Creative Vibrations Yoga Studio & Ayurvedic Spa

It’s been a little while since I’ve been here and debated on whether or not to share my experience. I finally decided that if I can help others avoid a negative experience, why not? This review is more about the integrity of the way this place runs their business, as well as the class I took here. I am a Certified Yoga Instructor and was looking to teach in Astoria yoga studios, so I reached out to Creative Vibrations. The lady I spoke with on the phone (don’t remember the name but I believe she was the owner/​manager) seemed interested in meeting with me to discuss my experience and training. Yay! Right? Not really. She asks me to come in to take a class so I can experience the yoga that is taught in this studio, since apparently it is completely different from the Integral Hatha/​Vinyasa that I am experienced in. Fine. I get to the location and, long story short, she was short with me, had zero interest in my experience or training, charges me for the class, and then tries to upsell me a teacher training program for the style of yoga that she teaches in the school. Besides the fact that the class was poorly taught and the place was creepy looking, I couldn’t get over the fact that I was charged for a class I was forced to take. I left disappointed and feeling scammed but fortunately, I got over it by crossing the street and going to a real yoga studio. I do not recommend this place at all.

Horrible place. I purchased groupon in May, I went there and redeemed it, registered on their web site for my first class in May, it was cancelled. I registered for another class 3 days later, same thing I received an email that class will be cancelled. After that they posted on there web site that they will be close for the summer and will be back in September 23. I thought ok, I live close and will go to other studio during the summer and then will start in September. Today I checked the schedule and there is new post, they will be closed till October 26. Seriously??? And on October 26 are you going to post later date in December or so?
I understand it was a pretty cheap deal (20 $ for 20 yoga classes) and I think they realized they sold too many deals to too many people and now they don’t wanna give a service. They probably think 20 $ is a small amount and people will just forget about it and they get to keep the money and not to give a service.
I have never seen anything like that. Regular prize for one class in this place is 15 $. The idea of groupon is to try something and if you like it you can purchase a regular package. I won’t be back

DO NOT EVEN TRY TO GET THROUGH TO THESE PEOPLE.
I purchased a Groupon with a friend in February, pre-​registered online as directed, and showed up to a closed studio. We tried the cell phone number listed, and received no response. We tried again and again each week after that to get through to them — first the phone # would just ring through and our messages were unanswered, the next week an automated message said the message box was full and we still received no response. We eventually found out from the website that the owner was ill and that the studio would be closed for a few months (during which our Groupon would expire), and ended up getting a refund (in the form of Groupon credit).
Fast forward to today — another friend purchased another Groupon, not knowing it was the same studio I had such issues with in the past, because of the changed business name. Seeing that there were Unilocal reviews from April and May, I figured the owner was better, renovations were complete, and hoped for a better experience. We pre-​registered and optimistically made the trek in the heat only to find the studio closed once again, and no answer from the cell phone number.
Since February til now I have been to the location 3 times and still have yet to see the inside, and have not been able to reach anyone from the studio at all. I am fed up with this place.

I have been back to visit the studio and I have to say it looks so beautiful after all of the renovations. LaLita does a great job connecting with her students and she was very helpful with adjustments during the last class I attended. You can really tell she has a true passion for her work, and that attitude is infectious among her loyal students. The classes are now much more organized (one instructor) and I’m very happy with the updates that they have made to the space and schedule overall. I hope that this nice lovely neighborhood studio can continue to succeed because they clearly deserve it.

I am a beginner belly dancer and I found this great small studio very close to NQ Ditmars stop. The music choice is very rhythmic, the professor very knowledgeable. She combines the belly dance moves with body energy techniques and overall the class is fun and relaxing.
After 8 hours of stressful work environment this is the best place to relax while learning new dance steps.

This morning was my first time attempting Yoga ever. I felt quite awkward during the class because the various instructors were confusing me as I needed a little more instruction and conformity. Overall, the studio is peaceful and instructors helped me with my poses. I will definitely attend more classes and see how it goes.

I went there for massage last weekend and it was the worst services I have received since moving to NYC in 2007. We purchased the deal via Amazon Local. It took more than 1 week for them to return our call for an appt. When my husband showed up, the lady told him our appt was rescheduled but we did not get any notification in advance. OK fine. Amazon Local probably generated lots of traffic in the studio. We tried to be understandable.
When I showed up at studio on time. The massage lady was late. When I changed my cloth and ready, the lady said, «give me 5 min» and everything became so quiet. I wondered and looked via curtain and saw her playing with her iPhone. Finally the massage started, it was horrible. She just pressed my body by missing major pressure points and lacked of consistency. The lady also drank water and rob my feet at the same time. The actually massage ran only half hour. After she done, I asked for a hot tower as normally do at other SPA since there was oil all over my body and hair. The lady said, «keep it there. it is good for you» So I walked out the door with stinky, greasy hair. My husband did not even bother to show up for his appointment. By the way, their sheet and bed stink.

Once i was able to get an appointment it was a truly relaxing experience. Being right next to the train is certainly an unfortunate location.

I purchased a 70-​Minute Ayurvedic Massage with Foot Soak for my girlfriend as a birthday gift back in April off of Amazon Local Deals site to the Creative Vibrations Spa, and lets just say they should change the name of the place to «Creative way to be shady thieves» Spa. This is a total scam, sham, any way you want to put it. These people sell vouchers on websites like Amazon Local, or living social to people, and then when you call to try and schedule an appointment they give you the «oh we’re all booked line» or they actually told my girlfriend when she called «Oh you have a voucher from Amazon, you have to come in during non peak ours during the week» when no where on the coupon of the deal did it say anything about non peak hours? My girlfriend called and called for months to try and schedule an appointment and it was always the same old lines, or they were extremely rude, or just didn’t return phone calls at all. Fast forward from April until October (This past friday) after months of this runaround, and two days before the voucher expired I called myself and spoke to someone on the phone after several more failed attempts by my girlfriend. The girl on the phone tried giving me the the same story, «oh we’re all booked up for the weekend, but after Sunday you can put the Voucher value towards our full price package» … wow! there’s the scam… they sell the discounted Vouchers on Amazon Local and living social, give people the runaround until the voucher expires, and then try and convince them to still come in and pay full price! I told the girl that I was on to them, and I would be seeking a full refund from Amazon, and would post on Unilocal about their business practices if they didn’t schedule my girlfriend an appointment before the voucher ran out, she said she understood. Never heard a word back from them. so here ya go Creative Scam Artists Studio and Imaginary Spa, here’s your review for being shady, and trying to steal my money… not to mention the embarrassment that this was a birthday gift. And unlike you, I stay true to my word, so today I contacted Amazon, and they were nice (this in no way is a review of Amazon Local, they were awesome) and gave me a refund… and agreed that this is bad business. So in short… SCAM, CROOKS, THIEVES… dishonest business practices, and rude over the phone… Stay away and don’t risk losing your money, or your patience!

this was the first massage I’ve ever had; I went because I was experiencing back pain and thought it might help. I can’t speak to how professional or proper the massage was, but I can say I felt relaxed during and immediately after (even with the train noise). however, I noticed a few hours later that, not only had my back pain returned and worsened, but that I had a new bruise from the massage. it was incredibly painful. I have very dark skin, so a bruise is unmistakeable. I’m offering three, rather than fewer stars, because I felt comfortable and relaxed at the time of service. but I would not return.

I bought their first time student monthly yoga pass. I am the kind of person who gives a studio a chance to see how it works on my body. I can work my body out in any yoga class and I don’t mind adjusting my needs when the class is going somewhere my body might not. So even though the teacher isn’t always clear, the energy feels scattered and slightly nagging, I decided to stick it out. (Maybe I’ll learn something new? I’m being open to all teachings…)
The owner has told me just text me before class to confirm (this has been working for 2 weeks). One day I text to confirm me and a friend for a class I needed very much. The owner left her phone in the car and when we arrived she complained we didn’t confirm and she has made another «appointment.»
#1 Teachers should wait 10 to 15 minutes before canceling class, NOT as students are arriving on time and confirmed.
#2 What teacher turns away students who have already paid for their class? If I was a new student with cash, I bet she would have been ready to take that money and teach.
#3 What teacher turns away a student willing and ready to take class? Everyone who walks through the door is worth teaching and giving 100% too, even if it is 1 person a class or 10 people in a class.
So out of frustration my friend about 15 minutes later, walked back to get a refund… The owner was still there, she clearly had no appointment. She just didn’t want to teach. The solution is to have a sub on hand. If I paid for a service I should receive service. I’ll finish out my card, but I won’t be returning next month.

From the moment I walked into this studio I did not feel welcomed. My sister and I went to community yoga, which was free as part of their teacher training program. The teacher layita went so fast and her energy was all over. She didn’t help anyone with any poses and she did a terrible job at explaining what she wanted. Towards the middle of the hour class I just couldn’t wait for it to end, I have never felt that way about a yoga class in my life. I actually would have walked out if I wasn’t with my sister (who also hated the experience but there was no way to tell while the class was in session).
Overall it was a very uncomfortable experience which was caused by lolytia. My sister and I felt bad for all of the people in their teacher training because they are learning horribly!
There is so much more to say but I don’t want to ramble.

I visited this cute yoga studio for an Abhyanga massage offer on Living Social. The space is authentic and very «yogi» — I loved it! As someone else stated in the reviews, do not go expecting your average spa experience. This place has Indian drapes hung all over the walls and a comfortable «homey» feel. The smell of natural oils fills the space and instantly takes you away. I got an Abhyanga massage, amazing! Long, deep strokes which felt natural, and not like a «procedure» as many massages can feel (step by step). Also, a lot of massages I’ve gotten before, I leave sore, but this one not at all, I felt revived! The woman massaging me made me feel very comfortable and I would definitely go back. If you are looking for an authentic experience, definitely try this place out!

I have recently been interested in what the benefits of different types of massage are, and had heard that this place offers a very authentic Ayurvedic massage using essential oils and different techniques. This review will be only about the massage part of the business as I haven’t done any yoga or other classes here.
One thing worth noting is that there is definitely a gypsy-​esque vibe to the place, and you shouldn’t come expecting the clean lines of a spa. However this isn’t a bad thing and I think it supports the type of classes and massage they are practicing, things may seem a little scruffy, but just roll with it.
The woman who did my massage was very conscientious of my needs during it, and was incredibly skilled at finding problems in my back, shoulders and calves and massaging it out. I haven’t had an Ayurvedic massage before, but I really liked it and am definitely feeling the pain a bit today, but in a very good loose way.
I would say that it isn’t totally foreign, as all massage is basically variations on pushing on muscles in your back, but the flow of the massage was different and felt like it was a more natural progression from one muscle group to another than standard Swedish or Shiatsu is.
According to a conversation I overheard while there, it would appear they are on the brink of a total remodel, so I’ll have to come back and check out it once that is done.
Prices were fair and I left satisfied.

Bought a massage discount offer emailed to me from AmazonLocal. I liked the idea of supporting neighborhood business. I am disappointed in the lack of professionalism and service. I was told by Creative Vibrations that I could only schedule the message Mon or Tues mornings. Understanding that off-​peak times are targeted toward discount specials I agreed and took a day off work to «treat myself» and planned the rest of my day around this appointment. Unfortunately no one showed up. I called the number on the door (presumably the owners cell phone) and was apologetically asked if i could reschedule and she’d get back to me in 40 minutes. Its now 60 minutes later and no call. Doesn’t matter. from the looks at most of these reviews this is common practice and a bad space for soothing oneself. AmazonLocal quickly and graciously refunded my $ 59.00
Lesson. Read social site reviews before buying!

Had an ayurvedic massage, it was a waste of time and money. The place is located inside the train station so you hear all the noises and service announcements during the massage. It was like a bad dream where you’re going to work naked on the train. Not at all relaxing.

I don’t care about frills or spa-​like ambiance. I don’t care what celebrities have frequented the establishment. I care about service and quality. A person who is licensed, understands the mind-​body connection, and who cares more about my well-​being than watching the clock. I have seen many massage therapists and Lalita is the best person who has ever worked on my back. She is honest, applies perfect pressure, and allows you to relax (isn’t constantly talking to you). She uses a modest amount of oil that smells wonderful and facilitates relaxation. I’m so thoroughly impressed with Lalita that I don’t think I can ever go elsewhere.
I cannot speak to the yoga classes, but I look forward to attending those in the near future.

SO WONDERFUL! I got a Abhyanga massage here last night. Lalita truly has a gift and a true passion for Ayurvedic massage and yoga. She is one of the only authentic ayurvedic masseuses in NY, learning all her movements from powerful instructors in India. It’s a nicely decorated, clean, small place. Completely affordable, and relaxing. The night I went to sleep, I felt so relaxed, peaceful and had the most wonderful dreams. It was really nice. I will come back next time for some classes.

I decided to give Zumba a whirl – and Creative Vibrations offers classes taught by Lisa Eskenazi. The class I went to was off the normal schedule – and me and my friend were the only people there. Lisa is fantastic. This was my first class in a long time. I’m a fluffy gal, and it’s so darn intimidating to try a new fitness class – I’ve encountered students and instructors who don’t like my kind (ack! a big girl in workout clothes!). But Lisa rocked. It was a tough workout but FUN and very doable. She’s a powerhouse and I worked harder than I thought I could. I will be back!
The space is pretty small and it was warm. I would not want to take a packed class here. But Lisa is awesome so I’ll be back.

So the first time when I attempted to go for a community class, I found out from a sign on the door, not a person, that it wasn’t’ actually starting until the next week. despite the online class schedule.
Despite an inauspicious first attempt, I decided to return with an open mind for my second visit.
I went for a community class drawn by the low cost of only $ 5. Expecting to find a packed studio, yet I was the only person at this particular class.

Now in my mind, I was excited assuming this meant I would receive top notch personalized support, and an amazing experience.
Unfortunately the instructor I had actually gave me less personalized adjustments and tips than I have received elsewhere when in classes of 5 or more people.
The weirdest part I can’t quite explain is that the instructor also insisted on instructing in a voice as if she was speaking to a large impersonal group, which I frankly found a turn off, and somewhat distracting given there were only two of us in a very small space.
At one point, I asked for a block, as I am not the most flexible of people, and my instructor apologized and looked embarrassed as she explained that she could offer me a folded up blanket, but that they had no blocks at the time. I was fine making do, scout’s honor :-), but it definitely struck me as unprofessional.
At the end of the class, which was an hour, unlike many places I’ve been where it is 1.5 hours.
Glad to have gotten some cheap yoga, I took out a $ 20 to pay, as I had run to the ATM just before class only to be told that they had no change for me. Somewhat stupefied by a lack of change, I sort of stared at her until she said that we’d have to wait for her coworker to arrive in a few minutes… After about five minutes, he showed up, and happened to have change in his wallet, so I was able to pay them…
All I can say is, nothing like waiting past the end of a yoga class to pay them for it to chase away any nice yoga buzz I had going.
Overall, the community class cost didn’t outweigh the rest, I’m sad to say, as someone interested in yoga on a tight budget.
**In response, I did go there, there was a male instructor who popped in at the end, I went there soon after they opened when they did have a community class. I see now they have discontinued that. No one asked me to sign a book when I arrived.