Body By Melisa

Great experience and affordable!
I used the Infrared Sauna. The door of the sauna was broken so I needed to be helped in and out, other than that it was great. The door should be fixed by now.

I have been going to Melisa for almost 6 years. She is absolutely the BEST ever! I bring in all my friends and family and now they are all hooked too. The service is gentle, professional, and best of all is the way your skin and body feel after wards. Melisa is very generous and always has a monthly deal so no matter when you go you’ll always get great value! It’s an experience that you don’t want to miss.

new location is very serene and not in a busy traffic area. Check out the pampering that only Melissa can give!

This review is long overdue. I have been doing body wraps with Melisa for about a month now. I found her on Unilocal and thank my fellow Unilocalers for recommending her to me. She is truly knowledgeable and professional. She made me feel really comfortable right away. She makes sure your appointment is yours and uninterrupted. She explains the procedure very well and the different types of body wraps and why she does the one she does which is very helpful when choosing a wrap that is right for you. I have seen results in just a month and highly recommend to give her a try. I also tried the Dermosonic and if that is the route you want to take give it a try with Melisa she was one of the first pioneers on the treatment and I was very satisfied with my first one. Felt like my stomach area really benefited just from one session. Can’t wait till my next appointment next week!

I LOVE Melisa. I have been going to Body by Melisa on and off for years but felt compelled to finally write a review because the past few months have blessed my face with a severe acne breakout. I’ve called Melisa in hysterics a few times and each time, she has squeezed me into the busy schedule without any problems, worked with me and the breakouts to get me back to the point where I can leave my house. She’s the only person I trust to do extractions properly. There are a lot of choices in spas out there but I keep coming back here because Melisa is consistent and just an all around awesome, inspiring person.

Only Melisa is worthy of my very first Unilocal review! Melisa gives first rate service with a depth of knowledge that can make one dizzy, has impeccable attention to detail (everything from the placement of candles to that one random hair on your chin you never knew you had), and is so pleasant and thorough it’s hard to leave her when your service is over. She recently moved into a beautiful space (shared with Oakland Floats) so tastefully decorated and very relaxing. Ever since I started getting the bella facial every month I have been very pleased with the «dewiness» of my complexion, and the many compliments I have received for healthier skin.

Finally finally, I decided to become a Unilocaler because of my great experience at Body by Melisa. Originally, I went there because of what I read on Unilocal.I will go back because of the great service, comfortable environment and wide assortment of treatments available.
This salon is charming, and special and when I walked in I started to relax right away. I was really just looking for a place to try out the Infrared Sauna because I’m interested in buying one. Melisa thoroughly explained the process to me and got me set up before leaving to help another client. I had a room to myself, and an adjoining room with a shower in it to shower off after the sauna.
There were a lot of little details that I appreciated, like the candles burning in the outside room. I could see them from inside the sauna and it was soothing. There was plenty of cool water to keep me refreshed, lots of towels for drying off, and the sauna itself was very clean and smelled nice!
And drum roll please, she didn’t try to sell me any extra products or services which I really appreciate. Because of all of the above, I’m getting ready to book my next facial there!

Spa Week got me started and Melisa kept me hooked — she is a delight. Favorite service is the Dermosonic and the Far Infrared Sauna helps with lymphatic drainage/​swelling.

The first time I came here was several years ago when I got my first Spa Week email and found her. She was local to where I live and the $ 50 price was great. I was surprised at how easy it was to make an appointment considering Spa Week but they were very flexible.
Fast forward several years to April 2012. Melisa offered «March Madness» prices for existing clients for the entire month of March, offering the Spa Week prices before April for Spa Week (which by the way she does for the entire month!). I got the email and decided oh we need to do this. So I called and left a message indicating that I was very flexible on the day but I needed a later appointment and I wanted to book for me and my partner Robert. I booked an hour massage for both of us and the Bella facial for both as well. She was available for a 5 – 6 and 6 – 7 for both of us. This was Robert’s first facial ever. The massage therapist is wonderful and the facial divine. Robert really enjoyed both too and he can sometimes be funny about his face being touched. Melisa did some extractions on my nose, never fun but nothing was left red afterwards and I felt all dewy and fresh. Muscles like jello, we couldn’t wait to get home and go to sleep! That week I left to go visit my best friend in Nevada who just had a baby. I cooked, I did laundry, I helped, I threw my back out. I returned home and aside from calling my Chiropractor I called Melisa and asked her if we could work out a deal for an 1.5 hour massage with the discounted rate since she was still offering the $ ⁵⁰⁄₁ hour massage. She called me back and told me «of course!». YAY Melisa! I went in for my massage, this time without Robert, and the massage therapist really attacked my lower back muscles and butt which is what hurt the most. It was awesome!
Before I left I booked another massage for Robert and a facial for me 2 weeks later. About a week before I called up and asked if they had the next hour available so that I could get a massage as well and Robert could get a body scrub. They had it available WOOT! So yesterday we each had another massage (oh happy back). I had my second facial with Melisa, who while doing the extractions on my nose asked «are you holding your breath?» to which I couldn’t help but start to laugh. Nothing is better than giggling while getting extractions done on the side of your nose. Robert was amazed by the scrub, he couldn’t believe how smooth he was. He commented all night how smooth he felt, how moisturized his skin felt and how his extremely chapped skin felt amazing. He started to make me a bit jealous with all the gushing. He also loved that it was like getting a 2 hour massage since Melisa does the scrub and goes pretty deep while she is doing it then he had his massage on top of that. I haven’t made my next appointment yet, but I will be soon.
While the space is small, it is very warm and inviting. I love how everyone who is working comes out to greet me when I arrive. They immediately give you water while you wait the few minutes for them to be ready for you. There is usually someone leaving when you come in and then someone waiting as you are leaving but since they don’t overlap bookings it is very quiet while your treatment is happening. They take all forms of payment and for credit card they use PayPal (you can also pre-​pay by booking on their website). They do not print receipts but I appreciate their desire to save trees and if I really felt that I needed a receipt of some sort I could write a check and have that as backup. The entrance is up a set of stairs that are a bit steep but doable.
All in all I always leave Body by Melisa feeling luxurious and loose with a smile on my face and a bounce in my step. I will be back again and again. Thank you so much!

Don’t you just love spa week? I went back to Melisa and booked two treatments, the skin bella facial which I absolutely love and this time a healing massage.
I am so bad at names but I believe the masseuse was named Beverly? Not sure, but she also was inquisitive and listened to areas I wanted her to focus on and she hit all of them. While a 60 minute massage always flies by, it was a good, firm massage that almost lulled me to sleep which is atypical– I usually go for the deep tissue, massage me until I’m bruised and screaming type of massage. But this, this was a good combination of loosening some knots in my back and outright bliss.
I melted into a pile of jello onto my sofa the moment I got home. Just what the doctor ordered for this busy executive. Thank you!

LOVE Body By Melisa! :-) been going here since 2005 and since my first appointment, i never thought of going to another place ever :-) Melisa is GREAT! very friendly, awesome personality and treats everyone more like family than clients… you’ll feel right at home. very cozy, relaxing and comfortable.
watch out for the specials. can’t beat those deals :-) be sure to try out the Skin Bella Deluxe Facial, Massage and Organic Sugar Scrub!

I highly recommend the Dermosonic treatment! I went in for the dermosonic treatment during spa week and noticed a difference after the first treatment so I bought the package. I finished all my treatments and love the results! I was uncomfortable showing my back side, but Melisa and her staff made me feel really comfortable and relaxed. I’m always greeted by Melisa & the therapeutic aroma when I get to the front door. Love the relaxing atmosphere and garden/​cottage feel.
I also recommend the facial! I love love love my skin!!! It was a bit dry no matter how much moisturizer I used. I no longer have that problem. I plan to go back for more treatments after my vacations. Melisa gave me a complimentary treatment since she had to cancel an appointment. Turned out she went to rescue a pit bull which is now living with her =) Bless her big & kind heart!!!

i don’t come back here for many reasons:
1. i was short 10 minutes of treatment. i had a 45 minute treatment instead of the 55 minutes i paid for.
2. the owner stressed that i needed to tip based on the original treatment price, not the spa week price — i shouldn’t be told how much to tip; i tip based on the service given to me.
3. facials were o-​k-​a-​y — did not see any difference (there’s the one star!)
4. massage was painful — need i say more?
5. expensive for a little house called a «spa» with no amenities.
i go to marilyn jeager skincare on college ave. ask for erica. she’ll treat you right.
ps. the comments left by «melisa k. of body of melisa» is one more reason why i will never come back. she doesn’t seem like she can handle feedback very well.

One of the best value, honest and friendliest spas you will ever experience… The owner Melisa is very genuine and knowledgeable. A true believer in the products used and sold (Oxygen Botanicals), she customizes your facial treatment depending on your skin type. You can expect to receive a thorough service including extraction and dermabrasion. Your skin will feel cleansed and hydrated for days.
I initially visited the spa before my wedding last September and have been a regular client ever since. I have also referred Body by Melisa’s services to my family and friends.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing, rejuvnating and non-​pressurized treatment, Body by Melisa is an ideal choice!
Thank you Melisa for your wonderful facials and Rosario for your relaxing massages !

Body by Melisa has converted me to the «monthly budget for massage/​facial» club! I had my first facial with Melisa and she was extremely gentle, as well as informative of everything she was doing during the treatment. The facials always feature all-​natural as well as seasonal ingredients — came home smelling like a pumpkin this last time, or a «like a pie… with spice» as my bf said :)
I have had massages previously, however never fully refreshing or comfortable as with Melisa and her staff — incredibly skilled and professional. I’ve always had a bit of trouble fully relaxing being naked in the presence of anyone but myself, but in this environment and with such amazing hands — I almost fell asleep three times!
Make an appointment — you WON’T regret it! (FYI Spa month is always in September, but even though it’s passed, the prices are still very reasonable — $ 75 for an hour long facial, $ 75 for an hour long massage!!)

When I checked my bank account it looks like they only charged me for one service. While I appreciate their efforts, I’m not sure why they don’t take the extra step to email you a receipt, considering I provided it when I checked in for my services. IF you’re looking for a cheap massage during spa week, this fits the bill.
In response to the owner’s comments, I was never aggressive with her. I was assertive. She asked my opinion and I told her. I still don’t understand her aversion to making paper receipts available to those who request it. Furthermore, email is a viable option if she is uncomfortable incurring the cost of printer paper. If she emails receipts, the customer can print one at their own discretion.

I love Body by Melisa! I started going here for Spa Week during the beginning of this year and I been a frequent customer ever since!
My favorite treatments are the facials and the dermasonic treatments! Unlike other facials I received, I always leave with my face feeling super soft and silky! It also comes with a nice shoulder massage.
After one dermasonic treatment, I was so pleased that I decided to buy a package! As soon as I knew it, my jeans were fitting a lot more comfortably and I felt more confident in my bathing suit!
Melisa and her staff are extremely friendly and personable! I love the wonderful home environment her spa creates! It also always smells wonderful in there!

I’m a big fan of Body by Melisa!
The first time I went (two years ago), I was taking my BFF for a massage as a gift and booked a Skin Bella Deluxe facial for myself (it was spa month, so I couldn’t resist). Melisa was very nice when we arrived and took the time to discuss my skin concerns prior to beginning the facial. The facial itself was fabulous — the technology used for this facial is fantastic and really makes your skin soft. Additionally, the products used during the facial are «pushed» into your skin after the microderm abrasion, which makes them continue to release days after the facial (TOTAL plus). I’m a total skin-​care junkie, so asked a TON of questions during the facial — Melisa was extremely nice and answered every question (and I learned a lot that day!).
I came back early this month for two sessions prior to my wedding — a deep tissue massage and another Skin Bella Deluxe facial.
It was the first time I received a deep tissue massage, so I was a little apprehensive about the impending pain. The masseuse was wonderful about explaining how she was going to work, asking me for any specific areas she should concentrate on and warned me each time there would be a big release. I walked away feeling SO relaxed and will definitely be coming back for another soon! The facial was just as I remembered it — very beneficial and left my skin glowing for my wedding! Melisa also helped me learn more about my combination skin and recommended products that she sells in the spa (which are fantastic!!)
I am a big fan of the «homey» feeling of the space and find it to be much more inviting than other spas I’ve been to. I will be a regular customer for years to come. :-)

I have had so many more treatments here since my last review so I decided to Unilocal them. The dermosonic treatment for cellulite reduction is fabulous. I tried one during spa week and decided to purchase the package of 12. After maybe the 4^th treatment I saw great results. I love it because it did not hurt and kinda feels like a massage. Now the back of my legs are so smooth and lump free!
I have had the hot stone massage with Michelle and of course that was amazing too! She was able to adjust the stones to a temperature that I was comfortable with since I don’t like the stones too hot. And she didn’t spend most of her time «playing» with the stones as others have done during past experiences in other places. For $ 85 you cannot beat that.
The body wrap was also an amazing experience. I have had wraps in the past and there had no results other than feeling wet and cold. The wrap here was different. First I was measured and then you get covered in lotion infused with cinnamon… mmm yummy! I smelled like a snickerdoodle. Then I was wrapped in soaked bandages and then put in the sauna to «bake.» 45 mins later I came out relaxed and 4 inches skinnier. Now that may not sound like too too much but trust me that was more than I could have ever imagined coming off me!
Every treatment here is a completely personal experience. So whenever I feel the need to indulge myself, you will find me here at my go-​to place of relaxation in the quieter part of Piedmont Ave :)

I called and had some questions about one of the treatments during Spa Week and was happy with the customer service I received over the phone. I hoped that I could expect the same standard of customer service for the actual spa visit, but I was disappointed.
What I liked about the experience:
Melisa was polite, offered water, willing to answer questions.
What didn’t impress me:
**The actual duration of my appointment was 40 minutes instead of 55.** We started late and ended early. I showed up 10 min. early early so this would not happen, but had to wait on the stairs because the door was locked. I was let in at the time my appointment was supposed to start and the previous client was still paying, etc. By the time I was taken to the room and Melisa was ready to begin, 10 minutes of my appointment were gone. Even after that, she left one or two times to take care of something else. She said she would make it up at the end, but instead we finished early.
I like the idea of Spa Week, because I rarely «pamper» myself, but I guess I have to go to a different spa to get true TLC. It seemed like this spa was just way too booked and was just trying to get maximum exposure for Spa Week, even if they had to operate at a lower standard of service.