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Kabuki Springs & Spa
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Mon-Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street, Garage
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Accepts Insurance:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- No
420 reviews for Kabuki Springs & Spa
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
8/11/2008
11/24/2009
11/23/2009
11/26/2009
11/13/2009
11/22/2009
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Updated - 9/2/2009
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6/24/2009
One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?
after my ultra-awesome urban renewal body treatment, my masseuse david looked at me and said.... why has it taken you so long to find us? i looked up to him and said.... i don't know, i just don't know.
the communal baths were clean and quiet. except for the awkward moment when i went from the steam room to the hot pool (who knew the cold pool would be the round one that was bubbling??), i loved every second of it.
if you are a fan of baths, you will not be disappointed. bwtn the body treatments and the baths i walked out of there feeling envigorated and new. too bad i had to jump on the overcrowded 38 geary, sigh, oh well, it was nice while it lasted.
I just had a massage at Kabuki last week and it was incredible. I went with a group of colleagues and we were all very pleased with our treatments. My only complaint was that it was a bit chilly in there, but that could just be me.
It was very meditative for me and I came out in of my treatment nearly in a trance. The soothing music combined with the meditative style of my masseur made the experience very grounding for me. I definitely recommend checking out Kabuki for their massage treatments.
They are able to accommodate several people at once if you book in advance. It's really great if you and a group of friends would like treat yourselves to massages as the start of a relaxing evening.
170-degree heat, eyes shut, sweating like I am a faucet, for half an hour: Serene. This place is my peace. The whole world melts away and I'm internally still, and lost in some other place, and I feel so good. THEN I jump in the 55-degree pool, hhooolllllyyyyyy^%#^@#^&&@&. I walk out of here feeling like a new man and then it's off for some mochi. Everyone walks out of here smiling:)
The therapies here are tailored to relaxation, rejuvenation and restoration, with specific and complex rituals and implements (scented oils for your personality etc) to leave you feeling new in your skin, totally worth it, book now
Many years ago, there was a nice cozy feeling about this place, the unhurried massage, the comfortable steam rooms that were NOT packed with people, the cleanliness, the quiet. I liked it.
Not anymore. The place is packed, everyone checking everyone out, the massages I've gotten here lately were rushed and the therapists just didn't seem into it. The place became an industry, as opposed to the way it was before - a nice place to relax and not worry that someone next to you is eyeing you.
The comfort is not there anymore and I stopped coming. The purpose of the spa is to have you come out relaxed and ready for the week. This was not the case with Kabuki any more. I was leaving the spa more stressed out than when I came in.
Kabuki has just about everything I'm looking for. Be warned that quiet is not always observed here in the rest area near the lockers. Other than that there is little to complain about. The facility is clean with attendants circulating frequently. The temperatures of the sauna, tub, cold plunge, and steam are consistently ideal.
Kabuki is a well run business and they do aim to please. Masseurs I would like to recommend: Denny, Giovanni, Eben, David Holt, Xavier & Richard (both excellent Thai Massage practitioners); Brian Johnson is extraordinary for shiatsu - thumbs up!! Wish I could go there now...... ;)
This place is my solace in the city. I mostly go on women's days but love the option of going with my hubby on Tuesdays during coed day. There is a sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and warm pool. Kabuki has all kinds of nice touches, too....flavored waters, teas, fruit, and salt scrubs. Love it!
I'm not a big fan of the massages here...they seem very rushed. I did have a 3 hour pamper session for my birthday one year that was amazing...complete with a flower bath.
Anyway, I have brought many friends here and everyone loves the experience. Definitely check it out!
Out-of-town guests are a fantastic excuse to go to spas and eat a little fancier than normal, wouldn't you say?
When a girlfriend came into town looking for a relaxing spa to take the mommy edge off for a weekend, I first scouted around for some smaller places in and around Hayes Valley and Noe Valley. A couple places, being the little spots they are, noted that they couldn't accommodate side-by-side treatments of any kind.
Just when I thought our girly spa time was completely rained out, one spa suggested Kabuki because of its size and popularity. It's big (seriously, enormous), but you really can't tell. It's quiet, zen, and beautiful inside. Exceedingly clean with nice attendants and skin- and massage-care professionals.
The communal baths (all-naked ladytime, don't be shy) were just what I needed after a lengthy walk. There were ladies of all ages and shapes, so self-consciousness is kept to a minimum. This certainly beats drawing my own bath, as I definitely don't have any hot towels or cucumbers lying around when I get the urge.
For my treatment, I went with a 30-minute body polish and a 30-minute Swedish massage. The package set me back about $100, but both were heavenly. I heard it was $15 to enjoy the baths only (with no additional treatments), which is something I can definitely see myself doing again before long.
Last year I finally got a chance to go to Kabuki for a massage. Everyone constantly told me how wonderful it was there and I took it for granted that Id have an excellent experience.
Instead I had a creepy and unpleasant experience.
The woman who was massaging me was nice. Quiet. Shy. I don't remember her name.
Her hands were sliding around my back very strangely. I couldn't put my finger on why it felt so weird- just that the massage oil never seemed to absorb into my skin- I just stayed really slick and her hands never really got In There even though I asked her for a firmer touch. I started to actually get a little upset because the massage wasn't even remotely pleasant- just sliding hands like popcorn butter was all over me, and no pressure. If I wasn't a super polite person I would've just gotten up and left.
Finally, toward the end of the massage she got to my hands and as her fingers touched mine it all made sense. She had gloves on.
If a massage therapist needs to wear some kind of thick rubber glove to work for some reason- they should just skip work. It feels gross and my money would've been better spent if threw it in a gutter on Fillmore.
I reviewed it 8 months after I had been there. I didn't think it was worthy of 5 stars at the beginning because of my different expectation. However, after the Wynn spa experience in Las Vegas, I definitely think Kabuki is better and deserves the rating and the price.
Kabuki spa package was a Christmas gift from bf. It was a deluxe package with private bath and shiatsu massage (by Wendy). It was a real massage instead of just simply having someone put lotion on my body as I felt at Wynn Spa. After the bath, half way of getting the massage, I almost felt into sleep. When I woke up, I felt so relaxing, although I was rushed to put on my clothes and freed up the room.
When I am stressed and tired, I'll call Kabuki Spa.
I decided to try Kabuki Springs last month while on a business trip to San Francisco based upon a recommendation by my hotel concierge. All I wanted was some much needed quiet time, not necessarily a massage ( I did not get one while at Kabuki but I would some day).
I arrived early one afternoon on a all-male day. I paid my entry fee and proceeded to the locker room area. Immediately I was aware that this would be a tranquil setting and opportunity: I was not disappointed.
Apart from some other yelpers' comments, I found a convenient locker and noticed that the other males were mostly of my age (30s). I had been to several other spa locations (in Europe and New York) - as well as my personal gym time - so I was not uncomfortable disrobing and then proceeding into the spa area (washing area, showers, warm pool, cold plunge, sauna and steamroom). The entire space was immaculately clean and well attended by staffers. Further, it was QUIET. I only had one soft-spoken conversation with another fellow, about my age, in the sauna. This was as ZEN as I could appreciate in a metro setting. And, as the gender-date-setting I selected, I was most comfortable with other nude males as they were with me.
Downer: I only wished that my schedule would have allowed me to stay longer (the property is open til the early evening hours).
Go early, stay as long as you would like.
4+
How come Kabuki Springs have been in existence for so many years without my knowing? How many times have I passed you by as a teen on the 38? Or walked past on my way to the bowling alley?
Regardless, Kabuki Springs is an awesome deal if you're in for a massage. I got the 50 minute Swedish massage with an amazing masseur, who worked his magic and kneaded out my kinks. Bonus: he went over by 10+ minutes, so I enjoyed an extra long session of bliss.
I'm a bit shy when it comes to being nakeywakey, so I brought my bathing suit into the hot tubs. No judging here...
Staff here is uber friendly, especially my rock star roommate Kim. The waiting area is comfy and filled with magazines. The cucumber water is delicious and very refreshing.
Can't wait to go back. Maybe spring for the 80-minute trip to heaven?
Maybe my expectations are high - but wouldn't you expect a spa to be clean, zen, and quiet?
My boyfriend and I each had an 80-minute swedish massage and came out feeling refreshed. Good value, solid service, met expectations.
What exceeded my expectations was the hair dryer in the ladies room. I don't know about you, but my hair always gets messed up during the head massage, and the bangs get all out of place. So it was a pleasant surprise AND a relief to find a hair dryer in the ladies, by the sink, that helps solve the problem. Good thinking, Kabuki!
World-class hospitality, great ambiance, steam like vesuvius, sauna big enough for bleachers, accessible pricing, and quality massage therapy. Ask for Jupiter: she is a high level practitioner: intuitive listener, experienced healer.
This is the best and most amazing place! You come out feeling just like a new you!
Very professional if you ask me, polite and extremely clean!
Great tea they offer while you wait, looooooved the whole experience!
First off I gotta say that the chatter about people being preyed upon in the baths is either BS, or they're so fantastically good looking in the nude that they inspire uncontrollable sexual reactions in others. If it's the latter then kudos to you and seriously, become a model and you'll make so much bank you won't have to partake in the local $20 baths any more, thus saving yourself from these horrifying situations and also giving the rest of us more room.
People are too paranoid, "Oh my god naked dudes!?!" Just do your own thing and people do theirs, soooo simple. Wrap up in a towel at the waist, you'll do just fine. I've never been hit on and I've never seen other people fleeing in terror from gay men, I think everyone needs to just spend more time relaxing and enjoying the sauna, steam room, and baths and less time worrying about other peoples junk.
Yes, if you go on an all guys day there will be man parts all over the place. I'd assume it's the same on women days. Seriously though, who cares. If you're that worried about it Tuesdays are co-ed and everyone rocks a swimsuit, uncomfortableness issue solved.
I find this place extremely relaxing and peaceful, so worth the twenty spot. It helps me transcend space and all that good stuff, you know, read a mediation booklet or something. Now and again you get chattering people, but then you get to flex on the gong which is the relaxing-Japanese-communal-baths equivalent of telling someone to have a nice glass of shut the hell up.
The water options and garnishes are always full, the tea piping hot, the iced rags good to go, and the towels stocked to the max. Off and on they'll even have fresh fruit or other snacks if you're lucky. They take time to make sure you don't have to want for much, and I definitely enjoy a few hours here once a month or so.
You don't know what your missing until you've tried it. I have the same steam/sauna/hot tub options at my gym, but it's the ambiance people. Well, and the beverages and places to just lay down and snag some rest. Get over the nakedness and shut your eyes, steam out some stress, and calm down already.
I love the Kabuki and have been several times to use the spa.
Funny, I went there this Tuesday with my friend who was treating me to a birthday "spaday" and when we entered the dressing room, we were "Shushed" by some dude from the other side. We weren't even talking loudly. While I respect your need to relax, this is also a social situation. We are social creatures. If we go on and on, ask us nicely to be quite. DO NOT SUSH ME I AM AN ADULT!
Then, of course, we got gonged which we respected. We weren't even talking, we were resting on a lounge. I suggest that the Kabuki take Harbin Hot Spring's idea and issue "silence beads." That way I know who is needing silence and who is ok with friends being together after months of not seeing eachother. Again, we go to Kabuki 6 to 10 times a year and respect the culture. If you really need some silence time, try meditating in your bathtub.
The reason I am posting is that I can't say enough about SEKANI. Book him now. I was in so much pain when I arrived, from running, working out, walking, etc. I couldn't breathe for two weeks. After one session, I had no pain and had the best run I've had in that same time.
Thank you SEKANI. I will never book another CMT again.
My cousin & I came here because she had a gift certificate & I had a crick in my neck. I got an 80 minute Swedish massage ($115 not including tip) & Doris hooked me up. She was very thorough, making sure she paid extra attention to my neck and back & massaged all my stress away. I've been to spas where they neglect your head & temples, but at this place, she spent a good 10-15 minutes massaging my scalp, which felt heavenly. I think that part helped me relax the most. The next time I come in for a massage, I will definitely book with Doris again.
The prices at Kabuki were about the same as what I pay at other spas. I thought the decor and environment here was the most peaceful, beautiful and sophisticated I've ever experienced. It is very clean and everything smells & looks very fresh (towels, sheets, etc.)
Besides the actual massage & serene environment, my favorite thing about Kabuki is that they have an actual parking garage. I hate the stress of having to find parking beforehand or trek 10 blocks to my car afterwards because it takes away from the relaxing day. Being able to go straight to my car afterwards allowed me to enjoy the feelings of peace and calm long after I left the massage table.
let me tell you something. kabuki springs & spa and joie de vivre (known for luxury hotels, boutiques and spas) need to put an insurance policy on david's hands. i actually felt a little guilty that i liked david more than steven (my usually massage therapist at my gym)!
this was my first time at a full service spa. for a more "spa" atmosphere than my gym, i usually go to spa luxe in redwood city and although they have a meditation room and a really nice locker room (which i think is nicer than kabuki), they do not have saunas, cool and warm pools.
i had a 6:30 extended bliss massage with private bath. i got there at about 4:45 and used the both saunas (dry and wet), the pools, the salt scrubs and must've showered at least 4 or 5 times. it took me a while to actually stop myself and not think i was rushing off to work. it was great to just stand there and shampoo, soap and condition to my heart's content! loved the wet sauna and the salts really helped exfoliate what was left of my summertime tan! one thing that i also had to get used to was that everyone else (except one other girl) was butt naked! hey man, i've read the armistead maupin books and i was quite nervous about bath houses! everyone pretty much minded their own business and i'm glad it was a mature acting crowd. it was ladies night too and for the first time ever, i felt overdressed in my bikini!
the matcha bath i had was pretty awesome. one of the attendants scrubbed my back and gave me cucumbers to put on my eyes. the soak was super relaxing and i kinda wished it was a bit longer. the lights were turned really dim, had the candles going and the aroma from the green tea was so calming!
now, on to david. the guy had moves i've never seen before! and what was different was his hands were super soft, meaty and strong, yet were quite graceful. the pressure was medium-firm, which is the perfect balance for me. my trouble areas are my shoulders and neck and he got the majority of the knots out of them. the knots in my shoulders usually take two or three weekly consecutive sessions to work out.
my only critism is that the robes are thin. i kinda like the thicker, spa robes. but hey, half the time i'm either soaking wet or in a sauna... so i understand why a plush, thick robe wouldn't work here. the community bath area is also at a comfortable temperature to romp around nude, so i guess the robe really isn't a big deal.
i also loved that sunday is lady's day. free street parking! the parking gods were lookin out... scored a spot half a block away! yes!!!
i really enjoyed my time at this spa. i will definitely come back! i can't wait!
I went back for a hubby and wife day and Ame was amazing. I told her what I was looking for and she did such an excellent job with the acupuncture. My husband was very happy with his shiatsu massage.
Hopefully, I'll have a review for the baths after my next appt.
Did I mention that I get my acupuncture treatments with my FSA benny card? sweet!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/4/2009
I am in love...with a spa. Not surprising as life as a bride can be very hectic, not to mention that… Read more »
I long for the jimjilbangs in Korea. The hot and cold rooms, the relaxing baths, and the food served within! Not to mention, a cheap place to spend the night!
Kabuki is not a Korean jimjilbang. But it's the closest I've gotten since coming back to California. I went on a co-ed day with a friend, and we had a great experience. The dry, hot sauna was super hot and made me feel like I'd just sweated out the pork bun I had for lunch. The steam room gave you a place to rub salt all over yourself to exfoliate your rough edges, and if the heat gets too much, you can douse yourself in a cold shower in the corner. The baths of varying temperatures are so relaxing, even though there were only a few.
They serve tea and water here, and you can stay forever (all day until 10pm I think). Tuesdays seemed very coupley, which led to some awkwardness when my friend and I realized we were the only uncoupled people in the bath, or in the sauna. But it wasn't that awkward until we saw people rubbing up on each other. Thankfully, it didn't get out of hand.
This was the perfect way to end a shitty day at work. I wouldn't come here every week, because that would ruin the novelty of such a thing. But I'd come here often enough to keep from being driven crazy by work.
This day spa is incredible. For $22.00, you can stay as long as you want and use the steam baths, dry sauna, hot tub and cool pool. They serve tea and cucumber water... Truly amazing and relaxing. The music is peaceful and the vibe is so nice (on women's day). I went on the co-ed day -- Swimsuits are manditory, and it was not as good as the female only days. (Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays).
The only thing that can be annoying is if you go there to be by yourself and be quiet, and there are women chatting away... there is an echo in the spa so it's loud. There's a nice gong that you can use to quiet the space which is nice. I'm usually the gong police when I go. Have fun!
I simply love this place. quiet, peaceful, clean.
Lockers are large and locker room is well lite and clean.
the cucumber ice water is delicious!
The communal baths are great; big steam room and dry sauna, warm and cold pools and nice shower area with stools and stalls.
The massage services are wonderful; Abhyanga Massage with Shirodhara Treatment is great and a nice change from more traditional massage.
The Bliss Massage with Private Bath is the most relaxing way to treat yourself. the baths a deep and it feels like you're suspended in water.
Awesome gift certificate idea. I have used this for many a holiday and birthday gift.
I'm gonna go tomorrow morning to relax and have a much needed self care day.....i cant wait1
I just returned from another visit to the Kabuki Springs and Spa. Another excellent visit. Paul C gives a great massage! and front desk staff are awesome as always.
I've been here both for a massage package on my own a few years back, and as part of a birthday party on a coed spa night in the baths (where everyone must wear swim suits).
My massage and the private soak beforehand was amazing. My attendant brought in a tray of healthy spa food for me to eat during my soak where I got to relax for a bit before my masseuse came in. The mood in a private room is elegantly spartan, clean, and thoroughly relaxing. I asked for a Swedish massage and exactly what I'd wanted. In fact, it was one of the best massages I've ever received.
On the night I went with a group of friends for the coed night, I thought it was pretty fun. We had access to the steam room, sauna room, and hot and cold tubs. There was a requisite production-line of cleaning off your body before you were allowed into the pools, but I appreciated it knowing that the tubs would be clean. Cucumber and lemon water was available in pitchers as well as other offerings, and towels were readily available to ensure an optimal experience.
This place is a quiet, relaxing little piece of haven in SF. It is HUGE inside, RELAXING, and CLEAN. I love the Mighty Leaf Tea out front, the iced cold lemon and cucumber waters. I stay as long as could and take as many showers in between as I love that yummy conditioner that makes my hair oh so soft and silky. I love coming out feeling all relaxed, exfoliated, and clean.
Love, love, LOVE this place!
nooo couples treatment booo!!!
everything else sounds great ........
Having arrived on a day only for men to use the communal baths, I guess I can only review the massage. First of all, the place is small. There's a line for people checking out. Between checking in, out, and the waiting area, the space is really limited. Not exactly a spa to get away to - unless you live in the area, you're looking mostly at convenience.
The staff is really friendly and makes you feel welcome. If you're looking for Japanese speaking staff, this isn't it. I don't know, given the area and name I kind of expected to see Japanese staff.
I got 50 minutes of Swedish and was pleased. So far my decision with Swedish has not been disappointing and clearly all I can think about these days. The woman massager didn't hurt my back and the pressure applied was impressive. She didn't even ask me how I like it or ask me when it hurts. Amazing, she must get a lot of my body type. The only thing she forgot was my foot. I hate being ticklish as hell. I think I froze up and went mute, but maybe she noticed that my fists were clenched and massaged my other foot with her fist.
Limbs, hands, calves, arms, hair getting pulled.... I was in heaven. I wish I was massaged on a daily basis. The chest area was a little ticklish and I wanted to start laughing.
I still think I'd come back if I wanted to hang out in the neighborhood after. But seeing the bathtub in the room, I'm getting a treatment.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS PLACE. Shiatsu with Gamo da Paz rocks. He is the best. The only complaint about this place is that there's certain days men can use the saunas, steam, etc. and women only days. We live in LA so when we happen to be in San Francisco on occasion it can be problematic if you both want to use the facilities, but there are shared days as well so you just need to plan accordingly. The rates are great. It is very clean. Very professional. Very nice staff. Neighborhoods not the greatest. Will ALWAYS make it a priority to go there when in San Francisco. It's a gem!!!
I love Kabuki! I always feel rejuvenated after coming here. The massages are reasonably priced and very good. I usually go for the 80 minute one so I can fully relax. The spa features a hot pool, cold pool, sauna, and steam room which are all exceptionally clean. Very friendly staff - highly recommended. :-)
What an amazing experience! I got the $65 package, which included 25 minute massage and full and unlimited access to the communal baths. I found this to be a great deal considering all this entails-
I was given a thorough introduction and explanation, then walked to the changing room. I changed and went on in to the baths- It was awkward, at first, being unclothed in front of so many people, although it only took a short look around to see that this place is on the up-and-up... Truly a place of mediation and relaxation, not anything else I feared it may be. (I did have one man approach me about applying the salts- not sure of his motives- but I think he was pretty legit...) I followed the recommended pre-massage procedures- steamed for a few, sauna for a few- hot tub then cold tub... laid around and focused on relaxing.... Think I even napped for a couple minutes at one point!!!
I was pretty noodly by the time I went in for my massage- My masseuse was warm, friendly and interested in how she could help... A nice relaxing Swedish massage was followed by more time in the baths...
There is always a very helpful attendant present- As well as a full table of salts, various waters, cold rags... etc... everything one would need for a very relaxing stay...
As an out-of-towner, I am really glad I put aside so much time to spend here, as I ended up leaving about 3.5 or 4 hours after arrival! the only thing I might have changed would to have opted for the longer massage... but- then again, the price was right...
I went for a last minute facial and was seen by what appeared to be a pleasant lady named Irma. Just when I was beginning to relax, she begins to tell me she is a medium and that my dead grandfather was in the room wanting to speak to me! I was conflicted for several days as to what to make of the whole ordeal but it certainly was not relaxing! So customers be warned, if you want a reading see Irma, if not, make sure you see someone else!
Wow! My brother bought me a massage at this spa for my birthday. Eben was recommended to me by him and the person I talked to when I booked it and thank god! He was amazing. That was one of the best massages I've ever had. The facilities were gorgeous. This is NOT you're average spa. If you're looking for something different but totally relaxing this IS your spa.
I will be going back again and remember Eben, he's your guy.
Considering its swanky ambiance, the prices are pretty reasonable and it's definitely a good spa to buy gift certificates to as a present, since just stepping through the doors has the impressive power to relax mind and body. Unfortunately, my massage was a little weak, but the overall experience left me feeling renewed anyway. I would definitely go back for more!
This place is famous for their communal bath. Clothing is optional on days that are gender-specific. Tuesdays, when it's co-ed, then clothing is mandatory.
The communal spa includes a sizeable sauna and steam room. And cold plunge that fits 5 people comfortably. And a large hot tub.
They have private stalls for showering or open water basins in the common area and a large communal vanity area to finish your day. The bathroom is equipped with electrical plugs and small vanity area as well.
Pros:
1. One of the only fully equipped hot tubbing place in the Bay Area.
2. Great service and provision. Including a plethora of towels and wraps. Providing different kinds of drinking water in the common bath, along with salt scrub.
3. Affordable
Cons:
1. Huge wait and no appointments for the communal bath. On weekdays, it's better, but there are still people. Weeknights are tougher. On Sundays, you need to prepare to wait a couple of hours.
2. Bathroom stalls are minimal.
Good service. Clean facilities. If you can withstand a long wait, I'd say, go for it. But not an ideal place with you're taking your friends out on a weekend and having them wait over an hour with still no movement. It happened to me!
After 3 months of studying to take 3 licensing exams, I was ready to treat myself to some relaxation. Best way to relax for me always involves getting down naked. Naked in a spa that is.
With most of the reviews here complaining about the wait, I thought I could beat the crowd by going right after my last exam on Wednesday at 2pm. People should be busy at work right? Nope. Fortunately there was no wait, but it was still extra crowded. Walking into a sauna stacked full with 3 rows of women isn't my idea of tranquility. Neither is having to wait around for a chaise to free up.
Besides the crowd, I do generally like this place. The atmosphere is very soothing with its dim lights, dark wood, mosaic tiles, refreshment table, and candles galore. There's something about the wet sauna that cleared my sinuses and improved my breathing. That's worth going here in itself.
I'll definitely come back if only I could figure out their down time when it's most empty. Otherwise, looks like I might stick with Imperial Spa across the street.
Overall: 3
I liked this place, I really like this place. I think I'm just a little jaded from all my sports massage. I didn't give it 4 starts because of the prices.
Service: 4
Sekai was wonderful and did a great job but the massage was very similar to the sports massage I receive. I didn't see much of a difference. That said, I would recommend Sekai. The only negative was that the front desk staff seemed a bit aloof.
Decor: 3
A relaxing environment that is quiet enough. I think I was expecting a little more.
Value: 2
If you wanna splurge this is a great spot, but I thought it was a little too pricey. The pricing was right up there with a hotel spa.
Kabuki Springs & Spa is an oasis. It is a lovely spa with a very serene, quiet atmosphere. The staff are so professional, kind, and helpful. I have gone to Kabuki for massages and to use the communal baths. The treatment rooms are very spacious and warm, so you feel very cozy before your massage. The therapists are great, and the prices are very reasonable.
The communal baths are a luxury and a great value because you don't need to purchase a massage to take advantage of the facilities. The bath area is so spacious and you don't feel crowded at all. I love how you can take as long as you want and relax in the dry sauna, the steam room, or the hot bath. There is also a cold bath for those of you who want an invigorating splash.
And for those of you who have never been to a communal bath, don't be shy. Yes, most of the people are walking around nude. Of course you can wear your swimsuit or bikini if you're more comfortable. But everyone is so polite and considerate that you quickly lose your inhibitions. And the light is low and dim to be flattering and relaxing.
In a way, being in the communal bath area with so many other women is liberating. You see other women's bodies and realize that everyone is beautiful in their own way.
Think of the movie "Sirens." When the minister's wife first sees the nude models, she is scandalized. But soon, she is seduced by the other beauties and frolics with them in the pond. Going to Kabuki Springs and Spa made me feel like a water nymph.
I can think of few places more relaxing than Kabuki. If i ever need to seriously unwind and get re-centered, this is the first place I go. On my first visit, the attendant walked me through the bathing rituals and was incredibly friendly and attentive. I love to go back and forth between the warm pools and saunas then hop in the cold pool.
I've only ever gone on Saturdays (one of two men-only days) and I have never managed to get a massage there since it is always booked up. My friends who have gotten the extra treatments haven't spoken highly enough of them to convince me to go the extra mile to try to get a coveted appointment, but honestly, the baths and saunas are enough for me and I leave feeling like I got a massage anyway.
I've had friends complain about the sexual tension there, but I have never noticed or had a problem with it. I get so relaxed and zoned out there I doubt I would notice anyway. Rarely is there a rainy Saturday afternoon in the city where I am not tempted to swing by and warm up at Kabuki.
Last Wednesday, I fell down. Not skiing, not extreme cliff diving, not even kinky shower sexy-time. Nope, just walking from work to the shuttle, I rolled my ankle right in a pot-hole in the street. With my heavy backpack throwing me down, I landed with a hard thud on my left side. I felt exactly like a 5-year old who'd fallen into a snow drift, only it was hard, unforgiving pavement instead. Quite the opposite, in fact, from a fluffy pile of snow. Alright, it freaking HURT!! I dragged my limping way through most of my work day on Thursday and finally got the brilliant idea to take Friday off and do something about the pain.
The answer: Kabuki.
Picture:
Winding wooden hallways, lined with lotions, books, bath salts. Helping yourself to tea along the way, you are already many steps away from the stress of outside this place. You promptly shed your clothing, grab a towel and wander out to the showers, then the tubs.
First comes the hot wood sauna. Pick a spot and then sweat it out. The heat melts much of the pain out through your pores, to slide harmlessly off your body and down the drains. How lovely it is to get near full range of motion in your shoulder again!
Next, a quick dip in the cold pool to get the old circulation pumping. (No squealing though! It is always quiet time in here.)
Grabbing some cucumber water you sit and contemplate. Then you sit and don't contemplate. Just sit and be sitting.
As you are likely not a master monk, you stop sitting. Wander over to the steam room, grabbing a cup of salt along the way. Exfoliation time! Warm scrubby naked body bliss, ahhhhh. Rinse and head for the warm pool.
Submerge. Warm, melty, spread your arms and legs wide. Take in the warm, letting it penetrate all your aches, breathing new energy into every last joint.
Shower again, then head out to the lounge and await your massage therapist. What's that? You're already not limping anymore? Precisely.
John C. did my 80 minute shiatsu massage and he was excellent. I've really always had decent to wonderful massages here. But I think John C is a new favorite. He went to work on my shoulder & low-back, which were the major areas of pain. By the end, my sharp pains had resolved to minor sore-muscle pain, and have remained so, getting a little better each day since this most recent Kabuki visit.
Only one downside: Although they do a sparkling job at keeping the place very clean, sometimes you just can't account for inconsiderate people. To the young woman who blew her nose into her hand and dumped it into the communal water: "Please don't do that anymore. That's pretty rude and gross." Thank you.
My package was $115 for the deluxe massage + $15 to use the spa (no time limit). It's not easy dropping cash these days, but to me, this is certainly well-worth the resulting mental & body health.
Had the deluxe bliss plus bath treatment with shiatsu massage.... Biblical.
Thank you Jenny and Wendy
