Karma Relaxation Spa

534 reviews

3969 1st Ave., San Diego, CA 92103

www.karmamassagespa.com

+16192999888

About

Karma Relaxation Spa is a Day spa located at 3969 1st Ave., San Diego, CA 92103. It has received 534 reviews with an average rating of 4.6 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday10AM-10PM
Tuesday10AM-10PM
Wednesday10AM-10PM
Thursday10AM-10PM
Friday10AM-10PM
Saturday10AM-10PM
Sunday10AM-10PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Karma Relaxation Spa: 3969 1st Ave., San Diego, CA 92103

  • Karma Relaxation Spa has 4.6 stars from 534 reviews

  • Day spa

  • "**** Update December 2023 Karma Spa management reached out to me (some change in management could have been the reason I was lost in communication) they worked with the owners and I was able to go over my experience and I did get an apology as well as them asking for me to come back to re due my experience just myself"

    "My wife booked us a 60-min couples massage while on vacation"

    "The inside of this place is very relaxing"

    "This was my first ever time getting a massage and facial, and I’m so glad I went here! I got the hot oil massage and mini facial"

    "I booked The Premier Package wanting a day of pampering and I got more than I hoped for! My massages felt like they were going on forever in the best possible way"

Reviews

  • Nick

**** Update December 2023 Karma Spa management reached out to me (some change in management could have been the reason I was lost in communication) they worked with the owners and I was able to go over my experience and I did get an apology as well as them asking for me to come back to re due my experience just myself. I will take them up on this offer and see how things go. I bumped my review from 1 star to 3 pending the experience I get next. I will update then. **** Unfortunately, I did not want to leave this review. I’ve been going to Karma for approximately seven years. Last Septembers visit was enough to make me not go again. The service was poor at best we did not receive the full amount of time paid for ( pay for 90 minutes was cheated five minutes of that time, and I usually look the other way on this matter, but it seems to be a reoccurring issue). On top of that issue it seems this particular time the masseuse, both of them during this couples massage wasted about 30 minutes doing nothing beneficial. during that 30 minutes it was not considered a massage yet reapplying oil/lotion to the same area on my leg and my partners with no pressure or technique. is a pure waste of money in time could’ve been spent doing the massage. My partner in the same room repeatedly asked their masseuse to go lighter pressure in certain areas. The masseuse was sighing, and seemed irritated every time the request was made. Massage was very subpar compared to others I’ve received in the past at this location as well as others. Overall, the experience was terrible and at the end the front desk receptionist had already gone home so we could not charge a tip to our card nor did we really want to leave a tip and we got harassed by masseuse for 15 minutes with them telling us to leave a tip. They gave us a QR code to Venmo the tip, and when we sent it to get them off our backs so we could leave they were upset with how little the tip was.. This behavior was not OK and unprofessional. I called the manager the next day who was not in and left a voicemail for him with the receptionist and expected a call back from him instead, the reception is calling back and relay a message that I could get $15 off a future massage, as unhappy as I was with that, I let the receptionist know it would be nice to be able to express my concern for this location with him one on one over the phone and to please call me back to speak. A day later I did get a call back from the manager. He seem genuinely concerned with the situation. He said he would speak to the owner but it’s almost been two months and I have not heard back which makes me pursue my review about my visit I gave plenty of time to get proper feedback And assistance, and they did not deliver. I can only hope that somehow my information was lost even though I am a frequent customer and that would be the reason I did not hear back.

  • Account Name

My wife booked us a 60-min couples massage while on vacation. The business is clean and updated. The staff are pleasant. The ambiance is good. My problem was the massage itself, which they very kindly did not charge me for. I lasted about 10 minutes. It felt like the woman massaging me was just following a routine (and not one that felt especially good). Sometimes it felt like a spine and bone massage, not a soft tissue massage. There was a huge language gap and I didn’t think I’d have much success describing the areas of my back that I feel she should spend more time on, OR describing the techniques she might use (after all, she’s the pro and I shouldn’t have to instruct her). I feel some small amount of responsibility for not understanding beforehand that it was a full body massage and I really didn’t care about my legs and arms getting much attention and should have specified I just wanted my back and neck done. However, on the other hand, the attention she gave to my back and other body parts and the way she was digging into my spine and bones and not my soft tissues/sore muscles didn’t leave me feeling confident that she would do a great job even if I were only getting a back and neck massage. I don’t like leaving negative reviews, especially when they gave me a refund with no issue, the facilities and ambiance were very nice, and the staff were very nice. I’m just not sure I’d ever recommend this place to someone else solely based on the “massage” I got and thought I should share a review.

  • Veronika Mazur

The inside of this place is very relaxing. However the appointment was not. I scheduled a chair massage for my husband that would target only the upper body. I was upset to know that they disregarded the scheduled massage and attempted to have my husband take off his clothes and lay down flat. The massage that was chosen was suppose to have the clothes stay on and be completed in a chair. I selected this massage due to my husband being post op from a surgery and not being able to lie down flat on his stomach. The massage ended up being painful and not at all what I scheduled for. If a massage is listed as one thing, it should be completed that way. I felt terrible for scheduling this appointment for my husband that ended up causing more harm than good. Really disappointed with this experience.

  • Kathryn Clauzel

This was my first ever time getting a massage and facial, and I’m so glad I went here! I got the hot oil massage and mini facial. The massage was 90% relaxing with the only caveat that I didn’t realize how knotted and tense my muscles are, so there were a couple ticklish moments . The mini facial was AMAZING. Included neck and scalp massage and honestly, I could have fallen asleep. My skin was glowing after as well! The only negative I noticed was they charge an additional $5 for a harder massage, which I feel should just be included in the initial price. But maybe this is standard across spa’s - I wouldn’t know!

  • Christine de Leon

I booked The Premier Package wanting a day of pampering and I got more than I hoped for! My massages felt like they were going on forever in the best possible way. The masseuse was very good at asking about the type of pressure I wanted and what my level of comfort was. The package I got has 4 parts to it and the masseuse really walked me through each stage. I felt well taken care of. The prices for what you get are really amazing. I’ve been to a few other places in San Diego and I haven’t gotten this level of treatment for these prices. I will definitely be a repeat customer.

  • Chaney Pafford

I had high hopes after looking at the website. The staff and owner are very nice. I ordered the premier package. I walked into a room that smelled like mildew and they literally put my feet in a bucket of hot water and left the room for ten minutes. Then they put me in a giant heating pad basically. I got myself out and they gave me a full refund and were very kind. It’s just old smelling. Mildew. The rooms have carpet that smells really bad. I noticed a lot that seemed unsanitary and just overall mediocre. Do yourself a favor and spend a little more somewhere else.

  • Denise M

I went here twice during my 5-day visit and it was a pleasant experience both times. The environment is calming.. I really loved how the masseuse was explaining why she was massaging and spending so much time on certain areas where she felt the knots and tension was. They are very friendly and very attentive always telling me during the massage to let them know what you want. Both times I left I felt like I just wanted to curl in the bed and be sleep for days it's very relaxing and when I visit I will be back again.

  • Mei M.

I have never had a massage before and I can say I will definitely be getting more after this! I had the 90 minute Swedish massage with Sam. The rooms were clean and the relaxing music was a great touch. He was professional, checked in with me about pressure and my comfort throughout the massage and did an amazing job. I feel so relaxed! I'm visiting from out of town or I would come back here again. I highly recommend. They are very reasonably priced. Thank you so much to the staff!

  • Angelica Wuerth

A great place to unwind and get the best massage. Their membership program is definitely worth it. It comes with a free 60 min massage a month and if you get a massage outside of that it gives you points to redeem towards any services the shop offers. You can also use your free massage and points for friends or that special someone as a gift. I would recommend Peter or David if your looking for deep tussue.

  • Jeanette

If you want an amazing massage with no frills, this is the place. I woke up one morning with a sore neck and decided to treat myself. I booked an appointment online and was on a table two hours later. I immediately regretted not booking 2 hours instead of one. The masseuse didn't speak much but he surely paid attention to my knots and areas of concern. Will be scheduling in my rotation from now on

  • Rx Hempseed

Worst massage…if you’d call it that, I have ever had. Scam city beware people. Guy called Mike was not a certified therapist. Put his fat belly on my head and pushed my face into the table. Readers beware of this place. Partner had one also, it was ‘good’ but the therapist cracked his neck??? I’m sure you can find a better place for the same amount or less.

  • Kenneth Gartman

What a fantastic massage! The place is clean and the staff is friendly. The massage was perfect. The price is perfect as well. It’s not a high end spa. It’s not posh. But it’s affordable and the message is great. I get a lot of massages at all kinds of places. I will definitely be returning to Karma Relaxation Spa!

  • Katrina Bjork

I may have just had the best massage of my life with Jack at the Hillcrest location. I booked a massage for just back and neck because I always hate my legs massaged due to pressure issues. He did start working on my legs but with the pressure used and the technique it was amazing.

  • Nathan Nguyen

I'm very happy with the service. The place is clean and very relaxing. I had Tim did my foot massage, but it also includes the whole body work. He did a good job! The price is reasonable compared to others! The place also has their own parking within downtown area.

  • Kim Bellavance Photographe

I found this place here on google map as it was close to our hotel and I am so glad I did! Eva was very skilled, very good massaged, I picked the cbd oil option. The place has a parking lot which is great, it was clean and and comfortable. Definitely will go back.

  • F Simp

It's one of the best massage places in Hillcrest! I personally enjoy the VIP Package because you receive three different services for a very reasonable price. I personally enjoy the deep-tissue massage here, sauna, and hot foot bath. Highly recommend!

  • Jordan Adamcom

Love this place, discovered them at SD Pride festival and came in for a massage. Jack is amazing and talented masseuse and the manager Matt who I met at pride is welcoming and friendly. Will definitely tell my friends about it and be back often.

  • Rachel Franklin

My husband and I went in today for a couples massage. I like a little extra pressure but not quite deep tissue. My therapist did a wonderful job and my husband was very pleased with his also. It was quite possibly the best massage I’ve ever had.

  • Chris Reed

I got a two hour deep tissue that melted my stress and my brain into a puddle of bliss. Seriously the best and most comfortable massage ever. I just had surgery and am going in to get some help with the healing process. Can’t wait to go back.

  • Mimi Liu

Ever since I found out about karma spa, I been going back for massage and facials here at the Hillcrest location. The business is very accommodating with last minute massage schedule. Mike the male massage therapist is amazing!! They all do

  • Haven Norero

Booked a couples massage with my fiancé. Overall, the environment was nice but I did not enjoy my massage whatsoever. Unfortunately, the men were very pushy on how we needed to be dressed. Immediately made me uncomfortable. The massage was

  • Mac May

Been going here on and off for years and it just gets better. Tonight I had the best massage I've had in a long time. KRS has always been good but this time was amazingly designed for me. My body feels reset and relaxed. Will be back soon.

  • Samantha Leal

So I’ve been coming to this place for about a year and half now, but today.. today I got the BEST massage from Jack and Michael. My wife and I did a 90 min hot oil couple massage. Our massages were very custom to what our body was telling

  • Mindy Petersen

I was in town on business and decided to spoil myself with a massage. This place was recommended to me by a client and decided to go for it. I was very pleasantly surprised to find plenty of free parking in the adjacent parking lot. I

  • CBL Daddy

I found this place on Yelp because of overwhelming 5☆ reviews..so I decided to give it a try on Father's day. The staff was very nice & accommodating. I booked a 2 hours for $100. Very affordable considering it's in Hillcrest. I was

  • Lorenzo Alvarez

I left my 11k gold chain in the room. Lisa my massage therapist returned it to the front desk and I picked it up the next day. Not only are the massages top notch, fairly priced but the therapists are honest! Best spa in SD

  • Ma-Ryssa Martin

Went in for a Swedish massage, had the BEST massage from Sasa. Definitely recommend her. perfect pressure, was very polite and respectful and made sure i was comfortable the whole massage! Will absolutely be returning!!

  • Stephanie Mitchell

Amazing !!!!!! I’m here in San Diego for a work trip and came here and it was hand down amazing ! Friendly , the atmosphere was so relaxing and my Swedish massage was the best! You will not be disappointed …

  • erika yavorsky

Staff is not trained properly. I was traumatized by this place and now am too affraid to get a massage anywhere. It took me about 2 months to finally give a review, but please stay away from this business.

  • Lisa Wise

Overall we liked our experience. We took a couple president package. Massage was okay, but they just seem to refuse to work with both hands simultaneously. Bad communication. No private changing rooms.

  • Jennifer Cornwell

I used to live down the street and this was my spot! I moved to downtown, tried some place else and was really disappointed. Now I make the 10 minute drive up because it's worth it.

  • Katherine Ruiz

THE BEST I HAVE EVER RECEIVED!! Get the 4 hand double massage. You will not be disappointed! So professional, so sweet, and full of different techniques. Forever a customer. …

  • Bridget Thompkins

Well, this was my Mother's Day present and I couldn't have been happier. That hot oil massage; the lymph node manipulation and the foot massage finale = I definitely will be back!

  • David Wu

Give this place a shot again and reminded me again why this is the worst massage place ever. Never have the requested masseuse or room. Left in more discomfort than before.

  • Keevy Smith

Received a couples massage. Very relaxing && professional environment. I could feel the knots being worked out && came out feeling like a new woman lol IG:@k.e.e.v.y

  • Victor Hugo

It was one of the best massages I've had, Cindy and Kelly were so professional. my wife and I got the couple massage, and we both loved it.

  • Janelle Brown-Peters

This place is awesome! Well priced for the services. The massages are amazing and staff is super friendly! Will definitely be back.

  • Dave Thompson

Best spa in San Diego metro, and it has parking..it’s a game changer and has longevity staff and professionalism all around

  • Donna Ashby, Realtor AHWD MRP GREP

While visiting we had an opportunity to visit this place. It was great! My massage was very relaxing.

  • Kayla Goldsworthy

I’ve been coming here for years now and I love the couples massage

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