Avia Spa
Categories: Beauty and Spas Massage Beauty and Spas Skin Care Beauty and Spas Day Spas Massage, Skin Care, Day Spas [Edit]
350 Chapala StSte 101 & 102
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 730-7303
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Insurance:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
26 reviews for Avia Spa
26 reviews in English
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Review from Christina S.
Santa Barbara, CA
1/22/2012
I had the best body treatment I've ever had at Avia Spa, treat yourself or someone you love and get the Rose Sugar Body Scrub. The masseuse will scrub the lovely aromatic sugar all over you, then rinse you off with the longest shower head you've ever seen, while massaging you. OMG, it's amazing! I think I was drooling towards the end. Can't wait to do it again!
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Review from John W.
San Marino, CA
4/26/2012
My wife and I spent an afternoon at Avia Spa as part of a getaway to Santa Barbara for her birthday. We had an enjoyable, calming, and relaxing experience. She had a facial, massage, and manicure/pedicure. I had a massage from Jill, who was wonderful. I also had a lot of free time, which I spent peacefully in the waiting area. The facilities are clean and the decor is tasteful and serene. The entire staff was very friendly and helpful.
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Review from Kathleen C.
Santa Barbara, CA
12/8/2011
I've given up on this place. The quality of the services has been, in my experience, hit or miss. I alternate every time I leave this place feeling satisfied or ripped off. There just isn't any consistency. The final straw for me was the totally rude receptionist/cashier the last time I was there. I forgot that you have to tell them up front how much to tip. I assumed there would be tip and total lines on the bill. There wasn't. Even though my service was unsatisfactory, I couldn't in good conscience leave without tipping. When I told the front desk lady that I had wanted to tip, but didn't see a line for it, she gave me a really snotty "you should have told me before." I ended up having her ring my card twice so I could leave a tip like a decent human being, which wasn't a problem. But the attitude she gave me surely was.
Comment from Troy M. of Avia Spa 1/26/2012
Kathleen, sorry to here about your experience. We strive for… More » -
Review from ben a.
Lompoc, CA
9/6/2011
I saw their deal on Groupon and no second thought I bought it! For $69.00 plus tip, you can't go wrong for a scrub and a massage combined, plus their ambiance. Location wise, it is not hard to find. The staff are friendly, the moment you get inside their building you can smell the aroma, it was so relaxing. The place is set to relax you.
I love the combination of treatments, I love the scrubs, the vinchy shower. The reason I gave 4 stars is just because the massage was not hard enough, maybe because it is Swedish but I had Swedish massage with enough pressure. This one is just like rubbing my skin like I have a skin disease, it feels like she does not want to touch me, OR maybe my body is immune to so many massages I have had. That's all. Otherwise, can't beat it for the price.
Give it a try! Take my word for it! Regular price is $159.00 plus tip for the rose buds scrub + Swedish massage. I highly recommend this place.
Any Groupon deals? -
Review from Anna Y.
Goleta, CA
3/6/2012
I came here on a Wednesday morning. I got a massage and also a facial and they were really great. Both women were very nice and did a wonderful job. I have nothing bad to say about my services but my problem was with the front desk.
Let me start by saying I was a receptionist in a spa for two years so I know what I'm talking about, and I know how to treat people respectfully. When I walked into Avia Spa there was a blonde and brunette girl hunched over the front desk talking to each other. They didn't greet me very professionally and they made me feel like I was interrupting their conversation. I was told on the phone that I would receive a 20% discount for getting two services back to back (which is why I booked two shorter services instead of one big one), but the girls only gave me 10% off, and I ended up paying more than I was prepared for. I asked how much most people leave for a tip and one of the girls said it was totally up to me and that most people leave 15%. I said I would leave 15%, and when she tried to enter my tip into the computer she asked the other girl for help but the other girl responded "I only know how to do it if it's 20%". It made me feel awkward and pretty bad. On top of that, I don't think either of them smiled once.
I shouldn't let these two front desk girls speak for the entire spa, but they are the first impression and the least they could do is be a little warmer and more professional. Other than that, the services are great and the estheticians are VERY nice. -
Review from Megan A.
West Hollywood, CA
11/8/2011
Great day spa! I had a 90 min. deep tissue massage and it was one of the best I've ever had! And I've had a lot of massages. Definitely worth the cost. The place is beautiful and serene and makes you feel like a queen. I can't wait to go back for another treatment.
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Review from Dawn S.
Lompoc, CA
2/1/2012
Great customer service from the receptionist checking me in and checking me out. Will be back to try other services. So relaxing & professional. Had a facial by Kelli, that was sooooooooo relaxing. Thanks girls!!
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Review from Katie H.
Ventura, CA
3/6/2011
I had a fantastic massage today. Dante is the best masseuse I've ever had. It was personalized to meet my need and was the perfect mix of relaxing and rejuvenating.
I will definitely be going back to him. -
Review from Jessica W.
Santa Barbara, CA
2/26/2012
I have been coming in over the years to have services done for my hair. I wanted to yelp them for the good customer service over the years. Love coming here and always leave feeling relaxed. The staff at the front desk has been friendly and helpful EVERY time.
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Review from Irene S.
9/4/2007
There are days I thank the heavens above that my bra size is that of a saucer because I cannot imagine how much more pain I could endure face down and flattened like a 2 ton roller over hot asphalt.
Deep Tissue.
It's love and hate. -
Review from Jasmine L.
San Jose, CA
8/12/2007
I decided I was worthy of a massage after attending a 5-day conference in Santa Barbara. I did research, and called around to see if there was a place that was available for me on the Friday before I left. Avia was my choice. At first, I wanted to go for the traditional 60 minute Aromatherapy massage. I made an appointment.
After looking at their menu, I saw that they had the Abhyanga Massage and it intrigued me, because I had never had this massage before. Abhyanga Massage uses warm oil to make long strokes along your body. So I called them some 90 minutes before my appointment and asked them if I could change my session. Gladly, they were flexible. I also asked them for a female masseuse, and they told me that all their masseuses were females. Good to know.
I arrived 20 minutes before my appointment so that I could slowly zone in. I was given a simple orientation of the bathroom, asked to complete a form, and then asked to wait in the dark, serene waiting area. On the form, I liked that they asked if we wanted light conversation or silence with our masseuse.
My masseuse, Rachel was very sweet. She led me to the room, and let me choose between two oils. I picked Lotus. The massage was great.
Unfortunately, during my massage session, their radio went bezerk, and started playing some 80s disco music, which REALLY REALLY ruined the mood. Not Rachel's fault, and she turned down the volume, but it really gave my session a bad taste.Listed in: Yelp Help!, 5 days enjoying Santa Barbara
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Review from Melinda L.
Littleton, CO
10/6/2008
This is a tough one. In terms of comfort, ambiance, and the ability to take a full shower after your treatments are completed? Pluses. Their little waiting room has a lovely selection of tea and healthy snacks. Dollar-wise, and location-wise, I'd highly recommend. But I am a finicky Yelper (the newly attained Elite status has clearly gone to my head), and I must point out where Avia fell short...
I booked the day with my friend, intending to have a spa day together. Now during a treatment like a massage or a facial, I honestly don't care what my friend is doing. But it would be nice to gab during a mani-pedi, and they only have one manicurist and one station...that docks half a star.
The mani/pedi was very cleanly done, but my fingernail polish was chipping by the next day. Usually I'm generous, seeing as how I have thin nails that lend themselves to quick chipping, but for a spa manicure, this was awfully quick. And she didn't smooth the nails before painting; they may not have really needed it, but I've only had one mani/pedi before when they didn't do that...and it didn't turn out so hot. So, another half star.
The facialist did not explain any of the treatments she was doing as she did them. I like a little warning before my extractions, and though I've had facials before and know the bright light overhead is my cue, a first-timer wouldn't necessarily know that. So...another half-star. (And I had indicated that I liked light conversation during treatments, so there wasn't any code of silence in place)
I got the wrong kind of massage for me -- and that's somewhat my fault, and has nothing to do with the rating -- and I know it's an oil massage (the Abenegya), but DEAR GOD I felt absolutely slathered, to the point that when I was face down, it ran down my neck and started dripping off my chin, which tickled and was rather uncomfortable. Also, it would have been somewhat more comfortable if the temperature were raised about five degrees.
My friend got the hot stone massage, which she really enjoyed...but it was her first massage, so her opinion, while totally valid, probably begs for a basis of comparison. She did me the favor of booking both of our days, and she said the receptionist seemed a bit befuddled that she would call a month in advance. In my experience, a full-service spa can book at least that far ahead, and to guarantee treatments, you really want to.
So...I would recommend this place for a massage, probably, but find somewhere else if you want to make a day of it. -
Review from shirley T.
Oakland, CA
5/15/2007
I came down for my sister's graduation. ***YAAYAYAYA***
(shes taken alittle longer than others...so im psyched!)
I had the buddhaful package.what caught my eye was the ear candling. i ve never recieved it but heard the treatment was interesting.
so i dived in.
$345
hot stone massage
avia spa facial
relaxing muscle wrap
ear candling
the place was very beautiful. The sitting area was relatively small, but i understand that they need to zone out certain areas for others.
The locker room had one steam room that fitted 2 people, three if you squeeze. two showers. It was slightly crammed with so many people in one area but i quickly left and joined the sitting area enjoying some good old tea and snacks.
The massage was very good. Better than i expected. (If you have looked at other spas ive reviewed you will notice i havent had the too many best of spas yet) The room was relatively small which i dont know how the therapist can move around so effieciently.
The relaxing muscle wrap started in a wet room where theres a bath tub, a shower and a table where i layed. Itd started with a shower and salt scrub that you use before you lay on the table..the scrub was a little rough but nice for the heals and elbows. one thing i really hated the heated red lights.. there right above you..making me feel extremely uncomfortable but she closed it after she applied the mask. The mud wrap was pretty intense. it felt extremely tingling all over the body and your body is snapped closed which is pretty heated. While the wrap is going, she massage my scalp w/ warm oil and after the showering off i was provided w/ some shea butter to moisturize myself.
The facial and ear candling was done by the same person. Laura. The ear candling kinda freaked me out. It wasnt the actual candling that bothered me but it was the estictian. She kept talking to me and running her fingers through my hair which put me in a very uncomfortable state. The treatment was quite quick, so i didnt feel the need to stop her, still...i dont think ill do it again.....*ugh
The facial was good, but i think all estictian fall thru a bad habit of yapping too much. At least she was able to do a pretty good facial. I was happy with it. My skin really glowed and looked healthier.
After i finished and checked out i wanted to know more about the other products they have. BUT this one bitch whose a brunette w/ a long pale face knew NOTHING about anything of those products and she was very rude especially when she was trying to ignore me. But i was way tooo droopy to yell at her ..so i let her go this time.
But next time they better retrain those receptionist or just send me an invoice afterwards. Also i dont think i would go back to laura. She was good but it was just too weird.
O yea! all sales are final...even if you just bought it and thought about it and came to conclusion you wont ever use it. You turn back and try to return but is then shot w/ "A ALL SALES ARE FINAL POLICY" ....so basically in conclusion buy what you really cant live w/o -
Review from Liam M.
Santa Barbara, CA
9/17/2011
Great experience and excellent customer service! They go out of their way to make everything just the way it should be...relaxing and comfortable.
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Review from tinybubbletoes L.
Santa Barbara, CA
6/4/2009
I've been going to Avia Spa for over 2 years now. Sharone Brimer is the aesthetician that I've been seeing, and she is the best! Make sure to make an appointment with her for all your facial and waxing needs.
The spa itself has a great atmosphere, and the location is very convenient. -
Review from Christann T.
Los Angeles, CA
3/26/2010
A true gem of a spa in lovely Santa Barbara!!! You cannot go wrong at this place. The staff is extremely accommodating and made me feel like I was in Bali getting ready to receive my treatments on the beach....just a lovely vision, isn't it? OF COURSE! The services I received were the AVIA Purifying & Cleansing Facial and the Shiatsu massage. It was divine. The spa itself is quaint and as I sat and waited for my next treatment...I was checked on by one of the attentive staff.
The entire place was calm and relaxing and my massage was PERFECT!!!!!!!!!
I would highly recommend checking this place out on your next visit to Santa Barbara.
xoxo,
~C. -
Review from E. B.
Goleta, CA
10/7/2010
As a mom of a small child who had been sick for days, I needed some "me" time to stay sane. I called Mom so she could watch baby and I called Avia to schedule an appointment. They accommodated my schedule and I arrived that same afternoon for an hour Swedish massage and a 30 minute clarifying and moisturizing facial.
What an incredible 2 hours I had! From Kelly, the receptionist, to Rachel and Katie, the masseuse and aesthetician, I felt a complete priority to everyone. Some spas are so pretentious, but not here; luxurious treatments and down-to-earth spirit co-exist seamlessly.
I read a comment from another poster that they wanted to hear more from their facialist. I couldn't disagree more. But, then again, I have a shrieking toddler crashing about the house. Rachel and Katie were both attentive verbally to my questions when I had them, and otherwise left me to enjoy the decadence in peace.
It was also an added bonus when i woke up this morning and looked at my face and could clearly see it looked better! I will be returning to buy some of the recommended products, which they were graceful in presenting to me without pressuring me at all.
Bravo ladies. I'll be back! -
Review from angie b.
Santa Barbara, CA
4/7/2008
I booked a massage here for my "mental health day" off of work, hoping to relax and de-stress. My first thought upon walking in was that the environment was very calming. They have a nice little "tea lounge" where you can relax pre- or post-treatment. They have a nice selection of teas and trashy mags.
The locker room was also really clean and nice. There was a small sauna room. It's not a big place, but I would describe it as "cozy."
My massage was really great - the music was perfect, and the massage itself was awesome. My masseuse was really nice and adapted her techniques based on what felt comfortable for me. By the end, I was in a total meditative state and I did not want to get up.
Overall, I had a good experience and I would definitely go back. I'm not really a "spa person," but I enjoyed it. One negative would be that there were a few people who came in for facials while I was relaxing in the tea lounge, and they weren't in robes, nor were they supporting the relaxing environment. I felt slightly awkward being in a robe next to people in regular clothes. Maybe they shouldn't be in the tea lounge, but a separate waiting room for non-relaxed people. Or maybe I'm just overly concerned about these things.
The other negative is that it was really expensive - $130 for a 1-hour deep tissue massage (plus a tip). I didn't do a lot of comparison shopping so I'm not sure how this compares with other spas, but I thought it was pretty steep. -
Review from omar k.
Los Angeles, CA
8/2/2010 1 photo
my girlfriend loves this spa. She insists on coming every time we are in Santa Barbara. I don't mind because she always comes back in a relaxed happy mood. Its a true value to have her get such 1st class service in such a beautiful location.
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Review from Alice B.
Port Huron, MI
6/4/2009
I had a wonderful time with my husband and sister-in-law while visiting SB. We all had massages. My massage therapist, Ava, was excellent. The women's changing area is small but meticulously maintained. A bonus is being able to use the sauna, shower and all the wonderful products, including salon blow dryer after the service. They do not rush you out and provide healthy drinks, teas and snacks. The waiting area for before & after treatment is small but it is a clever use of space with a waterfall and "massage huts". It was a pleasant way to unwind with family. We all really enjoyed it. My sister had the Ayurvedic warm oil massage while we enjoyed a deep tissue massage. We would love to go back next time we are in town. It is, however, pricey even for Santa Barbara.
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Review from momo c.
4/22/2011
I wanted a massage during my stay in SB for 4 nights. Based on online menu, Avia Spa has 1 hour massage at a reasonable price. I'm used to deep tissue but they had an opening for sport massage and I took it. It's one of the best massages I've ever enjoyed. The lady Gill was amazing. I had problems with my shoulders and arms (computer disease I call it) and Gill spent almost the whole time focusing on my problem areas and stretching. I loved it. She did little things that added nice touch to the massage. I felt like I were floating on cloud yet stretched out. I wish I could return for 2nd visit if not we were leaving for our road trip to SF. Highly recommend a sport massage with Gill. She really paid attention to my needs. I have massage every month back home and I wish I can find someone so good. Gill gave me info about her colleagues in Canada so I can't wait to check out.
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Review from J J.
Santa Barbara, CA
3/19/2011
I gave this spa 5 stars because of the massage therapist Adrienne! She's amazing! Great technique and perfect pressure. I'm usually picky about my massages and was pleasantly surprised to get such a good therapist on the first visit. I've been back a few times now and every time the massage is impeccable with Adrienne and she works out my knots on my neck and shoulder.
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Review from Karin B.
Vallejo, CA
3/15/2011
I just had the best facial ever (with Helena), yes I mean ever and I have had a lot. She was fabulous - I felt so relaxed when I left and my skin looked fabulous!!!! PLUS, my husband who goes for a massage once a month had a massage with Linnnea and he couldn't stop talking about her. I mean really, are you in love or what and his response - she was heaven - deep tissue - she took it to another level, he could hardly speak after the massage. Anyhow, we were were so happy we want to go back before the end of the week! AVIA spa was the best!
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Review from Helen Y.
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA
9/4/2007
i highly recommend the 60 min reflexology massage -- ask for sammie, she's great! she massaged the living daylights out of my toes, soles, and feet and i enjoyed every minute of it! then she worked my scalp, temples, neck, shoulders, and upper back with focused pressure points. again, it was very relaxing!
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Review from amanda o.
Beverly Hills, CA
2/27/2009
new to the area i needed some RELAXATION and wanted to find a perfect spa experience where it is peaceful and big enough to have the all the amenities. i chose the one hour deep tissue massage and spa pedicure.
i was greeted by a friendly front desk coordinator. i asked her where to park since the closed parking is only for 75 minutes and i was geared up to stay for at least 2.5 hours. she informed me to park about a block away at the parking lot, (you have to pay after 75 minutes), standard in santa barbara. and might i say that you better watch out for the meter maids cause they are everywhere and will slap you with a ticket before you can blink an eye!
my masseuse was adrienne, who was pretty fab. she had good technique and pressure and asked me if the pressure was good. i checked on the interview slip that i wanted silence during my treatments and she honored that.
my spa pedicure was fab too. my polish is still on with one little chip!!!
i'll definitely come back... -
Review from Pure S.
Seattle, WA
2/5/2010
I've been to Avia Spa several times with great results. I decided to try the salon for the first time this week. I had a haircut and highlights done by Shannon. We chatted about my color quite a bit and she gave me some suggestions that would help to give me a more natural look, which is what I was looking for. I brought a picture of the cut I wanted and she followed it completely. I was VERY pleased with the results of both the cut and color. I have found my new stylist :-)
