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Alternative Health Associates
Categories: Beauty and Spas Skin Care Beauty and Spas Hair Removal Laser Hair Removal Beauty and Spas Day Spas Skin Care, Laser Hair Removal, Day Spas [Edit]
215 N Washington StAlexandria, VA 22314
(703) 683-5736
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 8 pm
Sat 9 am - 5 pm
Sun 10 am - 4 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
About This Business:
Our spa offers the perfect rescue from the day's stress. Whether a relaxing massage or an invigorating detox, we have affordable, quality packages for… read more »
19 reviews for Alternative Health Associates
19 reviews in English
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Review from Seema G.
1/4/2012
Came here for laser hair removal after my sessions with American Laser Centers were done and I noticed they had the laser that works on darker skin. Indian girls, the YAG laser works great on our skin tone. BTW, American Laser Center is a waste of money for those of you trying to find a place. They have weekend hours and Sundays which is great for those of you who don't want to take time off work. I had an initial consultation with Deidra. She was very friendly and explained everything about the laser and their pricing system. She even did my upper lip when I got there (not free but she did it without me having scheduled it.).
I went again for my legs and she was so nice to do my feet as well.
They do have a discount if you refer friends and they also offer a slight discount if you have gotten treatment done from another place.
I'm so glad I found this place.
Parking on Sundays is so easy also. It's free and there's been a spot right in front of the building both times. -
Review from Alannah A.
Arlington, VA
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
I usually see Maureen for laser hair removal. She is amazing and always makes me feel calm and at ease. I would recommend her if you are considering laser hair removal. Winter is the best time to do it as your skin can be sensitive to the sun during the treatments. It's the best way to be bikini ready come summer!
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Review from Maya C.
3/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Can I just add more stars???
Total Yay! for Living Social....not only I got the most amazing massage by Stacy, but the most perfect facial by Deidra!!!....YES I tipped based on the FULL price plus a little extra!
I WAS full of stress by the knots Stacy made POP right under my neck!!! NO JOKE!...The following week I had to come back for more 1-1 with Deidra for a deep facial! Both were super relaxing . The only stress I had was tying to pararell park on Queen St. in Old Town...yeah, I'm not the best pararrel parker...so try not to park by me....when your parked car shakes that's when I know I need to move forward...LOL...
Seriously, Both facial and massage were top of the line!
I have to share: Before my massage I was talking to my friend Luis who lives in Lima, Peru. I told him I was going to get a Swedish massage. He asked me what is the difference from a regular American massage? (I know...but read to the end)...I told him, It's done by a Tall Swedish woman with BIG hands....the best part...he believed me!!!!...and said "TAKE PICTURES!!" When I met Stacy I had to tell her about my friend Luis she bursted out laughing!!!....and NO, I did not take a picture of her!
Thank you Stacy and Deidra for an amazing relaxing time! -
Review from B H.
Alexandria, VA
3/3/2012
Weird staff, dont practice the usual greeting and explanation like other places. I wasn't using a groupon, paid full price but wouldnt go back. Was surprised for the location that it wasnt a better experience.
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Review from Jennifer D.
Arlington, VA
8/12/2011
I bought the living social deal for a 45 minute body scrub and foot massage. The building is nice but I'm not sure how I feel about the secure door. Are you trying to be professional, or are you scared of your neighbors? Anyway, I walk in and up the stairs, it's awkwardly quiet... no music playing, one other person waiting, two people behind the desk (one training the other, I think). After filling out my form, Bailey introduces herself to me as the person completing my service that day and brings me into the room (which is right next to the front desk, and you have to go through the file room to get there), and explains the service and the machine used for the scrub.
So the process goes: brush my skin to loosen dead cells, apply some sort of lotion, use the loud clunky machine (which didn't feel like it was exfoliating), then apply another lotion and rub it in a bit, remove lotion with rough towel, move on to the next body part...
I've never had a body scrub before, but I expected an actual scrub to be applied, and vigorously rubbed in, then removed and add soothing lotion. Kind of like how you would do at home in the shower.
First of all, I didn't feel like my body was being exfoliated. I also didn't feel like Bailey wanted to be there working on me. She had let out about 4 loud *siiighes* during the service making me feel that she couldn't wait to get it over with. And it didn't even last 45 minutes, it was more like 35 minutes. And I know it wasn't a massage, but I wasn't offered water or anything after.
So back in the awkwardly quiet reception area, both women were still standing there. They let me know that I was all set to go since I had my LS deal, and I asked how much the regular service is so I could tip. They told me $99, and as I was pulling out my cash (which was a little disorganized) I felt like they were staring at me the whole time I was getting my money together, making it even more awkward.
I won't be going back there again, I don't feel that service is worth anywhere near $99. I don't know if Bailey didn't care b/c she knew I had a LS deal and wouldn't be making as much money, or she is like that with everyone. Aside from music in the reception area, I would also suggest blackout curtains in that front room where I had my service. I didn't mind the sound of the cars, but the day light coming in the room made me feel like I was in someones bedroom, not a massage or service room. I saw that the dim lights were on, but it wouldn't have made a difference even if they were off... that's how much light was coming in.
I plan on actually exfoliating my skin myself later tonight. -
Review from Megan E.
Boston, MA
11/29/2009
Had a facial here today thanks to a LivingSocial deal and have to say, it was one of the best facials I have ever had. Here is why:
-Deidra was my esthetician and was awesome! Very sweet and very helpful with my skincare. She never tried to sell me any products, but instead gave me helpful general tips and free samples.
-She never left the room. Traditionally, they usually leave the room during your mask part. Instead, she stayed and gave me an incredible scalp massage.
-She was also very gentle and everything during the massage (maybe except the extractions...but what can you do) was super relaxing and never rushed. Plus, there was a nice shoulder massage thrown in.
Honestly, I was just so impressed she didn't leave the room. In general, this place was adorable. Very relaxing, spacious rooms and really friendly staff. Plus, the prices are really reasonable. I will definitely be back and I highly recommend Deidra. -
Review from Joelle P.
Alexandria, VA
12/14/2010
A-MAZING PLACE! I LOVE LOVE LOVE my visits to A.H.A.
My skin keeps getting better and better every time I leave. The vibe is so calming and relaxing there I never want to leave. If you have never tried Laser Hair removal before.. You are missing out! I can tell you that you will NOT find a better place at such an affordable price. Book your appointment today! -
Review from Nina B.
11/4/2009
I never would have tried this place because the name doesn't make you think of a relaxing spa massage. But, when they offered a half-price full hour massage via Groupon, I couldn't pass up on the deal.
I was pleasantly surprised. It's a cute old brownstone with multiple stories with hidden massage rooms along the way. The smell is not like that of a clinic, but that of a spa.
I had Laura do my massage, and she was great. She clearly was reading my body well and knew where all the tense spots were. As she worked out the knots from the trouble spots of the body, I fell into a deep relaxation that was much needed. After the massage, she even gave me some pointers on what to do to be aware of the places where my alignment might be off. I definitely appreciated that. -
Review from hk k.
Arlington, VA
3/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow, I'm really surprised at all the good reviews for this place.
I just went in for my Living Social 60 min reflexology massage and was not impressed. I've had numerous massages at different locations through DC/VA (pretty much, anytime one comes up on Groupon or Living Social). I'm editing myself here, so I'm not too harsh because the people there were very nice- but honestly, this is the worst massage I've ever had.
I had Jesse- who was a really nice and very friendly guy. Personality-wise, he was really wonderful and very accommodating. Massage-wise, however, it just didn't do the trick. First of all, he spent about 80% of 60 minute massage just stroking my arms, shoulders or legs. I'm talking about soft long strokes. That doesn't count as a massage in my book. There was maybe a total of 10 minutes of actual massage, muscle-kneading, kind of work. The rest of the time, he spent either holding my head, massaging my hands, or just stroking my body. He didn't massage my legs at all and kind-of massage my feet (long strokes here and there). I've never had a full body massage, where my body wasn't actually massaged. It was really weird. I think he only touched my shoulders, hands (a lot) and feet... but legs and back went completely untouched.
This was also the first time I've ever been on a massage bed thinking "I hope this is over soon." He never asked about whether the pressure was right and perhaps I should've spoken up, but it just seemed to me that his "technique" was to do this long-stroking thing. Which, honestly, just doesn't count as a massage. I probably came out of that massage room more tense than when I went in, just because I hated this massage style.
Now, I really want to reiterate that Jesse was a really really nice guy and I hate writing this review. But I really think it's necessary just because the massage was nothing like what I was expecting. I am going to book another massage elsewhere really soon, because that just didn't count as a massage to me and I can still feel all the knots in my back and shoulders. It makes me sad that I bought a coupon for this place :( -
Review from Sarah L.
3/4/2010 2 photos
The Lowdown:
- 8 treatment rooms, no couples' suite
- No online booking, call to make appointment. No credit card required.
- 24-hour cancellation policy.
- Parking available on street (metered)
- Accepts Visa and Mastercard
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I had purchased a Groupon in September that was $45 for a 60-minute Swedish Massage ($89 value). Since it was expiring at the end of the month, I made a call on Wednesday to set up an appointment. The receptionist was friendly and only asked for my name, phone number, and if I was using a coupon or gift certificate. I told her I had a Groupon and wanted to upgrade to a 90-minute Swedish massage and pay the difference.
As a spa receptionist myself, I was surprised that I wasn't asked to give credit card information to secure my booking, or if I had a gender preference for therapist. As it was, on their website all their therapists are female, so keep that in mind if you prefer a male therapist. They have a 24-hour cancellation policy. New clients should arrive 15 minutes prior to the appointed time in order to have time to fill an intake form.
Although I got lost, I did arrive in time for my appointment. As I was walking back on King Street, I realized that I had walked further than necessary, so I will provide directions for those people like me who are more about landmarks: once you get off at King Street Metro, wait for the King Street trolley, which is free and will save you a bit of time. Signal to stop when you are past Asaph Street. Make a left at N Washington Street (you will see the storefront for Bumblefish Sushi, which is a dark green building). Walk down N Washington about 2 blocks. Alternative Health Associates not directly across the street from Ross, but is not too far down.
Anyway, once you enter the pass code to enter the building (provided by the receptionist when you book your appointment), you go upstairs where there is a clinical-looking waiting room. No magazines, no refreshments. I filled out my intake form and a little before 1:30pm my therapist Lori comes to pick me up. This is a fairly large townhouse and there are two treatment rooms on each floor, for a total of 8. We went down two flights of stairs to a dimly lit room where an iPhone was softly playing music--great if you are particular about your music; you could probably play your iPod if you asked nicely. Lori and I have a brief discussion about certain areas I wanted focused on during the massage and then she left the room so I could disrobe. They don't provide robes here, so you change in the treatment room.
Normally I am fairly chatty at the beginning of a massage (gotta get me some spa gossips) but I just laid there as Lori worked out the kinks in my neck and back. She placed the right amount of pressure where I needed it without being too heavy-handed. The treatment room is not soundproofed, so you will hear people upstairs and noise in the hallway, despite the music. Ninety minutes just flew by, and I left the room feeling very calm and relaxed. As the receptionist was occupied, Lori checked me out, which is a bit awkward. I paid an additional $37 for the upgrade to 90 minutes. I don't know if you can leave a tip on your credit card, as I gave her cash. I did ask her in treatment if she got full commission for the Groupon appointments, but she said she didn't. It bothered me that her commission would be off of the discounted $45 instead of $89, so I tipped double what I was originally going to give her (off of $137).
Overall, it was a good experience. Don't come here if you want to have a pampering day--this is a place for people who want serious bodywork. It is also a good place if you are looking for a facial. Now I love the facials I get at Bliss, but AHA is a cheaper alternative to Bliss. They have pretty much the same offerings (microderm, oxygen blast, etc) and they use Skinceuticals (same as Bliss), which is a great line for people who are looking for results-driven skincare. Their prices are also very reasonable, and they offer monthly specials as well. I look forward to my next visit here.Listed in: Relax & Rejuvenate: Spas
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Review from A.rob W.
Washington, DC
5/9/2010
My mom and I had a full body massage appointment for mother's day. We were so excited to get pampered!
On our way to the place, we ran into some traffic inconveniences. My mom being a business person herself and both of us having manners, called AHA in order to tell them that we would be a little late. A rather bitter receptionist made sure we understood that we should not be more than 15 minutes late.
Fine...we tried.... but the road issues continued...
10 minutes later, still stuck in traffic due to Jesus knows what...Called again to see if we could reschedule our full body massage and the same receptionist snapped at me saying that because we didn't let her know 24 hours in advance of our cancellation, she could no longer take our Living Social coupon for our next appointment...
Hmmmmm.....instead of being accommodating to 2 new clients, she sent us off on our way and didn't seem to care that she lost potential and sustainable business.
Stressful morning dealing with the roads, annoying work load this upcoming week...woah, coulda use a massage...but def. will NOT be going to AHA for relaxation! -
Review from Amanda S.
Arlington, VA
10/15/2010
I went here today for Microdermabrasion consult and treatment. I have never had the treatment done before so was very nervous about having something done to my face that I had never done before. When I walked in, the receptionist was very sweet and had me fill out paperwork. Deidra was the person who did my treatment and she is absolutely wonderful. She walked me through what was going to happen, what the treatment would help and what it wouldn't. She even described what it would feel like. She listened to my skin type and gave me pointers on what I could do to improve my skin, plus gave me some samples to try. I am really happy with my experience and can not wait to go back. My skin feels as smooth as a babies bottom and looks great and I only had one treatment. It isn't perfect but I am really looking forward to seeing what the future holds as I heard you need a couple of treatments.
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Review from Kim P.
Chantilly, VA
5/14/2010
I've been to AHA for a 1-hour European Facial twice, both as a result of gift certificates. Because I went back a 2nd time tells you I thoroughly enjoyed my experience! Both times I had Deidre who was amazing. She didn't talk much during the facial, which I like, and answered any questions I had about my skin. A day or 2 after the treatment, my skin started to peel a little (as she said it would) and now it's the softest and smoothest I've ever felt it! I went on a Saturday morning and street parking was ample. I have no complaints about AHA and hope to return!
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Review from Katherine K.
McLean, VA
10/14/2010
I have never experienced a ill-managed place such as Alternative Health Associates. I am a frequent user of Living Social and have bought several coupons from AHA. I called to make an appointment using my living social voucher and they said my coupon was fine and to bring it in when I have my appointment. The massage was okay. The very next day, the manager, Sims, called and told me my coupon had already been used and I owe them $89 for the massage. I tried explaining that my coupon had been accepted by the person who made my appointment. Sims then told me she is the only person who has access to the Living Social vouchers. My LS account stated the voucher had not been used. I have numerous vouchers from different companies. Sims then explained to me what really happened, not what I said happened. So much for customer service.
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Review from Lisa N.
Alexandria, VA
6/16/2011
I have to agree with the folks who said the staff was rude. I used a Living Social coupon so I suppose i wasn't up to the standards of the "usual client". The receptionist just basically shoved a form to fill out, no "hello" or "how are you". The masseuse was good technically, but again no greeting, no offer of even water before or after the massage (have never had that happen). Just pretty much shoved out the door.
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Review from Marissa C.
Arlington, VA
2/16/2010
I went here for a 60 min swedish massage that I purchased through Groupon. Laura was my massage therapist and she did a wonderful job!! She spent extra time on my lower back and hamstrings since both areas were extremely tight from running and working out. It was a wonderful experience.
The only negative is that my appointment was at 2:15. I arrived at 2 to fill out a health form. It was 2:35 before I was called back to the room. It would have been helpful for the receptionist to mention that Laura was running behind when I checked in. Not a big deal but when you're paying a meter, that 20 minutes could have been a parking ticket. -
Review from Judy N.
Alexandria, VA
11/12/2009
My husband and I went here for Swedish massages we purchased through Groupon. Cute old house - but pretty noisy in the treatment rooms. We will go there again.
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Review from Nicole L.
1/18/2010
I bought a living social deal - a 60 min swedish massage for $40 it was a really good deal given the market rate is about $100 anywhere in the DC Metropolitan area. The building is located right on the main strip and the door required a security number which I forgotten as I was trying to retreive it through the iPhone, the receptionist opened the door for me. I got there 15 min ahead of schedule to fill out a form. The place looked rather simple and sparsely furnished. I think the image is more clinical than spa at AHA. I was escorted by my massuse to the room shortly. The room was very nice and the massage bed was warm and very comfortable. The swedish massage was very gentle but not outstanding. I asked for deeper pressure but it was light for me. Honestly, $40 is more the price for this massage than $100. They weren't pushy on trying to sell anything so it was nice to just get the massage done and leave.
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Review from Qbz Q.
Alexandria, VA
4/19/2008
Had a WONDERFUL massage here. It doesn't 'show' well on the outside - looks like a doctor's office, but is a several story brownstone with lovely rooms and a soothing feeling. My therapist was great, but only works here one night a week.... makes it hard to get to her again.
