Reviews of Pocca Poca - Japanese Detox Spa & Massage Therapy (Spa)

Isis Balagtas

Lovely Spa. Friendly Staff. First Massage ever and it felt like heaven. Went to lie down on the stones and passed out. 5 minutes into it and I was snoring. You can feel the heat which was nice. Will make you sweat without making you feel …

Jeannette Gauthier

I have been doing the Ganban-yoku quite frequently and the health benefits are incredible. I highly recommend others to try it out and see for yourself.

I Eligo

A really lovely experience, will definitely be going back. Thank you to the staff for being so attentive and just wonderful.

Marlene Bustarde

My sister went here and her friend who was in car accident went here and after their session, they said their bodies felt so much better. I decided to try it out for myself. When you come in, you're immediately greeted warmly by the owners. Your shoes are to be removed at the entrance and they provided you with Japanese-style flip-flops to walk around with. I noticed how immaculately clean the entire place is. You'll be given a Japanese-style robe, large towel, small towel, locker key. If it's your first time, get there 15 mins prior to your appointment. They'll explain the process, and the waiver that you'll need to sign. In the changeroom, you'll remove all your clothing and change into the rob. Then the staff will briefly remind you of your allotted time and provide you a tumblr of water so you can stay hydrated throughout your session. There are 3 beds to choose from; Jade, Maifan Stone and Tourmaline. I chose the Tourmaline because it is described that it releases an electric charge when heated and loosens the trigger points in the body and my neck and back had some tension the last several days. My session was for 1 hour and I pretty much stayed in the hot room the whole time. It was a very relaxing and tranquil experience. The hot room is a beautiful, super clean space and had bamboo decorations along with calming music which were all nice touches. At any time of your session, you can switch to the cool room to cool off. After the session, my neck felt much looser, feeling very relieved and dry skin on my face now feeling smooth. Before taking out my wallet to pay, they encouraged me to sit down in the waiting area and provided a me hibiscus tea beverage and we had a nice conversation with the owners. Overall, it was a marvelous and relaxing experience, exceptionally clean space, friendly and warm owners who seem to really care about their customers. Highly recommended and will return again to try out the other beds. UPDATE: As of Oct 2018. This statement still holds true. I did return again as I was attracted to the promotion email about massage plus ganbanyoku session for a limited time offer. The massage was great and will try other massage options at some point.

Wai Chan

*edit* I just wanted to add research on the sweat thing. Eccrine sweat glands are most likely what kind of sweat the silky sweat is, but its mostly just water. The other kind of sweat is apocrine which has an odor, but that is the one that contains sebum, proteins, lipids and steroids. So I am unsure how eccrine sweat is beneficial... as... it is mostly just water with some elecrolytes. It does provide protection to the acid mantle. (Sebum and sweat combine to create a slightly acidic PH to the skin to prevent bacteria from growin). I enjoyed my experience. Someone else did a review and explained the entire process, so I won't do it here. The people who work there are exceptionally friendly. The owners are a couple. We had the private room for 2 + the facial and neck massage. We were never rushed, and they never shorted us time for the fact we took a shower and arrived into the cool room at 10 past. They in fact, gave us extra time which I thought was very nice of them. They also never came to tell us to leave so it felt like they are very relaxed and not rigid so long as no one else needs the spot, which again, is very kind of them. I'm not 100% sure on the science behind it as I have not looked into it, but the owner explained it and informed us he has studied it extensively. I have had pain for a long time. I have studied things to help my pain... I understand heat can relax muscles. I am just unsure if this particular thing helps out as much as they say. Time will tell. At the cost of $45 per visit, its not something you can easily go to all the time for the average joe however. I am not saying I disagree with him (its hard to since I haven't studied it), but I just somehow wasn't wholly convinced. Probably because its one of those, "This is good for everything." I guess you can argue its like water... which is also good for everything that ails you. So maybe? I noticed they will be doing a monthly membership... so for someone with a lot of pain, if the science works as they say, it might be better for someone to go a lot for a period of time. Compared to say a float, this is a lot simpler since you don't have to get wet. You can go in, lay down, rest, and get out. We had 90 minutes, but after 60 minutes I was personally uncomfortable and ready to go. It was not the most comfortable thing for me and I had issues laying on the stone due to my back. This is not uncommon, and they did warn us that might be a thing. They did say we could use towels to prop up certain body parts to help, but for whatever reason I didn't ask for extras... nor am I certain I know where to place them. I would also skip the facial and neck massage if you are used to actual massages. If you are going all out for a gift, sure get it, but it isn't something substantial enough for me to recommend. Ultimately its a nice new thing to try in Winnipeg. With competition like Thermea and Float (they are in the same price range), they will need to prove that their stones do have the healing properties they say. Most likely with more reviews pouring in, over time, people will get a better sense of if it is worth it.

Donovan Ponce

Excellent! Very clean. The staff are highly knowledgable and welcoming and the massage therapists are great.

yildiz nasi

The shiatsu is amazing. Patricia did an excellent job on my shoulders. It was my first time with Ganban yoku, it is very relaxing especially in the winter I guess it will be indispensable.

Natalie Bell

Amazing and so relaxing!!!

Danial Peirson

Loved the whole experience. Appreciated the effort by staff in explaining the origins of ganbanyoku at the start of the visit. Massage provided by massage therapist Scott was very skilled and professional. The whole spa feels very clean, …

Sahiba Arora

This place deserves 10 ???? stars! Awesome experience for all. Ambience, staff, services, treatments, everything was just spot on???????? Felt relaxed and rejuvenated at the same time. Everyone should try it atleast once???? I went for Ganban-yoku with facial & foot massage. One of the Best experience ever????

Jonathan Bailey

Shiatsu and ganban yoku - fantastic afternoon! I heart this place!

Dimitris Protsios

We visited Pocca Poca for the first time and I can say that it really was a very nice experience. The place is clean and the services cover many different options that someone can expect from a spa. The staff is very friendly, accommodating and they gave us a nice explanatory tour of what to expect and what is provided. We had booked the Tropical Escape for two so we could try a variety of services. Exfoliating treatment followed by a massage. Refreshing and to relaxing. Then we tried the Ganban-yoku and we really liked it. Peaceful, connecting and relieving experience at the same time . We will definitely go back for more.

Greg Zahozhyy

A very pleasant place to relax

Janet James

Just go there!!! It is an experience worth having. I love it there.

Angel Alagao

Great experience and such a friendly environment. Ganban-yoku experience is a must. I had Cindy as my massage therapist and she was awesome! 10/10.

JustKilledIt21

Got an appointment worked in pretty easy and the submission/medical forms were very straight forward and prompt. The masseuse I got was very good!

Alyssa Kost

Pocca Poca Spa is my favourite place to relax my mind and body. I am someone who has trouble winding down and relaxing, but when I enter Pocca Poca Spa I find peace. The owners are lovely people and make you feel welcome. The atmosphere is calm and safe, and the facility is very clean. Ganban-yoku is a refreshing experience for your body and mind unlike any other in our city. I would recommend Ganban-yoku paired with a foot pressure massage (it’s my personal favourite!) or Shiatsu and Ganban-yoku together for ultimate relaxation. Experience Pocca Poca Spa if you haven’t yet, you won’t be disappointed! If I could, I would visit weekly!

Patrick Werestiuk

Brand new spa with massages, hot stone relaxation and more. Recommend the hot stone.

Roman Styles

Very inviting and really nice staff.

Ghislaine Mushanawani

It is so relaxing, I had the Gangbok and my sweat was so clean and not salty at all. I will definitely be visiting more often

Jeny Allan

I have a Monthly membership here and if I made a bit more money (not that it's expensive but I have to budget) I would go way more often than I do now. Once a week if I could. This is the best mental health moment of quiet that I think everyone needs to incorporate into their routines. Try it. You will love it.

Karen Laldin

Very relaxing and you feel wonderful at the end of the experience

Angelica Kovacevic, CSCMP

Great experience!

Danny Ali

Amazing service! A real comfortable environment with a variety of services! The Hot Stone's are out of this world.

Junko Bailey

OH MY GOD! Must must must try this place! Amazing to have this facility in Winnipeg!!

Cat Ross

The experience was fantastic. The staff were knowledgable, the place was clean and very inviting, the volcanic rock slabs were so amazing to relax on and the massages were so detoxifying. Loved every minute of it and would highly suggest if you want an excellent sleep!

Blessings Flow

Best place to relax

sherry d

Very knowledgeable staff, relaxing and therapeutic.

Marla Cousins

I can’t say enough about how much I love Pocca Poca. They offer such a peaceful and calm space , I love being there for the services and always feel incredible when I leave. The establishment is very clean and staff are all so welcoming and lovely. I would highly recommended every service they offer.

Mary

We had a wonderful experience at Pocca Poca spa. The ambience is very nice, clean and quiet. Staff are very friendly and informative about what they offer. The Ganban-yoku is another level of relaxation and detoxification. The jade heat stone helps with my digestion and improves my sleep too. And my massage therapist Lyanna did a great job and she was nice. Highly recommend to everyone who wants to experience another level of spa with a lot of health benefits. Definitely coming back.

scruff

As Someone who has Continuing Pain & have used all types of treatments , by using the Poca Poca Spa I have had a Great Amount of Success ; after treatment I usually have Little or No Pain & as a Side Effect a Great Sense Of Well Being!! If you Think this Spa Might, help Give it a Try I give it All ThumbsUp Be Well

Yukari KIYA

I’ve been here many times for ganban-yoku and massage and never get disappointed! The atmosphere is always calm, relaxing and welcoming. Every time I visit here, I feel I’m away from busy daily life and get calming down and refreshing. Their hospitality is amazing and highly recommend this spa for your self-care routine!

Brian Strong

Beautiful and serene, Our couples session on the rocks was very relaxing and washed away the stresses of the day while soothing aches and pains. It left us feeling rejuvenated! We will be back.

Mario De Rosa

My daughters and I attended Pocca Poca for a much needed get away. This was our first Ganban-yoku experience and it was very relaxing and enjoyable. We appreciated the quiet and meditative atmosphere as well as the staff who were all respectful and helpful. The Rock bed experience was an opportunity to lay in solitude and warm for 60 minutes. Between us we each had a massage or Shiatsu treatment and both were professional and healing. We would certainly go back again. If you haven't tried Ganban-yoku don't wait:)

Stacey Nault

This was a wonderful experience of a kind relaxing atmosphere. I felt deep gratitude for the treatment and experience, the heated stone was such a needed treatment for the muscles and the massage was very long and with great pressure. Thankyou!

Kathy Ruppe

Amazing experience from the massages and stones to the attentive staff. Definitely will be back.

Jessica Adamczyk

Was my first time going and all the staff from the front desk to the massage therapist were amazing and very friendly.

Carmel Hiebert

I booked a "Massage for Two" and expected to be in the same room as my bf for this experience. Not only was this not the case it seems I paid spa prices for the massages to receive a pretty generic less then stellar experience. The RMTs …

R H

I first discovered this spa at the Japanese Folklorama pavilion. The first time I went I thought it would just be an interesting cultural experience, but it ended up being so much more than that. Going to Pocca Pocca after work on Friday is the best way to melt away the stress of the week. I’m on the monthly membership plan, and for a treat, I combine it with a massage for the ultimate way to de-stress! I have no qualms about continuing to go here during Covid. I feel like it is maintained and cleaned more than a hospital would be. Thanks so much Tomo for making me feel so welcome!

oliver spodzieja

Very nice and relaxing. Was booked for me by my boyfriend as a surprise and I really enjoyed it. The service was individualized to my needs. Highly recommend.

Travels Alone

Scott does an amazing job with his massages and the hot stone therapy is amazing as well. Highly recommend.

Jocelyn Champion

We had been thinking about trying out Pocca Poca for awhile and finally did it! We went in not really sure what to expect but from the moment we walked in we felt very comfortable and the staff guided us through the entire process. They were incredibly friendly and very informative and knowledgeable about the experience and benefits. We left feeling beyond relaxed and looking forward to our next visit. For anyone looking for a moment of peace, to further their health, or to simple pamper themselves, I highly recommend checking them out!

Noriko Takahashi

Ganban-yoku has many benefits and I could feel and see the differences shortly after the session. Welcoming atmosphere and environment make me feel relax and comfortable. Massage therapy was great as well!

Tonja K

A different but really nice spa experience. The add-on massage is great!

Chris Grimes

Very good experience today. Shiatsu massage was excellent. And the warming room I had all to myself...no distractions. I’ll be going back.

Nikita Garman

Fantastic place. Very attentive service, I felt great when I left, and it made me miss Japan!

EUNMI LEE

Pocapoca is the best place for your body relax! Staff are very nice and loved receptionist Erin's explanation before Ganbanyoku! Highly recommended.

march R

Such an amazing experience. You cannot get this experience any where else in winnipeg. From when you walked in, to when you leave, the atmosphere is relaxing. Only suggestion would be to replace the plastic straws with something more sustainable.

Yuko Nishikiori

Favourite place to go for a massage!

Jim Falloon

Wonderfully relaxing novel treatments. Head, shoulders and foot massage on heated marble slabs is such a wonderful experience. Have to book in to go there again soon! We visited the spa again, AMAZING! Therapeutic and relaxing! Highly recommend this unique spa service.

Marnie Boyle

What a wonderful experience, it was so relaxing and rejuvenating. My normal sore spots were no longer hurting. I can't wait to go back.

Ludowika Swoboda

I spent some very relaxing hours here. I will come back! It is clean, the service is very friendly, the massage did help my neck and nothing can top the nap on the hot stone.

Ray Bartlett

My wife and I went here for the first time for a massage and the hot stone treatment. The staff was very friendly and courteous, explaining the process of the hot stones. The massages were incredible. My wife had the registered therapist, Scott, and I had Risa, a Japanese trained therapist. It was incredible and our muscles feel much better. We then went to the hot stones. The floor was hard, but you can use a towel, but an hour after that, we were relaxed, the pain in my shoulder was gone, and my wife felt the same. Definitely recommend this place.

modie malabanan

Very good

Adele Yan

Pocca Poca , offers an incredible safe environment with all the precautionary measure in place to enjoy both the calm and and top quality massages .

Ki Choon Jang

Great place for the massage and Ganbanyoku. Lovely staff!

Brittny Turner

We always have such a great experience at pocca poca. We have done the detox package every time we go and it’s always worth it. The shiatsu massages are so relaxing and therapeutic. The Ganban-yoku is also very relaxing and restorative, it’s great all year round, but I especially love it in the winter! My skin feel so soft each time. The staff are also amazing and you get these super comfortable kimonos to wear, which is a nice bonus. Overall, five stars. We love it!

Stephen

This place is so rejuvenating.

Shira Bellan

I feel refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated every single time I leave Pocca Poca!

Debra Bruce

One of the most relaxing, comforting spaces I have ever been in. Being a first time user, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I experienced was a warm welcome at the door and a smooth transition with a quick but thorough introduction to what I would experience in my Japanese Detox Package. The shiatsu massage was all I could have wanted and to follow with the Gaban-yoku was perfect. The end result was beyond what I expected. The stress , aches and pains had subsided and I was more relaxed than I had been in months. Huge gratitude to Pocca Poca for making me feel so relaxed. I will definitely be returning.

Barb Fayerman

This is such a treat!! We will be back. From when you walk in the door you are treated as the finest guest. The stones are Beautiful and so relaxing, I could feel the stress leaving my body. I had the shiatsu message and my husband had the deep tissue. Both massages were exceptional!! Thank you to Tomo and Mieko for making today special.

angela forbes

Was a wonderful experience, everyone should try it. I will be going back.

Amanda Tysowski

Poca pocca is one of Winnipegs most hidden gems. From the massage, to yoga on the stones, and the ganban yoku itself..I leave feeling refreshed and relaxed at the same time. The owners are the most wonderful people too ❤

c

Felt great after my detox and massage, will definitely return. :-)

Peter Smrdelj

Pocca Pocca spa is absolutely awesome! (Is it possible to give 6 stars?) I was so impressed with the benefits after I did the one-week trial that I joined the spa as a full time member. I’ve been going regularly for over 2 years. It’s made a huge improvement in my health; I no longer have pain in my left shoulder and arm. I sleep better and it helped me detoxify my body. During the first weeks of the Covid shut down, I was devastated that it was temporarily closed. I went back with no hesitations when it reopened as the place is always kept exceptionally clean. I’m so happy that this oasis of peace and tranquility is here to help me look after my body, mind and spirit. I’m so grateful for the chance to be a part of the Pocca Pocca family. Arigato!