Aura spa - U Street

I have been coming to Aura spa for over a year for facials with Karen. I was thoroughly impressed with the results of the facial treatment. My skin feels incredibly smooth and revitalized, with a noticeable reduction in any dullness or blemishes. The treatment provided a fresh and glowing complexion, and the attention to detail was exceptional. Overall, the experience was both relaxing and effective, leaving my face looking and feeling rejuvenated.

Highly not recommend for any eyebrows waxing. Especially Karen. I knew it was gonna be a horrible experience as soon as she started waxing my eyebrows while there barely any lights?! Terrible experience. Don’t go here they will ruin your face.

Gene was great! I love Aura spas because the vibe is so relaxing (once you get through the gym), they really take care of you, it's affordable, and they can often see you same day. Gene really got into a trouble area on my neck, while still giving me a 45 minute full body massage. Not easy! I was sore the next day, as you expect, but he gave me good tips to help counteract that. Gene is really good at mixing Thai massage elements (moving your body) with deep tissue. Gene is best if you're looking for deep pressure, not necessarily a gentle touch. Loved it and will be back!

Fantastic spa. Staff are extremely kind and good at what they do. I had a 45 minute facial and it was everything I wanted and my face needed. Spa tech was very knowledgeable and accommodating. Went back a week later for a massage and was equally impressed with the service. Very chill quiet ambiance even though it’s in a gym facility. I’ll be going back at least once a month.

Excellent spa located within a gym. Easily accessible. Clean, good spa-like vibes and fully professional team. They do a good job of sending reminder and check-in texts. I would also like to recommend Jenna, specifically. Came to her with severe knots in my back built up over a long period. I went to her once and she spent 75 minutes focused on one area of my back (per my request). The knots were so bad I came back two weeks later to Jenna. She did not disappoint but my back was so bad I needed to come back for a third session two days later. Three sessions in three weeks is a testament to her amazing skill. She was able to successfully make the biggest difference after trying several other remedies. Can't say enough about Jenna.

Have been going here consistently for 3 years. Michael, Ian, and Jazlyn are all amazing! I have had hit-and-miss experiences with some of the other practitioners, including one being somewhat rude when I asked for a specific massage technique (to use fingers to work out knots instead of elbows - ouch). I think part of the problem is that you can’t book a specific type of massage the way you do at other massage place (eg, Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point, etc), so you’re not really sure what you’re going to get until you try that provider (which might be a waste of money if you don’t like their therapeutic approach). The real downfall of Aura though is the scheduling. The app/website is buggy, often requiring multiple password resets just to get into it… it’s also just a long list of massage time offerings making it annoying to weed through. You also can NEVER reach anyone by phone, so if you need to make an appointment change or get any other kind of information, it is impossible. Since the manager changed a few weeks ago, I haven’t been able to get email responses either. I will also echo another reviewer that it is impossible to tell how many massages you have used/have left if you buy a package unless you go back and count, keep track yourself, or ask every time you go. The admin challenges really detract from the calming/relaxing experience that a spa should be.

If you’re looking for an esthetician I definitely recommend Karen! She’s super knowledgeable and sweet, she has really helped me with my skin.

Do NOT BUY A PACKAGE for a massage at Aura Spa. I was a loyal customer for years when I lived in City Vista. I brought a package of 12 massages in 2019, which were essentially massages paid in advance (they gave you 10 -15 USD lower price and a free massage). I have been unable to use my massages - pandemic, two city living situation. They extended my package in 2020 until May 2021 - but I could not use it due to family health emergency. I currently have 5 massages unused that I paid for in advance (approx value over 600 USD) -but the business refuses to refund or reinstate (I offered even paying delta in cost). There has been no way of knowing how many massages are left - so shoddy management of spa and terrible experience.