SpaRelief

I frequent Spa Relief regularly for affordable facials. The students who are in training are always very pleasant and polite. They provide terrific services at incredible prices. Roger at the front desk is helpful, knowledgable and willing to work with your schedule.

I first tried Spa Relief on a Living Social deal years ago and have been a client since. I’m a little late on this review (clearly).
Roger and his staff are super super friendly. I’ve never had a bad experience here. He goes out of his way to accommodate your schedule. I’ve had facials times here with various technicians — all very sweet and attentive.
Don’t expect a true spa environment here but don’t expect it to be like a back of a nail salon «spa» either. You are there for the services and not to lounge around drinking cucumber water. Located in a professional park in McLean, it’s semi hidden but not impossible to find. Locate the main building number and you’ll find it.
I’ve been lucky enough to have the room to myself for most of my visits but when I’ve had to share with other clients, it’s not bad at all. Talk as much or as little as you’d like and the technicians will adjust. You can change into light robes if you’d like before proceeding to the room. They wrap you up in a blanket burrito as I call in since it can get cold in the room to begin the service. Standard facial routine here and they try to talk you through each step so you’re not shocked. I tend to fall asleep pretty quickly mid way through.
Once you’re finished, if you’ve expressed interest in a particular product, your tech will put it up front for you. No pressure to purchase at all, which I love! The products are amazing though. The green tea SPF was my latest purchase and it smells soooo good! Can’t recommend Spa Relief enough!

I spoke to a gentlemen, whom I assume was Roger, about redeeming a Groupon for an anti-​aging facial. He stated that the offer was for a student provided service, and that there were no students available for approx. 5 months. He further stated that he had neglected to take down said Groupon offer in a timely manner.
I was surprised by the information that was provided in that phone call. The voucher that I received did not indicate that a student would be providing the service. Given that the service used an electric current, I would have wanted that information prior to purchase. That Roger had no one that he deemed acceptable to timely provide the service, was also a surprise, and a bad business practice. He did not want to correct his error in a proper manner.
His tone was cavalier and smug when he informed me that we did not have a contract, because a refund was available to me. He was unappealing, and not trustworthy. After thought, I realized that I did not want a student to perform the procedure. His unwillingness to truly make his mistake right, indicated a lack of care that is unacceptable. I cannot trust my skin to a business that is misleading, and ungracious. Therefore, I have received a refund, and will go elsewhere.

I received today a wonderful facial by Olga! She is very gentle and careful during the procedure. My skin feels so much better. Olga recommended me skin products which work great as well. I recommend this Spa! Best in Mcclean area

Got a wonderful massage at spa relief! Not only is the owner and the staff professional they are so friendly and caring for their clients. I will definitely go back

I like Spa Relief. Customer service is great. Roger (who always seem to be the person that’s always at the front desk) is quite possibly one of the friendliest person I’ve ever met.
Now quickly about me, I like getting facials a lot (with or without a Groupon). I’ve gone to quite a few establishments in the NVA area and I purchased two Groupons for Spa Relief based on the positive interviews in Unilocal.My first groupon was for two basic facials and another one for the 24K facial (non-​student). When I realized that I purchased the basic facial that was going to be performed by students, I was tempted to cancel my Groupon. However, Roger convinced me that they were «Graduate» students and they only had a few classes left before they finished their course. Now I’ve had student services before (i.e. Aveda School) and I really had a lot of issues with it. But I went with it because Roger was very convincing. On my first facial I received a microdermabrasion from a student. It was ok. It was very clear that she was hesitant and required a lot of guidance. I’m okay with that as long as she doesn’t cause any damage to my face. But in all, it was a little uncomfortable and the result was so-​so. On my second facial, I received a chemical peel with a collagen mask that was performed in front of a class (so it was a little unnerving that they were all staring at my face). The peel was mostly performed by the instructor and the results were fantastic. (Note to self: collagen masks are awesome.) However, the overall experience was a little uncomfortable and not as relaxing as I would like it to be. My third experience was for a Groupon for a discount 24K facial (not by a student). On my arrival, Roger explained that it was supposed to come with a back scrub but they were all out, so I was to receive a scalp massage instead. The 24K facial was very nice, and very hydrating. The results were great and I’m definitely looking into getting more of these «hydrating» type of facials. I didn’t get much out of the scalp massage. So that’s that for the facials. Good facials over here in Spa Relief and fantastic overall customer service.
Now for the cons. First, I did not feel relaxed at all throughout my entire experience here. The robe they give you looks and feels like it’s made out of paper. I was uncomfortable taking any clothes off and putting it on. After you change, you are made to lie down on the bed and there is no blanket there. Basically, the esthetician comes in and swaddles you in several layers of «blanket.» It was fine, but still it was a little unusual. Additionally, they didn’t have any private rooms or changing rooms so you were stuck putting your clothes and purse in a closet that looks like it also doubles as a storage room for a tremendous amount of paper towels, lightbulbs, and other people’s stuff. Secondly, your facial is in a shared room of three or four beds. On my second facial, I had another person next to me getting a facial. She was still there when my facial was completed. So the only way for me to change into my clothes was to run out of the room, into the hallway bathroom to change back. Fourth, I didn’t receive any of the perks of getting a facial. No hand massage, shoulder massage, etc… No cucumber water.nothing. I did receive water at the end of my service. But it could’ve been tap water for all I knew because it came from their break room/​kitchen area. Third and the most important con, Spa Relief does not use any name-​brand products. They have their own brand. It’s not Eminence, Biolage, or Dermalogica. It’s a Spa-​Relief brand. If you’ve ever had a facial using any of these brands, then you know that it makes your face feel and smell amazing afterwards. With the Spa-​Relief brand, I received neither. I perceived no added value with this brand and that is the main reason I probably will not be returning (unless it’s for a Groupon deal).
So in all, they do perform good facials here. So if you want a no-​frills facial, then Spa Relief is the way to go. However, their price point is the same as getting it at a medi spa or luxury spa establishment. I would not go here and pay full price.

After working for a spa for about 6 months early in my career, I can honestly say I have an idea of how one should be run and some of the difficulties providing exemplary customer service. That being said, I was delighted with my spa day at Spa Relief. I decided to purchase a Groupon deal for Spa Relief LLC’s «indulgence Package» which included a 75 minute massage, paraffin hand treatment, foot scrub and back facial. I had the option to sit in the infared sauna as a part of the deal, but I opted not to do it. I didn’t want the risk of ending up with frizzy hair. When I first I booked my appointment I had a great discussion with the owner, Roger. He confirmed it the day before and even gave me some pointers on how to find their suite (which is located in a professional plaza.) Lots of clinics and offices,.so I wasn’t surprised the «spa» had the look and feel of a medical office. Still, the staff was very warm and friendly and dedicated to giving me the best services possible.
I still had a little difficulty getting to the suite despite Roger’s directions, however I blame my excitement on that lol. I made my appointment on-​time though. When I arrived I completed an intake form and afterwards, I was introduced to my therapist — Tameka who escorted me to the massage room. We had a very good discussion about my areas to pay special attention to during my massage and she even let me customize my scents during the aromatherapy aspect of my treatment.
I’ve had scoliosis all of my life and have experienced problems with back pain, strain and even a hernia for many years. That being said, Tameka is a massage GODDESS. A wizard in her field! She worked extraordinary magic on my back and shoulders and was able to give me an amazing medium-​pressured massage. Because of my scoliosis, deep tissue (while helpful) can be a bit intense but she was able to change pressure throughout to accommodate my needs. The stretching built into the massage also helped to take some of the tension off of my hips and lower back. I was so relaxed by the end of my service that I did not hear most of what she said to me lol. She brought me a glass of water though. (Hope you didn’t think I was being rude because I couldn’t speak, Tameka. I think I may have had a version of temporary frontal lobe damage! haha j/​k)
One of the things I didn’t think to ask about was whether or not there were showers there. Instead of using heavy massage oils they use a lighter type of cream which is nice, and not oily — so I didn’t feel the need to shower afterwards because the lotion absorbed easily into my skin (it gave me a nice glow too.) I can imagine someone who received a scrub treatment might want to rinse off afterwards though.
I came a long way for my service and it was well worth it! Leave a good tip. I respect Roger for trying to look out for his staff by encouraging guests to tip. You’d be surprised by how many people do not! FYI the standard for tipping your therapist/​esthetician is 20%. Service providers work hard for their money, and those who work on a commission basis — even more so! Please be sure to tip accordingly! If you use a LivingSocial or Groupon deal tip on the original value. My service was worth every penny and then some! Looking forward to going back soon or treating my mom for Mother’s Day.

Had a livingsocial deal for a student facial. Roger was very welcoming at the front desk. Giovanna was my esthetecian and she was very warm and friendly. The facial was very relaxing! My face feels so clean and refreshed. I really enjoyed the arm massages as my face mask was drying. This might be my new place for skin treatments!

Roger (the owner) doesn’t even bother to ask you before he adds a 20% tip to your bill. If you hesitate, he will strongly suggest that it be 20%. This happened to me both times I went there and on one occasion, the previous clients were paying their bills (there were 2 of them). They were discussing as to how to split the charges for services and some products they had bought. He charged them 20% tip on the total price, including the products!
Honestly, I don’t know if the technicians even get the tip. Regardless, I want to be able to give them cash — maybe 15%, maybe 25% — it should be up to me. Isn’t that how tips work? I did not appreciate having the tip automatically added to my bill without permission and mentioned this to him. Ever since, they have had no appointments available and he said he would «understand» if I went to a different place.
I realize it is a school, so the prices are subsidized. On the flip side, the clients are also taking a higher risk with their skin, right?
Anyway, I am giving a 2 star just because the technicians always did a good job and used great care in choosing the right products for my skin. Although, individually, they deserve a 4 or even a 5 star, Roger made this a sour experience.

I went here for a green tea facial with Melissa. It was fabulous. I felt like I couldn’t sit up afterwards, I was so relaxed. My skin looked radiant. Kind of tricky to find which building the office was in though.

On May 2014, I booked an appointment with Tameka for a facial. I had received two facials from her prior and she was amazing. When I arrived to sparelief I was told that someone else would be doing my facial and that the master instructor would assist her. Immediately, I became upset because this was now the second time Roger had booked my appointment with Tameka but I was given someone else. Reluctantly, I stayed because I live forty minutes away from the spa. I was reassured that the master instructor would assist with my facial. The master instructor analyzed my face and instructed that I receive a chemical peel. She didn’t provide any explanation regarding what it was or why she suggested a chemical peel. I was shocked because I have been receiving facials for at least ten years prior– and had never received anything that had chemical in it. But, I thought, it trust Tameka, so I should trust this master instructor. After the chemical peel, the only advice I was given from the master instructor was to wear sunscreen. The next morning, I woke to a very bad reaction that left me entire face covered in red bumps. I left a message for spa relief and the master instructor suggested I put a cold cloth on it. After a week of no let up, I called back– no response. It hens net them pictures of my face. I have still to receive an apology or explanation or advice. Now, one week later, I am left with dark — burnt spots on my chin and under my eyes. I do not recommend this place for a facial– unless you go to Tameka, or for a school. If the master instructor is instructing students incorrectly, that is scary. I have never had any issues with my face. I receive facials for maintenance. However, I am now left with burn marks all over my face. Do not trust this place as I had done!

We really enjoyed our interaction with Robert and his staff last weekend– my fiancé got the Sig3 massage and I got a green tea facial and foot scrub. Robert the owner was incredibly welcoming and the appointments were prompt w/​no wait time which we appreciated. We were in a celebratory mood (albeit slightly hungover) as we had just gotten engaged the night before and stayed out late celebrating.
My facial was incredibly relaxing, though I did feel like there was a little more talking than I’d wanted (she asked a ton of questions about my skincare regimen and was somewhat critical of various answers I provided). That said, I think it came from a place of her trying to be helpful, and it wasn’t her fault I was slightly hungover. I really liked the ultrasound machine and the blue light laser, and my skin seems noticeably tighter and I haven’t had any breakouts since the facial, so yay!
Meanwhile my fiancé commented that he had wished there’d been a little more communication– his massage therapist probably assumed he had read the description of the services he was getting (Sig3 includes a scrub, etc) but he hadn’t so he was a bit confused at times by what was going on. Perhaps this was my fault though for not better explaining it to him ahead of time!
Anyway bottom line is that what we encountered was a professional spa with great service in a friendly atmosphere and their technology (lasers, ultrasound machines, etc) was awesome!
I will definitely be coming back again for another facial.

I had a wonderful massage from Ron. He was very intuitive and used aromatherapy and hot towels. He also gave me a scrub on my back and feet. It was such a relaxing experience. I was undergoing a lot of stress, and the massage really helped to relieve it.

I was given a gift certificate to Spa-​Relief from my husband after his online searching. I’ve been to many spas before and none of them ever wowed me enough to return… until now. I just went back for my 2^nd Green Tea facial. Both times I got it people comments on my skin, and really felt it took a few years off. They have this machine they use that does several things including tighting, lifting, exfoliating, and not sure what else. I just know my skin looks so much better. The staff is super friendly and there’s a good vibe there. I purchased a package which is a great deal, and happy I found a regular spa now. I need to do their massages next, so looking forward to trying it. One thing to keep in mind, it’s not a place where you walk into and it’s all decked out. It’s a simple place with great services and reasonably priced. Highly recommend it.

This place is a dream! I am so happy and thankful to my fellow Unilocalers that reviewed this place. I do have to say it is hard to get a hold of someone, I tried several times, and was finally able to book an appointment. I was able to get a scrub and massage from Tameka. After one session, I was convinced to become a member. I cannot wait to go back. The only thing is that it is hard to get an appointment. If you want a Saturday, you must call a couple weeks in advance, and also they are hard to get a hold of by phone. If you try e-​mail you will have better luck.

SpaRelief is the best spa I’ve ever been to — and I’ve been to a LOT of spas for numerous different treatments. But these guys beat everyone else and here’s why:
1.) Highly trained and skilled employees. I’ve never had a massage that was both therapeutic and felt amazing — normally, it’s one or the other. But Roger, Tameka, and the rest of his staff are all focused on responding to your bodies needs and pressure points. They actually ASK you where your body hurts, what you’d like to gain from the massage therapy session, and the level of pressure you like before they start any work. They check in during the massage to make sure everything is still going well and they respond to your bodies needs accordingly.
2.) Longer massage for less money. When they say 75-​minute massage, you are actually on the table for 75 minutes — not 15 minutes of talking, undressing, waiting, etc. It is 75 minutes of hand-​to-​body massage. And their prices are on par, if not even lower, than other places in the area for hour-​long massages, which we all know that «hour-​long massages» really mean 45 — 50 minutes of actual massage time.
3.) The estheticians are outstanding. My now-​husband and I were dealing with major wedding stress a week before our big day and thus, our skin was atrocious. We both got in for facials — my husbands first ever. Both estheticians were incredibly knowledgeable of our skin type and how to fix our immediate issues. Upon my skin examination/​analysis, my esthetician immediately told me that I needed to be drinking more water — apparently, my pre-​wedding fuel of coffee and diet coke were not doing my skin any favors — and she correctly diagnosed my hard capillaries and gave me a recommendation on an enzyme peel to use at home to help my dead skin slough off so new cells can regenerate. Extractions were painless for me… not as painless for my husband but he didn’t know what to expect — the things we women do for beauty! Unfortunately, I don’t remember either esthetician’s name but I am confident that anyone working at this establishment would be excellent.
The last time I went, I became a member of their «spa relief club». It was about time! I seriously cannot say enough amazing things about this place. It is a bit of a hike for me as I now live in Arlington, but I am more than willing to drive the 25 minutes for these services.

I had a great experience at SpaRelief – I was there for a bachelorette party with a group of girls, and Roger was beyond friendly and helpful. He was easy to work with, especially with a big group, and accommodated our needs, even over the phone, when we called him a month before to plan. The massage therapists were all skilled and polite, making sure we were comfortable the whole time. Roger went as far as providing us with mimosas to enjoy ourselves while we waited for the rest of the party to finish. This place is a hidden gem, and they deserve praise for how they treated us.

I went to SpaRelief with 7 other girls for a bachelorette «Spa Day» after hearing about them from an online deal. From the start, during the booking process to the very end as we walked out the door — post massages/​facials — we were continually impressed with the quality of service and attentiveness to customer service. Roger was infinitely accommodating and was seemingly able to anticipate all the logistics that arose during the day. We had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed each of our massages that seemed to cater to every person so perfectly. We highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a fun and relaxing day at the spa.

What a hidden gem… literally, tucked in the back of a professional park in McLean, this place is not fancy but cozy and professional. Upon entering, Roger met me and introduced me to my esthetician Tameka. Both of them have such a kind and friendly demeanor. I was walked to the restroom to change and Tameka immediately put me at ease with explaining how the body wrap process worked. After the wrap, I proceeded with one of the best facials I have had. She did extractions and other stuff, I was so comfortable that I dozed off a couple times and wasn’t paying attention. She also turned up the music more upon my request. Overall, booking process to service was great. They have deals for membership, I m looking into them since prices are very fair! I am a fan!

Purchased a deal from Plum District for their 75 minute signature massage. I was a bit apprehensive about coming here as there are no reviews on Unilocal for this place but I decided to be brave and try it. It’s in a complex with multiple buildings and can be a bit tricky to find the place.
With the massage I had it included an exfoliating body scrub, foot scrub and aromatherapy. My therapist was Roger and he did a great job with the pressure. There were a few times I almost fell asleep. I would say the only bad part about the massage was b/​c it included the scrub and the use of towels, it took away from the massage time.
At the end of the massage, they do give you water and it’s in a real glass. It’s not much but it’s a nice touch.