Spa Ja

SCAM!!! This place is closed! Website is down permanently and phones have full mailbox!
I had to call Living Social to get back my boyfriend’s hard earned cash from this debacle of a massage deal for two, that was supposed to be an anniversary outting. He unfortunately, didn’t initially look to Unilocal for reviews and sadly learned his lesson fast.
1^st RED flag: As soon as he got the deal in August, he called the place to make a reservation for maybe the following week or so. Instead, the place said it was «booked» until mid-​September! Thinking, wow, this must be really something, we booked for a Wednesday evening.
2^nd RED flag: On the Sunday before the deal was to be redeemed, the place called my beau at 9:00 PM at night to say we needed to re-​schedule until October because they were doing some renovating. Again, we re-​scheduled.
3^rd RED flag: No confirmation phone call, no answer via phone and their website seemed non-​existent. We pounded on the door and happened to see a ladder in the hallway, which validated their claim, but after an hour of waiting outside, we had to get our money back.
WALK ON BYE BYE BYE!

I bought a Groupon deal for a Brazilian wax at Spa Ja because it’s location was convenient for me at the time. I was annoyed before I even entered the building. The spa is located on the second floor, which could be accessed by a side door entrance. Their buzzer system was malfunctioning at the time of my arrival (it would make the buzzing noise but not unlock the door), and I was outside five minutes before a staff member finally decided to come downstairs and let me in. You really couldn’t have done that sooner?
After I trekked up a long flight of stairs, the same staff member checks me in, with a less-​than-​pleasant demeanor. I guess she was annoyed that she had to come downstairs and open the door for me? I ignore her since I was immediately called away for my appointment. My esthetician was very friendly and did a fairly good job at my Brazilian. She used both regular and hard wax depending on what area, which is something I looked for in a Brazilian. She also spoke to me the entire time, explaining what she was going to do, and also giving me tips and advice for hair care down there. I was very pleased with my results.
I bought the Groupon for $ 25 I think?, but upon check out, the front desk attendant informed me that the Groupon did not cover tax. I was annoyed but I knew that to happen frequently so I wasn’t surprised. Also I should note that the spa itself was pretty mediocre-​looking, so if you’re looking to really pamper yourself with a massage or facial, you should probably go elsewhere since this facility isn’t really up to spa standards, but for a quick procedure like a wax job is fine. I might consider going back to this spa with the same esthetician and hopefully with a friendlier staff member.

I personally met the manager! Very polite educated guy.
All stuff are professional and skilled.
Atmosphere at the Spa is relaxing and ambient.
I love their style. Red and black.
They have incredible machine for firming and targeting on cellulite reduction.
I heard about their hairstylist Linda and her incredible assistant. They really do amazing job.
Usually, when people angry in NY and do not know where to spend their negative energy, they are trying to offend someone, so I refuse believe in any negative which is written above.
BEST what you can do, go there and check this place around by yourself and realize that all what I just said its true.

I met with my masseuse whose handshake was the equivalent of a limp, cooked noodle of spaghetti.
Uh-​oh.
Walking up a couple sets of stairs through the red & black themed hallways, we ended up in a black-​light lit room which would make ravers dropping e happy as can be. I dropped my clothes into a little basket by the door and hopped on the table, secretly hoping that ‘limp noodle’ wouldn’t be the theme of the day.
A couple minutes later, a set of oiled hands had me thinking more along the lines of a rolling pin — roll out those knots lady! The massage was relaxing for sure and definitely had me a little loopy on the way out the door, but having had some sports massages where each muscle was focused on, I kind of wished for a little more deep tissue action, rather than just rolling pin.
Still, i’m just glad that spagetti in the hall = rolling pin in the room.
I’ll be back for another… thanks to my Groupon!

I decided to give this place a try when there was a Groupon for an hour massage because it is my neighborhood and looked like a good deal. I had been curious about it since it opened, but the red and black outside décor on the building was a bit of a turn off — I don’t find it very inviting for a spa.
When I got there, I realized it is both a spa and salon that share a reception and waiting area. That part is a bit unfortunate because while I waited for my massage therapist to finish with the appointment before me (she ran over by 10 – 15 minutes) I sat listening to the busy chatter and drying from the hair salon. I started getting more agitated than relaxed.
It’s too bad they can’t make a more peaceful waiting area for spa services because once I was taken upstairs to my appointment, it was a completely different and much more relaxing experience. The massage itself was a fusion massage with hot stones and I really enjoyed it.

ADHD Summary: Great Massage, not feeling great about their business practices. Pricing doesn’t quite make sense.
The Atmosphere: You climb up the stairs to a second floor. It’s got beautiful touches. The little details are just not seen to. They have these lovely little treats, but when I arrived the area was dirty. I asked for warm water. The receptionist was lovely and went upstairs to get it. Why? Why not just have it downstairs in the water cooler or as a little kettle. It’s so weird.
The hours: They are open late, but if there are no other appointments they will call you and ask you to come early? What? I arrived early regardless, then proceeded to wait 15 minutes!!!
The Massage. I had Flo. She was fantastic. She knew immediately to go for the knots in my shoulder. It was quite a wonderful massage. It’s just so odd that I entered the massage at 7:50 and I exited the 60 min massage at 6:40. Give it another 5 minutes to change, and it seems to me that I got jipped. I was on a groupon. I get it. But seriously, what was that all about? So I guess I got a 45 minute massage instead of a 60 min one. Not so cool.
The receptionist was gone when I left, as she cashes out at 8pm (the last appointment starts at 8pm). It’s all just very weird to me.
I think if they want to charge a list price of $ 130, they can’t really do that sort of thing. It’s a nice enough spa, but instead of building a hair salon, they ought to have upgrade the amenities to try to get a clientele that wants to pay $ 120 – 150. perhaps get rid of all the products at the entrance that no one will probably ever buy. It’s a nice space. It could just be so much more.

I returned for a second massage last week. I was scheduled with Catherine, which was fine with me since I always like to try someone different so I can compare and possibly decide on what style I liked better. Unfortunately, I can’t decide which massage was better as they were both great. Catherine had a different style than Mira and was equally as relaxing and again helped to relieve the lower back pain that I’ve been having due to sitting for too long periods of time at my desk.
Again my Swedish massage went the entire 1 hour. It was very nice that although I showed up late 15 minutes due to some unexpected traffic, Catherine didn’t have anyone scheduled right after me and kept me the hour. So far, Spa Ja’ is 2 for 2 with me.
I’ll admit that the massage room I was in was cluttered with all sorts of machines and equipment. In my opinion, this room should be used only if the massage therapist is going to use this on you. Otherwise, you might get the wrong idea about what kind of massage you are going in for. I know that if I want a massage, I’m looking for a hands-​on massage and not to be zapped or tingled by some contraption. But I wasn’t, so I’ll continue to return here.

Note to self: STOP using Groupon for massages! (For anything really. Is it any surprise these places are practically paying you to visit?) SpaJa is like every spa that’s a notch above a nail salon. Drab, unremarkable, depressing. When I walked up the stairs to the reception area I half-​expected a plexiglass booth, a key and a pair of smelly sandals. Ok, it wasn’t that bad, but really, do we need another mediocre spa?
My «massage therapist» (who shall remain nameless lest she be relieved of her CDs and massage oil) clearly had no formal training and demonstrated the kind of technique that might best be called — indecisive. To her credit, when I said «no» to her question about whether she was exerting enough pressure, she admitted that she didn’t have very strong hands and that this was, actually, her «maximum».
As a person, she was fine, and I felt bad that she was probably doing this to make ends meet. (Or maybe they were holding her family hostage) Which made a bad massage, worse. I mean, I’m going to a spa to escape man’s inhumanity to man and here I am; the epitome of the white oppressor.
That, and the sheer volume of massage oil, are what kept me distressed. Let’s stay with that for a minute. The massage oil that is. She milked it out of one of those pumping things you see in ice cream parlors and slathered it on me like she was washing a car.
Each time she went to the oil I could hear the shlump, shlump shlump of the pump filling her hands with the greasy goo. Shlump, shlump, shlump, shlump (ok please stop) shlump, shlump, shlump (god help me), shlump, shlump, shlump (SWEET BABY JESUS!) It got so that I tensed up each time she went back to the shlumper.
By the time I finally slid off the table and skated across the hall to the shower, the only question was how bad the tip should be and how many rinses would it take to get back to my dermal layer ($ 10 and 4 respectively)
So there you have it: Another Groupon Gripe, another spa-​saster. You’re actually better off forking over big coin to get a really good massage from a real, licensed massage therapist at a real, genuine high quality spa like Bliss, Equinox or any number of high end spas. (Go to Unilocal and put $$$$ in your filter) ~ H.

Have you ever dreamed of a day at the spa? If you have the quintessential memory you would like to hold on to don’t go to Spa Ja.
What a waste… We signed up for the groupon promotion… and wish we didn’t go.
We originally called and tried to get an appointment but once the Spa found out it was a groupon coupon they were all of a sudden booked. The third time I called I mentioned this at the very end and James, the owner, stated he wished he was told this at the beginning of the call. I wonder why…
Our appointment was at 12:45 and he told us to show up at 12:15. So we showed up at 12:10 thinking it was going to be a spa experience and we could sit down and relax in a Spa. Ja Ja Ja!
When we arrived at the door downstairs all I could think was ‘did I just bring my wife to an Asian massage parlor?’ The red and black Amsterdam/​Asian look and feel was the first sign. As we are walking up the stairs noticing the poorly patched holes in the wall my wife asked me… ‘Are you sure we are at the right place?’… ‘umm I am not sure’. Once we got the reception area (it is nothing like they have in their pictures on the website. There is a massage table in the way of all of their products.) I was reaffirmed as there was a lady my mother’s age sitting there waiting for a hair appointment. Phew… this is about the only good news I got at ja ja ja.
We were greeted by James, a lack luster greeting, and he took our coats. I asked if there was a sauna where we could relax before our treatments and he scoffed a laughed and said no. He invited us to sit in a little cubby hole waiting area. It had walnuts, mixed fruits, a chocolate chip cookie and what looked like was a dry half eaten brownie… yummy…
After being there about 5 min James stated my wife’s technician was ready and she was whisked away. I continued to wait for an additional 15 min and asked how much longer I was to wait. James then stated our appointment was at 12:45 and we were lucky my wife got in early. I then stated he was the one that told us to get there at 12:15 and if they didn’t have anything for us to do why ask us to come early. He stated he did not say that and he would try to get me in to see someone in the next 15 min. So in essence he told me I had to wait 20 min and then my wife then will have to wait 20 min for me… a waste of 40 min at Spa Ja for their communication error.
My masseuse showed up and escorted me up another set up stairs… as we are heading up you can see black industrial trash bags in the hallway along with cleaning supplies. I was lead into a freezing cold room with a blue light on. The room was packed with machines to do other spa things and was not inviting including the hole in the celling and the fact you could hear everything in the adjoining rooms.
So to the massage… It was good. She did an excellent job of removing the stress from my shoulder blades… and it was the full 60 min. I cannot complain about the massage.
As we were leaving I asked my wife how her treatment was. She was disapointed to say the least. They only used one cream the entire time and they didnt have a proper place for her get ready afterwards.
As you can see I am about the ambiance and experience of a day at the Spa. In the end we paid $ 210 for a facial and a groupon discounted massage including tip… It was not worth it. I could never imagine paying full price for both treatments. I would go somewhere else or even a chain like Bliss before we head back to this monstrosity.

I went with a groupon with my bf.
He had Ruth I had Myra. We both got massages, just a quick warning for those who said Mira or Myra hurts people… Unless you get a real deep tissue massage almost on a weekly basis, she’s harmless.
A deep tissue is always going to hurt no matter who you go to, your muscles are tight which is why it hurts so much. Once the muscles loosen is when you start feeling the good part of a massage. (NO PAIN NO GAIN)
After reading the past reviews about how hard it hurts or what not, I knew this would be great because most people don’t give out the real massage because they’re too scared to get bad reviews. So I think it’s good to be able to get my money’s worth.
The only thing that had me a little aggravated was the front desk man. The gentleman is not very good at organization, it took him about 15 min to ask if we wanted anything to drink but hey atleast he did it.
If you’re looking for a real sports massage this is the place otherwise newbies should only ask for a Swedish massage which doesn’t really help your body but won’t leave you complaining.

It was the WORST massage I have ever gotten in my life. I paid for a 60 minute DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE. I got a 50 minute massage because the masseusse didn’t come out to get me until 2 minutes past my start time. By the time I was taken to the room, tried to carry out an imperceptible conversation with the masseusse, disrobed and got on the table, I had lost 10 minutes of table time. She worked on areas I asked her not to work on, She chided me for not being able to relax, repeatedly, telling me she didn’t want to hurt her hands by massaging a tense body. She didn’t do deep tissue, at all. Her fingernails scratched me. And when the clock hit on the hour, she stopped and left the room. All of this, after they had to postpone my appointment for a week because she got jury duty and they didn’t have enough staff to have someone cover for her.
If I ran my business this way, I would soon be out of business.
SKIP IT.

SKIP IT, even with today’s Groupon: **You probably won’t get the full 60 minutes you paid for.**
The only two good things to note are that 1) They use a warmed massage oil, and 2) They let me use my Unilocal deal a few days past the deadline since I had to go to a school event.
***BUT: They do not give you what you pay for — Don’t expect a 60 minute massage.***
I bought the Unilocal deal, even with the mixed reviews, and had seen that some people didn’t get a full 60 minute massage. Yep, they did the same thing to me. I timed my massage (went in September), and sent myself a text message at the end so I could tell the front desk man it was only 50 minutes or less.
The first time I spoke up about it, he just said «uh huh» like he didn’t hear me and kept looking at his computer. So I had to bring it up again, and he just said that since they already let me use the Unilocal deal past the deadline, it didn’t really matter if they didn’t give me the full 60 minutes I paid for. He would ask the massage therapist why she ended early.
Take your money somewhere else. You can probably get a cheaper deal elsewhere and actually get what you paid for.

Bikini Wax Review:
I arrived 15 minutes early for my appointment in hopes I would be seen early, and I was… almost immediatly.
For the price I paid ($ 25), I think I may have found the best «affordable» brazilian in the city. The woman who treated me spent a good 30 minutes on me, and took her time. She used both strip and hard wax, which I am a huge fan of. Good wax is important, and I really LOVE the hard wax.
The place isn’t super nice/​spa like, but it seemed clean and decent. Whatever, it’s a $ 25 wax… I didn’t expect much.
I am taking off a star for the ridiculous flights of stairs in the building. Climbing 3 flights is not relaxing,…this IS a spa, right?

This place was merely ok. I found out about this place through Groupon, and bought a 1 hour massage session, which I used as a birthday present to myself. In addition to massages, Spa Ja also offers a range of waxing, nail, and other salon services.
The facility is practically invisible from the outside. There is merely a sign above a door on West 56^th street, and but for having HopStopped the location I might have missed it. Once at the door, I rang an intercom buzzer, and then had to climb a flight of stairs to reach the Spa. The décor was a little bit contrived. Everything was black and red with some white thrown in as contrast. There were a few cookies, brownies and other snacks set out (uncovered) on a coffee table in the waiting room.
I had plenty of time to observe the waiting room as the massage technician was not ready for me until 45 minutes after my appointment time. I had a hot stone massage, and really did enjoy the treatment, despite the wait. The room was dimly lit, and sift music plated throughout the treatment. But I could hear people walking through the halls en route to other treatments the whole time.
Overall, this place felt far more like a salon than a spa. I’m in no real hurry to go back.

I found Spa Ja through the Unilocal deal @ 50% and ended up purchasing a package deal. I’ve had three different massage therapist and each use their own technique, even through I purchased one specific package.
I’ve enjoyed my massage — for the most part — but I find they use too much pressure (a.k.a. the elbow) most of the time. They don’t seem to speak much English because I usually get a «uh huh» reply back. It might be useful to demonstrate the level of pressure next time. I’ll have to remember that. Overall, I am relaxed after wards.

While this place looks like a shack (not hating on shacks) from the outside, it’s awesome. The service was amazing– fresh tea with fruit. Massage was very deep and everyone makes you feel so comfortable. I’d go back here in a heartbeat.

Found this Day Spa through the Unilocal Deals. I was able to snag 2 coupons for a 1 hour massage for $ 59 each (normally a $ 120 value) — excluding tax and gratuity.
I was able to pay $ 10 more for each coupon to get a Deep Tissue massage (price difference per their spa menu).
I had Juvy J as my massage therapist. Bf had Mira H as his massage therapist. I was torn apart by my massage therapist, and bf was «beat up» by his massage therapist. We both agreed that this experience was unlike any other experience we’ve had.
I’m no Deep Tissue Massage expert… but have had about 4 to 5 deep tissue massages under my belt. I usually find myself stating that I need more pressure. This was the first time in my life where I was in actual pain and had to ask my massage therapist for less pressure. Less pressure please!
Both bf and I agree that this was a different experience b/​c both of us was actually annoyed during the massage. Our previous experiences with other massages at other places have proven otherwise where we’re calm and relaxed. Nonetheless, the deep tissue massage proved to be a success. WHY, you ask?
Well, I’ll tell you why:
1) Our noses were stuffed after the massage was over… that means the toxins were released from the muscles
2) Toxins were released, and I definitely found myself more thirsty and feeling the need to hydrate to flush out the toxins out of my body
3) I’m writing this review on a Monday night, and I had my massage on Sunday morning… I’m still achy
Other notes:
1) There are stairs… so not handicapped friendly.
2) Spa is owned by a husband and wife. Service was a bit rough around the edge, but sufficient to get what bf and I needed to get done.
3) My massage therapist, Juvy, has been doing massages for 17+ years. She knows all different types of massages. Based on my preferences, I went in asking for a deep tissue massage and come out with a shiatsu massage. HAHA! She’s very matter of fact, and she’s definitely a tough cookie.
4) If you like your deep tissue massage really strong, try to get Mira. According to Juvy, I was lucky to get her instead of Mira because Mira would have really beaten me up. Bf is not one to admit that he was «beat up» by a girl, but he did, so imagine how strong Mira is!
So long story short:
1) support your local business!
2) go get a deep tissue massage if you want the real deal, just be mindful of the very strong pressure. Stronger pressure than any other place that I’ve had my deep tissue massage done before.

The spa itself is great but the customer service is extremely whack!
I had gone several times for bikini wax and once for a mini facial. The last time I went (after my wax & mini facial), I floated happily to the check out desk, where an older man rang up my bill. He proceeded to burst my bubble when he told me that a mini facial was not really a facial and basically a waste of money, but that he knew I had a Groupon so didn’t say anything to me before (when I booked my appt).
Hum, so I guess I don’t deserve the same courtesy or respect as any other customer… although I had been there a few times without a groupon. Wow. I think I’ll find another spa.

I used a Unilocal deals gift cert and I’m sorry to say it was barely worth the half-​off massage, which is saying something because the price was a great deal. Unilocal: please choose your partners more carefully next time.
The place looks nice when you walk in. There is a tiny sitting area with some scary-​looking baked goods. No one offered a drink or anything. In fact as I waited to check in, the man at the counter was yelling at some poor soul making a reservation on the phone. Incredibly unprofessional and rude.
They got me in fast and took me upstairs to the treatment rooms. Masseuse was polite and professional but she absolutely gypped me on time, which must be the spa policy. I checked my watch when she left me to change, and then checked it again when she was done. It was a 50 minute treatment, not 60. That’s not a 2 minute mistake, it’s a 10 minute larceny.
The massage itself was fine, which is why this place even gets 2 stars. You can hear a lot of ambient noise from the room, including keys jingling, inexplicable hair dryers and people talking outside in the corridor.
Overall, I’d recommend you try someplace else unless someone else is paying and for some reason you don’t want a full hour.
PS They charged $ 10 extra for tax, which has never happened to me with any deals from any sites in the past.

A groupon find (and yet another location that I had passed by but never thought to go to. The receptionist was okay I did have to wait a few minutes. The waxer was quick but the whole experience was most decidedly NOT pain free and this was all MY fault-​ladies don’t get waxed during your «moon» cycle just don’t you would rather spend time in a Siberian gulag.
Wouldn’t return mainly due to the paucity of cash in my wallet in these times.