Bellissima Day Spa — Local services in Berkeley

Decided to surprise my boyfriend with a couple's massage as one of his birthday treats, and thanks to the power of Yelp, I found this place within a walking distance.

I called about 3 weeks ahead to book a session. I decided on the Complete Healing package from their website ($90 per person, discounted from $150), which includes a 30 minute exfoliating back salt glow and a 30 minute herbal facial. Old Yelp reviews had stated that the hot tub baths were included, but due to the drought, they now charge $15 per bath, which I find to be fair, so I added that to our package. The lady who takes bookings on the phone has a heavy accent, but she was otherwise clear and was happy to answer all my questions.

On the birthday boy's special day, we walked together to this location. It's an adorable baby-blue Victorian house with a cute little garden with a statue of Buddha. Something of a cross between an enchanting fairy tale and a zen garden. We were a few minutes early, but once we walked in, the ladies were ready to get going immediately, so there was no wait.

For the massage and facial, we were taken to a dimly lit room with relaxing Tibetan (no idea if it is, but it sounded like that to me?) music and two massage tables for each of us. It was a cold winter day, and my poor feet had been freezing cold since the previous evening, and when I got onto the table, it was so warm, and my feet felt instantly happier. There were robes for each of us. I believe it was Thanh and Priti who were our masseuses.

Even though the website said that the 30 minute exfoliating back salt glow includes back, neck, and shoulder massage, I was also given a massage for my arms and legs. That was really appreciated. We had warm oil massaged over our skins, and the exfoliating salt rubbed on our backs. The facial was very soothing, and we had cucumbers put over our eyes as well.

After that, we were lead to the room where two bathtubs were filled for us. It's a small room, which also included a shower stall if we wanted to take a shower. One bathtub had the bubble jets, and the other was a claw foot bathtub. Not only were they filled with wonderfully hot water, they also had slices of lemons and rosemary and other leaves. They also left us a large jug of water with a slice of orange, and two cups to drink from. Even though the bath is said to be 15 minutes, I think we were relaxing in there for longer. They didn't say anything.

Also, since it was my boyfriend's birthday, he showed them his ID as proof, and we got a discount. I was even given a card, and if I reach a certain number of sessions, I get $10 off one. The ladies here were very sweet. My boyfriend even said that he was experiencing a mild wrist pain earlier, but after the massage, he no longer felt it. He was very happy and felt relaxed and pampered. Success! We'll come back...

My 17 year old daughter has struggled with back pain from carrying a heavy backpack and hunching over laptops. The massage my daughter received at Bellissima Day Spa completely changed her. Her posture was instantly improved and she feels so much better (less headaches, less back pain and less anxiety). Also, at her annual physical a few days after the massage, she measured a whole inch taller! She stopped growing about 2 years ago, so this is incredible. You basically straightened her out!

I also received an incredible massage, in the same room as my daughter, which was really nice to be together. We both loved the ambiance of the spa, which is calm and peaceful. After our massage, we were offered tea in the reception area, which was the perfect end to a...

This was the worst experience of a massage I have ever had. The massage therapist was first surprised I asked for a 90 min, even though that’s what I was booked for. She also started with no pressure, and when I asked her to go stronger she said she will work her way to that. 15 minutes later she didn’t increase the pressure and her hand movements were so chaotic and didn’t not flow, she also opened the door in the middle of the session, walked out a few times, and burnt me with the hot stone. I had to end the session early and they still made me pay full price . This place is so unprofessional, it has taught me to always ask for a license to practice. I don’t even want to give it the one star, but that’s the only...