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Yu Spa

5

4

3

2

1

4.3
(416 reviews)
Review highlights

"I’ve been here a few times and always have a relaxing experience. I find the facilites clean and the staff professional."

"The place is relaxing and well valued for the price."

"The restaurant next door, bread brick has his food and done new drinks."


Overview

Categories

Massage spa, Aromatherapy service, Day spa


Hours

Sunday

9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Monday

9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 9:30 PM


Description

Free yourself from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life at Yu Spa, in San Diego! Yu Spa is a modern Korean bath house and massage spa at the heart of San Diego providing a wide range of services from body scrubs and massages, to sauna and jjimjilbang, and yoni steam as well. Our team of professionals will help you start your journey toward health, serenity and well being. Yu Spa is open 7 days a week with late closing hours, and are always here to make sure you get the most out of every visit. Our holistic treatments, including red clay body scrubs, Himalayan salt soaks, and wet massages, will rejuvenate you and leave your skin feeling smooth. Come to our massage spa in San Diego today!


Reviews

Feb 03, 2025

Came here first a long time ago & it was fine. Was there Nov 2024 again & there was a terrible smell in the women’s area, so they gave me a complimentary card for a next visit. Was there today & I really do enjoy the amenities but having been to spas in Japan & Germany, what I most miss is the silence & respect. I did let the front desk know that it got really loud; in spite of the signs posted all over to “keep voices low” people don’t. I would PAY if there was the option to come to a “Silence is Golden Hour” either before they open, their first hour, or something like this. Would be amazing to really get the feel of spa with some quiet ✨✨


Jan 29, 2025

I visited Yu Spa yesterday for a body scrub and massage, and while the facilities are lovely, the service was disappointing. The body scrub was far too rough, with very little water used, making the experience uncomfortable. I couldn’t help but compare my treatment to others around me, and it was significantly different—both from what I observed and from my past experiences. At one point, the therapist even asked me to get up mid-service to wash my face, which disrupted the flow of the treatment. The massage that followed was even worse. It felt rushed, mechanical, and extremely painful. Rather than a relaxing experience, it felt like she was pressing as hard as possible, even on my bones, which should never happen in a proper massage. She seemed to be following a general routine but sped through it so quickly that there was no real care or attention. To make matters worse, she finished early. I expected a soothing and professional experience but left feeling more tense and sore than when I arrived. While the facilities are great, the quality of service I received was far below expectations. I hope this was just an off day, but I don’t see myself returning anytime soon.


Jan 29, 2025

It was such a wonderful experience! I got a scrub and oil massage, and now my skin feels so smooth all over. The masseuse had amazing techniques, and the soreness in my shoulders is gone. My favorite facility in it called jimjilbang was the Himalayan hot stone room, though the yellow clay room was great too. An amazing experience—highly recommend!


Jan 29, 2025

I’m so bummed to say this because the front desk was kind and the spa facility was very nice and clean. But I had a deep tissue massage there today and the therapist used her elbow to target BETWEEN MY SPINAL BONES. I felt this super sharp pain between my spine and the therapist saw me flinch and apologized. I thought it would be okay and told her to continue. But after I left it’s gotten progressively worse as the night goes on. I can’t bend left or right or arch my back without awful pain it’s excruciating. I’m actually crying it’s so bad. I’ve had deep tissue massage therapy very regularly for 10 years and never had anything like this and never had anyone work my spine. Every massage class I’ve ever taken says not to because it’s dangerous. I don’t even have back pain normally. This is awful! I don’t know what to do I’ve never experienced anything like this. Don’t get massage therapy here. *edited to say just found out you don’t require any license or certification to practice massage in California so no wonder the therapists are dangerously practicing they literally probably don’t know that what they are doing is dangerous but a single beginner massage class would teach this*


Jan 22, 2025

First experience with a Jjimjilbang. Loved it. Anyone squeamish about the nudity didn't read the website or know anything about Korean spas before hand. Spent most of my time in the wet area where everything was clean. I wish we could wear flip flops or spa slippers but that's my only complaint. Left feeling great.


Jan 15, 2025

Immersing and relaxing


Jan 15, 2025

The area is small and expensive. I mean over all is in clean condition, but the hot tube is too small, and the entrance fee is way too expensive. It does not worth the money I think.


Jan 05, 2025

Great place for relaxation day. I usually get 1 hour deep tissue massage with the access to all spa areas for $130. They provide towels, shampoo, conditioner and body wash. It’s also an area to dry your hair and do make up at the end


Jan 05, 2025

I am on vacation in Coronado and was so happy to discover a Korean spa in the area as I love to get a full body scrub. It was easy to find and easy free parking. Upon arrival the staff was friendly and explained everything. We booked a body scrub with oil massage. 60 minutes. You have to know going in what to expect when getting a body scrub from a Korean spa. You can't be shy because you are completely naked and splayed out on a padded table in a room with many tables. But if you've never had a full body scrub you need to try it! You get scrubbed front and back, side to side, and nothing is missed. With the hour you also get oiled down, a face massage with a collagen mask and your hair washed. You feel so relaxed afterwards and get to stay to try out the salt room, ice room and dry sauna. You cannot wear shoes or a bathing suit. They provide a comfortable top and shorts for the common area. I highly recommend the experience if you haven't done it before. And if you've done this before you'll be pleased with this spa. Clean and nicely decorated.


Jan 05, 2025

I love this place. Great facilities which are very clean and cared for. The treatments are also really nice. The lounging area is great to take a break from the heat, and the complimentary snacks are well stocked. I love Yu Spa and overall find it a great experience with each visit. I come here regularly when in town.


Jan 05, 2025

Took my daughter here for her 19th birthday and we got the body scrub/wet massage. We had no idea that the body scrub area had like 20 tables with naked woman laying there getting services. We’ve done a body scrub before at another spa but we were in a room with just the 2 of us and they gave us mesh covers for our lady bits. It was quiet shocking and sooooo uncomfortable. And in the middle of the service they have you get up to rinse off and walk butt naked in a room full of people. It just sooo awkward and we were not expecting that at all. I asked my lady for a towel to cover up while I went to shower and she argued with me. It felt like a really creepy room where they scrub you down like they are ready to ship you off. I will say the massage was very good but I was so uncomfortable the entire time I couldn’t enjoy it. So this is a review so people know if you get the scrub service you will be naked (totally completely) with a bunch of other people. They really need to let people know that! I would never ever go back.


Dec 05, 2024

Booked wife a body scrub and massage package for her birthday. Tommy surprise she really enjoyed it and was pleased with her service provider. I was hesitant due to some reviews but I ran it by here and she was in. Thank you for making my wife happy.


Nov 05, 2024

I had an amazing experience! The scrub service was outstanding – it left my skin feeling so refreshed and rejuvenated. The massage was absolutely incredible; I felt so relaxed and completely pampered. On top of that, the customer service was excellent – everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend.


Nov 05, 2024

Just what I needed. For those who complain about the nudity didn’t read the website before. If that’s not your thing then that’s you. This place is great. I had a gift certificate for the sauna & jjimjilbang admission which gives the guest three hours to use the hot tub, cold tub, steam sauna, a dry sauna, a salt room (ITS BEAUTIFUL), a clay room and a ice room plus the common area. I have been in pain due to medical complications and this definitely helped me relax. I could take my time and actually enjoy each thing. I will be back as it has helped a lot.


Nov 05, 2024

Not a big location but has everything you need for a nice relaxation or recovery session. Went on a Saturday evening and expected it to be packed but it was not crowded at all. Not easy to find a decent spa location at this price in the States. Scrubs and massages are a bit pricey imo but not terrible by US standards. Will be returning.


Nov 05, 2024

This is my favorite spa in San Diego. I have a review on my TikTok @catchmechilln . Get the Korean body scrub!


Nov 05, 2024

Very expensive, very naked, the scrub was unenjoyable because your face down basically huffing mustly moldy wet smelling pipes and its FREEZING in there, it would be very easy for them to cover you, use the curtain and give you a towel to walk to the showers with. Honestly, I felt violated, humbled and confused after. The massage was terrible, the scrub hurt and Id rather not be forced to walk around completly naked, for 175 I should be supplied a towel. WOULD NOT RECCOMMEND


Oct 05, 2024

First time Korean spa customer review here, so I hope my review helps newbies- I choose Yu Spa after combing through as many reviews from different Korean Spa's that I could find. My daughter and I came here for a birthday celebration. She is an adult - 24 years old - even though they allow children here with a parent if they are over 13 years old - I would ABSOLUTLEY NOT come here with a child, even a late teen ager - a person needs to be fully mature to be here as people are in TOTAL NUDITY the entire time. The nudity is no problem for me but if a kid was at spa yesterday; I would of asked for a refund. It is beyond inappropriate to allow kids here, but that's just my personal opinion. All the saunas were great but cold room needs a major mildew removal cleaning - smells musty! The jacuzzi was nice, not too heavy on chlorine but the cold tub had such a strong odor of chlorine that it burned my eyes and skin! Overall spa was pretty clean . We purchased the scrub and avocado oil massage. If you have ANY skin issues- do not get scrub! It will mess you up, so be careful, we both have healthy skin so we used scrub and it was great! In the wet room the tables are slicker than walking on a banana on the floor! I would NOT come here if I was elderly or disabled - major fall hazard if you are not careful! When you use wet services be aware that there are 15-20 women in one room and it is ran in a 'factory assembly line' style, it is not going to be relaxing in nature. I did enjoy the services - all but massage - it was very, very rushed and missed key points of tension in my body. I would defiantly come back to use spa amenities and scrub services but I would absolutely not pay for a massage here again- price is not cheap but honestly I have had a better massage at those run of the mill 20$ foot massage places. One last thing, I would of rated this place 4 stars if they lessened up on the 'cheap skate' in nature business practices - I do not understand it when a spa is trying to be a 'higher end' establishment but there are signs by the snacks that say 'Camera in use' or in bathroom that say 'take one paper towel' - stuff like that is annoying when the average customer coming in is spending over 200 bucks - it just cheapens your business. ALSO - since our avocado massage and scrub package was on special for 135.00 instead of 150.00 they would not apply my additional 10% birthday discount so that sucked and left a bad impression. Overall, would come again but would not get a massage - overpriced, rushed and not relaxing at all.


Oct 05, 2024

We ended up at Yu Spa in San Diego after a last-minute cancellation at another spa. They were able to accommodate us with walk-ins, offering service availability every 30 minutes, which was super convenient. I highly recommend their body scrub and optional massage combo. I wish they had informed us beforehand that you can choose the level of harshness for the scrub gloves. My girlfriend prefers a softer touch and found the initial scrub a bit too rough, though I personally loved the intensity. It was perfect for me. The body scrub itself is a highly technical process. It's definitely not a relaxing massage but I still loved the experience. The occasional wash-off with hot water during the scrub felt amazing and refreshing. By the end, I felt incredibly clean and refreshed. If you’re looking for that deep-clean feeling, this is perfect. After the scrub, I had the avocado oil massage. The massage therapist was highly skilled and technical in their approach. I think next time I’ll do a hard workout beforehand so I can fully enjoy a massage on sore muscles. No complaints about the technique—it was spot on. The spa facilities are also worth mentioning. They have hot and ice-cold tubs, a dry sauna, a steam sauna, and an incredibly powerful ceiling shower, which is perfect after a sauna session. With the service, you also get access to their jjimjilbang area, which includes a Himalayan salt sauna, a red clay sauna, an ice room (though as someone who enjoys the cold, I found the 55F temp not cold enough for me), and a cozy common area to relax in. The common area couches are super comfy, and they offer complimentary rice tea (which was delicious), cold water, snacks, and—MUST TRY - the rice cookies. Seriously, don’t miss those! Yu Spa offers an excellent mix of treatments, great facilities, and a comfortable atmosphere. I'm pretty sure I just acquired a new expensive addiction 😅


Sep 05, 2024

First time was good. Went on a weekend and it was a little crowded. Next time was mediocre, I went during week to avoid the crowds. The hot tub was luke warm, cold room felt like a random air conditioner, sauna was barely misting, etc. Be aware thier massage people are not certified massage therapist, it was so unpleasant, I stopped her mid way and left to go back to main areas. But prices are reasonable so... worth a visit to see how you like it.


Sep 05, 2024

I come to Yu spa regularly and love every minute of being there. It’s always clean, massages are always very relaxing and the scrub makes me feel so fresh. The jimjilbang has yummy snacks, delicious corn tea and fruit infused water. Definitely recommend trying it out!


Sep 05, 2024

One of my favorite places to destress and regroup after a long week! I always feel a little younger and more vibrant after a cold plunge, a scrub and some time in the sauna.


Aug 05, 2024

Check your bank statements! I went in for a massage ($80) and spa day ($50). I enjoyed my day. However, we noticed that they request a tip upfront AND after service. I didn't leave a tip on my card because I'd brought cash for tipping the people who actually provided direct services (the way I believe tipping should actually work). After the massage, they give you an envelope for cash to be paid to the masseuse. I paid a 20% cash tip after the massage, which I think is wholly sufficient. But when I checked my credit card statement I noticed they ILLEGALLY changed the charge I signed for, adding an additional 25% tip to my card. So I ended up paying a 45% tip. Unfortunately this has soured my experience with them and I won't be returning. If you go for a massage, and don't want to pay a tip twice, pay for all services in cash and only tip AFTER the service.


Aug 05, 2024

I always enjoy the facilites at Yu Spa. Yes, it’s expensive compared to places in LA but guess what? This isn’t LA and there isn’t that much competition. I like that the steam and sauna rooms are hot, but wish the cold bath was actually cold not cool. Scrubs are solid, but massages are not very good (not unusual for Korean spa) and not worth the time or the money. The time limit doesn’t really make sense given most people don’t stay that long, it’s never at full capacity, and it’s not 24/7 so they don’t need to worry about people using it like a cheap hotel - unnecessarily stingy esp given the prices. If I’m in LA, I make it a point to go to a spa up there even if I’d rather wait to go midweek in SD, just because I don’t want to be rushed. Now, Korean spas are not known for their pleasant customer service, but Yu Spa’s front desk (full of non Koreans) wins for absolutely horrible staff. There are always at least a few surly young people who are genuinely annoyed that they have to hit pause on their gossiping and social media. Even if you’re the only customer there, they make it a point to have you stand there for a few minutes before they acknowledge you. As a Korean, I’m very confused about why these people were hired at all.


Aug 05, 2024

The milk & honey body scrub treatment is exceptional and the staff are helpful/friendly. Unfortunately, the hot tub's cleanliness is a serious concern. I've developed a hot tub rash during my last two visits, which is extremely uncomfortable, itchy, and alarming once you understand its cause. This issue likely stems from low chlorine levels and bacteria growth in the hot tub. Regrettably, I won't be returning and will need to seek an alternative Korean spa. Yu Spa, I recommend increasing the chlorine levels or emptying/refilling the hot tub more frequently to maintain proper hygiene standards.


Aug 05, 2024

Waoo this is the greatest place ever, very respectful and excellent service. This is my very first time here but not the last for sure :) . Lo recomiendo muchísimo


Aug 05, 2024

We had the best experience at Yu today. We didn’t know what to expect since we had never been to a Korean spa before. It was wonderful. The scrub was great. I felt so clean and relaxed afterwards. We used all of the amenities and spent 2.5 hours there. The staff were all so kind. I will definitely be returning.


Aug 05, 2024

Went for a massage because I was having neck pain. I explained to the woman that I wanted my neck and shoulders massaged. She ignored my request and just did her normal routine. I left in more pain than I came in with. A complete waste of time, and they expected a tip even though they didn't do what I came in for. Save yourself the frustration and find somewhere else.


Jul 05, 2024

Peaceful atmosphere, great customer service, did the couples massage with my wife and we were both in heaven!!!! I cant remember the massage ladys name but she was amazing!!!! Highly recommend this spa!!


Jul 05, 2024

Pros: clean Cons: 1-Expensive at $50! For comparison Wi spa in LA is $30, Riviera spa in Torrance is $28 and I spa in Irvine is $35. $50 is a rip off especially with a time restriction. Plus facilities of Yu spa is the smallest and the worst of these four spas. 2-A 3 hour time limit is ridiculous. Spas in LA have no such time limit and are bigger and better. And less costly. If you must put a time limit 6 hours should be the minimum. With 3 hours I felt rushed and couldn’t have s relaxed experience. 3- Jjimjilbang is NOT in a traditional Korean style! They have sofas. I almost bursted out laughing at this absurdity. 4-Pools/jacuzzis are is quite small. 3 people in each is the max. My knee occasionally bumped into a guy next to me. Awkward!


Jun 05, 2024

Amazing body scrub. I left there with baby smooth skin. Best money ever spent. Very efficient and professional service. So worth it! Do it!!!!


Jun 05, 2024

If you want your day to be RUINED like they did my wife’s birthday please go to this place. They appeared to be nice but they are money hungry. I paid for a the spa service including the tip and my wife forgot to carry the gift card and even though they saw that my information and payment was there they insisted I drove an hour to drop off the so called gift card. I spoke with the manager who didn’t even care if it was her birthday and told me he can’t make any adjustments and yet my payment info and name for the reservation was there. To add more insult to injury when they embarrassed my wife on her birthday they told her to come back another day with the gift card and that they don’t offer reimbursement of funds. If I never told them I would get the authorities involve (better Business Bureau and the police) it Would have been difficult to have the full funds returned. If you still decide to go I wish you the best. Whatever you do don’t trust their smiles they are heartless.


Jun 05, 2024

It always seems like the front desk is in a bad mood. I just want to pay for my wife and I to enjoy the spa. But it always seems like they have an attitude about it. Not sure I'll be back anytime soon Glad to see the upgrades and maintenance over the years. Even with the increase in pricing I've enjoyed the spa.


Jun 05, 2024

Probably the most awkward of spaces I have ever experienced in a Korean spa, in several dimensions. At $50, it has a more premium price tag that is not worth it at all. There are 4 shower heads to stand under and 8 sit down shower seats. You can see all 4 showers in full as you enter and they are all in full view from anywhere you are in the men’s sauna space. The sit down showers do not have bowls for the water but they remind you that there is a California drought happening. The thermostat, located right next to showers, was set at 70 degrees. It was very cold in the air, of the sauna space. The spaces to sit inside the steam and sauna is very crowded if there is any more than 4 people. The hot tub uses chlorine and is maybe 97 degrees, which is not hot. The amount of space the cold tub uses, has same footprint of space as the hot tub, which is too much. Suffice to say, completely sober, you’re asking for a bad trip at the automotive repair/car wash strip-mall, Korean spa, unfortunately. Good luck though!


May 05, 2024

it was a great time with my girlfriends! We were massaged and washed with brushes, we came out like babies! delicious fruits and tea delighted us in the common area! We will definitely come again!


May 05, 2024

I've been to many spas, this one is on the bottom rating: too crowded, too loud, cold water tub was out of order, and I was not informed, when i asked for the short sets to put one; the one that's free in all spas, to explore the other areas, they said it was $10 more. I was not informed about all this even though told the front desk attendant that this was my first time in the spa. But front desk ended up giving me the shorts sets for free because I complained about the cold bath. Oh...there is snacks included with the extra $10.


Apr 05, 2024

Great experience one of the best spas in SD


Apr 05, 2024

Let down. Other reviews raved about the body exfoliation/scrub. Maybe this just is not for me but it felt rushed and like we were slabs of meat on a cold slippery table. If it wasn’t so cold maybe it would have been more enjoyable. The process is impersonal. They call you by a number instead of just asking for your name, you are walked in naked in front of 10 other people and then laid on a table and aggressively maneuvered around. The massage therapist didn’t even introduce herself or explain the process. The massage was rough and felt like my toddler jumping on my body. I was scheduled for a 30 min body scrub followed by the Milk and Honey massage. 90 min total. After 70 min they were done and when I asked if it was a full 90 min she told me to go shower. I was shivering during the entire treatment. I asked to forego the massage after the body scrub and she told me she would make sure to dry me off and cover me to keep me warm. That never happened despite multiple requests. Getting a massage should feel relaxing and calm. This was the opposite. Th amenities are okay, they have a good sauna and steam room with a nice cold tub. However, the floor is slippery and wet and you have to be barefoot. It gives locker room vibes not cozy spa vibes. For $175 I expected better. I’d never do this again.


Apr 05, 2024

Ok my friend took me here for my birthday this week! Lord this place was amazing, relaxing, and my skin is glowing I highly recommend give them a visit and get the body scrub!! Kay you make my skin amazing I will be coming back