Avia Spa

My wife had an appointment at Avia in February, and really enjoyed it – especially the great work by Jill. However, more than 40 days later Avia charged our credit card $400 for nothing. Repeated calls, emails, and visits to the spa meant nothing to them. They said I had to speak with the owner Spencer, but it never happened. They refused to give either an explanation for the charge or a refund. Sounds like credit card fraud to me! Now I have had to stop my wife’s credit card and get her a new one because who knows how much more they will charge with no explanation. If you use a credit card at Avia Spa, look out! more

I've been to Avia Salon for haircuts (Brian is excellent) and to Avia Spa for tanning. Always a good experience! more

This is a great facility, I have gone to Bacara, Walter Claudio and other spa's in town and this by far is the nicest facility I have gone to. Serene atmosphere with full shower facilities, dry eucalyptus saunas, and a peaceful tea lounge area . It also has wood tones of custom built Japanese Massage Huts with a soothing sounds of a trickling waterfall. They offer both Eastern and Western Treatments, I have gotten Swedish, Deep tissue, and their signature stone glow scrub which they use hot stones while running a vichy shower on top of you; its to die for. The Massage therapists are great, I have had Soliet (hopefully spelling it right), Rachel and Dante. All of them carrying, professional and have a great touch. Pros: Facility, Therapists,Atmosphere Cons: Parking - its hard to find parking more

I was skeptical in going to this Spa because of the bad reviews. My friend booked a massage and had convinced me to go with her. I was expecting a bad experience but comes to find out our Spa Experience was great! When we first arrived the front desk person was very nice and attended to us promptly with a friendly service. The atmosphere and the service was impeccable. I would definitely go back! more

I had reviewed Avia's website several times hoping to experience the same quality that is revealed in the pictures. The experience was not at all what I had expected. Some of the therapists were great. I can't knock the whole spa, some of the therapists were especially kind (Rachel and Angelina) but I have never dealt with such rude people in my life. I was given such attitude on the phone when booking the appointments. Not only were they rude but they booked my appointments incorrectly and then had to change some things on me and didn't even act as if it were an issue. Avia is not as professional as they come off to be. I witnessed very unprofessional customer service. I will be taking my business elsewhere. Don't go, you may regret it like I did. more

I've been here a few times regardless that I find it overpriced for their offerings. I wanted to purchase a gift certificate for my mom. I asked them to ensure they could guarantee for us to have our appointments together (my mom was in from out of town for Christmas) if not I would go elsewhere to a salon who could accomodate that. They said it was great and I bought the cert. and made the appt. Two hours prior to my appointment I got a phone call from the assistant manager that their provider had 'called out' and they would not be able to accomodate us. They offered a facial instead. I notified her that when I came in to make the appointment I had specific requests, a facial is not nearly what a massage is. When I asked for a refund, the Assistant manager became condescending and rude. I had to remind her who the customer was and asked why was I getting a lecture, there was a cancellation policy I was required to adhere to. She had an excuse for everything. Now I'm having to go in and talk to the manager, since it seems the assistant manager is powerless. Need to work on policies and customer service. Relaxing NOT!! There are many other spas in SB who offer more competitive pricing, a more relaxing/nicer ambiance and better customer service. Visit those instead. more

This was one of the worst experiences I've ever had at a spa. I spent my vacation in Santa Barbara and was looking forward to a fantastic massage after reading previous reviews. My masseusse was 20 minutes late which put me in a rushed mood. Then she got up on the table to get leverage which invaded my personal space. I was looking for a swedish massage and got something more like shiatsu. Not relaxing at all! more

According to their website many movie stars patronize this spa, so I was expecting a little snobbery.... however, this is an excellent spa with great, frinedly staff! I felt like the star for the day! It's a great way to end a day in Santa Barbara (or a great reason to go to Santa Barbara). The staff are nice, the massage was excellent, the ambience was excellent. I would go to Santa Barbara just for this spa... more

My experience at Avia Spa was amazing. The staff, the treatments, and my "spa day" were the best I've had thus far. I would definitely return to Avia when I visit Santa Barbara again. It was nice to go to a "true" day spa. It seems there are so many places that call themselves a "day spa" but in reality they are not. Avia had so much to offer such as robes, showers, dry sauna, and a lounge area. A very relaxing experience. Thank you Avia! more