Spa Muku

This place was okay. Super clean. I could have saved the time and money and just sat in the sauna at my gym. The good thing about this sauna is that the air is a lot cleaner smelling and you don’t have the feeling that you are breathing in a bunch of hot nasty air from everyone else around you. I do recommend for someone who wants to sweat in a clean nice and quiet environment.

This place is out of this world! I didn’t know what to expect. I am not a huge fan of saunas because I get so bored. There’s something magical about this place, I don’t know if it’s the music or the rocks. But, it was the most relaxing hours I’ve spent in months. This is better than massages. It’s so relaxing, and detoxifying. I enjoyed every minute of it. Highly recommend!!!

Spa Muku has an authentic Japanese 岩盤浴 (ganbanyoku) experience. It’s reservations only, so call ahead of time. That being said, I was able to get a same-​day reservation. And when I got there, I was the only one there! So quiet and peaceful. For $ 20, they provide you with a change of clothes a few towels and a bottle of water. The facilities are super clean & plenty of parking.
It’s affordable and so relaxing. Definitely need to go again soon.

My first experience at this place was relaxing and therapeutic. I have never heard of a japanese bedrock sauna and was curious to try it out. The only thing I wish they provided was more hours of operation.
I hope in the future they will be open more often. Otherwise, I will continue to come to this establishment as I feel it has benefited me.

This is a looong delayed review!
Spa Muku is a hidden gem. San Mateo is truly truly lucky to have such a place.
Next to a Jaguar car dealership and other nondescript buildings, Spa Muku is tucked away in a little corner. The inside is surprisingly ‘nice’ — very very clean, with a nice décor — simple, yet elegant.
I initially found this place when doing a search for an infrared sauna — Spa Muku offers bedrock-​bathing, or «ganbanyoku», as it’s known in Japanese. This is similar to an infrared sauna.
I had been going to Kabuki Springs & Spa and doing looong hours in their sauna /​bath, and occasionally did infrared saunas (usually a 30-​min session) at various places, but Spa Muku is definitely my favorite out of the three types.
One — it’s a great deal — $ 25 for an hour session. (Although Kabuki Springs lets you into the sauna /​bath for ~$ 25 unlimited, I found Spa Muku’s ganbanyoku to be more therapeutic — allowing for detox’ing to occur at a higher intensity.)
I would highly recommend this place for those who are looking for a sauna. Infrared saunas work more effectively in releasing toxins from your body, than a high-​temperature sauna (like the one Kabuki Springs offers). Both are therapeutic, for sure, but the infrared sauna is able to work more effectively.
To wrap it up — for those who have hesitations about the PJs (that you wear while you lie down), or the cleanliness factor, not to worry! I’m a big fan of those pjs now.
Finally — I’ve seen some comments regarding communication with the lady at the front desk. That may just be a language barrier issue — she’s been super nice every time I’ve interacted with her. Hope that doesn’t deter from folks trying out this place!

I think it was a nice place to go. I went there last week, with an appointment, since they don’t take walk in.
I have pain with my leg when weather is not good and temperature is low. I went there the lady at the front was very nice to explain everything. You might find the conversation be a little different and sometimes you might feel, where are these question comes from? (for instance, she asked me why I went in. well a very common question, I told her that’s people gave them very good review so I came. She asked me, is that so? you come here just because of that?) at one second, I was thinking, hey, what do you want me to say? But I get it, she wanted to know more about her customers. And here is the thing, for someone who’s native language is not English, as long as communication is ok, I won’t pick on it. She didn’t mean to express anything unusual.
At the 1^st 30 min I felt that the temperature was not high enough. But I sweat at that last 15 min. It was relaxing and I found myself warm up a lot in the cold rainy day. Also I could sleep without the pain that night that I used to have it. I can’t say for sure if that’s what make my pain go away. I will return and try at least one more time to find out.
It was relax, but kind of boring in there. Getting some company would be a good idea.

I think this is not a great place for someone with mild to severe ADD. You have to sit in a room that is about 104 degrees, which can be kind of nice, but with only… your thoughts. No cellphones, no magazines, not talking… Just you, some light music and your thoughts. I’d highly recommend this for people with arthritis or back problems. A good sweat now and then is pretty refreshing I have to say. Although, the whole time I was thinking, man 104 degrees and kinda humid, I’d really love to be on a beach atleast… good stuff though :)

After searching for spas for my mum, I finally got a chance to send her over today to try. What a terrible experience she had.
The receptionist was rude to start with. When they saw them parking in, they close the door at 3pm on Monday. They checked and was notified this place is by appointment only. Fine. But the way it was deal with was extermly rude. How will you think if they close the door right in front of your face? Thought the whole purpose of the spa is to relax and enjoy?
The receptionist went on and notifying my mum that there is a man inside and if so, my mum could go and bath with the man… I am not sure how you would take this… But the way it was communicated was rather rude… We will never come back! There are so many other choices in the Bay Area. Such a disappointment!
If the receptionist is the owner, I would like to ask you how you could ever treat any customers this way. If not, I would ask the owner to check how you could close the door to potential customer and insulted them! I am ashamed of myself even tried to send my mum over. I would give this place a negative star if I ever could. Shame on you spa muku of not even providing a friendly environment, needless to say asking for a peace of mind and relax here.

I have found a gem! What a way to relax and detoxify! I have never been to a spa like this and being a massage therapist myself and constantly on the hunt for new and interesting spas this was such a surprise. It’s super clean the owner is really nice! The dim lightening, tranquil music, adds to your relaxation. My body/​mind are calm and did i sweat!!! I will be returning monthly from now on! (P.S. parking is in the back)

This is a very affordable and effective relaxation space.
Like other reviewers commented, I also feel my health has improved over the time since I started using this hot bedrock spa. Before, I always had cold feeling especially on the feet and hands even during the summer. However, right at this moment of writing this review, my feet are nice and warm, though my last Muku visit was 3 days ago! The effect of warmness last longer and longer as I go back. I cannot wait to get there next month again.
It’s 25 dollar for a session: very reasonable for this super clean facility, nice service, and what I can receive during and after the spa session — the sense of «healthier me.» Highly recommended!

Spa Muku warms your body and soul. I was skeptical because I typically don’t like hot/​humid temps. While the hot stone bed and hot room temp makes you sweat, it is not a sticky sweat and it was bearable because you control how long you lay on the hot bed.
After one session, I felt very warm (which was nice in the cold winter weather) and relaxed. Felt like my muscles finally relaxed and the tension in my neck and back melted away.
This location is very clean and well maintained. I felt the benefits from this therapy for longer than I would a traditional massage and the price is a fraction of what a typical massage would be.

Very clean and relaxing japanese hot bed spa
$ 25 cash $ 28 credit card by appointment only. Small parking lot in the back for customer convenience.
You walk in and confirm your appointment and the lady in the front will go over how the spa works and collects payment. You go in the lockerroom where you have the option to shower before changing into brown pajama like outfits. Lockers with key locks also provided for customer convenience. The spa cycle basically is 5 mins face down on the hot bed 10 mins on your back then 5 – 10 mins in the cooling room. Repeat 3−4x and water is provided to maintain hydration as its sona-​like so you will sweat. The logic behind the spa is to sweat out the toxins and by the time your done, your sweat should be nearly pure and odorless.
Overall, it was a very relaxing 2 hours spent here and I would not hesitate to recommend this place to others. It may be less crowded and therefore more relaxing to go on the weekdays.

Nothing like it but to sum it up, since everyone else put in FULL descriptions… (haha) Relaxing, rejuvenating, tranquil, and I felt my worries drip away. I’ve been here twice with my wife and we absolutely loved each experience.

When i lived in San Mateo, this was my regular go to place. I miss it sometimes especially when I am having a hectic week, a visit to Spa Muku was not only a good stress buster but an inexpensive indulgence.
$ 25 cash for an hour of steam therapy. The lady who manages/​runs the place is very accommodative when it comes to appointments, there are times when I have walked in on weekdays when it was only me at the spa, but for weekends call in for an appointment. The lady is not fluent in English, but communicates what is required effectively.
The whole facility always looks spanking new! The waiting area is tiny but has a few brochures on the process and a few magazines, I had to wait about ten minutes once and didn’t get bored. Once you enter the spa area, you walk in through the lockers area. She will provide you a thin outfit and suggest you undress completely. A water bottle is also given. Then you go lie on the stone bed, and I literally fall asleep coz it just stills your mind!
15 mins and then you can cool off for five and come back in, so you get 4 such mini breaks in the one hour and you will come out sparkly rid of toxins. I have been to Korean spas too and feel either or doesn’t matter, as long as you feel good after!

A very nice, clean and out-​of-​the-​ordinary spa experience.
Black silica stone heated to lie upon in a very warm and humid room. 15 minutes on the hot stones, 5 minutes in the cool room. Repeat 3 times. The first time was very relaxing and I almost fell asleep. The second time was a little warmer, still relaxing. The third time I was sweating clean sweat. Now I feel soft and cuddly.
It’s not steam-​room or sauna hot, it’s not supposed to be.
Make sure to make an appointment first, there is one locker room so the owner has to schedule genders at the same time.

Customer service, when you have nothing good to say, dont say anything at all.
The hot beds, average, felt like being in the steam room at 24 hour super sport

I have to give my husband all the credit in the world for this place. It was our wedding anniversary and he had a whole day full of surprises lined up for us. No idea where he was taking me. He just said that we were going to have a relaxed and chill anniversary date together. He told me not to wear make up or anything super nice. Ok, what the? But whatever the case, I was down for a good time!
This was our first stop… and OMG, it was the most amazing thing we could have possibly done together. Nothing I have ever done before and now, well, I can’t wait for the next visit. When you get to the front, it looks like NOTHING of what a spa should look like, very unassuming. Then when you walk in, nothing that I would imagine a spa to really look like either. However, when they lady came out to see us, she went over all the conditions, then led us into the magical spa area. Everything was so clean.
You are asked to take all your clothes off and put them into lockers and she will hand you a pair of pants and shirt and give you a bottle of water, a pair of flip flops, and a set of towels. Then when you are done changing you let the lady at the front know (who doesn’t speak English too well, so may seem a little stuck up), then she leads you into a room where all the hot stone beds are with humidifiers. She then lays the towels down for you. You then step onto the bed face down for 5 minutes, then face up for 10 minutes, then get up and go into the cooling room for 5 minutes. These steps are then repeated until your hour is up. An hour is about 30 a person. Not bad at all! The hot stone beds is a relaxing for your body and releases stress, helps your joints, clears all toxins, helps blood pressure, and you break a sweat. However, the sweat that comes off of your body after these repeated steps is not sticky sweat like when you get out of a gym. It really is the most amazing thing to ever have been invented. Everyone must try this. When you are done with the massage, you will notice how stress free you feel and how amazingly soft and smooth your skin feels. It’s almost like your entire body has been exfoliated.
In the changing area, there are nice big mirrors with clean brushes to comb your hair, a shower, even a blood pressure machine where you can check your blood pressure before and after.
If you are looking for a massage where someone is actually working on your body with their hands and feet, well this is not the place for that. This is clearly and simply a hot stone massage place. Price is unbeatable! This is a great place for couples anytime and even a great place to come with girlfriends or your mom, sister, whoever you’d like. I think this will be our spot every year for our anniversary and even on other occasions as well or maybe just because.

Love — Love — Love
This place is so cool. It sounds like nothing exciting as you lay on a heated rock for your body to heat up from the inside and you sweat from all parts of your body. Most people will expect the same result from a sauna or jacuzzi.
However, my skin felt so soft and my joints/​muscles are so relexed afterwards and that’s something a sauna cannot do! They temp is maintain at about 105 – 110 and humidy at 45 — 50%, very soothing and comfortable.
Don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t last forever, 1 – 2 day tops. But if you want a full body relaxation, the $ 25 bucks is totally worth it.
I believe this is womens only as there’s only one locker room. Towel/​robe/​water is provided for no additional cost.

I knew what to expect. I came prepared. I brought my old college roommate. Now we go at least once a month. It’s the best treatment to decompress and destress in your own time in peace and serenity. I also enjoy the lady who takes care of things. She, from the fist time I went to Spa Muku, has been friendly, welcoming, informative and nice to look forward to seeing each time I go for a treatment. It has helped my shoulder heal quicker and quicker.
Lucy B hands Spa Muku 5 stars with pleasure!

AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING!!! I had no idea what a bed rock spa was (or that they even existed) but now that I’ve tried it I’m addicted! Definitely doesn’t hurt that it’s only 5 blocks from my apartment AND only $ 25 (if you pay in cash) for an hour. This is now my bi-​monthly pay day treat.
My BFF was coming to visit from San Francisco and I thought this would be a fun thing to try with her. The pictures on the main page will give you a better idea of how the spa looks.
After a brief explanation of how the spa works (you lay on heated rock and it makes you warm) you have to sign a waiver saying you’re not pregnant or on your period or anything else and then you’re given paper flip flops, two towels, and large pajamas to change into.
After changing into the PJs the receptionist (owner?) comes and helps you spread your towels out over your rock. Then you lay down, alternating between stomach and back and take a couple of «cooling down» pauses in a cooling room.
The experience was incredibly relaxing. The heat calmed the tension in my neck and my stress just melted away and I felt so happy after the treatment. My body was warm pretty much the rest of the day and it felt wonderful!