Willow Spa

I received a gift certificate for a one hour massage here. I’ve been driving up and down Santa Monica Blvd. for more than 20 years, and had never even known it was there since 2002!
Some spas are so snobby that you have to be in full makeup, hair done and wearing your newest Louboutins.
None of that here. I walked up to the little house, and relaxed immediately. I changed into a thin cotton pair of drawstring pants and a little jacket with ties in the front. They sat me in an outside area, with a soft breeze blowing, drinking some Happy Tea. Soon my feet were being massaging in a wood tub of warm water, filled with rose petals.
Soon after I was whisked into a rustic little room, filled with candles and a beautiful woodsy aroma filled the room. The massage was heaven, not too hard, not too soft, just right. An hour went by in a flash. The only thing I noticed was that the whole place was a little worn. But thinking about it, it just adds to the charm of the place. I made a second appointment. I’ll be wearing sweats, flip flops and no makeup…

I hadn’t gone to a really good spa in a while. This really hit the spot!
I got a deal on Gilt. it was massage, facial and cleanse for $ 159.
Driving to the location, I realized I had passed by it many times and had not noticed it was there. Parking was a bit of a hassle. I couldn’t find parking in front of the building on the street, which would have been perfect because it was 4 hours metered parking and since my session was 2.5 hours long, I wouldn’t have needed to move. Unfortunately, I ended up parking on the next street, but it was only 2 hours parking. The staff in the front office were very polite and offered to move my car for me. That was very nice of them and it took the stress out of having to interrupt my treatment halfway just to go two blocks to move my car. By the time I had changed into their white pant and shirt outfit that they gave me at the entrance and had grabbed a glass of warm tea in their garden, I had already relaxed and didn’t want to move to go anywhere anyways. The garden located in the back was very serene. Even though it is located at a busy street with lots of business and restaurants, you still somehow feel you are at a much peaceful and zen place.
The foot massage and detoxing massage was good. and when I mean good, I mean, for someone like me that really knows what a good massage is, it really hit the mark. The massage therapist knew what she was doing. She found all my sore spots and worked on them. The foot scrub and massage was great. Little touches like the tea, and the eye covers and noise cancelers were what made the treatment even more pleasurable and unique.
The facialist was very knowledgeable and a delight to talk to. She gave me some great suggestions and did a very good job. My face looked bright and clear after she was done. it wasn’t red or irritated at all. She, just like my massage therapist, also did a good job listening to my concerns, and customized the treatment accordingly.
Leaving the premises, I must add, the young man in the front office is quite a funny fella. He really made me laugh.
Overall, I will go back and buy more deals from gilt. It was definitely a treat, and every penny was worth it!

My favorite place. It’s charming and cozy, and all the therapist are great. The front desk every time I walk in is always welcoming. And it feels like I’m not in Los Angeles, every time I go.

Booked a 75 minute deep tissue massage since I had a $ 100 gift certificate from work. Gotta hand it to Willow for creating a nice little oasis on Santa Monica Blvd. I really loved the grounds; they made it feel like you are at an island spa.
The staff was nice and if you arrive early, you get a complimentary foot soak pre-​massage. My massage was great. I had just moved so all my muscles were very tight from unboxing for a week. I came away relaxed and with little to no tension left. All-​in-​all a really nice experience.
I probably won’t go back just because there are spas closer to my apartment and they pushed an up-​charge for my massage oil while I was getting my foot massage (so I was already relaxed and vulnerable). Would recommend to others though if they’re located in that area.

I give this 5 star spa because if you are a lover of Spa, you will know that this is a professional. Experience A famous historic spa staff is friendly and well recommended. You will feel that it is worth the money you have spent on each service. I love willow spa

I’ll walk through my whole experience, but the overall gist is: I had a relaxing massage at an affordable price, and was pleasantly surprised by all the extras thrown at me during the experience. Well worth a weekday afternoon excursion.
First of all, a shout out to the receptionists of the world. I don’t remember his name, but when I called to make an appointment, the receptionist was helpful and kind. I had to reschedule once and it wasn’t a problem (they have a 48 hour cancellation policy, I believe). I only bring this up because we’ve all had that experience of scheduling and arriving at a place for the sole purpose of relaxing only to be met with a combative receptionist who sets the wrong mood. Not the case here.
I changed in their admittedly underwhelming changing room, equipped with a few lockers, a bare shower, and a bathroom. They provide ill-​fitting pants and a robe-​like shirt. Not ideal, but they get the job done.
From there, everything is fantastic. They have a small area in the back where you sit and relax while waiting. They then bring you tea (which was delicious) and give you a foot and leg massage (which was free of charge and perhaps the best part of the afternoon).
And then your massage therapist brings you to a room and you do the whole massage thing. My massage was great. I pointed out some trouble spots, she worked on them, helped me relax, so on and so forth.
The price is reasonable — not $$$, like the reviews indicate. Is it a cheap, shady massage place? No. Is it pricy like the high end places, the hotels, and the like? No. It’s right in between. You don’t feel like you lost a limb after paying the bill, and you feel like you got your money’s worth and then some. Highly recommend.

This place is a gem. SO MUCH BETTER than a normal spa it feels like an oasis back there! I had Joe for a zen massage and it was the best massage I ever had. He knows what he’s doing and listens to your body. Perfect pressure. Talented and intuitive body worker. Will for sure be back. GREAT place to get someone a gift feet bc it’s so unique back there!!!

I’ve been here an few times now and had a few treatments. I really enjoyed all the treatments but there’s something missing here that would not allow me to give it 5.
It’s not as clean or as tranquil as it looks. Some of massage therapists disappear for longer than they should when going to get stuff.
Each time this was a gift card given to me by my clients but it would not be in my top 3 choices.

Mellow out at Willow…
* YES — Quaint Asian-​style spa smack dab in middle of SM Blvd.
* YES — Small reception area, displays oils/​lotions/​diffusers they use for sale
* YES — Outdoor «wait» area is cute, but somewhat warm in the summer though
* YES — Separate changing «house» has locker, spa robes, and shower
* YES — Cool & AC’d massage rooms are clean and neat
* YES — Friendly, knowledgeable masseuse was keen on making sure pressure was always right
* YES — Colleague gave me a GC so my experience was quite literally gratis!
* WOA (words of advice):
— Street meter parking
— Appointments recommended
— Remember to tip your masseuse
— Accepts credit cards

Glorious massages & foot scrubs in a tranquil environment. No «fancy» salt rooms or saunas; just a truly authentic, peaceful, therapeutic experience. My masseur, Craig, kicked the sh-​t out of my lower lumbar – I feel amazing and may now be 2 inches taller!

Loved my experience here at Willow Spa. My colleagues gave me a gift certificate for Christmas. I wasn’t able to use it until January, but Willow Spa worked with me on the expiration and all was good. The spa is so quiet in its outward appearance you have probably driven buy it a zillion times and not noticed it; I know I had. My colleagues searched Unilocal for a unique and special spa that they thought I would enjoy and they were right when they picked Willow Spa. I enjoyed my 3+ hour stay, probably more like 4 — very much.
When you arrive, you will need to park on the street. As my treatments were going to exceed any timed parking available, I wish I had Über’d. I was lucky and didn’t get a ticket even though I was way over the time limit.
The spa is behind some beautiful gates in a little house. You enter through the front to check in and then are guided through the courtyard to a changing room in courtyard. The changing room has lockers, showers, etc., but is spa like, not gym like in anyway. You change into your little outfit, which is incredibly comfortable by the way and they sell them upfront — then you have a relaxing rest on the courtyard couch or chairs. You are brought tea and water to enjoy while you wait.
Then I had a lovely foot bath and headed off to my treatments. I selected a facial, body scrub and massage. I spa a lot and have never had the scrub and massage done simultaneously, but I have got to tell you I absolutely loved it; it is the ideal situation. Sometimes a long massage or long scrub can be taxing — first world problems I know! — but what Anthony did was to scrub one area and then massage it, then move to the next area and repeat. It was so wonderful to allow each part of your body to have it’s treatment and then relax. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. i think it was 2 hours or so. Anthony is a fantastic masseur and his technique is very skilled. I have had a lot of massages and this was in no way average. Willow is not outrageous in price, but you get what you pay for and I wouldn’t mind paying a premium for treatments like I received from Anthony. I was a total zombie when he finished and, trust me, I was so stressed from work that I didn’t think anything would help, but my treatments at Willow did — thanks Anthony!
After my scrub and massage, I had a facial. I was completely zonked when I hit the table. The facial was very nice, but I don’t remember most of it as I was just so relaxed. All in all fantastic day at the spa. If you are looking to treat someone this is the place. My tip: Über, you’ll be glad you don’t have to drive home afterwards or deal with Santa Monica parking.
DOS 0202 2015

PROS:
Really None. — maybe just the foot or hand massage you get before any treatment for no additional cost and employees were all very nice.
CONS ABOUT ENTIRE EXPERIENCE AT WILLOW SPA:
BUILDING: It is an old house turned into a «spa» on a very noisy street, no relaxation from the noisy city life at all, especially the outside patio sitting area or the room were I received a facial. walls are so thin. The entire place needs an overhaul, especially the outside waiting patio and the restrooms (a nice painting job overall, a complete gut job in the patio area, and also washing the dirty white curtains), the restroom/​locker area is way to small with no door for the toilet just a curtain-​really? Ridiculous! Dirty cups left on counter, the entire experience was not at all an oasis spa like peaceful, and relaxing place.
FACIAL: I received the Willow Balance Facial, that is not what I wanted (I specifically told her my skin problems but she insisted on something less then what I really know I need, my fault for not insisting back don’t know why I let her push me to get what she thought was best when I know what’s better-​I have gone to some of the best spas and I know what works for me).
She included the «micro-​current» in which she only did for about 3 minutes or less and it was NOT a micro-​current machine (micro-​current is a machine that does a face-​lift w/​o having to do botox or fillers), instead she used a small hand-​held toy-​like, cheap device, not a real micro-​current machine (they also sell the hand-​held device to customer for about $ 300.00-don’t waste your money-​it is not micro-​current, it just massages the skin which is fine but it does NOT lift sagging skin like a micro-​current machine properly does).
CHECK-​OUT: Went to pay for facial and purchase products and I couldn’t take 1 of the products home because they only had one left and he couldn’t sell me the last one in stock (supposedly computer didn’t let him sell it to me, very ridiculous-​so they rather not make that last sale-​very very ridiculous).
OVERALL: Will not be returning. Prices should be at least 50% less for the less-​than relaxing, sub-​par spa experience.

Took my honey thee for a couples massage. This is a little gem located in SM. The staff is super kind, place is neat, cozy and shaded. Our treatment started w foot baths… AMAZING. Will certainly be back

It was a surprise and it truly was for this Southern California native. I have never been here And I can assure you I will go back.
It’s hidden behind a beautiful fence and U would never know its there unless someone tells you.
They give you the most comfortable little outfits of 100% cotton to put on and then U wait in a very tranquil pretty area for whatever treatment your getting.
It starts with a foot soak that has roses and fruit in it and they do a nice foot massage then your off to your service. Our couples massage was insane and yes I was snoring.
I can’t wait to return and do more treatments at this hidden Gem.

I love massages. Clocked over 100+ massages worldwide (from four seasons spa to the corner thai massage place), Yu from Willow spa is definitely world class. How did I not find Willow spa before? To be frank, I walked by it many times, but who would think a tiny place between 2 car dealership is such an urban sanctuary.
Yu is fantastic for those who likes a strong massage. My regular massage therapist tours europe with wrestlers so I am use to a very firm touch. When I made the appointment, I specifically asked for that, and Yu delivered perfectly.
I already have my next apt booked. What are you waiting for?

AMAZING.
Took my man friend here for a couples Thai massage for his birthday. First, this place is seriously such a tranquil sanctuary — it really makes you feel like you’re in Asia. Second, the staff is SO friendly and helpful. From the receptionist to the masseuses, everyone was awesome. They gave us complimentary food scrubs before our massages while we drank this delicious ginger drink (that you can buy boxes of on your way out). Last, the massages were out of this world good. We each had the table Thai massage (they also offer mat Thai massages), which is a combo of deep tissue and Thai. Holly was my masseuse and she was fantastic — I normally can’t handle hard pressure, but she did just enough to get all the kinks out of my neck and back without hurting me.
This place is a steal — it’s more relaxing and $ 50 less than most of the fancier spas here in Santa Monica. I will definitely be back.

The most amazing facial and grapefruit/​rose foot cleanse! I’m on cloud 9! It was a complete surprise to get the 15 min food cleanse and rub! I can’t wait to come back. I recommend Sunday’s– so much street parking! I didn’t want to leave.

We live in NYC and get massages regularly. We been to all the best NYC spas and massage spots. This place is amazing and hits all the right spots ! The quality of massage is truly incredible ! The massage therapists really work your muscles and you come out rejuvenated and refreshed!
Everytime we are in LA, we make a point to make it out to this spa. It’s always a serene experience and we feel rejuvenated coming out!

Massages are a luxury I have yet to be able to afford on a consistent basis.
It’s also incredibly hard to find a good masseuse (or masseur). Some the pressure is too much, too little, the movement is weird, the room smells weird, not enough oil, I don’t know. Paying this much money for a bad experience is literally the worst.
Thankfully, the experience at Willow Spa is amazing. You’re given these lounge clothes (which I’d totally buy if my idea of «lounging around my apartment» wasn’t «underwear» because it’s too goddamn hot to have anything else on), and then you sit in their little garden area where your masseuse massages your feet in a wooden barrel filled with rose petals while you sip Happy Tea, and any tension or stress you may have had walking into this experience sorta becomes not important anymore, and you’re just sitting there smiling.
Then she leads you into the massage room where you lay on what I’m convinced is the MOST comfortable bedding in the world, as you sink deeper and deeper under the smooth, comforting movement of her hands kneading out all the knots in your body.
Then at one point you will twitch on accident because it feels too good, and scares your masseuse. Of course by now it’s a party so you just keep twitching, and that’s awkward, and I really want that happy tea again, oh god please stop noticing my twitching.
If you come on the last Tuesday of every month you get double the rewards points ($ 1=1 point), and if you have enough you can qualify for a free massage so you can continue freaking out your masseuse.

I fell in love with Willow spa! i purchased a giltcity deal for a massage and facial. Anthony was my masseuse, he was amazing! it was the best massage I have ever gotten! Madelaine was my aesthetician. she was helpful, for the first time in my experience aesthetician gave me so many helpful suggestions how to take care of my skin. Besides, she did a great job extracting.
I highly recommend this spa! front desk was also very friendly and welcoming! The spa itself is hidden gem, it was like little getaway! do yourself a favor, treat yourself at willow spa!