Spa Velia

I had the hot sea stone massage yesterday afternoon at Spa Velia and my entire body still feels as relaxed as it did when I first left the treatment room. During the massage my masseuse placed hot stones on various points of my body with oil. The warm stones seemed to melt and soothe the points of pressure from my neck to my legs. The regular massage was great, but the stones really helped to add that extra something to the treatment. I always saw photos of this massage, but had never tried it until yesterday. I recommend trying out the hot sea stone at Velia for a change in your typical spa routine.

I’m on vacation from Boston staying at La Pensione Hotel in Little Italy and Spa Velia was recommended to me by a relative now living in San Diego. This spa reminded me of the type of old-world boutique spas found all over the East Coast. I felt right at home at Spa Velia, but it still offered me the perfect amount of San Diego charm. I had two treatments during my visit, the Diamond Bella facial and the Limoncello Salt Infusion body exfoliation. From head to toe my skin left feeling healthy and as soft as silk.

I was very excited about the package options and treated myself and a girlfriend to a package. The waiting area was crowded and didn't feel peaceful or serene...we had to sit in the hallway awkwardly between treatments because the waiting area was full. Also, there was noise in the hallway during the treatments so much that the therapist had to turn up the music to cover it up. Also, they asked if I wanted a certain type of product used and did not articulate that it was extra. The actual treatments themselves met my expectations, I would not recommend the spa...some of the features I was excited about (multiple shower head showers for afterward, mimosas, etc.) but the whole experience was not worth the money based on all of the distractions. I have been to much better spas.

So after being in a not so great mood last night i decided to treat myself to a little spa time and boy am I glad I did. I have to tell you about the best hour of my life I just had at spa velia downtown... I picked it after doing some research and went wtih the intention of getting a quick 25 minute facial/peel. Well they greeted me with a pomegranate mimosa and I sat in a relaxation room for about 15 min seriously falling asleep then my esthetician took me back and analyzed my skin and recommended the 50 minute peel so she could do extractions which is fine by me if im going to spend the money might as well spend a little more and get it all cleared out :) it was an amazing 50 minutes and I left with glowing skin and a wonderul sense of calm. I will def be going back once a month and will continue to see Lupe

The first thought I had as I walked into this spa was that it was verry small. However, the facility is very clean and comfortable that I forgot about it's size. Everything seemed well taken care of... probably new. I have been in many spas around the world and this spa is definitely worth it. The bathroom has 7 head shower with pomegranate or mango scented body and hair products. After being showered, I moved on to the lounge where my glass of white wine was waiting near the tea and snack station. Snacks are usually small biscuits, pretzels or trailmix. I relaxed on a very comfortable couch in the very small lounge area. The lights were so dimmed that it was a little hard to see at first, but then I realized that that made me relax even more. I then moved on to the steam room. The two times I have been there have been on a Saturday and the place has never been crowded, which is good to my standards. I returned to get another shower after the steam and then I got called for my facial. I have had two facials at this spa. I think that the menu has changed. The first facial was the 50 mins Epicurean facial (a little more expensive than their regular facial - i think this facial is the 'classic rejuenation'). I don't have acne, but a few blackheads over my nose so I told the girl to take care of that and she did a good job. The second facial after my second trip to this spa was the regular 50 min facial (I think that would be the purifying treatment). I liked this one better, as I had everything from the epicuren facial with the exception of the products (My skin is to sensitive to them). The lady I got gave the best facial massage. On my second trip I took a friend, she had the 25 min facial and she didn't like, she thought it was not worth the price. Personally, I haven't tried it. I'm looking forward to go again soon and try a new facial. I think you should try it.

I used to always complain to my husband about the "new-age" hip spas that offer strange treatments and uninviting atmospheres--Spa Velia is the complete opposite. I treated myself to a day and night of total relaxation and stayed at the W Hotel across the street. Spa Velia offered me fantastic traditional treatments and an elegant atmosphere that fit right in with the elegance of Little Italy. The 80 minute hot sea stone massage was more than I could've ever expected-the therapist new exactly how to fully relax me. All in all it was the best spa day I have had in years.