Athena Spa at Ayres Hotel & Spa Mission Viejo - Mission Viejo, California

Mad M.

Athena Spa is a very welcoming place. It's super clean, and the atmosphere puts me at ease from the moment I walk inside. I love the massage beds, which are soft and warm, just like the blankets they use. The aromatherapy and hot stones compliment the massage experience like nothing else.

Mary is a wonderful masseuse. Aside from being incredibly skilled in her craft, she is attentive and a good listener. I have issues with my back, and Mary always takes the time to understand where it hurts at that moment (because it can vary). During the massage, she expertly targets the problem areas, and solicits feedback on the pressure, and just how I am doing in general. I leave feeling much better than when I came in.

Haroon ?. A.

Just a fantastic experience, start to finish. A brief questionnaire for intake, and then a review with your massage therapist. My amazing therapist was Maya, and she was so amazing. I had a 90-minute, deep-tissue massage with CBD and some other soothing oil. Aroma therapy, both soft and firm work, and I feel like a whole new human! Thank you, Maya! Will definitely book again when I return!

Harry R.

Definitely best and most spacious hotel rooms
In the area, compared to the two Hilton’s nearby, but not in the best shape, like AC units leaking water into the room.
The restaurant in this hotel is from a separate ownership so the service is horrible and they at not helpful at all. Since the restaurant doesn’t care about the guest experience service is bad and it’s not par to the hotel.
If the managers/ownership of this hotel would pay attention to this details, such as upgrade AC units and replaced it for centralized AC, improve maintenance and definitely improve or take ownership of the restaurant, they could take the hotel from a 3.5 to a 4.0 stars.

Robin S.

I haven't had as nice of a spa experience as I did yesterday at this spa. Mary was so kind and went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable. The wrap was amazing as well as the massage. I can't wait to come back!

David L.

We stumbled upon this spa in Mission Viejo and decided to give it a try for their couples massage experience. From the moment we walked in, we were impressed by how clean the clean facilities were and I enjoyed the faint smell of eucalyptus and lavender in the entry area. The massage itself was top notch and left me feeling like a wet noodle by the end. I recommend the CBD oil treatment add-on for some extra relaxation. The staff was great and very accommodating to our specific needs.

If you get a chance to experience the steam/shower after your massage I also highly recommend that experience as well. It will make you wish you had such a luxurious shower in your home!

I highly recommend giving this spa a try. You won't be disappointed.

John K.

I have been looking for superior massage in Orange County since moving to the area in mid 2023. Massage is, by my experience, a healing treatment and aesthetic pleasure. A neighbor with a similar appreciation of massage as an uplifting way to be good to yourself recently referred me to Mary Martin at Athena Spa located at the Ayres Hotel in Mission Viejo.

That Mary is expert is evident in her training, experience, attention to guest preferences and expectations, and her delivery of a total caring massage session.

My preference is massage that combines shiatsu pressure point, deep tissue release, and restorative large muscle movement. Mary understands these methods and how a body responds. She and I spoke at length before the session and she recognized that beyond relieving my old sore muscles from moving and punishing physical labor, I wanted to assess her suitability for treating my 95 year-old stepfather who has only once enjoyed massage.

An hour treatment with Mary was far from being perfunctory: it was performed with engaged intelligence. This was much more like she and I were beginning a therapeutic relationship than a spa transaction. Her strong hands and guiding instruction opened my breathing, unwound tight muscles, and eased my senses with touch, aroma, appropriate music and a calming decor.

Although it had been several years since my last massage of real quality, I compare Mary with outstanding practitioners at Watercourse Way in Palo Alto (Steve Jobs' favorite spa), The Esalen Institute in Big Sur, athletic trainers in New York's Catskills, luxury hotel spas such as the Ritz Carlton, premier cruise lines, and a host of sports and physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and alternative practitioners including Feldenkraus, Reiki, Rolfing, and Reflexology.

Over many years I have known couples who indulge massage to seeming excess and individuals uncomfortable being touched, and think that I bring balanced critical judgment and a consumer sense of good value. I am certainly opinionated. But for needs like mine I recommend Mary Martin and Athena Spa without hesitation, intend to return periodically and over time expect to sample a range of spa services.

Manny R.

One of the best massage experiences I've ever had! Mary is warm and welcoming. She makes you feel at ease from the 1st interaction. My wife and I will definitely be back for another couples massage.

Brett S.

Had my first massage ever here. It was very very relaxing. The masseuse, Mary, was very attentive and responsive to feedback (increase\decrease pressure or towels too hot or cold). The atmosphere was very calm and serene. I got a 60 minute massage, but I felt like it lasted longer in the best way, even though it was truly an hour long. It's relaxing to the point that you lose track of time. I would definitely go again and would recommend it to all!