This spa is nothing like what I've ever experienced before. Although this is common in Korea, it's rare to see something like this in the states. I've already been there a couple times with my family just within the past month. It's exact location is in Niles, IL right next to Super H-Mart and Home Depot (corner of Oakton and Waukegan).
Here are a couple reasons why I keep going back there.
1. Variety: This place has 8 whirlpools in the men and womens' spa, a steam sauna, 9 different kind of dry sauna, body scrubs, massage, aroma gold massage, acupressure, and foot massage. It's great to go around and try all the different kinds of sauna without any limits. There's ocher, fire Sudatorium, ice, amethyst, charcoal, base rock, bulgama, salt, and gold pyramid rooms. Each of these rooms are said to have different health benefits. You can enjoy all this for only $20. ($15 for children 2-12 and free for children under 2). I love the fact that I could stay there as long as I want. When I go with my mom, we easily spend about 5 hours.
2. Healthy: This spa and sauna is not only great for relaxation; it's healthy. The whole purpose is to sweat out all the impurities and toxins in your body by breathing in elements from nature. It's a self-healing mechanism. After doing the spa and sauna, my skin feels like a baby's skin! I also noticed I shed a few pounds- which is a big plus for me! I personally love the Salt room and the Base Rock room. It's one of the lesser hot ones but I sweat profusely without feeling like I did.
3. Restaurant: Inside the spa, there is a restaurant and juice bar that has fruit smoothies, hawaiian ice, Korean and Asian food. If you order a meal, they give you all sorts of side dishes with it. It's great that I don't need to change and step out of the spa just to eat something.
4. Convenient: This place is so convenient. I don't need to carry a baggage with me with all my stuff. They give you uniforms (t-shirts and shorts), small towels, soap, shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush, and toothpaste. The best part is...you don't need to pay for it! They also sell gowns, caps, body scrubbing towels, etc. Everything is scanned in the key you get at the entrance so you don't need to carry around money with you. If you get any massage, you pay that when you're checking out as well.
5. Family friendly: Kids and seniors of all ages can go. They have a movie theater in the common lounge where I've seen Avatar, 2012, and Alice in Wonderland. They have rows of comfortable recliner sofas for all the customers to relax and enjoy the movie. I've seen people fall asleep in there because it's so comfortable.
6. Quiet lounge and meditation hall: I heard some customers have travelled from out-of-state to visit the spa. Instead of booking a hotel, they just sleep overnight at the spa. They have a second floor with mats and pillows specially for customers who are sleeping. They also have another room filled with recliner chairs and flat-screen t.v.s for people who are taking a break.
7. Classy: Pretty straight forward. It's clean, professional, and classy. The decor and furniture is beautiful and it makes me feel like I'm at some fancy hotel!
All in all, I love this place. I go about once a week on the weekends with my friends or family. It's been a great unique way to bond with people while de-stressing and getting healthy at the same time.
Pros: Open 24/7, everything's provided, convenient transactions
Cons: No outside food or drinks...but it's like this everywhere
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