Joy's Spa
Category: Nail Salons [Edit]
Neighborhood: Adams Morgan2471 18th St NW
(between N Adams Mill Rd & N Belmont Rd)
Washington, DC 20009 (202) 234-0909
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sun 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- By Appointment Only: Yes
43 Reviews for Joy's Spa
After all the positive Yelp reviews, I booked an appointment at Joy's before I went on a Miami vacation. The bikini wax was great - Joy is very sweet and chats throughout the process to make you feel more comfortable. The pedicure was very good - I was expecting something a little different with the hot stones, but the foot and leg massage was quite nice.
The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was just the price. I know that it is probably typical in DC, but I was still a little set off by the prices - I have never paid that much for a pedicure in my life. But I will definitely go back... just certainly not every week!
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Like Debbie C., I also live in Adams Morgan, and walk by Joy's nearly every day (just FYI, they're located ABOVE Asylum). In fact, hubby and I just moved to Adams Morgan about six weeks ago. Prior to that, we lived in Rockville, and had fantastic service at Blu Water Day Spa (I still give them five stars).
But honestly, commuting up to Rockville every two weeks just got to be silly, so based on the Yelp reviews (and their proximity), I decided to try Joy's.
I just called for an appointment, and was serviced by Kim (who despite her young looks, has FIVE kids!), who was fantastic. My gel overlays are intact and look lovely,and the pedicure? Oh. My. Lord.
The pedicure was fantastic They use a salt or sugar scrub, then polish, then hot stone massage, finished off with hand massage. Pure heaven. I even had little daisies painted on my big toes (too cute)!
I give them four stars because, as much as I LOVE the service I received, and I adore Kim, it was $90 total, which I felt was somewhat excessive, especially considering that Blu Water just opened a HUGE spa, and I don't remember ever paying that much there. ::sigh::
At any rate, I'm booked with Kim again in two weeks. You gotta do what you gotta do, right?
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Go-Go-Go! Next after Urbana, we hit Joy's for our appt. After the downpour of the day(5/31), this was an oasis! Even though we were late(Sorry! Parking is crucial-get there early). Tina and staff gave the ULT in service. My Facial/ shoulder/head massage was worth all my pennies! The Bride-to -be enjoyed her massage(next on my list), but the raves about the hot stone Mani/Pedi- all true. Now bring the credit & the cash( they love cash!)because it's a little high, but I walked out a new being..oh yeah, so did the bride-to be. Thanks Ladies!
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Though the people here were friendly and the atmosphere was relaxed, I have to say that the Brazilian wasn't all it's cracked up to be (according to other reviewers). I've been getting Brazilians for three years now on and off, and this was the least thorough one I've ever had. When I got home I checked to see how Joy had done, and to my surprise there was hair left on both sides of the inner labia--I don't know how anyone could have missed it. I was even pulling back my skin so she could see, but maybe her vision is going? I'm not sure.
Joy was also somewhat pushy in trying to get me to buy additional services, despite the fact that I told her I was a poor student who could barely afford to get Brazilians on a semi-regular basis. She's a nice lady, but make no mistake. It's a business.
I live in Adams Morgan and walk by this place every day. I never knew that such a gem was housed in my own backyard! There's a reason why Yelpers and the Washington City Paper gave this place the "best mani/pedi" in DC -- the hot stone massage!
Joy herself told me that she took the idea of full body hot stone massage and applied it to her pedicure. It's worth every penny. My legs felt great and my nails (hands and toes) looked fabulous. I spent two and a half hours there--a lot of time yes, but you're getting a SPA treatment and for only 60 dollars!
Joy even walked over to massage my back while my nails dried in the dryer.
This is not your run of the mill manicure and pedicure--it's a spa treatment and a great massage. Totally worth it. I'm coming back in 2 weeks, this place was great!
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Ok, so let me start this by saying that I've never actually been to Joy. My friends and I were planning to go for our Spa Day this coming Saturday. I read all of the great reviews on here and suggested that we give it a try. We had everything all scheduled, and today (just 5 minutes ago, as a matter of fact) my friend called to confirm, and she was told that she'll have to put our group's entire bill (there are 5 of us) PLUS 20% gratuity on her credit card. When she told the lady she didn't want to do that, my friend was told, "well there's an ATM right down the street - they can pay you back when you leave." Um, how about no?!? Why weren't we told this when the appointments were first booked? A policy like that needs to be stated upfront! In fact, they chose to tell her this the day before the services would be charged to her card.
Note to "Joy" and her staff: That's not how you run a business - it's presumptuous and downright rude!
Needless to say - we cancelled our appointments at Joy, and I won't be rescheduling.
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You Joy-fanatics are probably going to kill me for this one - but I just don't see what all the hype is about. It has a wonderful, friendly, community vibe, I'll give it that. It is also pretty damn expensive - $60 or a mani/pedi and it is just average. It takes a long-ass time though. I also didn't feel like it was particularly clean.
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Am I going to get a lynching for only giving Joy's 4 stars? Don't get me wrong, this place is fantastic. If it wasn't for Yelp, I would have never even known of it's existence, let alone gone there.
The first thing you notice when you walk into Joy's is the warm atmosphere. The people are welcoming and friendly and make you feel at home right away. It's a totally family run business and you can feel the family warmth. Joy, her boyfriend, sister, son, daughter, son's girlfriend... they all work here.
I went here for a major waxing job: Brazilian ($45), underarms ($20) and eyebrows ($15). (I had never had an underarm wax before and think I'm addicted now. SO great!) Joy did my waxing and so I got spend a good hour with her. We chatted the entire time and she made the half-naked me feel totally comfortable chatting about her business, Vietnam and traveling around the world. That's the first rule of waxing. If I'm going to let you rip hairs from my body, I better be comfortable and relaxed while you do it.
Joy did a very great job on all the waxings, although her Brazilian was the best. Not that the other two were bad, but the Brazilian was incredibly meticulous and detailed. It also hurt like hell. Then again, you know what you are getting yourself into when you get one, but this one really really hurt. Then again, the end product was great. I guess it's a trade off. Like I said, it was my first underarm wax and so I really don't have anything to compare it to. I love it though. Definitely going to keep doing this! The eyebrows were good but not great. When I went home I spent about 5min clipping them just a bit to get them just right. Now they are perfect though. Nothing to complain about though.
Joy really cares about her costumers. She said that she would rather have 5 great ones that she likes and cares about and have a good time with, than 60 that just come and go and that she has no personal connection to. This attitude really shows in the way that the business is conducted. People chat and seem to know each other. I was introduced to people while in the waiting area. I can truthfully say that that has never happened to me before. A bunch of Joy's costumers are actually taking a trip to Vietnam together with Joy in December 2008. Can you imagine? They are actually going to travel together. Unheard of! Joy told me that they are going to go to a poor village in Vietnam and bring them food and clothing and stuff like that.
Joy's will also, by request do very interesting things for their clients. Apparently they have bridal showers and parties at the Spa. They shut the place down and they do whatever you want. You can bring food and wine and beer and actually have a party there! I thought that was a great idea.
They also have parking validation. If you park in the parking lot at their place, you get 2 hours of parking for $2. Just remember to get out before your 2 hours are up.
Even though my eyebrow wax needed a tad bit extra work (the reason for the 4 out of 5 stars) my experience was Joy's was fantastic. I came out of that place feeling really really great. I was happy and felt good about myself... all the things that you should be feeling when you walk out of a spa.
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I am not a princess who loves pampering. I dislike manicures and pedicures. They make me feel awkward, bored and bourgeois so I avoid them whenever I can. Imagine, then, my chagrin when I found out that the prize for the Yelp James Bond Scavenger Hunt was a gift certificate for a Signature Pedicure from Joy's Spa. A pedicure? Ick. I hate having to admit I have feet and mine usually live in socks and tights and sneakers and boots, especially in this weather. Feet are utilitarian, is my general logic, so there's no point prettying them up.
Yeeeah. Yesterday's visit to Joy's has definitely changed my mind. I have been gushing about it non-stop since I left the spa, floating down the street on a blissful little cloud (obviously, not literally because if it were so, I would have definitely been blown out to sea by the gale-force winds last night). It's not a chic, blank euro-zen space. Joy's is cosy, shabby and bright, like sitting in someone's living room. There was no inner-peace or whale-song music silliness. Everyone there is so lovely, accomodating, welcoming and friendly that you feel instantly at home. I was even offered a cup of tea. And they have the very best selection of up-to-date trashy tabloid magazines.
The pedicure itself was meticulous, including a lovely-smelling salt scrub, a lotion massage and then, the wonderful thing that really sets it apart--an INCREDIBLE hot stone massage. There's something weird yet unspeakably amazing about being rubbed with a warm rock. Even just thinking about it calms me down.
I was even given little rectangles of clingfilm to cover my rather beautiful new red nails underneath my socks and sneakers for the walk home.
Thanks to Joy's Spa, I now accept my feet as being attached to me and deserving of attention. It's like a brand new lease on life.
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Thanks Yelp!!! I got my lovely gift certicate from the Yelp James Bond Day Scavenger Hunt (Great team work, girls!!!)
My flight was cancelled due to the snowy weather last weekend. To take advantage of my new found free time in DC, I made my way to Joy's to pamper myself-after having Sushi Taro (which was a short walk away).
Since it was a Friday, it wasn't that particular busy. Instead of getting the signature pedicure, I exchanged it to a mini mani and pedi treatment (same price). I was very surprised that when I found out that I got a GUY to do my nails (first time by a guy!). The guy was Reggie, Joy's son!!!!!
Reggie was great! He noticed I was using the gift cert from Yelp, so he asked me alot about Yelp! I told him all about our parties and the yelpers. And he said that Yelp helped Joy's Spa a lot!!
Reggie was very attentive when he was working on my nails, he spent so much time repairing my chipped finger nails with glue and stuff. And he checked and double checked my finger nails as he was filing my nails. So detail. His hands were like magical when he's was working on my feet!!! So special!!!
I hope Reggie can come by to the Yelp Party 08!!!
I can't wait to come back here for other services!
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3.5 Stars.....would have been four if the massage chairs were working...While it doesn't quite live up to all the hype, the reviews are correct about nice staff. I had Ta for my signature pedicure and she was so sweet. The pedicure was great and she took her time...I come from the land of California where services like these are $25-$30 for spa like treatments in upscale salons. The hot stone felt good but I prefer hands kneading out the kinks. By the way bring your own polish because some of the polishes I picked up were thinned out or clumpy..Overall great service but pricey.
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just had to write and say I totally concur. If you want to get a feel for Joy's, read the other 41 reviews. I'm here just to tell you that they are correct, and to thank the Yelpers for pointing me in the right direction when I'm visiting from out of town and have very little free time. Joy and her staff were great. I had a pedi next to a girl with gorgeous facial features and the sleepy look in her eyes let me know that the massage end of the business was also quite good. Moderately priced pedi included a little reflexology, a salt scrub, and a nice bit of massaging.
Check it out.
I heart yelp.
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OK...what can i say but FABULOUS! I had an hour facial with Tina and it was the best facial EVER. I do alot of traveling and every where I go I have a "SPA DAY" for myself. I have had OK to good facials BUT I was blown away by Tina's hands.
She made me feel very relaxed and comfortable. We chatted about ourselves at first, then about my skin and my concerns. She was very personable and well educated about skin.
I was really amazed about how much she knew so I asked her how long had she been an esthetician. Tina told me all about how she works for a world renowned dermatologist for the past 8 yrs as a "hands on" assistant for the doctors. Tina said although she had been in the dermatology field for sometime, she started facials almost 5 yrs prior.
After all the was said and done we started to quiet down, and I was totally in HEAVEN. From the facial massage, to the scalp massage, all the way to the neck, chest and shoulder massage! WOW!!! I never received this much pampering at other spas for such a small price.
At the end, my skin felt like cotton. It had been years since my skin felt this good. I purchased some skincare and have started that. Tina says "Its what you do at home that in the long run will benefit your skin the most" Makes sense, right people!
This woman was a blessing! I have my next 3 facials booked and I can't wait. I plan on possible making "A Day of Joy" in the future, so then i don't have to leave for HOURS.
THANKS JOYS SPA AND THANK YOU TINA!
SEE YA SOON!
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The massage was really good. It is not a posh place, but the setting is more than acceptable. But more than that, the massage was terrific. I highly recommend supporting this local moderately priced find.
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My scapula (ae?) and I got the Reggie treatment tonight. If he's reading this, yes I know, I shouldn't be using a computer.
Not much to add to what others have said. He's quite good, and the hot towel and stones make a big difference to the quality of the massage. I've had a lot of massages (from massage school clinics to Red Door) and in various countries. He ranks pretty high!
Thanks, Yelpers.
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I've gone to Joy's spa for waxing and massage services, and I have always had an excellent experience. Reggie does amazing work-- I walked out yesterday feeling better than I had in a while. Joy provides excellent waxing services and keeps you occupied so you don't think about the *ouch!* factor. Highly recommended.
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***4.5 Stars***
Happy Happy Joy Joy! Or, Joy Joy makes me Happy Happy!
Things about Joy's Spa that made me joyful:
1. The hot stone massage during the pedicure;
2. How quiet the salon was even though it's above a bar;
3. The shoulder/upper back massage while my fingernails were drying;
4. How the salon has tons of polishes to choose from;
5. How friendly everyone in the salon is (from Reggie to his girlfriend to his sister);
6. It's a family-owned business;
7. The prices are reasonable ($60 for such an amazing manicure and pedicure is so worth it, and $75 for an hour long massage with some hot stone therapy is a bargain in this town);
8. Reggie's great attention to detail, especially when filing and polishing;
9. The fact that the massage therapists here are licensed (not just nail techs who are good with their hands); and
10. It's very, very clean inside with disposable nail kits for each client and sanitizing ovens!
We all deserve as much joy as we can get in our lives! So, walk, drive or Metro to Joy's Spa! I can't wait to get joyful again next week!
PS Everyone understandably wants a bit of joy and Joy's so call ahead to make an appointment!
***Update*** After my manicure, many of my nails chipped in only 2 days. I will definitely come back here again, but I will be bringing my own polish and top coat.
I've since had two massages with Reggie. He really listened and gave me two great sessions, both of which left my neck and back feeling much, much better. 5 stars! I love the fact that hot stones are used in the signature massage, which makes the hour for $75 an even better deal.
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Joy is fantastic! I was badly burned a couple of years ago while getting waxed and went into Joy's with great trepidation. But she is super sweet and put me at ease immediately. Plus, she is a great waxer. Fantastic. Fast, not painful, or pushy for fanciness "Downtown." She was very attentive to my concerns and was super motherly and nice. I highly recommend her and I will definitely go back and splurge on a pedicure next time!
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I received one of Joy's Signature Massages from Yanna...and I think I'm addicted. While I haven't been able to get back for part deux, I believe I'm going to take a chance and try some of the other services...
Everyone was so friendly; I half-expected that I would be uncomfortable, being a guy and all, going to a spa. But instead, it was really welcoming and open.
I'm already trying to plan my next foray into "spa treatments." A pedicure? A facial? Def. another massage!
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I read such great reviews of this place I expected to hear Belinda Carlyle's Heaven on Earth as soon as I walked through the door. Didn't happen.
When you first walk in to Joy's you are shocked. Shocked that a place with such awesome reviews was so normal and unremarkable. Then it happens... Joy gets ahold of you and you are whisked away into a world of customer service bliss.
Joy welcomed me warmly and asked me how I found them. (Yelp- and yes she knows about what nice things we say.) She was very excited to see a man. She is pleased that more men are getting manicures and pedicures these days. Joy offered me a drink...soda, water, tea. This was surprising because the shop seemed so average.
I sat back in the pedi chair with my diet coke and then came Yana. She gave me the best pedicure ever. Very careful, thorough and friendly. Then just as you think the pedicure is ending..wham-bam-flash... the leg massage complete with a hot stone to finish it off. I don't think my feet have been so soft since I was a child.
The pedicure was equally as wonderful. Yana knows more about me than most of the people I work with now. Joy also told me the history of her time with Joy's Nails and now Joy's Spa.
It is a family business. They focus heavily on the customer and hope to move to a new spot someday when their lease is up here. Everyone there is a family member with the exception of a couple friends that work here.
Warning- Do NOT come here if you are an uppity snobbity snob. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE. They would rather not have you.
Don't come here if you are in a hurry. I was their an hour and 15 minutes for a manicure and pedicure. (This is in contrast to the 35 minutes max it would all take down the street.) I paid 65.00 for the manicure and signature pedicure.
Joy's admits they are busy on the weekends and the shop is full of people. The experience is better during the weekdays when it is more quiet. They also have massage services and waxing if you like to have hair ripped from your body. Just always make an appointment. They do validate at the parking garage down the street. 2.00 for 2 hours.
Wait, shhh..can you hear that? "Oh baby, do you know what that's worth? Oh, Heaven is a place on Earth."
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Even after reading the rave reviews for Joy's Spa, I was still a bit skeptical. After all, I have frequented many nail salons and have always left disappointed and/or annoyed with the shoddy result. My disappointment, however, is over given the incredible service rendered at Joy's Spa.
I went to Joy's for a massage and pedicure, both of which were done by Reggie. The massage was wonderful. Reggie used his expert hands to knead through a mass of knots in my shoulders and neck, which accumulated after two months of studying for the bar. The massage was painful, but quickly relieved my aches and pains. After a full body massage, he then lay steaming towels on my back and continued to massage my back and shoulders. I left the room feeling nicely sedated and relaxed, and anxious to book another appointment.
I then had my pedicure, which was equally good and by far the best I have ever had. Reggie must have spent a good 10 minutes scrubbing away at my callouses, making my tootsies baby soft. After polishing my toenails, he then massaged my feet and legs with a hot stone, which was heavenly. I simply cannot say enough good things about Reggie - the man has talent.
Thus, my last words for all the busy men and women of DC who are in need of a little TLC? Quickly - run, hop, skip, or jump to Joy's for a massage, pedicure, or any other range of her services, which I'm sure are equally good.
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Since discovering Joy's Spa, I refuse to take my business anywhere else. I confess that I am loyal to Tina and Yana - that's just how I'm cut out - but I have had services from Chi, Reggie, and Chi's sister and niece occasionally and they are also fabulous.
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I had never used yelp before last week but I'm sure glad that I did when it came to my experience at Joys. As an anniversary gift to each other, my boyfriend and I decided to get a couples massage. We were initially greeted by Yana and brought upstairs to where the massage rooms are. The tables were side by side and there was some nice soft music playing. The massage was great and my boyfriend couldn't stop talking about it for the rest of the day. Both Reggie and Yana did a wonderful job and I will definitely be going back there again!
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This place is the shiznit...outstanding all round service and lovely people, definitely go and check them out. I bought a friend the 'day of joy' package and she have a great time and left feeling like a million bucks.
Update! For massages, go visit Reggie and Yana upstairs at their NEW Flow Massage Studio! They do fantastic massages at great prices too :) (Note to self: take the cat in to get trained in giving shoulder massages)
Update: I recently went for a facial with Tina. As a guy, I felt a bit of a pansy going for a facial, but after this I now have new addiction on my (ever growing) list! Tina does amazing work and is very thorough and the experience is totally relaxing and will have you floating out of the place...without even smoking anything :)
Strongly recommend a massage and /facial session. The cat wants this now, but Ive drawn the line, so shes getting some cucumbers on the face and lotioned up whiskers.
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I, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, this place! I've been to many, many other nail salons and I haven't found better service or friendlier people. The hot stone pedicure is amazing! I also did the micro-derm abrasion facial and my skin literally felt like a baby's butt afterward. Tina was great and she not only gave me a great complexion to leave with, but did a great job at relaxing me after the abrasion part (which no one on earth can make pleasant---it hurts a little to be beautiful sometimes ladies).
I've also done waxing here and Joy does a great job of making it as painless as possible. I got a Brazilian and she distracted me so much during it that I hardly noticed the pain.
I've never done the massages because it's not really my thing, but I'm going to treat myself one day soon.
The best part about the place is the laid back atmosphere. I'm so sick of going to nail salons where I feel like a piece on the assembly line being pushed through. You get alot of individual attention at Joy's. The best nail salon in DC by far. I highly recommend it!
PS: I read a review earlier that confused me. I've never been to a spa, or a restaurant for that matter, that didn't require a combined bill and 20 percent gratuity for large parties to ensure that the service people don't get screwed. I don't get the problem, but to each his own.
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I've had only one massage with Reggie so far, but it was EXCELLENT. I nearly ruined the experience by constantly remembering that the bliss would end in less than 90 minutes. Can't wait for my next massage--I will definitely be going back to him, and I look forward to trying out the spa's other services.
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I was excited by all the positive reviews for Joys, so I snuck out of work early to get a much needed brow wax and pedicure. When I got upstairs all the lights were off and the door was locked. I called to confirm the hours before I left work, so I knew they should have been open. I knocked and a man opened the door. He seems surprised by my presence, so I asked him if the salon was open. He said, "I think so. Hold on." He confirmed with the women inside that they were taking clients and then sat back down on the couch. The whole situation was just weird but I was desperate, so I went in for my brow wax.
Once I got into the treatment room, I started to relax. I was chatting with the woman who was doing my brows, and she asked what I would like done. I told her I just wanted them cleaned up. She repeated back to me, "I understand. You don't want too much off. They'll look great. You have a nice, natural shape." I was thrilled, that was exactly what I wanted. I thought I had finally found my waxing place in DC.
She started applying the wax, and it felt like she was putting a lot of wax on, but I didn't worry about it because she had repeated my request back to me. Well out came the mirror, and I had pencil thin brows! I have no idea how leaving all but a few remaining hairs equates to a natural shape, but I was not pleased. I said screw the pedicure and got the heck out of there.
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Amazing massage- great family owned staff- staff makes you feel comfortable and pressure free- which is what a spa should be like.
Finished off with the hot stone pedicure- which is one of the best pedicures I have ever had- the hot stones really add to the experience, plus everything was super clean which is puts your mind at ease. Great non-forced conversation with staff. Left beyond relaxed definitely will be a repeat customer and tell my friends!!
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You will rarely hear me say that the two-hour, door-to-door round trip metro ride and walk in the cold from Arlington to Adams Morgan was worth it but it was so worth it to come to Joy's Spa. It did help that I was armed with a gift certificate for a complimentary signature pedicure that each of my teammates had won at the Yelp James Bond Day Scavenger Hunt back in October. This could not have come at a better time since I leave for my vacation in Arizona in 4 days - my feet definitely needed some work before I don open-toed shoes again.
I got to Joy's 15 minutes before my appointment in hopes that they could give me a brow waxing. It wasn't a problem and Joy herself whisked me over to the treatment room. I really appreciate that she asked me how I wanted them because most places don't. Even the places I became a regular at, I constantly had to remind the aesthetician about what I wanted and what not to do and still only 75% of the time did I get what I want - thin and arched, what part can't you understand? I was born cursed with hairy, bushy caterpillar brows and therefore serve as the ultimate test for even the most seasoned of brow waxers. Even Joy commented on how much eyebrow I had compared to other Asians. She even said the thick eyebrow look was in but I swear it was just to make me feel better. Yes, I was endowed with mannish eyebrows now get rid of 'em! Which she did. She did the bottoms and the tops - some places don't believe in waxing the top of the brow but it is essential to me. I was especially impressed that she was skilled enough to take all the hair out during the process that there was no need for the painful tweezing that every place I've ever been to does afterward. It's usually because they screwed up one of the brows. It's a testament to Joy's skill that she can perfect the shape without using tweezers after.
Next was the pedicure with Joy's sister (I'm terrible - I didn't catch her name.). She was so sweet and asked if I wanted water or tea. The pedicure lasted for about 60 minutes. The first 45 minutes were good and what you would expect of a pedicure - the clipping, the snipping, the nipping, the filing, the buffing, the exfoliating, the sloughing. It was the last 15 minutes after they apply the polish that is heavenly. She rubs lotion all over the feet and calves and they're massaged. Then she brings out the hot stone and massages with that. What a relaxing, unexpected surprise! She sprayed the quick dry, sealant stuff over my feet and then I did 3 rounds of the UV light ray thingy. Then to offer further protection, they put oil on my toes and put a plastic sandwich baggy over each foot. I put my socks over that and my sneakers on. I was all set for the trek back to Arlington.
It was such a treat to experience Joy's. I really like that it's family-owned and operated. You can expect the highest level of customer service, expertise and skill when you come in here for a service. They want to meet your needs and exceed your expectations and they certainly did for this first-timer.
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I absolutely love Joy's! I have gone twice for bikini wax, and have had great experiences both times. Joy is friendly, gentle, and works quickly--and the price won't break your bank either! Seriously, I have recommended this place to everyone I know, and they have all loved it too!
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One word: A-MAZ-ING. Yana and Reggie are the best deal in D.C. They offer both individual (swedish, sport, etc) and couples' massage. This is a no-frills place without pomp and circumstance, but they operate in a comfortable and classy manner. My boyfriend (who is a relatively 'macho' guy) had never gotten a massage before we did the couples massage. He loved the experience, and found it to be not the least bit creepy. They are experts at their work and extremely professional. You could go to the Mandarin Hotel and pay hundreds and hundreds of dollars for something similar. They're very reasonably priced, and I have no doubt their business is going to soar. Highly recommended (although I hesitate to continue to publicize the best-kept secret in DC!)
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I took my fiance in for a mani/pedi while I had an hour massage. Everything was wonderful (she raved about the signature pedicure) and the service was superb. The reviews on here were spot on with our experiences. Also, you'll be hard pressed to find better prices at another spa and still receive quality treatments AND first-rate service. It's a very relaxed, comforting spa...the perfect place to spend a cold, rainy Saturday morning!
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My husband got me a gift certificate to Joy's Spa - one signature massage and one deep cleansing facial. BEST DAY EVER. Reggie did the massage and Tina the facial (as well as a waxing afterwards). They were both so comforting and attentive, I will never go anywhere else. I'm not one to get pampered, but am now. Reggie gives a great massage - he focuses on YOU and not the clock. And Tina was superwoman with my face. Sounds weird, but I feel like I have a new face? Whatever product they use, I will take 10 boxes please.
FYI, Joy's Nails is recently changed to Joy's Spa. I haven't been to this incarnation of Joy's place yet, but I have been several times for nail services. They are the BEST. I love the hot rock pedicure, which is so totally relaxing. Great attention to detail on the feet, and the polish is applied perfectly. I love these people. In fact, I look forward to trying some of their new spa services soon!
UPDATE: went again on 2/11/07 for a mani/pedi. Can't say enough how great this was. The best. Joy's sister Bui did them both for me, and she just takes exceptional care. The hot stone rub-down on the legs and feet is very relaxing. And they have GREAT pedicure massage chairs -- I could have sat there for hours. Last, while my nails were drying, Bui gave me a 5- minute neck massage. Aaaaah! I'll definitely be trying their new spa services soon.
UPDATE 6/30/07: Got a facial from Tina. She is very professional, and she has all the right equipment. That said, it wasn't the best facial I've had. Still, she does a lot of scalp and shoulder massaging during the facial, rather than leaving you alone while your mask dries. That was very nice.
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I must be the only one that thinks Joy's was so-so. I went on a Saturday, had an appointment. Everyone was super friendly and Tina did my mani/pedi. The pedicure was wonderful, the water was just right and the hot stone was a great addition. The polish was perfect and I had no complaints. The manicure however left a lot to be desired. The soaking, cuticles etc. was fine, but the filing and the polish was less than stellar. I asked for my nails to be cut down, even and then square with rounded edges-pretty standard I think. The filing wasn't even and by Sunday afternoon my polish was chipping. Urrrgggghh! I have to say that the "family" is really great and I wanted so bad for everything to be wonderful so I could join the bandwagon but alas it is not to be. I will however try a massage with Reggie and see how that goes.
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Got a massage from Yanna. She was attentive, worked out the kinks in my problem spots, and adjusted the amount of pressure when I asked. It was $75 for an hour massage. Definitely worth it.
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I totally jumped on the yelp bandwagon and booked a massage here. I'm not ashamed to say that I'm a follower. And I'm especially glad that I went to Joy's. I had a massage with Reggie on a rainy Friday morning. They're in the process of renovating the upstairs for the spa and it looks like it has a lot of potential. The room that I was in was very relaxing and the table was comfortable. Reggie was really responsive and had a firm touch (though I'm sure you could request any level of pressure that you want). I've been to a number of massage places across the country, including in the DC area, and I'm glad to say that I've finally found an affordable one that I would go back to. My only complaint would be that the walk up to the spa on the second floor was kind of humid because it was in the general hallway. However, what's 15 seconds of discomfort compared to an hour of bliss?
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I. love. this. place. !. I live in Woodley and am a frequent visitor to Adams Morgan, but rarely during the day. On the way back over the bridge, I came upon their sidewalk sign with brochures and picked one up thinking nothing more than how convenient the location is to my apartment. After looking at the prices I was really happy to see a 60 minute "signature massage" for $65!!! That is incredible for anywhere in DC! The signature massage includes a little of everything- swedish, deep tissue, and pressure point so the masseuse targets EVERYTHING leaving no sore muscle unturned. I had Yana, the girlfriend of the owner's son, and I learned from her that it was a family business and I really liked that because it is a source of income and work for their whole family so they are really into the service and keeping people happy. I felt completely cleansed and toxin free after the massage and decided to treat myself to a spontaneous paraffin dip after the massage and Yana was happy to do it. To be honest, upon first walking in, I was a little perplexed about the lack of "red-door-tranquility-spa-feel" because you enter the place immediately stepping into the giant open studio room with about 4 nail stations and pedi chairs- as opposed to a more private setting with a front desk, etc. I also wondered if the thumping bass from Asylum below was going to be a problem during the massage. However, after going back into the room to get the massage, I very well could have potentially been in a Red Door or upscale spa- a massage room is a massage room as long as it's calm and clean and fully equipped. In the end though, you're in the middle of one of the busiest most popular neighborhoods, space is at a premium, and as long as the services are sanitary and achieving their goal of relaxation, nothing else matters. The place was hopping with people, many clients who were regulars and hugged the whole staff as they entered and left so it is definitely a place where I intend to become a local regular. Besides, I realized I don't care for those stuffy upscale spas where you feel pressured to buy things or tip huge or whatever other nonsense there is. This place is no-nonsense, great service, proud attentive hard-working owners, and affordable. The openess is actually refreshing- no pressure to buy anything, a bunch of chatty women joking with the staff, and a pop radio station playing (certainly not the place if you demand privacy and tranquility and classical music playing during your services, but even if you are such person I highly recommend this place). They also have wonderful packages- one I think for $130 an entire half day of variations and combinations of massage, facial, and mani/pedi- I'm definitely looking forward to treating myself to this. And their coffee body scrub (caffeine apparently redistributes fat cells beca