Zen Spa

So sad to take this review down from the 5 star, but it is what it is and I haven’t been back in months.
They moved out of their posh, pretty space into a much less zen-​like office space. My favorite masseuses are no where to be seen. The ones that remain have a different opinion than I do of what a deep-​tissue massage is supposed to mean. Meh, indeed.

I have come to the grim conclusion that the only way I can get someone to touch me is to pay them… that being said, I had a marvelous experience at Zen Spa. First off, this building is sentimental to me, my father had his office there — and if you are absolutely frantic for something to do in Pasadena, go look at the architecture here — very Pasadena feel.
So I chose Zen based on what you youngsters had said — wanted an appointment the next day and there wasn’t a problem. Reception area was comfortable and was met by Alem for my massage.
Now I know some people want to be pulverized when they receive a massage, I am a bit of a pansey — so I go Swedish. She was very conscious of my comfort level, but she also convinced me to let her knock out some tough spots.
I was a little sore yesterday, but feel great today it really is body and spirit.
She has a new client!

Good times.
I finally found another great, affordable place to go for my regular massages! AND it’s a mere three blocks from my condo. Woo!
«Alem» (I believe is how you spell her name) does a tremendously good, firm Swedish. Quite talented, she is. I’m already booked for the next week!
If you’ve read my other reviews regarding massage places, you’ll know it’s not a big deal to me if the atmosphere isn’t all froo-​to-​the-​froo. But I guess they recently had to vacate their old facility and are now sharing office space with a plastic surgeon. A little kooky, but again, your eyes are closed. The other downside however is that they can no longer accommodate as many therapists as they had at the other joint because of the tiny space they now occupy. Too bad because with such a great first experience, I was hoping to try them ALL!
I’m crazy like that.
For now, and because of this recent transition, you should also know that they are not accepting plastic, which means I gotta walk around with ca$h and that’s always a dangerous proposition.

Zen Spa is a great place for a quickie massage after you’ve had a long day at work. Prices are reasonable and it’s not difficult to get an appointment for the same week, even the same day sometimes. I think all of their masseuses are pretty decent so you can’t go wrong even if you don’t get the best one there. I think I’ve tried them all and the one bad experience I had was rectified the next time around when I simply just told the girl in question.
They have specials all the time, like right now you can get a 50min Swedish for $ 40 until May 18^th. Make sure you get on their mailing list and you’ll get notices in the mail of their upcoming specials.
The only problem is they don’t take appointments later than 5pm which means I have to sneak out of work early on some days. =(And sometimes they will switch masseuse on you last minute so you get someone other than who you booked (hence I have tried all their masseuses).

Mr. Gamerboy and I went here for our appointment at 11 am. We were so confused on where the place was because when you go on Green St you see the sign for 960 Green st but no Zen Spa. I called the receptionist and she directed us to an elevator and we made our way down the doctors offices into a small secluded and completely hidden Zen Spa Office.
Once inside you feel like you are in a Japanese Garden. Tinkling music, Water fountain, very low lights and tea candles with zen like furniture against the wall. It was DARK.
I got called on by Jasmine who brought me into a room, asked me disrobe accordingly (ok I left my undies on) and when she came in there was very little conversation which I like. She did ask where my tension was and I pointed out my left shoulder. She took her time massaging out the little knots and still managed to give me a full swedish massage. for 55 bucks you cant beat that. It was a great atmosphere, tasteful music and clean sheets (you are given a blanket.)
Jasmine was a great therapist. She listened when I told her where my tension was, asked about pressure, and was quiet througout the massage so that I could completely relax. While this place is just slightly under an hour, and a little more than The Massage company, i feel that the therapist have more skill and the atmosphere is less austere.
One thing that i would recomment when going here is to wear clothes that are easily removable, and very comfortable because when you leave you are so drowsy and relaxed. Also drink lots of water before you get massage, it helps keep you hydrated. When you leave, you are given a flyer for other services and a membership card. I am trying the deep tissue masssage in a couple of weeks. This was Mr. Gamberboy’s first professional massage. and I believe is he now HOOKED.

I was here couple of weeks ago and I was so please with the front desk person. The moment I walked in she smiled and greeted me! I was feeling very relaxed and comfortable already. Then my massage was with Janet and she was wonderful! This place has it all must I say any more. I can’t wait for my next session!!!

swedish massage: human jello. i have been so anxious and stressed lately, finally my muscles told me they had enough. the ambiance is very calming and comfortable, asian zen décor and mostly candlelit. the tables are low– a good thing since you feel like putty afterward. this place is a great deal if you have some knots to workout and they are totally focused on making sure that you are satisfied with your experience. 50 min was $ 40! their regular price for this is $ 49– sweet! they also do some skincare treatments as well, i think i will be going back for a facial and another massage soon.
the parking lot looks like it can fill up and it’s a $ 1.50/hour (entrance to the lot on catalina ave). and apparently they will also wash your car in the lot if you want– i did not so i have no idea how much this would cost.

Keeping it short: I needed a massage after weeks of construction work on my brother’s new house. Every muscle ached and my neck and back, especially, were about to crack. My friend persuaded me to take advantage of a 1hr massage special Zen Spa was offering — for only $ 35! As she was paying, what the heck!
Zen Spa is located on Green street, underground, in a hallway that resembles something out of Alice in Wonderland. A low ceiling, green carpet, and yellow wood paneling on the walls — which seem to travel on forever in both directions. .. check it out and see what I mean.
The actual Spa premesis is bigger than expected after seeing the small wating room. The décor is simple and attractive and comfortable music can be heard playing throughout. The employees working there when I went were quite young females wearing simple scrubs, and were quite polite and understanding — of my ailments.
The room I was taken to was small but adequate, not too dark, and no offensive odors –sometimes too much aromatherapy gets you all in the wrong mood, etc. The bed was typical and comfortable enough. I really didn’t have any complaints except that the music was a bit rough, as the speaker may have been a bit damaged.
ANYHOO! The massage was great! Swedish for me that day. Although it costs more to have a deep massage, the massuese was in to giving strong massages so I got exactly what I was hoping for. My friend seemed to have a fantastic experience as well! Her hair was all messed up from the scalp massage they add and her eyes were half open — ha!
When leaving, there was some material available in the waiting room that presented a new doctor from Bangladesh, I think, who does special herbal and massage programs for specific ailments. .. worth a try, I think. Also, they do accupuncture!
Try Zen Spa and tell me what you think. I’m sure you’ll like their regular prices — around $ 49 for an hour — that may be deep massage.
Hope this review helps those in need!