Karma Spa

I have previously been to this location and haven’t had any issues, until last night. I booked myself a 2 hour hot stone massage at 7:30. I arrived around 7:20 and sat in the lobby until nearly 8:00 waiting. There were two others that has checked in after me and had immediately gotten called back. Not once did the receptionist come out and explain that there was an issue. Once I went back to the massage room I was waiting for the lights to be dimmed and it never happened. I have to give Owen credit, as the massage itself was great, however I came in to relax and I just never got that vibe.

After calling +10 places, this place was able to take me in last minute after another irresponsible place cancelled on me 6 minutes before my appointment. My massage therapist Sally was OK at most. Her skill sets weren’t lacking much but the language barrier was a bit uncomfortable as I had to repeat myself at least a good 6 – 7 times. She also ignored me when I said hello and asked how her day had been. Not even a smile. Again, I want to assume that it’s the language barrier.
Over all, I was desperately in need of a massage and this place did the trick. I would go back as I want to try their other packages that sound so lovely and pampering (they have a 2 hr one where they even wash you. Talk about lazy haha). The place looked very clean and professional as well.

Excellent options at reasonable costs. I got the VP Package and loved it. I liked that it included massage, sauna, vichy shower, and foot/​body detox. It’s shocking what toxins you will see come out in the water. I have a medical condition that caused the water to turn the color of that condition, without ever telling the technician what I had. This was my 4^th detox session over the years and it is amazing how the colors of the water show what you are currently suffering, such as joint pain, high cholesterol, liver or kidney issues, migraines, and more. The price of individual services is great considering the quality of service and cleanliness of the facility. It is a serene, relaxing spa with calming lighting and paint colors. I’m a definite fan — they are much higher quality than the massage parlors that offer coupon deals for mediocre massages by people who don’t speak English, making it difficult to specify what you need to work on or if the pressure is not right.

I got the Director package off Groupon and went with my mom. We had a great experience and the staff are very nice. I will definitely try to come back!

First time here and it was awesome! Amanda was great! Very relaxing atmosphere and great customer service! Perfect for any relaxing occasion!

Loved my massage by Ellen. Will request her again next time. My only problem, as stated by others, is that my husband asked them to put enough for the CEO package AND the 90 minute as well as any tax or tips. They put enough on there to get the 90 minute and the tip. They said it was $ 60 for the 90 minute but when I got there it was closer to $ 70. Should have been disclosed upon purchase, but a great massage nonetheless.
Also, on the gift card was written «90– minute massage & CEO package». I was contacted by a manager shortly after to be told that had they both been added to the card, it would have been $ 144+ before the tip (not in my husbands writing, which I would know.) this price still wouldn’t have been a problem, but it wasn’t incorporated into the gift card. However it was still written.
I would still recommend this place, however I would love it if the communication were better and they only write down what is actually on the card.

I got a massage from Rose. It was fantastic! She used the right amount of pressure and wasn’t one of thoses therapists who talks through the whole session. I’m definitely going back!

I’ve been unsure of how to write this review so I’ve been stalling. My sister and I came here a couple of months ago and it was the weirdest and most ridiculous massage I’ve ever had. I actually wanted to get up and leave halfway through — I left bruised and in pain. My sister was visiting and due to time restraints we couldn’t go up to my usual spa in OC so we found and settled on this one because booking was a snap and they had availability. Easy sell. The place is in a strip mall but they do their best to not make it feel that way. Right away when we were shown into the «waiting area» we knew this was not really a spa but more of a massage mill. No robes, no locker room, just sit here and wait like you’re at a doctor’s office. We both opted for the Hot Stone massage and upon check-​in were told that «they don’t *really* have enough stones for us to be in separate rooms — so would we mind being in the same room?» Um, what? If you don’t have enough than maybe don’t let people book them at the same time? Or buy more stones? Does that mean people run back and forth between rooms sharing stones? Were they sharing them between us? I mean it’s my sister so I’m not worried about coodies but still… what? They led us to the room and left, so again, I know it’s my sister, but it felt really odd both of just undressing, piling our stuff on the floor and getting into the beds. *shudders*
I believe my gal was Amy and my sister had a male, I don’t recall his name. They were a bit unprofessional chatting in their native language while massaging us; it just felt wrong. Plus the fact that there’s signs on the wall about not asking for sexual favors freaked me out. The first 5 or so minutes I was «massaged» with the sheet still on me which had me wondering if the whole thing was going to be that way. SO WEIRD. The back and forth with the stones and whatever they were doing and discussing and laughing about felt so disorganized and creepy. She also used her elbows a lot over my back hip bones and I almost cried out for her to stop — I was bruised before we’d even left and it hurt to sit back down in the car!
I REALLY and truly do not understand the positive reviews — I must be missing something. My idea of a massage is the exact opposite of everything this place is. My sister and I were truly speechless after we left.

Facial and body scrub — DO NOT GET from Amie … I called to inquire specifically about their «facial» if they do white/​blackhead extraction (which what i needed the most) they said yes. So i booked for «first lady package» which has facial, body scrub and massage. The massage was alright w/​Yuki, but the body scrub with sea salt which i had to pay extra to get and facial are WASTE OF MY MONEY! The sea salt was applied to my body as if she just spread it there and washed it with water right away! What happened??? It was supposed to be scrubbed on my body till it melts! I asked Amie to scrub the salt on me but she replied that she does not recommend scrubbing as it will damage my skin?! Uhmm then why is it called body scrub if it will damage skin? So i scrubbed the salt myself till it melts but only on my arms as she had washed the rest of the salt already!
Worst facial ever! — her steamer was not working so she used warm towel instead, she uses her finger/​nails to extract whiteheads but ended up borrowing her coworker’s extractor since i insisted she uses one to extract my whitehead. I explained to her the main reason of me going there is for my whitedheads to be removed (only in nose area). After extracting few Then i insisted she clean more since i can still feel the itchy whiteheads on my nose but she advised not to since she’s only suppose to extract 10 minutes to not irritate the skin and that all of the whiteheads are gone already and that i have nice and smooth skin. So i stopped and let her do her thing, but on my mind i’m just hoping that my whiteheads are extracted. So i went out and used the restroom and looked on the mirror to discover that MY WHITEHEADS ARE STICKING OUT OF MY PORES!!! I felt so disappointed and started pricking my nose to get those whiteheads out of my skin! I almost called the receptionist to show my face and i wanted to ask her if she can consider that clean! But i didn’t, so i just paid my bill and left… i still gave $ 20 tip. But never going back nor suggest to get body scrub or facial in this place.

Amazing… Emailed through Unilocal response was quick and courteous. second time here, got us in same day!!! Brought my son as a special. Gift for all his hard work and to celebrate a new job. Prices are reasonable…

Great experience! I made my appointment the night before and had no problem getting in last minute. Very reasonable priced! My hot oil massage was perfect! I was asked about the pressure a few times to make sure I was comfortable and I always was. The inside of the spa has a very cute Décor and a relaxing environment. The receptionist and the therapist were both very pleasant and friendly. I will def be recommending Karma to others.

Just had the best experience at Karma Spa.
I previously worked as manager for over 4 years in the Day Spa industry so I tend to be very picky when it comes to massage therapy/​skincare.
My boyfriend treated me to the Vice President package which includes a one hour massage, detox foot treatment, sauna and Vichy shower.
Everything was excellent, the Vichy shower was interesting but worth trying. Ellen was my massage therapist and she communicated well and her pressure was just right.
Needless to say the errands I planned to complete afterwards are going to have to wait until tomorrow. I highly recommend this day spa and can’t wait to go back!

I came in for a 90 min massage about a month ago and it was amazing. it was more relaxing than massage envy because they don’t try to sell you a membership or anything like that right after your massage.
can’t remember the therapists name, but I had been traveling and had horrible neck pain, and it was fixed after the session. overall, good price and clean environment

Came here for a couples massage with my husband. This was our first time here and the service from the moment we walked in was phenomenal! We got the discounted rate for a full body massage. The oil they use feels great. This was the first full body massage I’ve experienced where the pressure was perfect and therapists give a scalp massage. Felt great days after not too sore. They offer a lot of services and everything cam be a couples massage. I will definitely be back to try the Thai massage and hot stone massage. They offer cash only monthly specials.

It was me and my sister’s first time here. We got the two hour body massage. I appreciate that they called me to confirm the appt. And they told me that they were running 15 mins behind so i can come in a little later. We got there around 4:10 our original appt was 4 pm. We got a free detox because they pushed our appt a little late so that was nice of them. They appreciate their customers.
So, me and my sister were in the same room, i had medium pressure while she had hard.
The room was a little bright for both of us, i wish they could dim it a little more.
The massage was great. But, for my sister i think the lady was too hard. The next day, her back was sore instead of feeling better and she also got bruises (see on the picture) i told her the lady must have been too hard but she didn’t say anything.
Anyway, we might be back. We’ll see. But overall i recommend

If you live in Carlsbad and you like massages that are not dainty (with GOOD pressure), then I recommend you go to Karma. I love that they know what good pressure is; and where to apply pressure to relieve tension in muscles (great for an active yogi who loves her chatarangas).
I’ve visited Karma twice and I love their massages and their options. They have a ton of options — much like they have a ton of flavors at the ice cream shop. Just like at an ice cream stand, you want to try all the flavors. Literally, I want to go back and try all their massages. They have the thai, the accupressure, the hot stone, the […] massage, etc.
Lastly, (and most importantly) I love Karma because I can always ask to have a couples massage in a private room. It’s nice to have my husband next to me. I love him so much.

I treated myself to the VP package during my stay-​cation from work.
When I came in I was greeted by Carmelo.
He was genuinely polite, not the usual fake smiley bubbly spa receptionist! He was really helpful making sure I was ok with the Vitchey Shower, and I was glad he told me about it, it was a first for me!
Owen was my therapist. He was very professional and attentive. He had firm strong pressure, and gave an awesome massage. After the massage I did the 15 minute detox. I didn’t think I could be still that long, but I relaxed and chilled! That was followed by a sauna and the Vitchey Shower. And that was great! It’s really nice to leave a massage not feeling all greasy! And they use something to soften your skin. This was a great experience, well worth the price, and tip!

Really nice massage for a decent price!
Step past the simple storefront & Karma Spa is adorable inside — a combo of ethnic décor makes this place stylish and unique. The spa is quite large too, with a separate entrance area, waiting room, and many different service rooms as well.
My masseuse David was excellent. When I first called to make my appointment, I requested to be matched with someone who’s able to give a strong deep tissue massage, so being paired with David was perfect. David was friendly, professional, and he did a great job at loosening up my tight shoulders. The two women at the front desk were similarly welcoming, so all-​around great staff.
One area of improvement — the lights in my massage room were pretty bright. Typically I’m used to a dark, sleepy atmosphere but this felt a little bit more like a doctor’s office.

I have been to the HIllcrest location and enjoyed my experience there. However, I didn’t really particularly like my masseuse this time because she didn’t really understand me. I had to speak Chinese to her for her to understand that I wanted her to emphasize my neck and shoulders.
Parking is plenty as compared to the Hillcrest location and the facility is beautiful. The waiting area is really pretty and you could tell that they put a lot of thought into creating this space.
I probably won’t come back to this location and try to go back to the Hillcrest one. I mean, don’t get me wrong, the prices are a steal.

Treated my mom to the Director’s package along with a facial for Mother’s Day and joined her for it. It was our first time at Karma and the both of us were blown away by the experience. It was the first time my mom got a massage and she told me she felt like she was on clouds. The service was really great with the pressure being perfect at medium (not too hard, not too soft) because the masseuses made sure to check in with us in the beginning to make sure it was right. I really appreciated that. Other places I’ve been to just have at it and I have to prompt them myself if I have an issue with the pressure.
The facial was great as well. It was my first time doing a facial and I appreciated how my esthetician made sure to tell me each of the steps and what she was putting on me face.
Only reason I would deduct one star is that there was a bit of confusion at first over the phone regarding our appointment which made me nervous and later how to tip our masseuse so there was a bit of an awkward scramble at the end. Otherwise, the service really was wonderful and I can tell the staff cared that we enjoyed our experience.
Will definitely come back here again!