Wedding Blog
The Mr and I have been in LA for the past week - he’s here for work, and I’m here for vacation. Despite being on vacation, I have a tough time sleeping in, regardless of what time I hit the sack. It’s really frustrating because I can see the tired-ness on my face, particularly, under the eyes. Mr. Piglet swears by Korean saunas and convinced me to go this past weekend. I was more willing to go since I was in another state; therefore, the chance of me running into a familiar face was pretty darn low (the naked factor scares me).
Image source
We went to Natura spa on Wilshire, which is located in the basement of a Korean mall. No frets if you don’t speak Korean.
Piglet was able to get by just fine. I was only using the spa amenities - no massage or body scrub - so I paid 20 bucks, which I thought was very reasonable since I stuck around for 2 hours. They provide you with a basket containing 2 small towels, 1 large towel, and a bathrobe. Once you undress and walk into the spa area, you’ll receive the warm welcoming stares from the older Korean women (all who disregard the waxing/trimming trend) for the longest 2 seconds known to mankind. I’m exaggerating - it was me that felt uncomfortable initially. 
Then I jumped right in! First off, you shower/rinse your body before going into any of the rooms and/or hot/cold pools. It felt good to sweat it out in the steam room and the sauna (which also has a flat screen TV). I sauna’d, soaked, scrubbed myself into a stupor. Boy oh boy, your skin feels amazing afterwards! Next time, I may have them scrub my body down.
We have one Korean spa in Centreville, called Spa World. It really is amazing in comparison to the ones I’ve checked out in LA. Definitely give it a whirl if you’re willing to try something new. I’ll have to add this to my monthly regimen, because my skin was glowing afterwards. I felt rejuvenated and I can’t wait to go back!
Anyone else swear by Korean saunas?
|
Share this post: Overcoming the Naked Factor
you are brave! i wouldn’t be caught dead showing my goodies in public. honestly, i didn’t even know they had naked spas anymore! where have i been?
I went to a spa in Thailand with some girls from my tour group. Um, unbeknownst to us, we were nude the WHOLE time. It was uncomfortable at first- thank goodness we got in a whirlpool with flower petals on top to mask the nakedness a little.
I used to frequent the onsens in Japan when I lived there. I was overcame the inital embarressment of being the only white girl in the place, I realized how relaxing and fun the whole experience was.
I love the Korean spas! You should really try to get a scrub. It a little shocking at first, but afterwards I swear your skin will feel like a baby’s butt! Plus, it’s usually really cheap for what you get!
I’ve never heard of this…Is a Korean sauna like a Turkish bath? Is the washcloth like a loofah or something else? I’m very curious now!!
Miss Quiche,
There’s one called Paradise here in Chicago. But i can’t vouch for it since I’ve never been. I think there are some reviews on yelp or citysearch though. Also, strangely/conveniently, there is a Parasdise restaurant next door for a bite to eat.
I have issues with saunas because of my rosacea — it messes with my skin, and I just end up feeling hot and uncomfy. Does anyone have a similar problem?
Wow! This sounds very similar to a Turkish hammam, which I love! Glad you enjoyed it.
We’re thinking about going to one of the baths in Germany when we go to Europe next year, but I don’t know if I can handle the naked factor!!!
I love my korean wash cloth!! I am interested in these spas though, and the naked factor freaks me out too.
I drive by your Spa World , in Centreville everyday on my commute to work! Small world never thought there would be super local bee in the hive!
The DC/VA/MD crew should go to Spa World together for a girl bonding experience! I kid.
@Miss Perfume: It does sound similar to a Turkish bath, but the washcloth is different from a loofah. To me, the texture of the washcloth i’ve using slightly resembles sandpaper (slightly exaggerated).
Here’s a picture!
http://www.yunokuni.jp/tensyo/esthe/images/esthe_akasuri.jpg
I think there’s one in Flushing which I’ve been trying to go to but I def want to try now! =)
Yes! I love korean baths … I’m fond of Grand Spa on Virgil and 5th (or 6th?) street here in LA. I haven’t been to Natura, but I’ve heard great things.
My favorite is the oil and scrub. Oddly enough, I feel very comfortable baring it all there - even when they are scrubbing between the legs. I’ve had the same service at Burke Williams and it felt horribly invasive. I think it’s because BW makes such a big deal about *you* being *naked* whereas korean spas could be scrubbing a cow for what it’s worth. Naked is just naked. No big deal.
@Miss Piglet: I’m totally intrigued!…I’m going to see if there’s one close to me!! Re: girl bonding: heh. Must not be seen by people I know there!
@Miss Perfume: Come on down to Centreville! Here’s the link: http://www.spaworldusa.com/index.html
The Korean body scrub is great. It is different for the other scrubs you get in a regular spas. In the Korean spas they really scrub you down. You can actually see the dead skin cells on your body as they are scrubbing. I felt so clean and great after I get the scrub.
@charmainey: Hahahahaha…your cow comment had me laughing out loud, but it’s true!
When I went to Korea with my Mom I LOVED going to the Korean spas…the full body scrub is the best…haven’t gone to any local ones b/c of the naked factor coupled with the possibility of running into people I know…
Mr. G’s cousin swears by Korean saunas!! She was describing the whole process to me. She and her hubby only go when they are piss drunk because, otherwise, she is too shy. (meaning they go late at night…) I was on board until she told me that they scrub your butt. (Sorry to be vulgar!) But, I was thinking that might be a little *too* much contact for me…Maybe I can ask them not to scrub my butt? Or maybe I should go drunk?
Korean washcloths are the best! Being Korean, I feel like I should embrace the baths/spas, but haven’t gone yet. The older women stay all day!
The way your skin feels/looks/glows afterwards makes the whole naked factor a non-issue for me. I usually just take my contacts off in the locker room so I can’t really see anybody and can’t tell if anyone’s looking at me. haha.
@Miss Glitter: lol. I think it’s OK to ask them not to scrub certain areas. I’m used to it now but it was a bit awkward at first when they would lift your leg and scrub in places even sunlight usually doesn’t see. But honestly, some of those scrubbing ahjummas are pretty gangster (depending on where you go) so they might just tell you to get over it and scrub away. 
@Miss Latte: i hear ya…i still haven’t mustered up the courage to go…and i’m not sure if i ever will!
@Miss Piglet: my parents swear by Spa World, and it’s right down the world from me, but i’m so afraid of running into people i know…i keep thinking how awkward it would be to run into people from church!
I have never heard of Korean Saunas but I’m definitely intrigued!
I may have to venture up to Wilshire.
I could never! i remember prancing around the locker room in hs with no problem, but now I wouldn’t dare. I admire your confidence
Ok, so, would it be terribly weird if I went and wore a bathing suit in the spa and sauna areas? I’m waaaaaay to shy to walk around naked. Would they just totally think I was a weirdo for doing that?
Just to be clear — you were naked the whole time right??? I dont know if I could quite relax like that. I’m think I’m far from a prude but omg! I dunno if I could do it! But the benefits of the glowy glowy skin sound super appealing. Man, I AM a PRUDE huh???
@charmainey: I’ll definitely give your oil/scrub a try. Thanks for the suggestion!
@Miss Glitter: Miss G, LOL! I totally feel ya on the sensitive spots. I read one review that her private area was punched one or two times when they were scrubbing the inner thigh area. Ouch!
@Ms. Sapphire: I couldn’t describe the ahjummas any better - GANGSTA!
@Miss Latte: Dude, definitely definitely go! My friends rave about Spa Castle. I think it’s in Flushing. @LzzNYC: Is that the one you’re talking about?
@Jenny: Yup, people will eyeball you the entire time if you wear so much as a bathing suit.
@Mrs. Penguin: HAHA, yup naked the ENTIRE time in the spa area. You can put on a robe and cover yourself with a towel though in between the hot/cold pools, etc. I don’t mind the nakedness anymore so long as I’m in a different state! I guess I do mind it! Heh.
I wonder if Austin has a Korean spa. I don’t think I could be naked around others.
Ha, I’m in Korea right now!! It definitely took some time to get used to the whole I’m naked and being stared at business, but got over it eventually… although running into one of my student’s mothers was awk-ward!! Definitely get the scrub, it makes your skin feel fantastic!
Wait, OTHER people scrub you? I think I would just ask to scrub myself.
Please do not let nudity stop you from going to and enjoying a good spa day. I used to be the most shy woman in the world when it came to nudity in places like locker rooms. In the past I wouldn’t have been caught dead while naked in a semi-public-place by choice. I hated gym class in school because of the mandatory nude showers.
About a month after my wedding my sister-in-law told me that she was taking me somewhere as a surprise, but she wouldn’t give me any clues as to where. It was a Korean spa, and yes, you have to be nude the whole time. I would not have gone had I known that. But since my sister-in-law had already spent the money in advance, and since we were there already I reluctantly took part in the spa day.
I loved it!!! Nudity and all.
Everyone’s nude, so you stand out if your NOT nude. No one really pays any attention anyway, their just there to relax and be pampered. After a few minutes the nudity is not a factor of any kind. I promise!
Happily I have 100% overcome any of my past shyness about semi-public-nudity around other females. Which has come in quite handy since the Y that I workout at only has communal group showers. Now I can shower after my workouts like a normal person, and without having to go places all sweaty after a workout.
Anyway, seriously, please don’t let nudity stop you from having one of the most relaxing experiences of your life. Get a few girlfriends or a sister to go with you and you’ll enjoy it even more. You won’t regret it, guaranteed!!!
| Visit our sister sites | Project Wedding Wedding Songs |
eHarmony Advice Dating Advice |
JustMommies Pregnancy Calendar |
Fertile Thoughts Infertility Support |
Mrs. Piglet, Virginia/Oahu
Age and Occupation: 28, Consultant
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Entrepreneur/Fashion Apparel Wholesale Importer
Engagement Date: June 22, 2008
Wedding Date: August 2009
Venue: Ceremony at the Lanikuhonua Phase II private estate, reception at a historic hotel in Waikiki
About Me: I'm an East Coast gal with intense road rage and an addiction to romantic comedies, fast food, gadgets, Korean BBQ, and my wiener dog George aka Georgia May. I carry mustard packets in my purse and I love perusing the aisles at discount stores. A self proclaimed shopaholic, I impulsively buy electronics, software, and craft tools; none of which I know how to use. I'm excited to dust
these babies off and immerse myself in DIY projects galore in
preparation for our DW in paradise!
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| 29 | 30 |
Latest Gallery Pics