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Body By Melisa
Rating Details »
Neighborhoods: North Oakland, Piedmont Ave
4414 Piedmont Ave
Ste 2
(between Pleasant Valley Ave & Ramona Ave)
Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 655-2639
4414 Piedmont Ave
Ste 2
(between Pleasant Valley Ave & Ramona Ave)
Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 655-2639
50% off 2nd service!
Purchase 1 Skin Bella Deluxe Facial, or Dermosonic cellulite treatment or Detox slimming Body wrap and receive the 2nd service at 50% OFF!
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
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26 reviews for Body By Melisa
I love Body by Melisa! I started going here for Spa Week during the beginning of this year and I been a frequent customer ever since!
My favorite treatments are the facials and the dermasonic treatments! Unlike other facials I received, I always leave with my face feeling super soft and silky! It also comes with a nice shoulder massage.
After one dermasonic treatment, I was so pleased that I decided to buy a package! As soon as I knew it, my jeans were fitting a lot more comfortably and I felt more confident in my bathing suit!
Melisa and her staff are extremely friendly and personable! I love the wonderful home environment her spa creates! It also always smells wonderful in there!
I'm a big fan of Body by Melisa!
The first time I went (two years ago), I was taking my BFF for a massage as a gift and booked a Skin Bella Deluxe facial for myself (it was spa month, so I couldn't resist). Melisa was very nice when we arrived and took the time to discuss my skin concerns prior to beginning the facial. The facial itself was fabulous - the technology used for this facial is fantastic and really makes your skin soft. Additionally, the products used during the facial are "pushed" into your skin after the microderm abrasion, which makes them continue to release days after the facial (TOTAL plus). I'm a total skin-care junkie, so asked a TON of questions during the facial -- Melisa was extremely nice and answered every question (and I learned a lot that day!).
I came back early this month for two sessions prior to my wedding - a deep tissue massage and another Skin Bella Deluxe facial.
It was the first time I received a deep tissue massage, so I was a little apprehensive about the impending pain. The masseuse was wonderful about explaining how she was going to work, asking me for any specific areas she should concentrate on and warned me each time there would be a big release. I walked away feeling SO relaxed and will definitely be coming back for another soon! The facial was just as I remembered it - very beneficial and left my skin glowing for my wedding! Melisa also helped me learn more about my combination skin and recommended products that she sells in the spa (which are fantastic!!)
I am a big fan of the "homey" feeling of the space and find it to be much more inviting than other spas I've been to. I will be a regular customer for years to come. :-)
It's been a week and a half since I got my first facial here and my skin has never felt so soft. The 15-20 minutes of excruciating, mind-numbing, sweat-inducing extraction pains were completely worth it. Thank you, Melisa.
Need to preface the remainder of this review w/ one thing: I have bad skin. I've received a number of facials in my lifetime, but none recently. I found Melisa on Yelp and was able to book a same day appointment (new, unexpected love interest = scramble to get this face/mind/ body looking decent, STAT).
Pros: She spent a good 15 minutes scraping the crap out/ off of my face. Like hardcore SCRAPING. I forget the name of the technique, but when your face is in as bad of shape as mine was, I guess this is what you do. I cried. I flinched. I whimpered. I writhed. And she apologized through the whole thing. I was actually chanting the name of the new love interest throughout the entire extraction process (in my head, I think, I hope.). The massage was great- I fell asleep three or four times, only to wake myself up with my trademark snore-choke.
Cons: Sheets felt a little sticky. I don't think they were washed before I came in. Also, the lighting in the room was all-natural. I hate fluorescent lighting more than anyone I know, but I felt like she'd be able to get a better look at my clogged pores if she wasn't relying on the 6:00pm sun.
I spent $135 on a facial, but I was told that July was their anniversary month, so most things would be half off. To be able to touch my face and feel some element of softness is priceless. I will be back next month, fa sheez.
_______
Update: I received a call from Melisa, the owner/ facialist in response to my review the same day I wrote it. Wow. This is the stuff great spas are made of! She explained that the sheets were, in fact, clean, but are unusually soft (true), which might have been why I thought they were dirty. I believe her. Also, she let me know she wore special glasses during the extraction process, and that the sunlight this time of year was more than enough to get the job done. Again, I'll believe her.
I'll be back next month for another facial. And probably the next month after that too.
Now Melissa is just misrepresenting. The phone was on the counter and turned on. I know what I saw. Melissa told me it was the masseuses first day, which was why she offered me a discount on top of spa week prices. Finally, no - extractions shouldn't hurt three days after, and if you didn't have time to do it properly, you shouldn't have done it at all. Bad service is one thing, revisionist history is another.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
9/14/2009
I also tried this spa during spa week. Melisa was very nice and professional, but I had a few… Read more »
Comment from Melisa K. of
Body By Melisa
10/5/2009
Extractions are always optional, and yes, they do hurt, no…
More »
I went during Spa week for the cellulite treatment. It's definitely not worth the money, because you won't see any effect (if there is any) on first treatment. It was just a waste of $50. Also paying through "Paypal' is just not cool. Because that means if anything, I can't get the credit card protection I normally do.
Also the place is really a small shop on top of a flower shop. It's got steep stairs and the area is so small and suffocating. If it's charging budget price for their service, I can understand, but that's not the case!
So I wouldn't recommend this for anyone who cares and loves their skin and body.
Comment from Melisa K. of
Body By Melisa
10/5/2009
We do share with all clients who booked for Spa Month that…
More »
I called and had some questions about one of the treatments during Spa Week and was happy with the customer service I received over the phone. I hoped that I could expect the same standard of customer service for the actual spa visit, but I was disappointed.
What I liked about the experience:
Melisa was polite, offered water, willing to answer questions.
What didn't impress me:
**The actual duration of my appointment was 40 minutes instead of 55.** We started late and ended early. I showed up 10 min. early early so this would not happen, but had to wait on the stairs because the door was locked. I was let in at the time my appointment was supposed to start and the previous client was still paying, etc. By the time I was taken to the room and Melisa was ready to begin, 10 minutes of my appointment were gone. Even after that, she left one or two times to take care of something else. She said she would make it up at the end, but instead we finished early.
I like the idea of Spa Week, because I rarely "pamper" myself, but I guess I have to go to a different spa to get true TLC. It seemed like this spa was just way too booked and was just trying to get maximum exposure for Spa Week, even if they had to operate at a lower standard of service.
I booked Spa Week for a $50 facial. I got a bad feeling when I was made to pay in advance by Visa/MC, but I did it and lived to regret it. First you barely find the place, but you're stuck--you've already paid. I was paired with Angela for a big-time disappointing facial. She didn't know much about the products and the special derma, Bella Deluxe, -- I swear she stroked in the wrong direction, squeezing my cheeks downward. the newbie added little value: "How's my skin?" She: "uh, a little dry." OK, it's spa week, this place's BIG season--they stretch a week or two a year into months-- running 1-time clients they don't care about losing. My 55 minute facial wasn't -- although i was on time to the minute -- the appt was slashed to 40 minutes and packed with noise and confusion. I advise you to walk out halfway through -- I sure wish I had. What I got was a 20 minutes sub-standard facial followed by 20 minutes of hard shoulder massage(!!) WORST treatment I've ever had -- and that night my neck and shoulders were killing me! Soreness and stiffness lasted for 2 days! That has NO business happening at a facial, for gawd's sake; so, I phoned the owner that I got an inexperienced person who hurt me. To my surprise, Melisa bristled, argued and tap-danced but agreed to refund 50 bucks -- don't spend your $$$ here. The location is dumpy-- you won't feel pampered. Entry's inside a gag store part of a run-down flower shop, and Melisa's decor is dime-store bordello, with no amenities and an abundance of perfumey candles masking -- something. I wasn't going to bother to post, but then, Melisa flipped -- (yew!) she reneged on $50 refund. Most customers don't bother to tip, Melisa blabbed to me -- what a dive. hey, a smart business owner would offer to personally make-good on a failed treatment, not mistreat and abuse a client, even a 1st-timer has potential-- I'm scratching my head on this one.
Comment from Melisa K. of
Body By Melisa
11/4/2009
Yelp's policy is the "client is always right" so refuting a…
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I have had so many more treatments here since my last review so I decided to yelp them. The dermosonic treatment for cellulite reduction is fabulous. I tried one during spa week and decided to purchase the package of 12. After maybe the 4th treatment I saw great results. I love it because it did not hurt and kinda feels like a massage. Now the back of my legs are so smooth and lump free!!
I have had the hot stone massage with Michelle and of course that was amazing too! She was able to adjust the stones to a temperature that I was comfortable with since I don't like the stones too hot. And she didn't spend most of her time "playing" with the stones as others have done during past experiences in other places. For $85 you cannot beat that.
The body wrap was also an amazing experience. I have had wraps in the past and there had no results other than feeling wet and cold. The wrap here was different. First I was measured and then you get covered in lotion infused with cinnamon....mmm yummy! I smelled like a snickerdoodle. Then I was wrapped in soaked bandages and then put in the sauna to "bake." 45 mins later I came out relaxed and 4 inches skinnier. Now that may not sound like too too much but trust me that was more than I could have ever imagined coming off me!
Every treatment here is a completely personal experience. So whenever I feel the need to indulge myself, you will find me here at my go-to place of relaxation in the quieter part of Piedmont Ave :)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/27/2008
I booked an appointment for my mom and I during spa week and have been meaning to write a review for… Read more »
I've been to this spa three times now. Twice during spa month, once during a "regular" month. The spa is located in a small unit above a flower shop. You can tell that it use to be someone's home. If you're looking for a spa with a lot of amenities - this is not the place for you. But if you want something local and cozy, you'll find it here. The rooms are very bright, this is fine if you're they type that likes sunshine in the room during your facials/massages. You can also hear the noise from the street below and in other rooms (if there are other patrons around). They try to compensate for this by playing music, which actually was a little too loud for my taste. They also burn a lot of candles in the rooms. Although it adds to the ambiance, I could have gone without the strong scent.
Melisa is very nice and provides great customer service. On one of my visits, they had double booked my time slot and didn't have someone available for my massage. To make up for this, Melisa offered me a complimentary service on a later date. Though it was inconvenient at the time, I appreciated the gesture. My massage there was okay, for $50 I'm not complaining! The facials are fantastic. As mentioned in another review though, they are not 60 minutes long. It's more like 45-50 minutes.
Overall, I liked the place and would definitely go back during spa month. However, I would try to book early morning or late afternoon appointments. This way, its a little bit more quiet and you're less likely to get caught up in the rush of people.
I have had numerous facials and Melisa's facials are fabulous. I went twice in two weeks!
This is a great place. They are often having monthly specials but their services are worth the regular price. As others have said this spa is clean and cozy and Melisa is super friendly. It has been quite some time since my last appointment but when I called on the phone she said she remembered me. I like that kind of customer service.
I go for the bella facial. I have super clogged pores but all I need to do is ask for special attention in my problem areas and I get it. I leave glowing and feeling refreshed. I am actually going for a facial later today! I am so excited!
I came for Spa Month for a facial. The place is pretty clean and the people were friendly. I like how they locked the front door after all the customers of the hour showed up. The facial itself was mediocre. I say that because I was looking for the full intense painful extraction. When it was time for the extraction, she didn't do that good of a job. I went home and did my facial test. I squeezed my nose to see if any blackheads were left in and boy, didn't even seem like she extracted any blackheads from my face! She did scrap out the pimples on my face though which i was happy about. Otherwise, the mask and level of comfort was awesome. It also came with a tiny shoulder massage which felt nice not like some BS work some places offer.
The facial was $50. Worth the experience!
5 stars all the way!!
For spa week, I tried out a massage here. To my surprise, my masseuse was better than expected! Alex was very graceful and attentive to my soar muscles. Although I live in San Francisco, and this place is in Oakland, it was well worth the drive.
I ended up coming back for second time! This time for a facial with Melisa herself. And I'll demand you.... GO TO MELISA FOR FACIALS!!!
My skin looked clearer, smoother, and more radiant! I was happy to go on the rest of my day with a healthier-looking face. I am so looking forward to going back to Body by Melisa to try other treatments.
CONCLUSION:
For Massages, go to Alex.
For Facials, go to Melisa.
Wow! I don't often rave about facials, but Melisa's Skin Bella Deluxe has to be the best facial I ever have gotten! I tried her out for Spa Week and was NOT disappointed. (Tip: they're doing Spa Month for April and special prices in May, too--so there's still time!)
I seem to have perma-bags under my eyes. After my facial, my skin immediately looked hydrated and plumped--away with my bags! (i have tried all sorts of eye de-poufers and live with "Ooh La Lift" from Benefit.)
Melisa treats the skin from the "basal" level, polishing away a few layers of dead skin cells (so the serums absorb better) and applying intense moisture masks and ultrasound. I can't remember it all properly, but it obviously works.
Melisa's spa is definitely a place where your skin gets treated, rather than fluffed to temporarily look good. I immediately made an appointment to return. Try her, your skin will thank you!
Booked a spa day with my sister during Body by Melisa's spa month. They were very accomodating to be opened on Sundays (but only for spa month).
What I didn't like:
- place was difficult to find (you have to walk up narrow steps and the spa is above the flower shop. I had to walk around 3 times before I could figure out where I was suppose to go)
- If you show up early they won't let you in. The doors are locked at all times. Since my sister and I were 30 minutes early (thinking we can change and relax we were not allowed in until our appointments) we had to go back to our car and sit and wait.
- the owner Melisa looked bewildered when my sister and I showed up at our appointments (as if she forgot she booked us)
- there are zero amenities. The spa literally looks like someone's house..which is fine if you like that type of homey spas.
- not too sure if they changed the sheets after each customer. I only say this because my sister and I had to switch rooms after our treatments (she had a scrub & facial and I had the facial & massage) and when I went into the room for my massage I felt sugar granules on the sheets.
- the sheets are not too comfy. They are thin, flowery, and felt a bit sticky. No dirty sticky but maybe it's the way the fabric is. Either way i'm use to white, cushy bedding.
What I did like:
- Michelle did a fabulous facial on me. She was very sweet and explained everything she did. She also did not comment on how badly i needed a facial....I knew it, she knew it...and she didn't have to say it. Extra brownie points for her
- contrary to other reviews Michelle performed a lot of extractions on me. It was THE MOST PAINFUL extractions ever (my sister experienced the same thing) and I cried. It was worth it though because I knew I needed a lot of work.
- Michelle also gave me a lot of recommendations on products I should check out that would suit my skin
What I found to be mediocre:
- my massage was just eh
What I found interesting:
- The spa definitely tries to maximize their square footage. Where I had my facial was literally right behind the waiting area separate by curtains. Basicially if you're waiting there you can't talk or else you'll disturb the customer getting her facial.
All in all my experience was just ok. If it wasn't for spa month i'm not sure if I would go back. The facials are $135 normally.
Absolutely amazing, on all accounts. Body by Melisa is the most pleasant, private, welcoming atmosphere for a salon. I feel like I'm walking into her home. I started going to Melisa in April to see if her Skin Bella facial could help me in my on-going battle with acne. While battling acne, even at my age, is a long uphill battle that requires more than a fabulous facial, Melisa's work sure helps.
Unlike most salon treatments, Melisa's facials are medical-grade. Throughout the whole treatment, she tells you exactly what she's doing, why she's doing it, and what it's doing for your complexion. I'll admit that the extractions are painful, but what extractions AREN'T painful? She performs them as gentle as she can while still being exceptionally thorough. She is a great listener and attends to your individual needs without trying to push & sell you products, and always answers my questions, even the super random, sometimes not-related-to-skincare ones. :)
Every time I leave her space, my face feels as clean as ever, and bacteria-free. She often sends me home with samples, so I can try the Oxygen Botanicals she uses during treatments (which are, indeed, as fabulous as she says) at home before making the investment of buying the whole acne-fighting line. She often has monthly specials, but every penny is worth spending on her treatments--Melisa is simply fantastic.
It is a beautiful place and the lovely Melissa gives a blissful facial with fragrant natural ingredients.There are lots of services offered, and this is a perfect neighborhood day spa.
I found Melisa during spa week / month this year and boy was I ecstatic and grateful. I have had massages before but nothing like what I had experienced at Body By Melisa!
I had Alex whose knowledge of different types of massages from Swedish to Hawaiian to Thai was astounding. He used various types of massage to make me feel completely relaxed.
If you want to feel relaxed and rejuvenated then the hot stone massage is what you are looking for. I tried it last month and it was completely a different sensation. This is the first time a massage energized me immediately afterward.
Melisa and her team of massage therapists are fantastic, friendly, knowledgeable, and very accommodating. I highly recommend Body By Melisa for any of your spa needs.
Quite possibly the best facial I have ever gotten! I took advantage of thier 5 year anniversary sale, where the facials were half price. It was worth every penny!
So I had just returned from a week long camping trip in the Utah desert, and my skin was freaking out. My pores were clogged, my skin was tired and dried out. Melisa went to town on my face! I've never had such a thorough extraction done! She hit up every pore! My skin looked fantastic, and my roommate even noticed my newly glowing skin (and he's a boy!).
I love Melisa's and am missing her terribly in Nairobi, does anyone happen to have an e-mail address for her? The one on the website doesn't work.
Thanks!
I skip happily into Body By Melissa! It is the absolute best "me time" that I afford myself on a monthly basis! As I entered into menopause my skin changed for the worse (acne, etc.) and where I had been exposed to various skin care products in the past, I knew that I needed more than a routine facial to whip my complexion into shape. Over the past six months, I "enjoy" the customized treatments recommended by Melissa for my personal situation. Not long ago my face was in horrible condition! I can attest that my face is in the best condition that it has ever been in my adult life; and I now feel fantastic about my appearance and ENJOY wearing minimal or no make up at all! (What a wonderful feeling!). My complexion is aglow! Additionally, I enjoy the environment (very feminine and quaint); as well as the monthly specials (price reductions). Very important to me is that Melissa is a true professional (in addition to being a very nice person). Melissa is extremely knowledgeable about what she does to my skin and takes the time to let me know what she is doing; what product she is using and why. I can't wait for my next treatment next month.
Le Ronda
I tried this place out because it was right by my house and they had a special going on for spa week and I am so glad I did! It's a cute little place at the end of Piedmont Avenue that feels very cozy and comfortable. They offer great specialty treatments and at this point I have tried half of them. I got a package of 6 cellulite treatments and lost over 5 inches total, and the relaxing infra-red sauna leaves my skin feeling super smooth and soft. Even if you don't live in the 'hood, I highly recommend you check this place out, these girls know their stuff.
Granted, this is my second, "real," facial, but it was a very good experience. The atmosphere was very relaxing, and Melisa is very friendly and nice. Definitely leaps and bounds better than the first one, which was probably more of a massage and spa place rather than a treatment place. The dermabrasion was slightly painful, but hopefully is doing something good to my skin. My skin looked more radiant--or so that's what I've been told! I will see over time how it is!
My girlfriend and I both had facials here and they were great. Melisa is knowledgeable, friendly, and the place had a very clean and relaxing feel. My girlfriend (who has had a lot of facials) said it was the best she had ever had! Highly recommended.
I booked a massage for the spa month and when I asked ahead of time what an hour meant, Melissa said the duration is about 55 min. I got there on time and Melissa apologized that the therapist was running late. I figured it's just going to end later and since I didn't have to be anywhere, I was ok with that. 15 min or so later the massage started. The massage itself was great and I almost fell asleep, though I could tell it was pretty short. When she announced it was over and left, I looked at the clock and realized I had only gotten 40 min massage! They didn't take into account that they started way late and $50 for a 40 min massage to me isn't a deal at all!! Had I known, I would not have wasted my time and I feel ripped off. On top of it all, when Melissa asked me what she should charge my credit card and I left 15% tip instead of 20%, she almost looked offended. Ha, I thought I was being overly generous and shouldn't have left anything!! Another thing, like someone else on here mentioned, I don't think they changed the sheets after my massage. I say that because while I waited to pay I was facing the room and didn't see anyone go in there and when the next customer came a couple of minutes later, the therapist directed him straight to the same room! Needless to say, I'm not coming back.
I had such a great experience at Body By Melisa that I went back one week later. Melisa and her staff are skilled and friendly. The place is cute and relaxing and clean. I tried the Infrared red sauna which was a low heat sauna to detox, then onto the awesome body scrub. I feel like I got a whole new layer of smooth skin. Today I went back for the Bella Skin facial, which took off layers of dead skin and again made me feel like new. Highly recommended. Look out for their specials online. Plus it's just a short stroll to all the cute restaurants on Piedmont Ave...so it's a perfect combo for a girls day out.
