while you, by the way, are naked). They serve delicious food and bubble tea, which was a plus, and a fun break from being naked in front of my friends. All in all, it was a fun day. But I was naked in front of my friends. read more

Spa World is my go-to place when I need to relax; If I've been very busy, and/or had a stressful few days or weeks. I would give them 5 stars, but sometimes when certain hot tubs or the chill pool are out of service, they take a very long time to fix. Otherwise, I have no complaints! Atmosphere is very relaxing (go late at night or early in the mornings unless you want to be in a crowd). The food is great for the price. Bade pool area and saunas are amazing if you don't mind being nude around the same sex. I have yet to try a massage. I definitely recommend this place. read more

NUDITY MANDATORY Okay, now that I have your attention... Get ready to feel very free, because in the main spa room, nudity really is mandatory - no towels larger than a hand towel available, so you can't wimp out and try and hide behind the shelter of a larger rag. There is even a sign that says so, which I was going to try to get a photo of (because I found it funny), but didn't want to look like a complete perv taking photos in the ladies locker room where everyone was baring all. Not to mention, getting thrown out and possibly arrested. I found everything to look, feel, and smell very clean - all of the water is obviously chlorinated, which I found comforting, considering you're sharing the water with a bunch of strangers and their uncovered nether regions. They have jacuzzi tubs in the 60 degree range (torture at first, but actually quite nice once you get over the shock of the initial chill), all the way up to around 107 degrees. Alternate back and forth if you dare. The main, and largest pool is around 95 degrees, and has some really powerful jets (use them as you like, wink wink). I also really liked that there was a central waterfall, which created a really pleasant sound...just close your eyes and pretend you're on an island (and ...closing your eyes in here is something you might want to do anyway - trust me) I recommend paying the extra $30 for access to the Poultice room - the rooms within it are very relaxing. For anyone who has ever been in a tanning bed, it's kind of like that. You're surrounded by warmth, and a very pleasant smell. Most of the rooms are around 150 degrees, which sounds like hell, but feels really nice. The most interesting of the rooms was the one whose floor was made up of about a foot and a half of small, warm pebbles - it feels so good lying there, burying yourself in them! Loved the 30 minute salt scrub - these women scrub you until there isn't a single questionable skin cell left on your body. It's pretty disgusting to look at the table as you're getting rubbed down - you will SEE what's come off of you, and it ain't pretty. You also get a quick little massage at the end, which is nice. Eat while you're here. Trust me. My friends and I were skeptical, expecting cafeteria quality meals. But OMG - it is GOOD. I had the soft tofu and seafood stew, and it came out in a little hot pot, still bubbling, and so flavorful and fresh I thought I might burst. Lastly, a few tips: 1. come on the early side if you want to get a massage. We came around 3:30 on Sunday, and there were no masseuses available for the rest of the day. 2. There are signs asking you not to get in the pools if you're on your period. 3. Bring your key to the dining area, that's how you'll pay for your food / tea. 4. At the end, after you get dressed, you have to bring your key back to the front desk (as opposed to leaving it in your locker) to check out and pay. 5. Have fun and don't be uptight! read more

Going to Spa World on the weekend is like going to the zoo or Kings Dominion during the summer time. It's CROWDED and LOUD and HOT. If you really want to get your relaxation on, I recommend coming on a weekday (but not when it's raining...everyone seems to congregate at Spa World when the weather sucks). I have been to Spa World multiple times, and believe me there is nothing more annoying than being sandwiched between an old Korean man snoring and a gaggle of ladies gossiping when you're trying to escape from the rest of the world. General admissions is $40 per day, but once you leave the premises you cannot re-enter unless you pay for admissions again! Once you purchase your ticket, you'll be given a uniform and a key fob. This key fob opens both your shoe locker and your locker inside of the men's/women's changing room. Immediately, you'll be asked to take off your shoes and place them inside the shoe locker before proceeding to the locker rooms. Walk barefoot to the men's/women's changing room and prepare yourself to feast your eyes on naked bodies of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Traditionally in a Korean jjimjilbang, you're supposed to do things in this order: 1) rinse off/shower 2) soak in the pool 3) go into the dry/wet saunas by the pool 4) dry off 5) go to the communal area to hang out, experience some of the different poultice rooms 6) final rinse off/shower. Please for the betterment of humankind, SHOWER BEFORE ENTERING THE POOL. I wish Spa World did a better job of enforcing this because ain't nobody got time for catching diseases. The pool area also has a designated spot for you to get into your best squat and exfoliate yourself pink. Spa World does offer a full body scrub ($55 for 25 minutes), which is a great opportunity for you to get intimately familiar with an ahjumma or ahjuhshi you do not know as they scrub every single crevice in your body. It's not a very comfortable experience, but you will feel like a brand new person afterwards...literally. When you're in the communal area, you can do a variety of things. Eat, sleep, chat with friends/family, sweat it up in the poultice rooms...you can seriously spend an entire day here without knowing it. Spa World does offer wi-fi and I even saw a couple of people diligently working on their laptops. The food as Spa World is mehhhh...I normally refrain from eating anything at Spa World as there are much better options in the Centreville area. I usually get myself a nice order of shikhye (Korean rice punch) and call it a day. When you're all done and ready to go home, head to the cashiers and they'll ring up your key fob to see if you owe any additional $ for purchases you made throughout the day. After you pay, get your shoes out of the shoe locker and that's it! The reason that Spa World gets 3-stars is because your experience varies highly depending on when you go. I've had some days where I leave feeling refreshed, but I've also had moments where I wanted to punch someone in the face. It just depends. If you're not too sure about paying $40 to go somewhere you may or may not hate, be on the lookout for their Groupon deals. Also, if you shop at H-Mart, you can get a day pass for $20 if you spend $50 grocery shopping. read more

Ok, I never went to these places in Korea - I actually avoided them for fear of sanitation issues. However, my father swears by them. Lately, with the wife and I battling a bit of the malaise, we decided that a good soak and bake would do us good. When we got there, we walked into a nice corridor lined with shoe lockers. You pay your fee (we bought the general admission and body scrub package), put your shoes away, and then head to the locker room. Locker Room: Not incredibly spacious. However, it had amenities that would rival Sport and Health. Feeling unclean? Strip down to your birthday suit and go for a dip. Or you can sit in the locker room in one of several chairs or on the wood raise floor that is reminiscent of Asian relaxation places. Thirsty? There are drinks for sale - however, they come at a premium. I paid $2 for a can of Pocari Sweat. The counter top has everything you need - face moisturizer, combs in barbasol, q-tips, tissue, and even Crew hair gel. Spare no expense, eh? But for $35, it can't be beat. Bath House: Ok - seriously, if you're a homophobe or not secure in your skin, this may throw you off. While I'm used to showering with other men (the Army and lack of any privacy did it for me), I had a hard time with the body scrub and I'll explain that one later. But first, the bath areas. There are several areas you can go inside here - an infrared relaxation area, jasmine tub, lemon tub, sauna, steam room, a main massage pool, and showers (take your pick - sit down style or standing). When you take a shower, they have everything you need from the Asian scrub towels (loofahs) to shaving cream and razors to toothbrushes with toothpaste. You can honestly clean up in here pretty quick. Now, the idea comes from when you're in Korea and you want to just rest there - you can bathe and clean up before heading to the common area or sleep areas. I skipped the sauna since I don't need to burn my balls on a wooden bench - I figured I'd do that in the common areas. The steam room was pretty damn hot when I went in, I did actually scald my boys when I sat down and am still a bit sensitive days later (TMI, right? But hey, I'm looking out for you and your wedding tackle). I quickly went into the main soaking pool after showering in hopes of soothing my nuts and also my shoulders since it had been a stressful week. Plenty of different water jets to choose from and even an individual whirlpool where you have the rush coming up (warning ladies, this might be a good one :p ). I then went to do the body scrubbing to get exfoliated. Now, this is where it got weird. As I went in, naked as hell, I was gestured to lie down, face up on the table. The guy quickly covered my face in a cold towel and started to pour hot water all over me before scrubbing me down in soap. Of course, I couldn't get it out of my head that I'm lying there, johnson flapping in the wind, with some dude in triangle speedos working away on me with a washcloth. Of course, that was quickly dispelled when he started to apply the real pressure to exfoliate and thoughts of, "he touched my piece! he touched my piece! he touched my piece!!!" were replaced with, "aw s$!#!! this f$#!ing hurts!!" I was relieved after the 30 minute torture session was done and was as smooth as a newborns a$$. Main Room: Besides the snack bar that has drinks, kimbap, and even dukboki, there is a main lounge area where you see families, couples, and individuals laying about in various states of relaxation. There are several screens displaying various Korean shows and plenty of books and newspapers to choose from. In the sauna rooms, you have seven different theme rooms - six hot and one cold. I personally avoided the ice room due to my cough but enjoyed the sauna rooms. The amethyst room is ornately decorated and you can tell they put some time into the decorations. After looking at it for about 15 minutes, I realized that it was time to go back outside and cool off. The charcoal room is rather relaxing - a stark comparison to the clay ball room that hurts like hell to walk into (it's like walking into a sea of hot marbles that nettle the hell out of your feet). I was laughing when in another room (the opal room?) I overheard a conversation between three married women who were lamenting about their husband's "desires" when drunk that later collapsed into a case of snoring. That made it that much more fun. A few words of warning though for those planning to go: 1. It's not cheap. Be prepared to pony up $35 per head to get the full benefit. Body scrub is $50 extra. 2. If you're ashamed of your body, this isn't the place for you. 3. Kids run around. 4. Go with a friend if you can - unless you're into "alone time," sweating by yourself can be boring. I didn't try the sleep areas, but I'll have to make sure I tour them next time I go. read more

I think I have unlocked the secret to the WHOLE WORLD. The spa world anyway. A membership (I'm assuming annual) is $2,000. Each visit is $35/24 hours. That is the equivilant of visiting spa world 57.143 times in a year to break even. Facts to consider- they are open 24/7 You CAN sleep there. Anywhere you want. By the TV, in the sleeping room... on the floor. Pick a place and chill. Sleep. There is a cafe open 8am- 11pm. Breakfast lunch dinner, snacks, shaved ice, and smoothies. There is free wifi- everywhere and tons of outlets. Yes you can shower here, they provide shampoo, conditioner, and soap. From COSTCO. I mean.. c'mon you shop there ANYWAY. Not to mention after a long day at work you can just jump in that bade pool and have all the stress taken away. (you can also have massages, salt scrubs, waxing, and maicures) In esscence you could live at spa world for the cost of apprx: 1 month's rent and utilities in DC. Unfortunately your friends would have to pay a $35 fee to visit, although they could stay for 24 hours, have a meal, a bit of a kip, some nice relaxing naked time in the bade pool, and be on his/her way raving about how clean your new place is. You'd really have to get rid of all those earthly posessions, and keep your wardrobe in your car like a crazy person... but it would be worth it. It COULD work. lol imagine I do a blog "my year living at spa world". Not a bad idea except they don't allow pups- read more

I just arrived from SPA WORLD. Spent 6 hours there. No joke! I needed to relieve my stresses. I changed duty station (I am an active duty US Soldier) from South Korea last year. I spent my one year hardship tour (as the Army calls it) there and pretty much enjoyed the different spas a lot as well as the their viand/food. Now I'm stationed at Washington, DC. It was my first time to go to a bath house in Korea with my Korean soldier-friends. I was kind of shy at first but what the heck, I gave in to their culture. To my surprise, I enjoyed everything and no regrets whatsoever. Totally relaxing. So every weekend (in South Korea), I go to the bath house/spa with or without my Korean buddies. I learned to speak Hanggul (Korean language) too. When I was in Korea, I preferred the bigger spas as it offered different pools with different themes. Different pools offer different temperatures. What I like about the pools are the jets that are strategically placed to massage almost every part of your body. You know what, entrance there is only $6 (converted) compared to $35 here in VA. Food, transportation, etc are all cheap in Korea. So, it's worth visiting (by the way, I am not Korean). SPA WORLD is very representative of bath houses/spas in Korea. Everything's the same as well as the food. In fact, I thought I was back in Korea. I guess it's a good thing that non-Korean Americans are trying SPA World. I cannot blame the first timers as they're kind of bashful at first entering a bath house full of naked people (in my case, males). I was once in their shoes. I also observed that if you're a first timer, you tend to look around and cover yourself up. Don't worry, everybody's naked and just mind your own business. Don't stare at anyone's you know what! It's like you're going to "basic training" for the Army (hehehehe). You'll see many different races and different age groups. By the way, generally, the Asian culture (in this case, Korean) is a touchy-feely culture. They're timid, soft-spoken, family-centered, well-knit, respectful to the elderly, highly educated, and patriotic. It wouldn't hurt if you studied Korean culture first, at least anything related to spas and food. Is it better to bring someone with you? It's up to you, but for me, I went by myself cause I am no stranger to the bath houses, food, and just basically the culture. At that time, when I was there a few hours ago, it was about me getting my stresses released. And it did help a lot. In fact, if you want to sleep over there, there are mattresses, pillows, and blankets (at no extra charge). Next time, I'll try to sleep overnight. Before I forget, there are people who bring their laptops and study materials there. I will do the same next time. So basically, it's your home away from home Korea-style! To those who are first timers and are ignorant about what spas are, try going there and experience it for yourself. I have many soldier friends that I have brought to the bath house and they themselves enjoyed it a whole lot. Every soldier that I bring there wished they knew about it way before. If you want "alone-time" for yourself (kind of redundant) without much to pay for, I suggest to go to this place and you won't be frustrated. Bring a friend who knows the place and once you're familiar with it, try to go alone. This maximizes relaxation. If you have family, it bonding-time for everyone. I tried to be as truthful as I could. I really hope this review helps. Blue read more

Worst spa experience ever! I gave it 2 stars because I really liked the different rooms you can relax in, especially the red clay ball room. Hurts to walk on but if you lay down, it feels so good! My experience started off bad because upon entering the facility, there was a huge crowd in the lobby area because a guy didn't want to pay for a service and they refused to give him his shoes (shoes are kept in a locker by the front desk, you get them back after you settle your bill) makes sense to me but they should've had another worker greet and deal with incoming guest to keep things flowing. This was a surprise for my husband and it took everything to get him there so that was strike #1... Once we entered the locker room, everyone was naked. Pardon my ignorance but that was my first time experiencing a bade pool. It seemed to be clean and everyone was doing there own thing. No judgement zone! Afterwards we were given our cult-like outfits, lol, and of all colors, orange! However it was comfortable. Once you enter the great room, you can lounge, eat and/or explore the rooms. My husband and I explored every room and had so much fun zoning out and relaxing. Then we decided to get a snack from the cafe. Customer service in this area sucked. It was some things that I wanted to know what was in it (because, although I like to try new things, I like to know what I'm eating). The staff was RUDE! ALL OF THEM! They didn't want to deal with explaining and just kept saying "you buy or no?" And when I said "no, nevermind" eyes rolled and they walked away! Strike #2! If we didn't have a massage schedule, we would've left right then! Onto the massage, that I promised my husband was gonna be heaven! We got to the waiting area and signed in. Our massage was for 10pm (it's a 24hr place), and by 1015, no one called us so I went to the desk and inquired about the time. The lady explained that the room was still in use, yet there was a hall of open rooms! Yep, I looked! And workers just walking around chillin! I told her we were leaving and then all of a sudden a room was available... right?! Well when we entered we were not greeted, just told to get comfortable. So we did. Then they started pulling our arms and chopping our backs and when I asked what massage was this because this is not what was described, I was told that it's what I chose. Hecks no! The literally walked on our back and it hurt bad and when I asked them to ease up, my request was ignored! Strike #3! So we ended it early. We left and decided to go to IHOP next door for food. I will NEVER come back to Spaworld! Over all we spent almost $210.00 there and they had no issue with being rude. Some serious customer service training needs to happen! People spend too much money there to be ignored and treated rudely. I now see why the man tried to leave without paying, SMH. Not worth it! read more

Guys, seriously, I think I found the Disney World of Spas = SPA WORLD!! After reading soo many great reviews about this place, my curiousity went on overload, & to top it off I got a super deal for this place on Groupon; so me going became a no brainer. Don't let the strip mall location fool you, once you enter thru the glass doors, you'll feel like your in the lap of luxury. So 1st, you start by signing in at the front desk, then you are given a key that works to unlock your shoe locker, gym locker, and it's also your credit card, so if you go in spending $ on facial/massages/food, they simply use the key to add to your balance. So far have you notice the resemblence to DisneyWorld (go pay ur ticket, then put all your stuff in a locker). Next they hand you a jump suit and you walk down a hallway that leads to 2 entrances, ladies and gentlemen. These doors lead to the other locker room that holds your personal items, and this is where you strip down and get to strut your birthday suit (this part is definately NOT like DisneyWorld). Then you enter the bade pool area (aka water park). You've got all these fun "water rides" such as a sith bath, back & neck water massager,as well as a dry/wet sauna, infrared rest area, hot tubs, and body scrubbing corner. Once done there, you enter back into the locker room where you put on the jump suit that they provided. You go thru another set of doors and enter the Poultice Room aka It's a Small World of Saunas. The 1st area to visit in the "It's a Small World of Saunas" is the Amethyst Room it's located in 1 of the 2 igloo shaped saunas. Which is BEAUTIFUL! Just imagine being in a room of gems!! Next is the 2nd igloo shaped sauna which is the Red Clay Room. There's the Ice Room, which is the last room you go into once you're done with all the saunas to help close your pores and keep your skin baby soft. There's the Oak Wood, Charcoal room, Red Clay Ball Room (which was my favorite). Just imagine lying on thousands of tiny clay balls, it's such an amazing feeling! Followed by the blue onyx room and salt room. In the middle of the Poultice room is a communal rest area. To the side is a juice bar, wifi lounge area, and restaurant! And that's not all folks; Upstairs is the facial/massage/mani/pedi/waxing area. and to the side is an arcade room if your have little ones! I'm telling you, this place is seriously an amusement park for adults. I would highly recommend coming here with a group of friends or your significant other! read more

I've never seen so many naked women all at once. I do regularly use the showers at yoga, so it didn't really faze me, but it is something to get used to. It's true that it's difficult to find English-speaking staff once you get inside, but if you read these reviews, you should be fine. I was a little intimidated by the thought that I wouldn't know what was going on or what I should do, but honestly--it's a big pool, some hot rooms, and a lot of people wearing orange and yellow uniform-type things. I shouldn't have worried. So here's how I did it (and I'm going to be extra detailed here--another list post): - You park in the lot and walk inside. Pay your $35 and get a number, toothbrush, and uniform at the desk. - Find the shoe locker that corresponds to your number, and stash your shoes. - Walk down the hall to the women's locker room. Warm! Clean! Find your locker, stash all your stuff, keep the key. - Walk through the doors into the "sauna"--actually the pool room. Take a shower first! There are normal showers as well as little stools and low showers, so you can clean yourself however you please. - If you want a scrub ($50), fancy scrub ($90), or extra-fancy scrub ($120), walk back to the area with ladies wearing underwear. Sign yourself up. This confused me--I don't know what people were writing in Korean, but I wrote my key number, my name, and the kind of scrub I wanted, and that seemed to work just fine. You'll probably have to wait for a while (I was there at 6:30 pm on a Monday, and I had to wait about half an hour). I don't know entirely what the extra-fancy scrub involves, but I'll never forget the image of a middle-aged Asian lady in bra and panties standing on a naked woman's back. The second time I visited, they directed me to make an appointment with a woman just outside the pool area--maybe it depends on the time of day. - Get in the pool. OK, maybe I'm unobservant, but I couldn't figure out why the water jets kept switching off. It turns out (someone explained to me) that there are posts in the water topped with white buttons. They don't press like buttons, but touching them turns on the jets for whatever station you're at. (Note: the station that seems designed to shoot water up your sensitive bits is actually for stretching out and floating and for foot massage.) - Try the other hotter baths. Why not? - Try the dry sauna. Burning feet! Ow! - Try the steam sauna. Pant. Pant. Hold out for about a minute and then get out. - Dip toe in the cold water bath. Eek! - Back to the main pool. Why not? - Get called for your scrub. Give your key to the nice lady. Lay down on the vinyl bed. Towel placed over eyes. Proceed to be loofah-gloved to oblivion, turned over multiple times, have (warm) water tossed on you, and get slapped a few times (in a good way?). Get grossed out by realizing you can feel bits of skin on the table. Be glad it's not on you any more. For me, the scrubbing didn't hurt, so don't be scared. At the front desk, they told me that for the scrub, the tip is included, so you don't need to worry. For other services (massages, etc.) you'll want to add a tip. - After the scrub, rinse off, let them charge you for the scrub and return your key. Go back in the pool if you want. - Leave the pool area and dry off with a little towel so you don't drip everywhere. Change into the uniform. Grab a towel before you go out the door that leads to the poultice rooms. Don't worry, there are no actual poultices (I think). - There's a big main area with mats on the floor and people napping or watching TV. You can get snacks, real food at the restaurant, or you can sit in many rooms that are hot and one that's cold. It's OK to talk in the rooms. I particularly liked the charcoal room--not searingly hot, and it smells nice. Salt was also nice. Well, they were all nice. I love that woven floor mat smell. - Lounge for as long as you like. Go upstairs and have a massage or a haircut (extra cost). Sleep in the sleeping room overnight if you want (extra cost?). There are now signs posted that say the bade pool closes from 12 am to 6 am, so don't expect to be able to use everything all night. - Might as well have another shower before you go--brush your teeth? Freshen up? Leave feeling relaxed and renewed. ***Special information: how to wrap your towel into a twin-bun head covering! Fold a small towel into thirds, lengthwise. At both ends, roll the ends up like you're rolling up your sleeves. Then unfold the middle portion of the towel. The ends should stay rolled up. Place on head--roll the ends up more if you need it to be tighter. *** read more

I haven't been naked sober in public since I was 16 on the beaches of Spain. That said, Spa World made up for the lapse in time 10-fold. So you strip down completely and enter a large bade pool area. First you shower in front of everyone and wash your hair. Then you proceed into the bade pool that has different jets for different parts of the body. You will be slightly lost if you don't speak Korean. When in doubt, just do whatever the Russian or Korean grandma does that's in there too. They recommend the bade pool use for about 30 minutes at which time if you signed up for a scrub they will come and get you. The scrubs are $50/$90/$120. $90 and $120 include massage. $120 includes other stuff that you won't understand, but screw it and splurge. When the little Korean grandma (hereinafter "LKG") comes to get you, you follow her to another section of the bade pool area that has about 7 beds in a row filled with 7 naked women all in a row in various stages of a scrubdown. You lay down and the scrub starts. They scrub and scrub and scrub. Your skin starts to be covered with black dead skin. You become repulsed by the thought that showering does not remove all this stuff. She douses you w/ a bucket of hot water and continues scrubbing - EVERYWHERE. A** crack - check; boobies - check; crotch - check; ears - check. She goes over them several times. We then received some type of facial, hair shampooing/conditioning, oil rubdown, and then the massage. If pain is really weakness leaving the body, then I shedded alot of weakness today. When LKG mounted me from behind, I knew it was all over. She dug those little elbows into my back and I thought I'd die. Seriously, it basically told me I'm in need of alot of work. Don't let LKG fool you, if she grabbed you in a choke hold - it would all be over. Trust me. All in all the service was 2 hours for $120. It did say gratuity included, but we tipped $20 to each of our LKGs. I wanted to make sure she got hers cause she worked her ass off, plus $120 for all that is pretty reasonable. Afterward we hit the coed sauna section (clothed in uniforms that they provide you that make everyone look like they're in the slammer) and checked out the cafe. All in all a good day as I sit here sore while I type this. I'm definitely gonna work a once a month visit into the budget. Also, they have shiatsu massage, and other stuff so you don't have to take the hardcore treatment that I did. read more

I come here every so often for a spa day/mental health day/me day, you get the point. I only come during weekdays, I can imagine weekends being fairly busy and try to avoid that as much as I can. It used to be $40 for 24 hrs, they have since changed that to $40 for 12 hours. I try to get in between 8-9 am. I noticed this last time when I was about to be done at about 1pm, it had gotten busier, gets busier around noonish. The place lacks in customer service but once you understand how it works, you really don't need to interact with anyone but it can be annoying/frustrating when it's your first time and trying to understand the place. The last time I went, few days ago, the 2 guys behind the counter were professional, polite and helpful, which was a pleasant surprise because the times I've been there before, the staff behind the counter were never friendly. If it is your first time here, just ask the clerk behind the counter. This time I heard the guy explain to someone who was new and checking in and he was just friendly about it. You might not be sure and feel a little awkward about being naked in the bade pool area but that feeling will be over soon, because everyone is so it's not a big deal. Read the reviews here so get an idea of it. The first thing I do once I enter the locker area by the bade pool is sign up for a body scrub. Just ask one of the ladies hanging out in the locker area about other services like body scrub, massage etc and they will give you the sign up sheet. I sign up for the time about an hour or hour and a half after I get there, that gives me enough time to soak in the bade pool and the sauna and get my pores open for a real scrub down! Take a shower before entering the bade pool. The bade pool is awesome with jets for massages. The are 3 other jacuzzi/hot tubs on the side with different temperature water. There's also a wet sauna and a dry sauna room. Now the body scrub! I love the body scrub, one of the main reason I come is for a body scrub. The body scrub stations are located near the pool area. A lady will come around looking for your locker number, that's what is used for charges as well. And boy does she go at it. Twisting and turning you, and scrubbing you all over. It may hurt a little at the beginning but once you see all the dead cells being scrubbed off you, it's exactly how I want it done! After the body scrub, I take a shower and put on my yellow suit and head to the poultice area. Where there different hot rooms and ice room. There is also a common area in the middle where I have seen people just hang out and mingle. I try the hot rooms, stay longer in some and end with the ice room. There is a little cafe/bubble tea place, which i have not tried. After I am done with the poultice area, I go back to the pool area, shampoo/and shower and done! There's also a korean resturant here that I have ate at couple of times before when I have stayed longer. I have enjoyed my meals there. If you're looking for some time to unwind and relax, just have a "me" day, give this place a try. read more

I think this was the funnest thing I did when I had to visit Virginia for work. You can easily spend your entire day relaxing in here. Everything from the bade pools to the differently designed poultice rooms has been built for a particular function, and it's a great place to enjoy some peace and quiet and do absolutely nothing for a few hours. The restaurant has good, inexpensive food, and there's a juice/snack bar, so... theoretically, you could actually live here for 12 hours. I definitely would if I had so much time to kill! When I went, it was my first time at a Korean spa and I was really confused, so here's a rundown of how the payment system works: You pay the admission fee first and are given a key, which opens a locker that you store your shoes (and only your shoes) in. When you enter the same-sex sauna, there are bigger lockers that you can put your clothes, and other belongings in. If you want to buy anything (such as massage/scrub services, food/water), you just hand them your locker key, and it runs up a tab. When you're finished at the spa, just check out by handing the front desk your key, and you can pay for the tab that you racked up! It's actually a pretty ingenious system, but it'd be really helpful if the front desk could explain it to newcomers who don't know how it works. As for the spa itself, you're supposed to sauna first (without clothes). If you want a scrub, it's encouraged that you soak in one of hotter pools or the steam room for at least 30 minutes to open up your pores (so not the bade pool, which is the pool with all the water massages). Scrubs are first come first serve, and you're supposed to flag down one of the ladies working there to fill out a ticket and sign up for a time slot (they'll charge it to your locker key number). I think the scrub is highly recommended. It's not really all that comfortable, and if you're grossed out by dead skin, it's not for you--but there is something deeply satisfying about being scrubbed so thoroughly that my skin feels like it's literally been reborn. I did the 30 minute basic scrub, which was enough exfoliation for me. After the spa, you put on the orange clothes they give you and go relax in the common area (both sexes) and make your way through the various poultice rooms. This is also where the restaurant/juice bar is located if you want a snack or something to drink. Make sure you drink lots of water because all that heat can be really dehydrating! There's also free wifi so it's a good place to bring your ipad/laptop to Netflix while you're relaxing. One thing to note is that most of the facilities have limited functionality during late night hours. Even though the place is open 24/7, the water jets in the bade pool turn off after midnight, no scrub/massage services are available after 11PM (I think), and the restaurant is closed at 11PM (midnight on the weekends). So, essentially, after midnight, there's not much to do except experience the various poultice rooms and the common area. Though they are still relaxing, I wouldn't come JUST for those... so if you're looking for the full experience, make sure you come with enough time to do everything before it shuts down for the night. All in all, a rejuvenating experience that I would definitely recommend to anyone! I haven't been to other Korean spas but I have a feeling that Spa World set a high bar if I stumble upon another. read more

I'd never been here before because I didn't want to be naked around these other women. But then there was the Groupon coupon. And honestly, nobody cares what you look like. Everyone there just wants to relax. This place is split into 2 sections. The common area where males and females can gather. This is where they have the poultice rooms. They're kind of like saunas except they're made up of different materials such as clay, ice, onyx, etc. Apparently the different materials have different benefits. We tried all of them and some are just too hot! The bottom of my feet started burning after 15 seconds. The red clay ball room was interesting....they hurt my feet when I walked on them. Then there was the bade pool. This is segregated by gender and yes, you must be nude. The bade pool was a giant jacuzzi. There were jets spitting out water everywhere. Very relaxing. There's also a restaurant and gym. There really wasn't much to do unless you wanted to sit around all day and do nothing. I'm not sure I would pay the regular $40 fee, but it was a good experience. Tips: 1. No shoes allowed; place shoes in the small locker in the lobby 2. They have water dispensers 3. They have magazines to borrow 4. They provide shampoo, conditioner and body wash 5. Your locker key is used to make purchases so you don't need to go back to the locker to get your wallet. 6. They provide towels read more

I'm sorry, maybe it's a cultural difference or something, but I just don't get why everyone loves this place. Sitting around sweating with a bunch of strangers is relaxing? Um, ok. I didn't find being naked in a pool to be enjoyable either -- I guess Catholic school instilled too much shame in me. Additionally, I found the personnel to be very brusque. For example, I was heavily chastised for not noticing the hamper in the locker room to return your uniform (I brought it to the front desk when I checked out.) I'm only giving it two stars because of the free Wi-Fi. read more

Spa World for Dummies: Enter building -Pay entrance fee -Receive prisoner uniform and number for your locker -Sign your name along with your locker number -Find your locker (note: this is for your shoes only) -Take keys from your shoe locker -Enter sauna/pool room (note: this is NOT unisex - enter according to your gender) -Find your locker -Strip -Take a shower -Relax in the pool -Put your uniform on (this is VERY important since you are about to enter UNISEX area) -Hop from one room to another but be sure to take breaks in between to prevent heat exhaustion -Enjoy -Return to pool -Scrub yourself and watch the grime and dirt fall off -Shower -Dress -Leave and indulge in healthy food and avoid alcohol (except a cold beer to cool yourself off) read more

If you don't mind a little sweat and a generous serving of same-gender nudity, it's really hard not to love this place. Spa World is basically a relaxing mini-water park for grown ups, a buffet of interesting sauna rooms, a modern gym, an acceptable restaurant/juice bar, a full-service hair and massage salon, and an overnight hostel all rolled into one squeaky clean facility (with free Wi-Fi!!). Three tips to maximize your enjoyment at this something-for-everyone retreat: 1.) Coupons, people, coupons! If you're always paying the full $35 to get in here, shame on you. Do yourself a favor, channel your inner Korean mom and clip/print a few coupons. www.Valpak.com (yup, the same company that mails those packages stuffed full of coupons) and any local Asian newspaper almost always has $10-$15 off the regular admission price. Now you've got some extra money to apply to that Body Scrub or that bowl of Kalbi Tang that you'll most certainly be craving. You're welcome. 2.) There is one easily-overlooked/skipped area in the Sauna/Pool area that is a must experience. The exact name eludes me, but I believe it's something like "Sunflower Shower". Its basically a tiny blue stall that you can stand in, push a button, and get pummeled by fire-hose-volumes of cold water from above. Extremely refreshing after soaking in the hot tubs or a long sit in the steam/poultice rooms. 3.) Make like the Waterboy and be sure you drink a lot of that high-quality H2O. If you're like me and have enjoyed a few drinks of the alcoholic variety before arriving here, you'll definitely want to keep some water on hand and down a glass or two before stepping foot in the 150+ degree amethyst gem room. read more

What happened to you Spa World? Getting too big for your britches? Sometimes, you should just leave a good thing as is. I guess with all of their legal issues going on, they are taking it out on the customers, and making us pay. Not only has the price gone up from $35 to $40, but they cut the admission time in half. You used to be able to stay here for 24 hours, but now you can only stay for 12 hours, and if you check out even a second late, they will automatically charge you another $40. Say what?! So, you mean to tell me, that it is going to cost me even MORE money for only HALF the time now? That's ridiculous. Oh yeah, and the prices for food have also gone up quite a bit, it's now $6 for a fake, powdered boba tea. I can't see myself ever coming back here without a Groupon now, it's just not worth it, especially since Centreville is a bit of a hike. read more

Fun experience! Surprising mix of ethnicities here, though enough Koreans to make it feel that it was probably authentic. The locker rooms are smartly done with a key card that you attach to your wrist to lock and unlock your locker. You also use this card to pay for your food, if you happen to buy any. The plunge pools in the naked area are fun and not really intimidating at all. Once you get past the idea of people being naked around you, it's not such a big deal- and frankly, you even get a little bored at looking at some naked people! The sauna area was also fun, but not completely my thing. One tip- there's a grocery store nearby where if you spend like $50, you get entrance to the spa for $5. I bought a lot of laundry detergent! Not such a bad deal! read more

Disclaimer: I don't work for spa world and I don't have any friends or family who work there. I've visited about 5 times over the past year, and have always had a good experience. The staff is courteous, the facility is clean, and I have found it to be a great way for this busy working mom to relax. After reading some of the reviews condemning the business for prostitution and withholding wages, I wanted to point out the following: 1. In this country, you are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 2. No formal charges have been filed against spa world. These are just allegations. Slandering a business based on hearsay is not OK in my book. I remain a fan of Spa World. read more

It's really not as weird as it seems. The whole nekkid aspect of Spa World is blown out of proportion. It's not that weird. What's weird is how comfortable people are being naked in the locker room and the pool. No one is shy about it and for a first timer it can be a little awkward. And everyone is looking at you. Which just makes it weirder. Don't listen to that garbage that everyone is minding their own business. Women are nosy and will want to see what you're working with. And the towels they give you will only cover one thing. So you have to choose and just get on with your life. So there is my take on the nekkidness of Spa World. Let's move on. The scrubs are worth it. The massages in the pool area are not. Get the 30 minute scrub for 50 dollars. The packages aren't really worth it. You'll be scrubbed down in an area closed off, but it wont be private. So just lay there, close your eyes and relax. Your skin will be polished and cleaner than it's ever been. And people stop being such sissys. It doesn't hurt. There is a gym, but it's nothing special, some cardio machines and weights. But it is nice to work-out a bit before starting the Spa experience. Spend an hour up there and you'll feel less guilty lounging around the rest of the day. The saunas are awesome. The cold room is essential to keep you going, because all the heat can be overwhelming. The snack bar is expensive. But the actual restaurant is reasonable. The relaxing area is chill. Some people bring their kids? Why? So it's not as quiet as you may like. But it's relaxing nonetheless. Take your laptop. Listen to some music. Read a book. There is more than enough room to do whatever you want. I went with a groupon that included a 30 minute foot massage. It was well done. I think next time if I need it, I'll get a full body massage. They know what they're doing upstairs in the massage area a little better than the scrub ladies by the pool. So here is my general warning to anyone interested in going here. It's not that cheap. And you're not getting a deal. You're getting exactly what you pay for. This isn't a fancy spa. It's sort of a do-it-yourself spa. No one will help you unless you ask. So you need to actively find out how things work. The employees there will always assume that you're not new. So be proactive about getting the information you want and things will be much easier. Also the prices are good, but they're nothing out of this world. Things will add up, so be aware of what you're booking. There are groupons all the time so grab one of those before you go. A $35 entrance fee, if you're getting services, makes it a bit unreasonable to pay in my opinion. read more

BAD GROUPON EXPERIENCE AND CLEANLINESS ISSUE On previous visits, I've enjoyed coming here. My special favorites are the water pool room and the very modestly priced body treatments. But on my first visit with a GROUPON, I found the facility unprepared to handle it and my therapist to be rude in demanding a gratuity. I also had a cleanliness concern about my body treatment. GROUPON To make your GROUPON experience better, I suggest that you: 1) Call ahead to schedule any body treatment or massage included in your GROUPON. When I called ahead, I was told that I did not need an appointment and had trouble getting one on the same day. 2) Understand that your body treatment scheduled with a GROUPON does not include a tip. I was not told this at the front desk when I presented my GROUPON. After your treatment, you can choose to add a tip to your bill. It is, of course, voluntary. 3) Avoid Lisa. After my massage, Lisa, who did my body treatment, yelled at me "GROUPON no tip! How much?" repeatedly. The ladies locker room receptionist explained that my GROUPON did not include a tip. I never mind tipping for good service. But I did mind that Lisa held my locker key in her hand and shook it at me demanding that I authorize a tip before she would return it to me. CLEANLINESS On previous visits, an exfoliating body treatment from a jar was used for my treatment. This time, Lisa used exfoliating gloves that had clearly been used on others. I'd rather pay more for a set of brand new gloves than have someone reuse such a personal item on my body. It's no different than using a stranger's washcloth to take a shower. I left the facility very unhappy and can only hope that these concerns that I expressed to the manager on duty have been addressed. read more

My friend and I treated ourselved to a day off of work at Spa World after finishing the DC Triathlon. I had high hopes for the day, and Spa World exceeded every expectation. This place is enormous and IMMACULATE. Everyone ditches their shoes in a locker at the entrance, so there is no floor grime at all, and the staff is continuously cleaning the different areas. Beware, Spa World is not for the bashful. In my opinion, the coolest part of the place is the bade pool room. It is thankfully a single-sex area, but all the ladies are naked (including the staff, unless they are cleaning or giving a massage). There are clothed options in the co-ed area of the spa. There are "poultice" rooms that are basically big saunas made of different minerals with questionable healing powers. My friend felt a bit uncomfortable with all the nudity and opted for a more traditional massage in the upstairs portion of the spa. I spent the better part of the day in my birthday suit in the bade pool room. I got the $90 body scrub/massage combo for 60 minutes. they ask you to soak in the hot tubs for 30 minutes before that service, so I bounced around the different jets in the big pool. They are very powerful jets and felt really good on my sore muscles. There are also separate hot tubs of varying temperatures (47, 79, 104, 106 degrees). I couldn't handle the 47 degree ice tub! My lady scrubbed off so much dead skin (so gross!), but I felt shiny and new afterwards. I got a tip after the scrub that the scrubbing gloves they use are for sale in the locker room for couple bucks. I think I'll do the scrub myself next time. After a shower, I had the most awesome massage. Because this is all done poolside on a vinyl table, it is a really unique massage with buckets of warm water poured over you periodically. Feels amazing! She also put a grated cucumber over my face. Just when I thought it couldn't get better, she washed my hair and gave me a scalp massage at the end. That's the closest a girl will get to a happy ending, I guess :-) I spent about 2.5 hours at Spa World, and felt like I left way too soon to get the full experience. I came out feeling wonderful, with not even an iota of muscle soreness left. I want to go back for a full day. I'd do the saunas first, then buy the gloves to do my own scrub, then a poolside massage, take a nap, maybe use the wi-fi to see what's happening in the outside non-spa world, and eat some sushi at the cafe. Perfection! read more

I used to love this place. really. until they got too greedy. They raised the price by $5 and decreased the stay time to half. Oh and one night, this lady found a used tampon in the bade pool. She told the worker there.. she just swiped it with this thing.... um water's tainted!! why are you just leaving it as is? because you guys change water once a week? EWW. Ever since then I never went back to the pool. I couldn't believe my eyes... a used tampon.... Water's dirty anyways because those people who go in there without washing... ewww.... and now I know they don't change the water even after finding a used tampon in there ROFL way to go!! Food is overpriced. heck yea. For people who never been there since the beginning or any other korean spaworld, they probably don't know. it is very expensive ( More expensive than KING SPA ( which is SOOOOO MUCH NICER. omg check it out) in New jersery or the other one in NY... or even the one in Maryland). You wonder why there aren't that many korean people going anymore... because we know better. I am sorry for people who think they are getting a good deal. If you never been, it might be a good experience once or twice. And I don't know this thing about discrimination. We are all naked after all. I don't feel comfortable even when I see 2-3 year old boy running around there! Thankfully, they kicked him/mom out. But hey those boys know what they see. MOMS PLEASE LEAVE YOUR KID AT HOME if they are over 1-2 year old!!!! read more

Weirdest yet most strangely relaxing day in quite a while. Steps to enjoying your time at Spa World: 1. First and foremost get used to your birthday suit. Because you will be in it (and see a lot of unironed suits of elderly patrons)!! 2. Give up on any attempts to be cute while at SW... the orange jumpsuits are anything but flattering. The only plus is everyone is wearing them. 3. Use your key linked to your credit card (that reminds me of all-inclusive resorts or cruise ships) to buy yummy Korean food and boba at the cafe. 4. Check out the clay ball room! It's like the ball pit at Chucky Cheeses but for adults and void of the anxiety of finding a used diaper or molar of some 3rd grader beneath the multi-colored plastic balls. 5. Bring your gym stuff! A pretty equipped gym is located upstairs and was completely empty! 6. Try your luck at finding the "napping room" after 30 minutes of searching, we finally found it. 7. Apply generous globs of lotion post spa day. After a day of being immersed in hot water with high powered jets shooting all around (I'm not kidding...) you might be confused with a giant human raisin. 8. Go at night! This place apparently is only closed for like, 2 hours on Wednesdays to clean. I suggest going on Thursday. Ah spa world. You'll see me again right after finals are over! read more

And thus began my love affair with Korean culture... What a horrible way to start a story. And maybe an equally horrible way to start a review. Oh well. Because I love this place. And yes there are naked people. But here's a little secret: you were born naked. I will pause so you can have your OMG moment. You done? I get annoyed--let me say that again--I get annoyed when people complain about the nudity. If you dont like to be seen naked by your own gender, then just dont go. More room for me because I love this place. I went to a jimjilbang (spa) in Seoul that was five stories, had a theater, a swimming pool, etc but I will tell you: I missed this place. I usually do not go for treatments--too expensive. I would rather save my money for bibimbap, and those drinks with the tapioca balls (melon is the best). I generally spend about 6-7 hours here. I have brought magazines, a laptop, my Kindle. Sometimes I watch soccer. Sometimes I watch Korean soap operas. Sometimes I just sleep. And sometimes--most of the times actually--I just stare and do nothing. And thats what I love. Doing nothing. This place is a great for that. It is not one of those pretentious spas in Georgetown where people greet you with "namaste" and talk about how the universe is treating you. It is not a place where you have to whisper. You can talk at your normal level. Liberating, if you ask me. Its a place to be yourself. And naked. Don't we need more of that in this world? read more

Me and a group of friends had been talking about spa world for a couple of weeks and finally decided to bite the bullet when we saw a groupon for an entrance for just $25 as opposed to their usual $40. Only one of the five us had been there before so coming here we were all sort of nervous about what lay ahead. My first thought was that the facilities were extremely clean. You won't feel weird about walking around barefoot. Also, the system was really easy to understand. You get a locker number and have two lockers: the first one is your shoe locker where you get the little key thing that they use for your tab, the second locker is the larger one inside the facilities where you put all your clothes. They give you these comfy orange jumpsuits to hang out in. Before we used any of the facilities we had lunch in the little restaurant. I got a bibimbap which was pretty standard bibimbap: veggies and meat in a stone pot. I thought there wasn't enough meat, and the price was kind of steep ($13 for the bowl) for what it is. Those are some DC prices, not Centreville prices! I noticed some reviews mention that the food was bland but I would say to just go to town with some gochujang and you are good with any korean food. Now, on to the facilities. Everything was so interesting. This was like some bizarro alternate universe in the best way possible. The red ball clay room was my favorite. The cold room was a little too cold. The bade room... was awkward as first. If you're weird about intimacy issues this place will definitely make you a little uncomfortable. I was totally freaking out before I did it but then realized.... everyone's naked! It's just a room full of naked people enjoying the shit out of these spa services! After that I really YOLO'ed and enjoyed myself. The pools were awesome. I ended my day with a face mask and a nap in the big room with the mats. I was so so so relaxed. For a day under $40, this place is great. Get the groupon for $25, and enjoy your time. read more

I've had great experiences at Spa World in the past. Unfortunately, I can no longer recommend going there due to their mistreatment of a trans* woman and offensive public statements regarding both alternative sexualities/gender identities and their statements regarding the complaints about their actions&statements. They give you shorts and a t-shirt. They have a few plus size options, that I've seen fit men who regularly wear size 50 suits, and women who wear 26/28 clothing. However, you're free to bring your own clothes if you want, tho I highly recommend bring freshly laundered items, as you WILL get quite sweaty while there. The whole facility is often very crowded, except the upstairs gym which never seems to have many people. All the various options are great, the pool area, the dozen or so sauna rooms of various temps, including an ice room, the massages and scrubs, and the snack bar and restaurant. I do recommend bringing a pillow and blanket, and perhaps a yoga mat or extra blanket if you are uncomfortable sitting or lying on communal mats. There are yoga block type pillows available, but as many people sit on these, I am not comfortable using them as pillows. I'd also recommend an eye mask and earplugs if you ave trouble sleeping/napping with light and noise. The common area has a nicely heated floor, and there's shiatsu massage upstairs, while there's "regular" massage in the pool area. The common area is unisex, and therefore requires clothes, while the pool areas are gender segregated, and you are not allowed to wear anything in the pools/hot tubs, not even swimsuits. The nudity is a little weird for a few minutes the first time you go, but everyone I've gone with said it ceased being a problem in very short order, including people who are usually very uncomfy with public nudity. It's just a non-issue, cos no one cares or is paying any attention to you. Also, your entrance fee includes access to both a "shoe" locker at the entry desk, and a locker in the (gender segregated) locker room off the pool area. The restaurant closes in the late evening, but the snack bar is always open, and has non-sugary snacks like hard boiled eggs and other items, as well as the usual variety of sugary snacks, some Korean. Technically, you're not supposed to bring outside food in, but I've never seen an employee say anything about anyone eating food that was obviously brought in. I quite enjoy going to the nearby HMart and getting some of their Korean snacks before going to spa world. The restaurant is standard prices for Asian food in the area, with dishes ranging from around $8 to $15. The snack bar is also quite standardly priced. read more

Spaworld is bliss. I have been graced by the loveliness of this place twice; both times I went with my boyfriend and we each took advantage of the bade pools, poultice rooms, food, and extra services. I'll briefly review all: Poultice rooms - amazing and beautiful rooms heated to different temperatures. you are given a strange little gender-deflating outfit to wear, and you're naked underneath. you will sweat a lot, don't wear makeup. the cold room is usually where the white people gather to talk about how awesome this place is. Bade pools - saunas, hot/cold tubs, pool, infrared stones (?), and you have to be naked. its weird at first to see so many different naked people, but no one cares. Also odd to note how many people go with friends, family, and children. love the cold tub after the hot tub. food - excellent fried dumplings. excellent mango bubble tea. i wasn't crazy about the hot soft tofu soup. but very good and reasonable prices. You pay using your bracelet, so no need to carry cash. massages: tiny asian woman jumps on your back and literally kicks your butt. Very strange, but effective. You come out sore if you don't get frequent massages. $50/half hour. Body scrub: AMAZING - I have never been so happy about a tiny woman handling me so roughly. They use these gloves and slough off a layer of your skin. Not kidding -you can see bunches of dead skin on the table when you get off. it feels incredible. $50/half hour (scrub only) $90 for an hour of scrub and massage. Also - after you're done, be sure to run over to the asian supermarket down the street. they give a bunch of free samples, and have amazing deals on fresh produce and fun snacks. read more

I've gotta take Spa World down a couple of notches based on my last visit here, and really the last couple of visits have been disappointing. First, they've raised their prices while simultaneously halving the amount of time your admission fee allows you to be in there. Now granted, in the many times I have been there I have only stayed longer than 12 hours once, but still -- upping the price while reducing the services is irritating. I guess people were abusing their policy so they felt like they had to change, but part of my 5-star rating in the past was the notion that I could stay there all day if I wanted to. Second, three of the massage stations in the bade pool were not working. Every time I've come here in the past several months, this has been the case. There's always at least one station that is broken and usually more than one. Lastly, on my most recent visit, I got here early on a weekday to avoid the crowds only to discover that the juice bar didn't open until 9am. At 8am I asked the front desk person if I could go get a cup of coffee next door and he said, flatly, no. There were like 5 paying customers in the whole place, but if I left I would have to pay an entirely new admission fee even though I had only been there for less than an hour. That's some serious bullshit right there. At a very similar place in New York called Spa Castle, you can get a full breakfast and a good cup of coffee at 7am, which I have done. At Spa World, you have to wait until 9am to get a terrible cup of crap-ass Folger's (no refills - of course) and a cold, tasteless muffin. Spa World simply isn't providing the services their customers want. My frequency of visiting this place is dropping like a stone in a bade pool. read more

If you want a relatively cheap ($25 to $35) place to relax for the day, consider this place. The bade pool is amazing, a single big HUGE 4' deep pool with about 20 different 'areas' - each with different arrangements of jets of water or bubbles. The Hot and Steam Saunas are awesome, especially when followed up by jumping into the 58F cold pool. If you are nervous or shy about walking around the pool without clothes, consider going late in the evening or mid-week during the day when very few people are there. The massages upstairs are the best I have ever had - seriously. No, these are not famous 'happy endings' massages; they are good deep awesome walk-on-your-back limp-away-smiling massages. The food.. well., I love Korean soups., so I am a happy camper here. They have these hard baked eggs too - which are really good. The main area (where everyone wears the clothes provided) has a weight room, large heated floor (and mats, if you like sleeping on them - spend the night... ), an area for work (free wireless), couches, and some of the most beautiful poultice (hot) rooms. The Amethyst room (with all walls/ceilings of amethyst stones) is kept at about 160F and is amazing - I love to go in there when no one else is there and sing - the reverberations make even my singing sound great. The red clay ball room at 135F is fun too - you bury yourself in about a foot of hot 1/4" diameter hard red clay balls. I going to the immediate back of the room where there is a small vent blowing cold air in, and lay with your head under the vent. Amazing. And the ice room which is below freezing (if you lay down)... and has ice on the walls! Everything I have mentioned, except for the massages and food are free once you get in there., and you can stay for up to 24 hrs with the $35 entrance fee ($25 if you buy in bulk - 300 for 12 tickets usable in the next 6 months, or get a coupon from the big Asian grocery next door, or were lucky to get a groupon $15 coupon) Weekday/Week Nights are usually (my estimates) 60% Asian, 25% Russian or Eastern European, and the rest are like me. Weekends and holidays can get full, and the distribution is more 50/50 American. Everyone speaks English well enough. I can recommend this place to anyone who can value the relaxation found in simply breathing, saunas, massages, being buried in clay balls, or just sleeping on heated stones. If you read this whole review., consider going giving it a shot. I have only discussed about half of what this place has to offer. Like foot Massages, hand/foot nail stuff (not my thing., and for the life of me I can't remember what it's called), fully body washes/massages (ok., I have not had the courage to do these yet), mens and womens sleeping areas (well., the mens unfortunately smells like cigarettes.) , russian dumplings (mmmmmm!), the 6 other small pools in the pool room, the sunflower shower (feels like someone opened a fire hydrant over your head for 20 secs... burrr!), the friendly staff (who help me slowly learn Korean), the energy of the whole place (calm, relaxed, physically at peace), the awesome infrared pads in the pool room, the russian and korean soaps on a few of the quiet tvs, ... read more

I won't write a super long review because the essentials/rules of Spa World have already been covered. I will say one thing: if you are feeling tired, depressed, weary, pessimistic, lonely, sad, and any of the other maladies of modern life, going to Spa World will make you feel whole again. Whether you go with friends or by yourself doesn't matter. Highly recommend staying for a night. You will leave refreshed, at peace, and ready to begin again. read more