Aura Wellness Spa | Best Sauna & Body Scrub, Day Spa in NYC

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I had an incredible experience at Aura Wellness Spa Express! From the moment I walked in, the front desk staff was warm, welcoming, and extremely professional. They made the check-in process seamless and ensured I felt comfortable right away. The ambiance was calming and perfect for relaxation. My masseur was absolutely amazing—attentive, skilled, and truly dedicated to providing a top-tier experience. They listened to my needs and tailored the massage perfectly, leaving me feeling completely rejuvenated. Every detail, from the soothing atmosphere to the expert techniques, made this visit exceptional. I highly recommend Aura Wellness Spa Express to anyone looking for high-quality service and a truly relaxing escape. I’ll definitely be coming back!”

Had the most relaxing day at Aura Wellness Spa! I tried the body scrub and massage, and wow—my skin feels so smooth, and I left feeling completely refreshed. The staff was super friendly and made me feel comfortable from start to finish. If you’re looking to unwind in NYC, this is the place! Already planning my next visit.

I needed a cozy place to relax, and this spa was perfect. After the massage, all my fatigue disappeared. My shoulders and neck were especially sore, but now I feel like I can go on for a few more weeks. haha.... Thank you for always relieving my stress! If you're feeling tired, I highly recommend visiting.

Amazing experience the receptionist was so amazing and inviting she explained everything and the two woman who did the massage was AMAZING!!! She was so friendly and knew exactly how to relieve the tension I had ! Thank you

Amazing therapists. They know more than just how to give an intense massage. Each massage is unique to the person's specific preferences. Have been more than once, will be back.

Massage barely lasted the full hour and didn’t seem like it was done by a professional. Steam room was also broken.

one star for the friendly receptionist. the massage was not relaxing and felt rushed, my preferences were totally ignored and movements so hectic! the masseuse followed me to the reception after the massage making sure I‘d leave a tip but I really didn‘t want to, paid 130 for the worst massage! so she starts commenting on the brands I was wearing, when I decided to leave 15$ tip, she said I was cheap and should give 25!!! I would have, if she wasn‘t rude and actually did a good massage. even the receptionist felt embarassed and apologized for the masseuse who just left without a comment. Eventually cancelled my tip. just don‘t waste your money and time here!

I was recommended by someone for this place with specific masseuse. She had an appointment I was directed to someone in same experience category. She was Spanish her name is Angie and believe me she doesn’t understand single word of English so there is no communication about pressure points an worst thing just unbelievable was she fall asleep 😴 multiple time during massage. You pay Top dollar $120.00 for good relaxing massage and this is what you get. I highly recommend not to visit this place ever again you will be super disappointed and feel like some one stole your $120.00 for nothing.

Well that was 225 wasted. Never refer anyone to Aura Spa 49 west 33 street. They advertise 160 on the website for 90 minute swedish massage. Get there and the price went up to 180. Use a credit card instead of cash and it's 195. For a 90 min massage. Fine, I really want the massage so let's go. Then I go for 5 minutes to hot dry sauna and then to this room where she pours water on the plastic table. I'm worried I'll slide right off. Then she has me lay down and has no idea how to handle my boobs. I can't lay on them and the hard table is killing Me. All she knows in English is You ok? You ok? I say No I am most Definitely not ok. She gives me a full body scrub for 40 minutes which honestly was great but that's not what I'm there for. I'm still wondering when do we start the massage. I get brought down this huge stairway into the dungeon where she gives me a slight pressure and mostly poking with her thumbs"massage" for maybe 25 minutes. No clock and no timer so I have to approximate. So I shower and go to the desk to explain to the receptionist that while I like the scrub, it wasn't what I was there for and that I wanted a 90 minute Swedish massage which was what I paid for. I ask the name of my therapist and she tells me Jackie. I ask to see Jackie but she's not available. So I tell her I've already paid (mistake paying up front big time) and leave a cash tip. The tip was half what I'd usually leave because I got far less than half what I was promised. She has the nerve to tell me that for 90 minutes I should leave more money. She didn't understand a word I had said apparently and between three of them they had nine words of English total. I swear it took all I had in me not to take the money off the counter and leave. I gave the tip I did because I felt bad I had taken 75 minutes of her time. What a mistake. So I said You're actually asking me for more money after what I just told you?? If that's the case, I won't be back. And I left. Oh and while she was fake massaging me, the real prize was when she stuck her elbow hard into my breast tissue and then was surprised when I cried out in pain. Never again. 225 wasted.

WOW! I highly recommend the one hour body scrub with Lisa. Massive detox, invigorating and restoring my entire body and state of mind. Use of the steam room and sauna afterwards included. Sweet and attentive service at the desk with Lena.

I went for a one-hour Swedish massage, which was not Swedish at all. It was just a strange technique that focused primarily on my legs. The sheets covering the plastic massage bed were nonexistent. They felt old and tattered. The towels were also very cheap. I will not be returning here ever.

Terrible service. Terrible massages. Harassed to tip when leaving and while being massaged. Offered facilities not available. Very uncomfortable experience. Left with more back pain than when I went in. Wasn't full 60 min massage which is what I paid for. Definitely not worth it. Will not return. Will not recommend. This place should be closed or at least refurbished with better staff that are better equipped for the job. Good notes... the place was clean. And quiet.

Veronica was amazing! She did my nails just as I envisioned it. Highly recommend this place.

Always a must when in the city clean nice definitely go back 5 stars people was very nice and good services

I was almost scared off by all the negative reviews but I'm glad I took a chance and went. My wife and I got a couple's massage, we both thought it was one of the best massages we've ever had. We had Amy and Yadira. We came as walk ins so we wasn't sure how it'll be on a Saturday afternoon around 2pm. It was almost empty. Out of the 4 treatment grottoes, 2 of them were on. 1 of them clearly was going through renovations and the other we're not sure why it was off. But we just wanted to do a back and forth hot/cold grottoes which was one so we didn't mind the other 2 were out. Overall the place is very clean and relaxing. I would come back here again!

I should have known something was amiss when they made us pay up front...MISTAKE NUMBER ONE. I was so excited to have found a place that offered barefoot massage(where they walk on your back, aka Ashiatsu), I unfortunately forgot to check yelp...MISTAKE NUMBER TWO. How it went down.... It being a couple's massage, my husband and I were escorted to a large room, where they instructed us to get undressed, all while standing there watching us. Naked, awkward, no cover. I should have run...MISTAKE NUMBER THREE. Then they proceeded to give us a "regular" massage...NOT what we had booked. We discussed with them we wanted barefoot back massage, that we had booked it specifically and was important to us. Both girls attempted it, but we not able to perform....they tried to hold themselves up using the wall...but could not. They finally explained they didn't have the right room, and didn't have the normal bars to stabilize them...we should have left...MISTAKE NUMBER FOUR. We asked them to stop attempting to walk on our backs, and just give us the normal massages. I proceeded to get the worse massage of my life. The masseuse had no skills, training, or idea of the body, the muscles, or what to do. My husbands was only slightly better than mine. I laid there, then entire time, wanting to leave. Definitely should have...MISTAKE NUMBER FIVE. Lessons learned.

I wish this place the worst. Came here more than 10 years ago and wish I pressed charges

When my boyfriend made the appointment he was under the impression that we were going to have the crystal package. As we enter the receptionist tells us that the sauna is a not work. we asked for a discount for the mis communication, they should of informed us of that when we booked. however they said they can not do that fine. we proceed then she says they don't have champagne or the fruits. This place was a total disappointment. how they handle business was not fair at all

The staff was nice, the place was clean, however I would not recommend this place to a friend. My boyfriend bought a couples massage here for my birthday and It was honestly the worst massage I have ever experienced. I was counting down the time for It to just be over, I'm pretty sure the massage therapists weren't licensed because you could tell there wasn't any real technique. There was a lot of applied pressure in the most awkward/uncomfortable areas- and even when my boyfriend and I both said something, nothing really changed. My boyfriend was already experiencing back and neck pains and he was looking very forward to this massage, and It honestly only made It worse for him. We both felt very sore after, and I wouldn't be surprised if we still feel It in the morning.

I've been meaning to write a review for this place since forever! I finally came here on a Saturday afternoon to get an actual service and was greeted by the friendliest receptionist! Every time I've come, as soon as I walked in, the ambiance was always very tranquil and the friendliness and helpfulness of the front staff has always made me feel very welcome. I had never gotten a treatment here before (frankly, I don't know why) but I've been here many times in the past just to use the Sauna facilities which I love. Their sauna price is a little expensive compared to other spots in the area BUT they are clean, beautiful and the lockers are safe unlike a certain spot I know on 32nd street. The service itself was absolutely amazing! After I checked in, I was told to use the saunas for about 15 minutes to prepare my skin for the scrub. I came in early so I lounged in there for about 30 minutes until Lisa came to pick me up. Once in the scrub room, Lisa did an amazing job scrubbing my sins away! It's definitely intense and if you're body shy, unless you're willing to put your fears aside, this may not be for you. I was told by the receptionist that she does massage as well so I will definitely be back requesting her for one soon. I opted for the 60 minute body scrub and it was a FULL 60 MINUTES of scrubbing. After the scrub, I still had the option to continue using the sauna facilities but I wasn't really in the mood to go back into the heat, so I sat in the ice room for about 10 minutes before I became an icicle and headed to the shower. The amenities are always fully stocked up with plenty of toiletries so you don't have to bring much. Their robes are on the HUGE size (even the medium is like a 1X) but I guess this makes it fair for everyone. They also have tea and a water cooler in the locker room if you get thirsty! I absolutely love this place and will definitely be back for you Lisa!

Not bad. Went here for a massage and it was really nice. No complaints. The saunas were pretty nice. The place itself is tiny, but overall, it's a nice little escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Definitely not what you'd expect from a spa in the city. Service is great, people are super friendly, I would definitely recommend this place!

* Rude front desk associate.Check. * Pay upfront on pain of death.Check. * Tepid (at best) steam room.Check. * Squeezing, pinching and elbow stabbing instead of Swedish massage booked.Check. * Female masseuse offing gay male client happy ending.Check. * 70 minutes instead of the 90 minutes paid for.Check. * Blunt demand for tip upon departure.Check. * Lesson learned.Check.

So I decided to go get a massage before my check in while I was visiting in New York City and decided to stroll into this place. On the brochure it says 120 for 60 minutes or 160 for 90 minutes for a massage however reflexology for 30 minutes is an extra 75 I believe.. When I walk in I proceed to tell the lady at the front desk that I will like an hour hot stone massage, she then proceeded to tell me it was 130 I told her on the brochure it said 120 for 60 minutes she then took the brochure from my hands an said oh it's 120 if you pay with cash 130 if you pay with card I told her I would be paying with cash because I didn't want the statement on my card, she then proceeded to ask me why as if it was her business about why didn't want the statement on my card.. I told her I just didn't want to use my card I would be paying with cash so I started to give her the 120 and she told me it was 130 I looked at her and said mama you just told me it was 120 if I paid in cash and 130 on my card she then began to switch her story which absolutely made no sense, I even called her out on it and she got mad and caught an attitude.. Right then and there I've should've walked out, but I decided to pay the 130 and just go with the massage.. She handed me my key with an attitude and didn't even direct me to where the locker room was or any of the amenities that they had to offer so I basically had to figure it out.. So I find my way to the back find my locker get change enjoy the couple little igloos that they had in the back in the waiting room and my masseuse took about 10 minutes to come and get me.. Re-proceeded to go down a flight of stairs leading into a basement with quite a few massage rooms.. This woman was kind a rough and some of my hot stones were a little bit too hot at times I had to tell her they were burning me.. Needless to say this definitely wasn't the best hot stone massage that I have had their service wasn't the greatest especially for the prices that they charge and I don't think I will be returning anytime soon.. On my way out the door the lady at the front desk ask if I wanted to leave a tip I looked at her and said no maybe you can give that extra $10 you charge me to the lady who massaged me and walked out...

I really liked the experience here. We walked with no appointments, got a body scrub, sauna and a massage. The staff was friendly and really good at their jobs. Thank you!

Massage services are atrocious. Eye wash. The massage therapists just rub your body as if doing you a favor. No effort at all. Don't even think they are trained and/or licensed. The receptionist needs to learn some manners in being courteous n welcome. Very impolite n demands tips. Very pricey for a lacklustre experience.

Place is full of roaches. Lade sits at the desk with cat hair all over her. And prices are to high.other spas in area are cheaper and cleaner.. No air conditioner. Place is like 100 degrees due to all the sunas

If I could award a 6th star I would!! I have been sitting at 99 reviews for a few months waiting for something worthy of the honor of being the 100th. Aura is it! I went last night after work for my birthday for the 75 minute body scrub and I swear that woman took 25 years off my skin. Its so smooth!! Its ridiculously soft. I am hooked!! I got there early to take advantage of their "grottos" which are lovely saunas, steam and even an ice room to start the de-stressing process. Its amazing how far away I felt from the crowds and insanity right outside the doors. Once my scrub began my scrubing lady didn't stop moving for the entire 75 minutes. She worked my skin from my toes all the way up with magically scrubby mitts that sloughed off years of dead skin and felt wonderfully decadent and indulgent. After about 5 rounds of vigorous scrubbing came the fresh cucumber facial mask (which she made while I waited!) and the body massage. She also washed my hair. It was amazing! ABSOLUTELY amazing!!! After the spa I went out with friends and had to keep having them touch me to feel how great my skin felt (and still feels!) It also feels more sensitive to the touch! Added bonus. I feel like a new (much younger!) woman! 29 in wisdom and experience but 22 in skin!! Words of advice - if you have sensitive skin you might not want to shave the day of as you will be scrubbed alot which could be painful if your skin is already irritated. And take some nice lotion or body oil with you for after. The spa is wonderfully modern and very lux in everything but the beauty products they provide in the locker rooms which don't live up to thier surroundings. Vaseline Intensive Care lotion and Salon Selectives mousse?? After the most indulgent hour and 45 minutes of my life I don't think so! This is the tiniest little quibble though, and definately will not keep me from going back and back!! They also offer a 60 minute that is less expensive if $140 is too rich for your blood. DO IT!! UPDATE: After hearing my glowing reviews and touching my super sofyt skin my roommate had to make an appointment to get scrubbed to silky smooth perfection too. She unfortunately had a few issues that I did not experience so FYI: 1. she had to share the room with another woman also getting a scrub. Ummm.... your kinda naked so if you prefer some privacy tell them you will not share a room! 2. her scrubbing lady was not wearing the customary modestly cut black bathing suit but was in her underwear. Ummmm.... don't know what that was about...... Her skin was super soft as promised but she was a little skeeved out and will not be going back. I think I'll give them another shot since my visit was perfection.

I'm sorry but I'm going to have to disagree with Olivia H on this one. First of all, you do not go to a world renowned burger joint, order the lobster, then complain about how crappy the lobster is. The specialty here are the "oriental body scrubs". It's quite similar to the one I had over at King Sauna but 1) twice as pricey due to the Manhattan location and 2) definitely more upscale. I did the 75 minute version and the massage was extremelyl thorough and vigorous. They wash your hair, do a facial mask, (including a scary vibrating facial massage which was sooo not my thing), and basically scrub the crap out of you many times over leaving you silky soft like a baby's butt. The sauna rooms are indeed gorgeous. [WARNING unlike King Sauna, the rooms are co-ed!! Luckily the people at the front desk told me before I got butt ass nekkid yikes.] I wouldn't necessarily come here and pay for the other massage services bc that's not their specialty. The people I dealt with there were all incredibly cordial...and they spoke English! Another bonus compared to King Sauna. However, like I mentioned, it's also $140 vs. $70. Luckily I have a sugar daddy. No. Not really. I wish. Sorta.

12.20.08 The Korean body scrub was definitely quite an (awkward) experience for me. Call me uptight, but I'm definitely a Charlotte when it comes to saunas. I mean, I know my boyfriend has seen me nekked plenty a time, but this was like, "Get on the table in a stark medical-like room with creepy lighting five feet from your boyfriend while we scrub you so hard parts you didn't know could jiggle will be jiggling every which way." And I'm really not a jiggly type person. Meanwhile, he was getting scrubbed in his little paper shorts. And by god, if that Korean woman didn't rip the shorts up one leg in one swift motion so she could scrub closer to the good bits. Mind you, there was no funny business going on.. she seemed only thrilled by the amount of dead skin cell clumps she could hold up triumphantly. "See, you have lot of dead skin. You come for scrub more often." In other news, the scrub really was quite effective, despite my awkwardness only previously felt the time I unknowingly ventured into the dressing room in that forsaken hellhole of a store called Century 21. My skin has been soft and smooth for three weeks now. When I say effective, however, I don't mean enjoyable. They're scrubbing off a layer or two of your skin with soap and some sort of scratchy gloves after all. On another note, as Madeleine L said in her review of Juvenex's Korean body scrub: "I'm surprise no one mention that when they scrub you down they also take bucket of warm water and pour it on you. Sometimes they dump it right in between your legs ....ooooo la laaa." This is funny but true. They pour bucket upon bucket of warm scented water on you from all different angles. And when she says they dump it between your legs, it's more like they swoosh it UP between your legs with considerable flourish. Sure, it feels good.. but again, slightly awkward. Also, after being scrubbed for almost an hour, the warm water begins to burn your slightly raw skin. At the end, they wash your hair and you can rinse off. Before and after, we spent an hour and a half of peaceful quiet in the saunas. We did a couple's package, so we had two private dry saunas, however, we also ventured up to check out the other ones, which were thankfully empty, save for one older woman. Relaxing in the saunas made the experience a lot better for me overall, and I left feeling pretty good. They also served us some water, grapes and cookies. The cookies made me feel better too.

I gave this spa a shot on a whim, after seeing their enticing website. It was a horrible experience and I was terribly disappointed. DO NOT GO TO THIS SPA. When I booked a massage appointment, they did not tell me that the saunas were out of order, so I arrived and was already out half of the experience. The massage therapist talked the whole time (despite me asking her not to) and didn't even bother to use lotion (despite my request). She massaged me through a sheet, which is fine if you're at one of those $15 massage joints on Canal Street, but not if you're paying $100 for a real massage. She worked on me for a short while, told me she was done, and then left the room. I was confused and went downstairs to change, only to realize she'd only massaged me for 15 minutes! When I went to pay, they told me they charged 4% extra to use a credit card. I tried to complain to the management, but no one returned my emails or phone calls (there was no manager on duty the night I was there). The only reason I even gave this experience one star is because the facilities were very lovely. But don't be fooled! This spa is like a beautiful girl with syphilis!

So I'd always wanted a Korean body scub and after reading the reviews on yelp and finding out that this place was the cleanest I decided to go. I made an appointment, once there I got the sense that walking in was just fine. The receptionist was great on the phone and in person after some basic paper work she took me to the locker room. The locker room was clean- I mean I kept my loaner flip flops on but had my foot touched the ground I would have been ok with it. There were showers, towels and all the products you'd need to get ready. They suggest that you sit in the steam room for 10 minutes before the massage. The seam room wasn't great, it was raining inside and it just felt icky. I went the the sauna which was fine. The lady came to get me and took me downstairs. I have to give it to this place for design. We went downstairs into a private room and she even locked the door. I sort of felt weird when she took off her clothes (undies only) but since she wasn't hot or a talker it wasn't much of a distraction. Some spa music would have been nice. The procedure was awesome- I will say that it wasn't 60 mins more like 50- but she did a kick ass job. My skin feels great. There are large signs warning folks not to use fake bills or stolen credit cards so the general vibe is of a place where many goods and services are for sale. With that said, it was awesome, "Jasmine" did a great job and I'll come back again, and maybe even bring a friend.

I have a soft spot for simple, low-end Korean bathhouses in Korea. While this is certainly a thoroughly New Yorked version with its sleek interior design and soothing lighting, perhaps the word "spa" inspires more expectation than appropriate. If you've never been to a Korean bathhouse/mogyoktang/jjimjilbang in Seoul, this is what you can expect: a jade room with cool jade tiles, rooms of several different temperatures ranging from hot hot hot dry heat to cool as a cucumber ice grottos, steam rooms, co-ed lounges with ugly uniforms (so you won't be tempted to steal them), showers with no curtains, zero privacy anywhere, and an older Korean lady in her bra and panties scrubbing you down like you've got a horrible case of lice. I can't comment on everything that Aura has or does not have from firsthand experience, but I will say that the place is a lot fancier in appearance than the ones I've seen in Korea, but it still retains some of the low-brow Korean elements like older Korean women as masseuses/scrubbers, a little less concern for privacy (though I'm sure you can request it without a problem), and frugality in the complimentary skin and hair care products provided in the locker room. On the upside, what it does have is attention to decor, (what I believe to be a successful attempt at) privacy, not-pretty-but-not-ugly robes instead of ugly prison suits, and really nice people who let us go there for a Yelp Elite event to get free massages, eat sushi and cookies, and drink Sake2me. I'll be going back. Not regularly, but the next time I have a hankering for a cleaning as I lay butt nekkid on an exfoliation table or some relaxation laying face-down on a massage table. Korean-style. Oh, as for those people speculating that this place gives happy endings, I can't attest to the veracity or fallacy of said speculation, but remember that people moan during massages for reasons other than getting jerked off.

Well for last minute Saturday night appointment for a 90min Korean Scrub, I give them 5 star. But really for $180+ for service, they could keep the sauna/steam area a bit hotter on a freezing January evening. The locker room was strewn with used flip flops and robes and they did not have any facial tissue to use in the deep of winter?!?! Then I realized the seats in the steam and Jade sauna are like stools to be perched on when I wanted to lay my tired body horizontal!! For properly heated Sauna and Stream, I'll stick to my Russian Baths on Wall St. Otherwise, I was desperate in need of shedding my PR grubby layers and the job was done. The nylon scrub was definitely rougher than what I am used to. Though Lee was open to use my precious products for the body hydration and hair wash but be warned that the lady used more than enough products to last a 5day out of town trip! I guess she likes the lather and I could have told her to be sparing... Captain Hindsight. She was kind at least enough to warrant a 20% cash tip. I have gotten many many many Korean Scrubs in Korea, Spa Castle, King Sauna, Juvenex... this one rates a 3.5 star and will still be returning to my secret spot in Queens as its worth the trip and money ($less)

Should have known it was not going to be a relaxing experience from the moment we walked in and were asked to pay up front. My friend and I booked a Korean body scrub and I was told we could have them simultaneously when I made the reservation days in advance. A series of mishaps and unhygienic practices later, I have vowed never to return. 1- upon entering locker room, I find a robe and a pair of used flip flops waiting for me to use. I decline the flip flops although walking barefoot probably was just as bad. For the price, the least they could do is give you disposable flip Flops not to mention that I don't think the dept of health would be too happy knowing they are recycling flip flops. 2- my friend and I entered the sauna where we were told to stay for 20 minutes. 15 minutes in, the rude Korean lady who collected our $ at the door came to notify us that one of the " scrubbers." Was not coming in until an hour later and asked if one of us wanted a massage instead of the body scrub which was what we both wanted and specifically booked knowing not too many spas offer that type of body scrub. We compromised and said 30 minutes of scrub each instead of the 1 hour booked while the other does 30 minutes of massage. 3- body scrub was good but I have a feeling the scrub mitten she uses was NOT new. How do I know this? In the past, the places I've gone to get the scrubs have opened the package in front of me. Not to mention that when my friend walked in I saw the same yellow scrub she used on me being put on the counter and NOT thrown in the trash. I warned my friend to request a new scrub which she did. But guess what, she used the same one on her that was used on me and who knows how many before us! Yuck another heath dept violation. I'm now post scrub day 3 and parting I don't get any odd rashes. 3- agree with the other reviewer who said the masseuse was probably not licensed. In the many times I've gone for massages in the past- I always walked out with a feeling of having transcended to another zone of relaxation, heaven even. This massage was so painful, I had to tell her to stop several times. She rubbed my arms and legs so hard I now have a couple of bruises. In summary, not only is this place a health violation, it's overpriced. Never again. I will spend the extra and go to Sothy's - the best massages in the world.

Overall it's a very clean place and nicely decorated, the four different sauna rooms looks very cute and I love the ice room! I would definitely recommend going to this place when it's not busy, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet and truly relax a bit. Would also recommend the couples' massage, where they will give you a private room with it's own sauna room inside, and a fruit platter at the end, haha ;) I've only gotten massages here, they are usually very strong, which I like, but I'm sure you can request different pressures. My only complain would be that the beds they use for massages are not padded enough so it hurts my bones a little when pressed down.

Right off the bat, I want to say that I'm comparing this place to other Korean spa's and not some other high-end spa's that other reviewers may have been expecting from this place. That's why it definitely get a 5-star rating from me! This is a much nicer place than many of the ones in Korea town. Also the InSpa World, in Queens, although has many more kinds of sauna's, hot tubs, and such, has become too busy for my taste. In terms of privacy, I'd agree that there isn't much privacy here, but then again, I was not really expecting much and other Korean places have even less ;) Now for the summary. Aura was really clean and completely deserted when we got there, at 11:30PM on a Saturday night. It was 2 couples and we decided to go for some sauna use and a 60 min massage. They gave us 2 couples rooms, which were really clean and very nice. The decor was sparse, but clean and relaxing. Massage was really good and I felt phenomenal afterwards. It also offers decent value for money. $120 for use of various sauna rooms and a good 60 min massage is not bad at all. A word of advice, get yourself a Giftybox box and the 2-for one, as well as free visit coupon will save you a few bucks ;) Not sure about the new one, but Aura was included in the 2008 book.

Would earn higher marks for hotter saunas. The lukewarm temperatures & water stagnated on the floors hurts this otherwise great Korean spa spot. Always will have a fond place in my heart for my first Korean salt scrub. Very much worth the visit for that alone. And if you want to turn up the dial on date night do the couples room. Note- not for the four seasons die-hard, or physically prudish.

If you are looking for therapeutic massage.....this ain't the place. There were some red flags that I missed or ignored in my naivete, I'd never been to a place like this. A) You pay in advance B) The grottos (steam room, sauna, etc.) are coed. - unusual At one point a "therapist" completely uncovered me and asked if I wanted an "additional service" aka. a happy ending.........I couldn't get out quickly enough......NOT WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR AT ALL! The receptionist had the nerve to ask if I wanted to leave a tip. You aren't supposed to be angry after a massage, are you?

As we were walking around midtown we came across this spa, looks very private which is a good thing. We went in and ask about their services, a little pricey but competitive enough. The receptionist was very helpful in giving us options. It wasn't busy when we get in, we're probably the first ones here. I can't give reviews about their massage since we didn't have it. We just used the facilities and you can use it for 2hrs The dry, steam and iced sauna are decent enough, it is a definite try. Shower room was ok, had a little problem making the water to come out warm, which is very minor, otherwise the sauna were very nice, artistically done with granite and crystal stones and made the experience truly special. I felt so relaxed. Would definitely come back and try the massage.

Affordable, great service, the facilities are wonderful and completely take you away from the business of Herald Square. The lobby is a bit strange, yes, but once you're in it's lovely. IF PAYING BY CREDIT CARD: They will add $10 to your bill. Awful, awful, awful.

Pricier than the Korean Spas in California and the old Yi Pak Spa (down a few blocks), but LISA did an excellent job on the Korean Scrub. The massage was decent too, more like icing on the cake of the whole spa experience. Aura is essentially a Westernized-jjimjilbang (Korean spa). It's clean, basic, and no frills. It's all about the scrub. I got scrubbed what seemed like a whole hour. Afterwards, I was smooth as a baby's bottom. :P I highly recommend Lisa as she was comparable to my previous Korean scrub experiences and it was easy to communicate with her whether the massage was too hard/soft. The scrubs are not for the faint of heart. You are naked and scrubbed head-to-toe . .but afterwards . . you feel super clean and your skin is super silky. I typically make an appointment for after 10 PM, so when my 2-hours of beautification and relaxation is done . . .I can go back to my hotel room and pass out. Highly Recommended.

This was by far the worst massage EVER! We should have known when they make you pay up front. My friend and I entered a room that was for a couples massage. (What?!) The lady that was massaging my friend was pushing too hard. She asked her politely to not push so hard but the lady didn't listen. The massage was done over a sheet for at least half the time and all they did was press really hard. The massage wasn't cheap either - $130! Save your money and go elsewhere!

Heard about this spa from a friend, and since I have been looking for an atmospheric, good facilities spa, I decided to give this a try (Note: I've been quite an avid fan of thai spas so trying this korean spa is quite a big change for me). When I first stepped into this spa, I started to feel more relaxed.. Not sure if it's the 'not too dark and not too bright' reception area, but I definitely didn't feel like I was stepping into a brightly-lit store and eager to pump my heart and do some major shopping. I suppose this is what the spa is for: RELAX! The receptionist was great too. Took the time and effort to explain the different massages and packages available and which I should probably try. But since this is my first time, I decided to try a common yet simple yet releases all tension massage: Swedish massage with aromatherapy oil (as I requested) I have to admit that I'm definitely surprised at what this spa has to offer: - 2 dry and 1 wet sauna, great for opening your body's pores and release the toxins. - 1 ice room for those who are trying to escape from the hot and sticky summer. When I got in to this room, I almost didn't want to leave. - your masseur patiently waiting for you whenever you're ready (i think i've spent a good 30 minutes exploring all 4 different saunas and ice room) - massage room is nicely dimmed to create a relaxing and soothing atmosphere. - my masseur was very friendly and gives a good amount of strength during massage. Not too hard and not too soft. Felt all the tension easing away. - basically the massage was great enough for me to fall asleep and my masseur had to tap me to wake me up. The surprise didn't stop when the massage ends. Since this massage also include a head massage, naturally your hair gets a little messy. But hey, this spa actually also provide styling mousse in their locker rooms. Not to forget body lotions and shavers. I do feel pampered when I left. I will definitely go to this spa again!

I love love love Korean body scrubs. I think this place is ok, it one of the cleanest ones out there (juva is filthy and the other place are so far away) Anyway, I am not happy about the chatter reg: "favors" etc, but you know what, as long as I don't see it and I don't hear it, i really don't care. I just hope they wash their hands thoroughly in between clients! eek!

Well, I went here for a mother's day outing with my mother--of course. I was treating her to a day out and really, it was just ok. Do you want the bad or the good first? OK well the good part was the igloo looking cool sauna's that you can hang out in for pretty much as long as you want in between your massage or whatever else you are getting while there. They have a few different types of saunas all carved and molded with gem and quartz and are beautfiul and relaxing to hang out in. My mother and I both had booked a massage and a facial and she had a more expensive facial. The BAD--was that hardly anyone that spoke English there--a seemingly nice but very clueless mexican guy was up front when we walked in and ran to get someone else to help us--great. Then we were given towels and such by an Asian lady and we went to change in the locker room but they basically mixed up which services we were supposed to get first...it was sooo confusing and made the experience not very relaxing when some manager looking woman who FINALLY did speak English came into the sauna area and found us and cleared up the misunderstanding and told my mother to go get her facial first since hers would take longer than mine. I later discovered you can just go there for the sauna and locker room aspect and chill there for $50/day if you just want to utilize that part. I might consider doing part that again, the facials were decent, but the service left something to be desired--for sure.

Called 2 weeks in advance for a Saturday appoint for the Couples Jade Package. They didn't have a time that worked for me so I extended my stay in NYC for a day and booked the appointment for Sunday. I figured I'd be a hero with my wife. The gal who booked the appointment warned me 2x about the NO REFUND if canceled within 24 hours. NO EXCEPTIONS! She wasn't very friendly during the reservation process but I wasn't too concerned. My wife and I show up 10:45 for an 11am apt. the gals asks if she can help us. I tell her we have an appointment. She tells me she has no available appointments. I explain we are 15 minutes for our 11am appointment. Oops I guess they forgot to put me in the book. Do they apologize? Nope! Do they offer any compensation? Nope! A discount for another time? Nope! Even appear to feel bad? Nope! I bet there services are great but with some of the other reviews you'll read is it worth it? I bet there are tons of great places worthy of a shot.

Don't waste your money on the grottoes. The steam rooms were a little more than room temperature and the seating was uncomfortable

This place is overpriced and shady. The fact that they make you pay upfront is the first sign that you are being scammed. First off, the pictures of the Spa are not accurate. The massive walked in on is as we were changing, she was so rough and the massage was far from relaxing. The massage was actually the worst I've ever had. The masseuse had awful technique and it felt like I was being tortured. The steam room smelled like mildew and the shower wasn't very clean. I would not recommend this place to anyone!

I had a facial at this spa and was looking forward to enjoying the saunas. The decor is really nice. But the facial was awful. When I left my face was red and it felt like I had a sunburn for the rest of the afternoon. Thank goodness it was gone the next day but I really didn't see any benefit from the facial at all. I would not go back there.

I went to this place today it was a great experience little pricy but it's OK and I had one of the greatest massages ever therapist was so friendly and kind this is one of the best places to get a full-body massage and u will end happily and leave happily overall worth for the money

I had an amazing body scrub/massage. Lee was amazing strong hands and very Attentive! I would highly recommend this place to all! In town for weekend and heading back to Chicago! NC

UPDATE: The management did get in touch immediately, took the matter seriously, assured me that that treatment was not the spa's norm, and refunded me. !!!!!!!!!!WORST WORST WORST! AVOID AVOID AVOID! There isn't a term emphatic enough to express how much you should avoid this place. Here's what happened. I went in for a massage yesterday. My masseuse, Jennie, didn't leave me alone to get under the sheet, and, actually there was no sheet to lay under!!! Just a thin sheet on top of the table. She then LEAPT on top of me and started pounding my neck and shoulders FAR too hard.I had to ask her maybe 10 times to please not be so aggressive. Then she threw a sheet over me, pulled it down, and COMPLETELY exposed my back side. I pulled the sheet up and she laughed. When she had me sit up, the top of the sheet came down, exposing me once again, and when I immediately fixed it, she said "why? there's no one here." !!!!!!!!! I told her BECAUSE IT MADE ME FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE. !!!!!!!! At one point, she cooed into my ear "anything you want." Obviously I should've left at that point, but I was actually in a bit of shock. Plus, I'd been there before -- with other masseuses -- and had a completely decent experience. Naively, I thought the session would end up fine. Wrong. This was an absolute nightmare. I demanded my money back, but the receptionist (and keep in mind, I know this wasn't her fault and didn't want to shoot the messenger) couldn't get in touch with her manager -- she explained that since it was Friday, there was no manager there. (????????) When I asked to put her manager on the phone, she couldn't get through to anyone, and she insisted couldn't refund me since I'd used a gift card. I will attempt this week to get a refund, but I'm not holding my breath. I felt completely violated and absolutely revolted. Not to mention, I was also in more pain than when I'd walked in. To complete the absolutely horrific experience, some extremely shady looking men walked in. Now perhaps they were there for facials. But probably not. Now why am I risking telling this completely humiliating story in a public forum? To spare you the indignity of going through the same experience. NEVER AGAIN! Oh, and if we're to believe this site, Aura could be a rub and tug! http://www.pocketchangenyc.com/best-list.asp?nid=1091

I was felling too bad in here. Her massage is so messy.. "This is unacceptable"!!!!

Located on 33rd near Broadway in Korean town. Me and my wife did a couples package that included a traditional 60 minute Korean scrub, an hour massage, and 30 minute reflexology. We had a private suite for our scrub and massages. The also gave us a sample bottle of champagne and some melons. Everything was great. The only thing authentic was the Korean scrub. The massages were great, but I do not believe the therapist were licensed. They also have the various saunas that are coed, but they do not have any plunge pools.

If you're into awkward moments and extreme nudity have a Korean body scrub. The ladies here scrubbed every piece of dead skin off of me for an hour, washed and rinsed me. They were extremely thorough and I think It was a worthwhile experience.

I have mixed feelings about this spa. I called the evening before to request a massage and facial package for myself and a massage for my husband and everything was confirmed. Positives: 1. the facilities are very clean and nicely decorated 2. love the grottos (steam, sauna, ice room) 3. my massage was great Negatives: 1. they were very unprepared for us. when I arrived they informed me I cannot have a facial because a staff member called out sick and they didn't even suggest getting a replacement. 2. The lady at the front desk was not very welcoming although we did inform her this was our first time here. 3. Over the phone we were assured a male masseuse for my husband, instead he was given an older woman 4. I was asked to wait and watch my masseuse get the table ready for me; it's like they were not expecting me and now they had to hussle to get things ready. 5. You have to pay in full when you enter. I'm used to settling my bill and tip before you exit the spa, when returning the keys for the locker room Perhaps the ususal staff was not here because it was a holiday or maybe their hospitality skills needs work. I think I will try a visit one more to compare the experiences.

I'm torn, I really want to like this place. However, I just get a weird vibe, something is just off. The facilities are great, clean and spacious. It is set up great for a party like a bridal shower etc. However, I've been there twice and each time only saw evidence of one other person there. The services were good, got a couple facials and each were fine, nothing great but nothing to complain about either. Also had a body scrub, which was good. My only comment is that the lady was in her bra and underwear, I really wish she was wearing something more like a one piece bathing suit, it would make the client more comfortable and would look more professional. Lastly, the lobby. While I really like the facilities, the lobby isn't great. The receptionist essentially looked like she just came from the gym, not professional. Also lots of things were taped to the walls, a frame would have looked a lot better. I've given it a second chance, but I don't think I'll be coming back. But I'd say encourage others to try it for themselves.