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Kalaya Day Spa
Categories: Beauty and Spas Massage Beauty and Spas Skin Care Massage, Skin Care [Edit]
1279 Westwood BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90024
Neighborhood: Westwood
(310) 478-6680
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Insurance:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
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22 reviews for Kalaya Day Spa
22 reviews in English
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Review from andy w.
Los Angeles, CA
1/21/2012
There is an art to making customers feel at ease, comfortable, and ready to return. This day spa knows the art.
After a week of working out and a hard day of work I wanted a good clean massage to unwind. The service here is very professional, the white walls have a zen-like quality, and the massage (Thai combo) was exactly what I expected. $50 for 60 minute session is well worth it, especially since I did not want to risk going to one of those neon light "foot massage" places.
Overall I was very satisfied and I highly recommend this place. -
Review from Mikey M.
Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles, CA
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's now called Aqua Thai Spa
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Review from Camellia C.
Los Angeles, CA
I am a new bendy woman. Yowza!
After performing in 4 shows over the weekend with long rehearsals, my body was bruised, sore, and in need of some serious fixing! I yearned for a massage but needed something more than just a nice touch. Thank heavens I found Kalaya Day Spa on yelp. I called the day of and they had an opening spot at 7pm for me.
When I arrived, I got lucky with parking since there were metered parking spots that run until 7pm so I got free parking ftw! Definitely try to book an appointment after 7pm for easier parking otherwise you may have to roam around the south of Wilshire apartment area for parking. The receptionist suggested the half Thai/Swedish combo since it is a popular option for $47/hr but I went with the traditional Thai massage $39/hr. Make sure to mention yelp for the discount.
They soaked my feet in warm water and gave a quickie foot scrub. The facility is pretty clean and new with about 4 curtained massage rooms available. It had a cute set up with a mat and curtains so it's not extremely private, but just enough. I had no problems with other customers next door. No one snored, farted, or made awkward orgasmic noises...so I was good. They give you these loose pants to wear and you can go topless like girls gone wild style or leave a little something on. But do not worry ladies, they do cover you up your gals.
My masseuse May asked where I was most tense and right when she started, her magical hands gave full on power into each touch. In my mind I was mentally saying "yes! Thank you! I love you? " I fell in love with a Thai masseuse. I never had to ask her once to put more pressure since it was the right amount. It hurt real good. She worked her way from my back/shoulders/neck towards my arms/legs/feet and gave an amazing head massage. Reminder that this isn't one of those nice fancy spas where you go relax and fall asleep. You get to work on getting those knots out when you get a thai massage! Towards the end, she did all sorts of bendy stretches and as a dancer, I've never been stretched like that before and it felt GREAT. If I could only somehow twist and stretch myself like that every day...
I felt a lot more loose and relaxed after the massage and will definitely be back!Listed in: "HURT SO GOOD" massages
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Review from lily l.
San Francisco, CA
12/22/2010
Spent a brief period of time in godforsaken LA and my oasis was this place.
I made it a habit to see Annie at least once a week to beat the crap out of me and then twist me up into a pretzel. A Thai massage is no joke, folks. But it feels oh so good. It starts with a foot soak and scrub in flower petals, then you get walked over to a comfy cubicle where a woman literally will walk, beat and wring all of the week's tension out of you.
And you cannot beat the price. I haven't been able to find anything coming even close to the quality of what I had back in the land of the shallow.
If you ever find yourself in that part of California, drive very quickly past it but if you have to stop, make it to Kalaya. -
Review from Marko M.
11/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
If you want a rocking Thai spa, Kalaya Day Spa is the place for you to go! This place is very clean, friendly, & professional. The owners and therapist here really take care of their clients.
My experience started off with a foot soak (warm minearal water with rose petals). Their massages are in very large and private rooms. My favorite therapist is Nina - she is both technically accurate and leads the massage with a gentle hand. The therapists know exactly what they are doing and you get an authentic massage that heals/relaxes your body. The massage ends with an awesome herbal tea that they had-carry back from Thailand.
People here are very respectful. I'm a regular client and will be for a long time!
There are tons of parking spaces available for free in the back. Tons of street parking, so it makes going to the place very convenient. They also have specials during the early days of the week. -
Review from Kristina R.
West Los Angeles, CA
4/24/2010
My boyfriend and I love Kalaya Day Spa! Reasonable prices and quality massages! We recommend the Thai combo massage!
The spa is not super fancy like other places, but for the price, it's definitely worth going. The atmosphere is pretty calming.. white rooms, good tea, and soothing music! There are occasional phone/customer interruptions, but that's only because I don't think there are too many people that work there.
The Thai combo massage is really great. They put their whole bodies into it and really cater to what's going on with your muscles/body. They always tend to the spots that are most tense. My boyfriend and I always leave feeling very relaxed, muscles relieved.
We have been and will definitely continue to return to Kalaya for our occasional massage fix. -
Review from Eduardo G.
Los Angeles, CA
12/12/2009
If it hadn't been for Hawt on Yelp I would've never come here. As i drove down Westwood looking for Kalaya i was like "this is it?" when i first saw it. It looked small and if i hadn't been looking for it I could've passed by it hundreds of times and never bothered to go in.
When i did go in I noticed it was nice inside. Lots of white. When i came in i had to sign a paper and was given some tea and slippers to put on. I really liked the tea and the slippers were comfy as well.
Honey did my facial and she knows whats up. She gave some good tips on how to take care of my skin. One thing i noticed about the acne facial is that she used several masks on me (more than ive ever had in a facial) so i guess that a plus. She didn't spend too much time on extractions so thats a minus but other than that it was great. She also passed this high frequency machine thing on my face and also gave a great shoulder massage! -
Review from Miss S.
Los Angeles, CA
12/23/2010
Honestly, I was not super pleased with this place. It wasn't bad but wasn't great either. I have had massages here may be twice and the experience was just OK. First time, they offered an appointment on the same day which was good but may be they were eager to close as it was the last one of the day. A 3-5 minute foot scrub was offered before the actual massage which was nice.
The massage room was modest (no heater through) and the therapist was just OK. I honestly didn't feel like she knew the exact technique for swedish as the strokes were unsymmetrical and haphazard. She walked out twice during the procedure for a minute or so (I hate when they do this without telling you). The prices were good and the staff was friendly. Overall, I wasn't too pleased with the place...i'd rather go to the Thai massage place near Ross, where the therapists are way way better than here. -
Review from Justin N.
12/1/2009
A foot massage in rose petal water, sea salts massaged deep into my aching heels. Sipping a mellow herbal tea to soothing music, trying to unwind.
This within the first 5 minutes before the official treatment ever began.
My thoughtful girlfriend snatched up a couples a massage here for us during a Yelp promo that gave a sweet price. Thank you Kalaya for taking part in the wonderful world of Yelp promos.
The staff was courteous and they listen well. My masseuse..... oh god. Which to choose.. the light pressure relaxing massage? Or the hard make-you-wanna-cry pressure that will give you lasting benefits for weeks. I was up for the challenge, I told her to go ape shit.
She bent me up like a pretzel. She leaned behind me with feet on my spine, pulling my arms out of their sockets. She twisted my torso in ways yoga wouldn't dare. While torturous at times I can vouch that the benefits did follow me into the future. I'm glad I made the choice I did.
A word to the spa: Get a quieter phone. The rooms are separate from the lobby, but if that door is open for any length of time you will hear a blaring phone which will snap you out of relax mode in a jiffy. The phone interruption was brief, I lived through it, just some advice.
I would definitely come back, especially if they continue to offer deals sporadically. If you try it, maaaybe just ask them to put that phone on silent. -
Review from Erica M.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 6/11/2011
So I just got an email that Kalaya is moving to Culver City! :( Massages are discounted through June 20th. But after that, Kalaya, where am I going to go for a massage after work? Where??
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/19/2011
Nina is my favorite therapist here and she gives one of the best massages I've ever had. The… Read more »
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Review from Jenny B.
Los Angeles, CA
5/27/2008
Kalaya Day Spa opened just a few blocks from my house and they currently have a special where the massages are 15% off. A friend and I decided to give it a try and it was lovely! To be fair, it's not super fancy, but it's nice and relaxing and I think it's a great value. We've been twice so far and both times were great.
I also gave them a try for eyebrow waxing and was not as pleased. The esthetician/waxer kept pushing her services onto me ("you'd be a really great candidate for microdermabrasion" - hmph!) and she just wasn't that great at waxing. I'll stick to Beba Beauty Salon on Westwood for my waxing needs. -
Review from rolanda n.
Westwood, CA
8/29/2010
One hour Thai Combo Massage, paid with credit card: $56. Tip: $10.
This place is great. The masseuse I had, April, was quite intuitive. She knew my problem areas by touch and worked them out. When I left, it felt like I was walking on air. She is really gifted.
The place is clean and tidy. I was a walk-in - tried to make an appointment but no one ever answered the phone. Good thing it wasn't busy. This place is great - highly recommend as a good West-side Thai massage center. Fab. -
Review from Elizabeth T.
Los Angeles, CA
1/4/2010
We made a visit for the couples Thai-Swedish package during Hawt on Yelp week; it was a good experience overall.
I didn't expect it to be located where it was, since it was right in the middle of things. You could hear and see street traffic from inside. Anyway, they tried to make it as tranquil as possible, it seems.
We start out by walking in, and telling them of our reservation. They bring out large bowls of water and have us take off our shoes and socks for a foot soak right in the waiting room, which I thought was weird because usually you unclothe in privacy, even if it is just your feet. The ladies proceed to wash our feet and meanwhile, bring us Thai tea on small plates. It's not the kind of Thai tea that you're used to getting in Thai restaurants, but I presume just a type of tea that is Thai.
Then we're led back to the massage room. The only reason why it's called a "couple's" massage is because they put you in adjacent rooms and slide the wall open a little between you so you can see each other. With the wall closed, it would just have been a regular massage.
Anyway, they give us some Asian "fishing pants", as the beau described, which I had problems putting on (does it tie in the front? back...? I don't know...) and then told us to lay down on our stomachs and cover ourselves with a sheet. Then they came in and started the massage.
Since this was my first non-Chinese-in-SGV-massage, I didn't know what to expect, but they basically did a full body massage, starting with legs, and then moving up the torso, to the arms and neck, then stretched out my back. I got a slightly heftier lady and she was gentle enough, but while she was stretching out my back by rolling me, I accidentally flashed her. Whoops, sorry lady...
It all lasted about an hour, and wasn't bad, but sadly, I did leave the Spa still "knotted up". (shrug) I think they focused on my body as a whole more than each part; maybe I could have mentioned to focus on my back, though....
All in all, it was a nice environment and a good try, but I think I could have had a better and more effective massage elsewhere... -
Review from Milee S.
4/21/2010
First time having a Thai style massage and didn't know what to expect! After a rough few weeks, I thought I'd treat myself to a massage and found this place nearby and reviewed on Yelp. They were able to take me immediately (which worried me at first) for a massage.
When I arrived I was scheduled for a 30 min massage but the lady talked me into a 60 min one for $10 more. They took off my flip flops, put my feet in some rose water and gave me some sandals to wear to the massage booth. This is so different than a massage bed; the mat is on the floor and you wear some very interesting Thai pants. The therapist really puts her weight into stretching you out and getting rid of the knots. I defintiely felt the pain the next day in my back and wasn't sure if the knots were fully removed or if she was just heavy handed with me. She did keep checking to see how I was, I just didn't know how to be during the massage. There were other clients who came in after me too; so that calmed my worries of being taken immediately.
I'd try it again if in the area. Not bad but not sure what to expect. -
Review from monique m.
Los Angeles, CA
3/1/2011
my bf bought me a gift certificate here and it was a great gift. got a nice little warm foot rub before my massage, the water was nice and warm and had rose petals in it.
Decided to try out the thai/swedish combo massage and it was exactly what i needed. it was way too long since my last massage and she did a great job, didnt catch her name. but she worked out all of my tense spots and overall pleasant experience. i'll be coming back again, totally worth the price. its not exactly upscale but it wasnt noisy, it was warm and didnt have any cold drafts considering it was raining outside.
will be coming back. -
Review from Alexandra C.
11/18/2009
I had a mixed experience at Kalaya. It started off on a bad foot when I booked my appointment (for a facial and massage for 2 people, 2 services, 2 people) it seemed as though the receptionist did not understand me. Then, that week, I received 2 separate calls confirming that it was 2 people for two services. The last call was the day before the appointment asking if I could change my 2 services for one person to an earlier time. I could not, so I just rescheduled for the following weekend. At the time of my original appointment, I received several voice mails asking why I wasn't there. I have less trouble with doctor's appointments.
When we actually got there, it was a nice experience. The facial was not as good as I was expecting- it was more business than relaxing, but the combo massage was great. I went here because of hawt on yelp, and I miiiiiiiight go back, but I might not because that whole phone thing really drove me bonkers. -
Review from Brian M.
Santa Monica, CA
2/20/2010
Burke Williams it's not, but nor is the price. My wife and I got a massage here after an active weekend of biking / running, and it was great.
The experience started off with a foot massage and thai tea. They then give you slippers and walk you to these little alcoves where they have matts for you to lay on (rather than typical massage beds), similar to what we experienced in thailand. The advantage is that the massage therapists can put their fully body weight into the massage, and they can really stretch you out, which was great after the weekend i had just had.
My wife was in the alcove right next to me and the wall was partially opened so i could see her getting worked over.
And you can't beat the price! This place is not fancy, but it is great for what it is -- definitely less stale than "The Massage Place" and more of a unique feeling experience.
The only negative is that we saw a cockroach in one of the alcoves. Kinda gross, but what can you do? The place otherwise felt clean - it's very stark / white with some nice artistic flourishes.
Also, a bit more soundproofing would be nice, but that didn't take away from the experience for me all that much...
All-in-all we had a good experience at Kalaya, and we'll definitely be back! I can guarantee that these guys could charge 2x what they charge now if they were in a better location. If it weren't for the price, I'd probably give it 3 stars, but I'm giving an extra price for great value considering the overall experience. -
Review from Lovely lil' panda I.
Los Angeles, CA
9/21/2010
I have been driving past this place for a few years without even noticing it. If it weren't for my super aching neck and shoulders today and you fellow yelpers, I still wouldn't know there's a decent massage place in Westwood. Thank you fellow yelpers...
I had a 90-min Thai massage for $69 (if you pay cash, it would be $2 less), which is a reasonable price and I tipped the masseuse $20. Once I went in, the masseuse brought out a bowl of water containing a few rose petals to clean and exfoliate my feet. Then she brought a pair of slippers for me to wear before leading me to one of the white rooms. There was a pair of Thai pants, which I didn't really know how to wear. After struggling with it for a few mins, I decided to put the side with the strings to the back and wrapped those strings around my waist all the way to the front and tied them. It worked!!! Phew!!
When my masseuse, May (I think that's her name) came back, I told her to focus on my neck and shoulders and she did a fabulous job. Thai massage is not like those relaxing spa massages, which only help you feel good just at that moment. It's a bit more like deep-tissue massage where they focused on the problem areas. If you could tolerate the pains during the session, your muscles will thank you. Your muscles will be more relaxed and stretched and less knots and this helps with better blood circulation. Make sure after the session, you took a warm bath, too. Okay, back to the massage -- May also did a full-body massage and stretching for me. And as for my 10-min request for foot massage, she did a superb job. If you don't want massage oils, tell your masseuse ahead of time. Also, just FYI, they told me that for Thai massage, they won't use the oil, but for Swedish and deep-tissue, they would.
After the session ended, May brought me a cup of tea. I was so curious which type it was and she said it was chrysanthemum. But, it tasted more like chrysanthemum mixed with a bit of Chinese black tea.
This is a decent massage place in Westwood. It's not that glamorous, but it's pretty clean and the masseuses were well-trained and knew what they were doing. The only few drawbacks are that it's so hard to find a parking spot and if you were to have massage oil all over your body, there's no shower room for you to rinse yourself. The masseuses will only wipe off the oil with warm towels (I asked her this!!).
Should definitely give this place a try!! -
Review from Zaz H.
Redwood City, CA
11/22/2008
I found this place on Yelp and decided to give it a try, as my lower back was really bothering me. The staff was friendly and the location convenient. I have never received a Thai massage before, so that was quite novel, but I very much enjoyed it and felt amazing afterwards. The massage itself was great and very reasonably priced and prefaced with a nice foot bath and scrub. The room was comfortable with lovely music and decor, but it was a bit odd to be only curtained off from the other massage areas/cubbies (luckily I was alone, but what if other clients babble?) and I could faintly hear the phone ring. As these were the only tiny downsides I can think of, I would definitely go here again!
Listed in: Visiting Westwood
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Review from Bella A.
Los Angeles, CA
9/10/2010
I love my trips to the Montage with the girls, but this is my regular go to spot for a complete work over. This isn't a super luxe spot, but it is clean, comfortable and the masseurs just pamper you. Try a Thai combo massage. There are no showers or pools here, just a mat inside a gauzy curtained cubby. Try it. You'll be a fan.
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Review from Krista K.
Honolulu, HI
9/9/2008
been meaning to write them a review for a while now. wandered in one afternoon and was greeted with a deliciously fragant cup of tea. next, i was led down a clean white corridor and got one of the best massages ever (and got my back cracked too!). then i made an appointment for a facial the following week. honey, the esthetician is the queen of extractions! i ended up buying a package of 6 facials.
will definately be going back there for more self indulgence. -
Review from c k.
Los Angeles, CA
3/19/2010
for those of you who love firm pressure and deep tissue massages - kalaya is the place for you! they really work your muscles, stretch your limbs and even crack your back.
the staff is really friendly and the prices are very reasonable. my favorite masseuses are: may, annie and nina.
i go once a month, and i've always walked away feeling refreshed.
