Elysium

Cheryl is very gifted and skilled! I had a wonderful massage here after a long walk on the beach. Everyone that works here is very warm, kind, welcoming, and accommodating. Cheryl knew exactly what to do to help me get relaxed and she worked on tight areas that I wasn’t even aware was affecting me. She gave me some great stretching tips and really gave me one of the best massages I’ve had in years! The only problem is that the massage must eventually end :)

This place is wonderful — from the way we were treated by staff, to the services. I’m in town visiting my brother (who, by the way, got a military discount — keep that in mind if you or someone you’re with is in the military). On a lark we decided to get facials — a first for my brother. I had Charlene and he had Sherry.
My facial was one of the best I’ve ever had! Charlene did an amazing job with my skin, and I left feeling so relaxed. My brother also had a great experience and left feeling happy and relaxed. They also made it a point as we were leaving to thank him for his service to the country :)
This place is a gem and I highly recommend it. Treat yourself!

What a delightful gem of a spa. My husband and I came down for his birthday weekend and wanted a peaceful place to which we could walk from our hotel. Easy to make appointments and prompt email confirmations. Quiet location, lovely décor, relaxed and lovely lounging area. Terri greeted us warmly and all reservations were in order. Best of all were the superb treatments– I had a body polish/​massage with Sherry that was truly wonderful and my husband had a massage with Shay that was wonderful too. Very skilled practioners. Highly recommended. We will make this our go-​to spa when in Monterey!

Just had a great Brazilian wax with Angelina! She is really nice and makes you feel comfortable-​which is important for a situation like this. I am very happy with the results! Will definitely be back.

I received my first mini facial and brow waxing from Angelina and she is AMAZING. to say the least. My brows and skin feel nicer than they have ever been. She taught me a lot about the products I’m using at home and didn’t push me into buying products like many places do. I would definitely recommend!

I have been their two times for massages. I won’t go back. Both times I paid for Deep tissue and received a relaxation massage-​if that. Both massages were terrible. Shame on me for not speaking up-​both times. Another negative is parking. It’s downtown, hard to come-​by and timed 2-​hour. When booking a 90 minute massage I always watch the clock so I do not get a ticket. Maybe it is a good idea when their staff is late, as mine therapist was, not to allow them to take prime parking in the front of the spa. The first time I went I was offered a glass of champagne which I thought was a nice touch, not this time. Basically I arrived and was directed to their little relaxation room and the front office gal went into the kitchen and chatted it up with another employee. I could hear everything that was said. Now I know everything about her personal life…

My new husband and I came here for a couple’s massage. The therapists were very professional and the environment was so peaceful. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Thank you!

My girlfriends and I had planned a quick weekend getaway and I booked massages at Elysium when I saw their relaxation room. Yes, I booked because of a relaxation room. And also because it was highly rated. I really liked the idea of my friends and I putting up our feet, chilling and sipping on some non-​alcoholic mimosas and reading trashy magazines. But oh my goodness, what we didn’t expect was how awesome the massages would be. They were heavenly! We all felt so wonderfully lethargic afterwards and our shoulders felt so FREE! Free of stress, tension and worldly burdens! Would highly recommend you booking your next massage at Elysium. They will definitely take care of you!

Just got done with a massage from Cheryl, and I am beyond relaxed. I’ve had my share of massages, and she was amazing! The massage room was quiet and relaxing, and the staff were friendly, offering coffee and water post-​massage while I hung out in the relaxation room. I’d definitely come back!

This place is pure magic. A groupon is what brought me here, and I’ve been twice after that. It’s a super clean and relaxing environment overall. Shae is the best, I mean she listens to what you need (places you need some extra help, things to avoid) and totally delivers. The hubby and I have done the couples massage twice. The last time he mentioned he’d been recovering from a back injury and the lady he worked with recommended a great book on back injuries. He ordered it from amazon once we got into the parking lot. I really cannot say enough about this spa, HIGHLY suggest you visit them.

I would recommend Elysium any day. Such a great relaxing spot. Don’t go to the hotel spas that are overpriced. We had the couples massage and it was worth every penny! Alexis was my massage therapist and she was excellent. HIGHLY recommend Elysium.

Beautiful spa, but beware! If you are looking for a lovely spot for a pedicure, just make sure you get it done by the right person. Sally does a great job. I ordered the hour long pedicure and she throughly massaged my feet and calves. She is also very detailed in nail care!

My husband and I went in yesterday for a couples massage and the massages themselves were fantastic! We both left totally relaxed and a little bit sleepy tbh. My only complaint is the constant waiting. Our appointment was at 4:30 but we didn’t get started until about 4:45, once we were on the beds we waited probably 10 minutes for them to come in and when we were ready to leave we had to wait for a while to pay. If you plan to go leave some wiggle room in your schedule! Despite the waiting we will definitely be back asap!

Wow, where do I even begin. From the moment my friend and I walked in I had a bad feeling about this place. The receptionist did not greet us for like 10 minutes, as she was busy chatting. One of the first things we noticed was that there was a strong acrylic nail salon as you walked in.
Once we were finally seated in the «relaxation» area, we were surprised that there were no robes or slippers for us to put on. Instead we were expected to «relax» in our jeans. Multiple times the receptionist called us «girls» and told us to be sure to take off our shoes before lounging. Her tone seemed very condescending. We then decided to have some hot tea before our massages. What kind of place doesn’t have caffeine free or herbal tea? I opted for the strawberry lemonade flavor — tasted way too sweet that I couldn’t even drink it!
After waiting for about 20 minutes, our massage therapists finally greeted us. Much to our surprise we were separated into two different rooms. Weird because my friend said her room had 2 beds in it?!! Apparently I got the worst room with the only non-​hydraulic massage bed… great.
Then things got really bad. The bed was kinda squeaky and moved a lot in the beginning. Then about 30 minutes into my massage, the bed BROKE! Apparently the bed was on stilts and the right side of the bed slightly collapsed and jerked my neck. Ouch! I originally came in to ease my neck and back strain from a car accident that happened a few weeks ago… this only made it worse! I should have stopped the massage right then and there, as I was now in more pain than ever before. Instead I opted to finish the massage hoping it would feel better. Instead I felt in more pain and stressed out.
I do have to say that my massage therapist (Shayna?) was very good and she felt really bad that the bed broke. It definitely wasn’t her fault, but come on. What kind of spa thinks its okay to have a bed thats not functioning properly when they were aware of it! And why the heck didn’t they put my friend and I together with the better beds!
When my massage finally ended, I was left covered in greasy lotion. I felt disgusting. Usually a massage therapist wipes it off for you. Instead, I was left having to wipe it off myself.
I then proceeded to check out and the receptionist didn’t even ask how it was. She just said she heard about what happened from my massage therapist. She wasn’t apologetic at all. Instead I had to tell her I was in more pain so she offered 10% off to justify or make up for the terrible experience. Are you kidding me?!
My massage therapist then came out and said «I feel really bad, we shouldn’t charge her.» But the receptionist insisted on charging me and didn’t express any concern. The massage was originally $ 100, but she ended up discounting it to $ 75. Perhaps this was their attempt to fix things but considering it jerked my neck causing significant pain they fell short of properly addressing the issue.
Feeling worse than ever, I unhappily walked out and told my friend to meet me in the car. Within 10 minutes of leaving the spa, the massage therapist called to apologize again and offered to refund me. She was very polite and considerate, which I appreciated. It just seemed like she was the only one that cared and who had a sense of customer service.
I woke up today with an intense sharp pain on my neck. I’m especially concerned because now I have extremely limited movement and a stiff neck. Totally regret coming here.

I still love this place! Shae was such a delight. Her energy was so calming and kind. Her touch had such a great balance of strength and gentleness. I could feel that she really knew her muscles and channels. I told her to focus on what she felt my body needed and did great! I felt like I was in a daze afterwards!

First of all they are open on Christmas Eve! Crazy props for that.
I basically like everything about this place. The super user friendly online reservation system, good hours, the relaxation room that you can rest in beforehand, and of course the massage itself!
I got deep tissue one hour with Sara. I had some very tight knots from working out and carrying a newborn around, and she sure did work them till I was super relaxed and refreshed. And the massage chair was heated and super comfy.
I will be coming back for sure!

We came here for a 60-​minute couples massage for our 20^th anniversary getaway weekend. Originally, I had scheduled it for the Friday afternoon when we would arrive. Thinking through how long our drive from San Francisco would be, I had no problem rescheduling to the following Saturday morning.
We were welcomed into the relaxing room where we were served two flutes of champagne. After disrobing and donning robes in a nearby restroom, we were led into the massage room. Both massage therapists asked if there were any specific areas that we wanted them to concentrate on. The hour we were there was blissful, and we both felt extremely relaxed afterward.
The price was reasonable, and we would definitely return.

I was schedule for a 90 minute prenatal massage with a specific therapist but at the last minute I was informed she had injured herself but they were accommodating and put me with Sara right away.
Wow did I luck out! This was THE BEST massage I have had in YEARS! She asked what pressure I liked and while most massage therapists will only do light pressure during a prenatal she gave firm pressure all the way through which I was so thankful for! This was not a cookie cutter massage, I could tell she really knows the pregnant body and had gifted hands! I left feeling completely relaxed and blissed out. I can’t wait to go back!

My Top 3 Girl Crushes:
(1) Megan Fox — Props to David Silver!
(2) Trisha Paytas — At first, I was like WTF is wrong with this beezie?! But after watching her NSFW YouTube videos, I’ve grown to love her bubbly, ridiculously TMI and IDGAF (self-​love) attitude. Who else would make a video titled: «My vajayjay smells like tuna»?! (o_​O)
(3) Sara Just Sara
Let me tell you about this Sara Just Sara (sorry, I don’t know her last name). She was my massage therapist at Elysium and she gave me the BEST massage I’ve ever had!
Mr. NSS «tried» to surprise me with weekend getaway at Monterey to celebrate our anniversary. I say, «tried» because I guessed where he was taking me, down to the name of the hotel, and I didn’t even have it bookmarked. Poor guy. As a token of my appreciation, I wanted to book a couple’s massage but I knew better than to book something at Cannery Row because of the inflated touristy prices.
That’s where Unilocal came in. I saw Cat C.‘s glowing review of Elysium and I was sold! Thank you!
Elysium is just a quick 5 minute drive from Cannery Row and the prices were half of what our hotel, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa charges. Street parking was plentiful but there is a two-​hour max which is heavily enforced by DPT.
Elysium is a ranch converted spa that’s very inviting, cute, and serene. Their lounge area was like chilling in someone’s living room. They offer spa services (massage & facials), hair services (cut & color), nail services (including shellac), spray tanning, and even teeth whitening.
Depending on the type of massage, a 60 minute massage ranges from $ 95-​$ 105. A 60 minute couple’s massage is $ 170. I booked a 90 minute one ($ 210) but they were behind schedule so they charged us for the 60 minute massage. Talk about excellent customer service. If you’re coming with a friend, book a couple’s massage and share a room so you can save $ 20.
As suggested, we arrived 15 minutes early so we could enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly while laying on their lounge sofas in the waiting area draped with chiffon curtains.
Sara and Mr. NSS’ massage therapist greeted us and whisked us away into the couple’s room with French doors that opened to their courtyard. Coming from the SF, it was so relaxing to hear the sound of leaves rustling in the wind and to feel the breeze caress your back during the massage.
Because Mr. NSS has a very low pain tolerance, I choose the Relaxing Massage for us. I like it hard, so I requested strong pressure on my back and medium pressure everywhere else.
Sara is an absolute god sent with magical hands that was in tune with every crevice of my body. Her technique was unparalleled and she applied perfect pressure; strong yet relaxing. She was very thorough and went to town at all the right places at all the right times. She found each and every muscle knot and dug right into it which released so much pent up tension.
Usually the feet are an afterthought but the several minutes she spent on each foot, it was more beneficial than the 60 minute foot reflexology massages I’ve had. It’s all about technique, I tell ya.
I’ve been getting massages since I was 14 years-​old (thanks to my Chinesey hippie mom) and it was the first time I left feeling like a puddle of jelly.
Seriously. Doe.
BEST. MASSAGE. EVER.
By. Sara.
As for Mr. NSS’ massage, he usually Unilocal «ouch» and «softer». What a wuss. *rolls eyes* This time, he was snoring away so I know he had an awesome massage as well.
Pro-​Tip: Ladies, avoid making any plans right after your massage because you will need time to «freshen up». While I loved how amazingly relaxed I felt after the massage, I looked like mufasa after being slapped with a box of crayola then hit with a leaf blower… several times.

He wanted for us to get a long overdue massage on our weekend getaway. He was thinking of somewhere nice like the Intercontinental’s Spa especially because I saw a Travelzoo deal for the Intercontinental’s Spa. Elyisum isn’t exactly a spa, so no sauna or jacuzzi frills here, but who cares? It delivers on quality, price, style and service!
I did some Unilocaling around and came across Elysium. It’s not a fancy spa like the one at the Intercontinental or The Plaza, but it’s beautiful, clean and serene! Our 90 minutes relaxing couples massage was only $ 210 total. so $ 105 for 90 minutes per person, so affordable! We waited for our masseuses in the lovely lounge area filled with whimsical colored drapes and lounge chairs sipping on champagne. I had more of a rose looking wine. Both were light and refreshing. Upon arrival, we were also greeted with an intoxicating smell from one of their diffusers.
I loved the heated massage bed, but it got a little too warm, so I asked my masseuse Alexis to turn it down. Our room though of course curtained and draped, got a lot of sunlight so the room got a little warm because of this too. Light massage music was played throughout and Alexis did a wonderful job of working on my areas of concerns. I dozed off for a few minutes a couple times and she was gentle yet effective with her pressure. Sherry was massaging my fiancé and she must have done an awesome job because he was out for the majority of his 90 minutes.
Be careful as the parking in front is free street but enforced for 2 hour parking limits. If you have a car to get away from the main Cannery Row drag then I highly suggest you get a wonderful massage, facial or your nails done for some affordable pampering at the lovely Elysium.