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Full Review Of Island Spa And Sauna: Korean Spa In Edison

The Island Spa and Sauna is a Korean Spa that focuses on revitalizing your mind, body, and soul. This day spa – which consists of several huts filled with salt, heat, cold, and meditation space, has a per treatment pay rate as well as a day rate. 

Island Spa and Sauna

Island Spa And Sauna: Korean Spa In Edison

I had the chance to spend an afternoon at the Island Spa & Sauna in Edison, New Jersey a few weeks ago. It was actually the first time that I ever stepped foot in a Korean spa and I have to admit that I immediately fell in love with the concept.

An all-day affair with a no rush attitude. That’s my kind of spa day for sure.

Island Spa and Sauna consists of  30,000 square feet dedicated to relaxation and beauty. It’s a day spa whose focus is to revitalize your mind, body, and soul. They focus on health benefits and use earthy materials in the process.

If you are looking for traditional Korean body scrubs, facials, and cuisines… you’ve come to the right place. A little bit of Korean right in Edison, New Jersey.

charcoal island

I love that we get to experience some of this culture so close to home. I had no idea that a spa could be so interesting and fascinating while at the same time relax me beyond belief.  

Korean Spa Traditional Saunas

This is one of the hugest differences when comparing spas I’ve visited in the past to Island Spa and Sauna.  In a Korean spa, you will find these huts that offer up different experiences unto themselves.

In each “room”, you can relax and allow natural elements to work their “magic” on you. Whether it’s crystals, semi-precious stones, charcoal, Himalayan salt or more – there is something for everything. Here is a breakdown of the options you will find at the Island Spa & Sauna:

Treasure Island: The hottest room of them all – engraved with semi-precious stones and crystals that are known to have great healing and calming powers.

Charcoal Island: This charcoal-elemented room stimulates sweat glands to promote the release of built-up toxins, increase blood circulation, and strengthen the body’s resistance to diseases

Salt Island: The pure Himalayan salt will strengthen your cardiovascular system and increase blood circulation, flush out impurities, and release dead skin cells.

forest island inside look

Island Spa & Sauna Forest Island: A high temperature, low humidity hot air bath that will remind sauna bathers of a pristine, natural forest.

Island Spa & Sauna Clay Island: Clay has been used for centuries in areas all around the world for its medicinal and cosmetic benefits.

Ice Island: The final stop after a day at the spa, Ice Island helps bring the core body temperature down, closes pores, and tightens the skin.

The theory is that you should make your way around the circuit from warmest to coldest and allow each of these natural elements to work on your body as they are supposed to.

Each hut has a sign posted outside teaching you what it should do and educating you on how long you should stay inside. It’s really easy to follow and fun to boot!

Island Spa & Sauna cafeteria

Korean Spa – Eat And Stay Mentality

Unlike other establishments you’ve visited in the past, the mentality of a day spa is to truly relax. Your entrance fee allows you to use the amenities all day long and the Island Spa & Sauna encourages you to do so.

This is why you will find a juice bar, a huge lounge with a muted television for guests to enjoy, plush couches and massage chairs, hidden nooks for those who need a quiet place to work or nap and more.

Korean Spa In Edison pay band

When you first check-in at Island Spa and Sauna, you receive a band that allows you to charge as you go. So, you really don’t have to worry about having anything with you as you walk around and enjoy your day at the spa.

I ordered a smoothie, a few snacks, indulged in a sweet treat and even had a delicious lunch – all charged right onto my band.

korean lunch

By the way, this was the lunch! Can you believe it? As I was waiting for my dish at my table, my stomach was growling. The smells that were coming from the kitchen were divine! Everything was fresh and delicious and I ate every last drop.

Island Spa & Sauna huts inside

My Hot Stone Massage

I didn’t take any photos of the second floor because people were getting services up there and I wanted to be respectful of their privacy. However, I did want to tell you a little bit about what to expect should you choose to book your own service while visiting the Island Spa & Sauna.

Everyone who visits the spa must pay a day rate to enter. This allows you to use any of the amenities I’ve talked about so far. However, any official service – like a facial or a massage –  is extra.

You can choose to book it in advance or you can set something up when you arrive.  The team is quite accommodating.

All Nude Area In Korean Spa

One more thing I want to note is that in the ladies locker room there is a pool area that has a policy most Americans might be shocked to hear. It is only one small piece of the spa and you do not have to participate if you don’t want to. In order to swim in the pool, you must let go of your inhibitions and leave your clothes behind.

This is the only area in the entire spa that has this policy. The rest of the 30,000 square feet, you are in the uniform they give you. So, if you don’t want to access the pool room, then you just don’t walk back there and it’s not an issue. You don’t ever have to go back there. It’s truly not a big deal.

I think a lot of people hear this and they shy away from the whole concept… but it’s not expected of you and nobody really cares if you are nude or not. In Korean culture, it just IS.

This is just the norm in their spas. So, give it a shot… or don’t. Regardless, your day will be amazing.

Korean Spa In Edison

 Driving Directions From New York

If you are looking to make a trip from NY to the Island Spa & Sauna, here are the directions! Set your appointment online and don’t forget to bring along some friends. You are absolutely going to want to make a full day out of it.

  • Take Lincoln Tunnel then to NJ Turnpike South
  • Exit 10 to connect to I-287 N
  • Follow I-287 N to exit 2B
  • Merge onto NJ-27 S towards New Brunswick
  • Island Spa will be on the right

What do you think? Are you going to give this Korean spa a chance? I am obsessed with the Island Spa & Sauna!

I’ve already told my mother and husband that I want to go back again and again. For more information, visit their website. They have a variety of packages and specials available today.

Amy Deeter

Tuesday 8th of May 2018

i have only been to one spa, but would love to start going monthly

Laurie Nykaza

Tuesday 8th of May 2018

I love going to spas my clients love to take me with them so I have been so lucky. I do go when I'm staying at hotels that have them as well. So I have been a lot in the past havent gone this year yet.

Rose Santuci-Sofranko

Tuesday 8th of May 2018

I have never been to a spa. Thanks and God Bless!

Andrea P.

Tuesday 8th of May 2018

I go every few months!! I wish it was a few times a month!

wen budro

Tuesday 8th of May 2018

Unfortunately- I can only afford to go to the spa a few times a year. I love it and wish that I could go more often.

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