With all the 5 star reviews, I know I won't sound original. Still, after my AMAZING massage yesterday, I felt it absolutely necessary. I'm pretty sure I qualify as a massage aficionado as I do get massages fairly regularly locally and out of town. There are many talented bodyworkers here in the Berkeley area, however, Alissa is in a class all my herself. The passion for her work is palpable. And, it was evident that I was in caring and talented hands from her first touch. I loved how she eased into the deeper work, using different modalities (Chinese and Thai) to augment the long Swedish strokes. It was abslutely heaven where she really worked out some kinks from cardio boxing and also made me aware of tension I'd been unknowingly holding in my lower back. As if this weren't enough, the cherry on the cake is being on her boat, Her Majesty!!! I just loved the subtle motion of the water and hearing the wind whipping outside. Honestly, if I could give 10 stars I would. So, I'm committed to spread the word, despite the fact that this will mean it may be harder to make future appointments. Truthfully, Alissa is too talented and passionate to be kept a secret. read more

The context: I was in a bicycle accident and wasn't able to exercise much for the 2 months afterwards. I got a tension headache that lasted for 4 days. I desperately needed a massage. I found Alissa on this here Yelp. The review: Alissa is highly competent, confident, reassuring and genuinely caring. Her massage was like a "greatest hits" from every good massage I've had in the past. The booking: It was as easy as going on her website and clicking the date & time that worked for me. I signed up for a 1 hour massage. I immediately got an auto-welcome message from her with instructions about how to enter the building. The massage: She started out by actually TALKING to me about what's was going on for me. She asked great questions, and I felt right away like this was someone I could trust with my aches & pains. When I got on the table, the sheets were warm - fresh out of the dryer. Soft music in the background, dim lights, welcoming environment. She told me off the bat to communicate with her during the massage about what was working for me and what wasn't, and that she would not be offended in any way. She mixed a lot of different techniques: stretching, traction, Thai, breathing exercises, and probably other stuff I don't even know about. Aside from her terrific techniques, I like that she actually talks to me and asks me questions during the massage. Its not annoying at all. Its not like having to make small talk with your barber. It actually enhances the whole experience so that I get exactly what I need in exactly the right spots. And she told me things about my body and where I hold tension that immediately made sense to me, but I had never thought about and no other massage therapist had told me about. The result: I felt way better afterward. I had a residual kink that was still there the next day, so I booked a 30 minute massage and she worked specifically on that. Afterward she gave me some stretches to do that I've been doing and that have been super helpful. I'm recommending Alissa to everyone I know. She's wonderful and I'll definitely be back. Like having a good mechanic for your car, its awesome to have your go-to massage therapist. And now I finally feel like I have that. read more

Alissa is the best! Every time I went to her for a massage, she always knows exactly where the tension is and how to release the tightness of my muscle. She also gives great advice on starching and exercise to help me with my lower back on-going problem. I always feel so much better every time after the massage! read more

I went to Alissa last year because I'd been having shoulder/neck issues, very typical of someone who works at a desk all day. This review is for my one visit, but I am definitely coming back! She is warm, open and wonderful to converse with. I immediately felt calm, comfortable, and trusted with telling her about my body. The number of CMT's I've ever had can fit on my two hands, but I can always tell the difference between a good and GREAT masseuse, and her handwork is definitely in the top tier. I remember feeling very satisfied after my session, and as others have said, her pressure is on-point perfect. I really appreciated that she took the time to give me some pointers on stretches I can do to relieve pain. All right, excuse me while I go and book an appointment! read more

Alissa's massage technique and her ability to thoughtfully explain what she is doing and why are great. The boat location is really quite good, too. The breeze, the sun, the birds chirping... it makes for a relaxing massage environment. Alissa has healed my pain before and suggests ways to keep the pain away. I trust her completely. read more

Excellent massage - her techniques are effective, and when I say effective, I mean I know I needed deep tissue therapy to provide some relief from the torture I'm doing to my body with my commute and computer. Alissa was deftly able to break up the mess of my neck/back without that blinding pain of someones elbow bearing down on one spot. Additionally, she created a spa-like experience but with the added bonus of a really great massage. Don't get me wrong, I love all the things a spa massage provides, but when you're really in pain, you want someone really, really good. I can't wait for my next massage! read more

Alissa is absolutely great. I had back pain from a sports injury and she's been a big part of my recovery process. I feel like she's the kind of massage therapist that really cares about helping her clients and getting them the treatment they need. And besides being therapeutic, the massages are incredible relaxing and enjoyable. Plus she's a nice and friendly person, it just makes the whole thing a positive experience. I'm really glad I found Alissa. read more

As if an amazing massage wasn't relaxing enough, Alissa Jacob's new location, on the water in the Berkeley Marina takes the massage experience to the next level. Warm sun, the sea air and a gentle rocking of the boat on the water creates the perfect setting to fully relax and heal. Whether your massage is solely for relaxation or is more therapeutic in nature, you will not be disappointed! read more

Alissa is absolutely lovely in every way and an intuitive and extremely skilled massage therapist. The bonus of getting to visit her amazing boat docked at Berkeley Marina made my day even better. What an idyllic setting! I felt so lucky to have found her today with the pain in my shoulder neck area needing immediate attention. Knots are now undone! Thank you Alissa! Looking forward to coming again. read more

just had an awesome experience over the holiday weekend. Alissa was amazing. this was my first massage and she made the experience very comfortable and relaxing. Alissa is very informative, welcoming and really knows her craft really well. i felt so relaxed on her boat i forgot i was even in the water. there is barely any motion while your getting a massage the boat barely moves. thanks again Alissa for everything. i had a very tense back and lower back issue and she helped relieve a lot of pain and i thank you for it. read more

Alissa have been my boat neighbor for a while now, but I had no idea she was such an amazing masseuse until recently. I'm picky too when it comes to massage, but was blown away with how amazing she is! It's hard to find someone who can read your body as well as she can. And being a Berkeley Marina part-time resident myself, of course you can't beat the waterfront views either...I'll be back, no question. read more

Alissa is Amazing! My husband and I took a last minute trip to Bodega Bay and wanted a stress free, relaxing weekend. We found Alissa on Yelp and we couldn't be happier with her service. We love massages and Alissa gave us one of the best massages we've had in a long time. She's attentive, friendly, calm and makes you feel comfortable. I would recommend Alissa to everyone I know; she's wonderful. read more

Alissa is amazing! I was having back problems and not only did she help relieve the pain but she also gave me some stretches to do at work. These stretches have been helpful in reducing pain from the terrible ergonomics at work. read more

Massage on a boat, the only way to float. Alissa will knead away whatever stresses have accumulated in your musculature, and the hypnotic gentle swaying of harbor waters offer another dimension of relaxation. You haven't experienced anything like this before. Treat yourself, you deserve it. read more

Alissa is fantastic. She has helped me with back issues, and had extremely helpful suggestions for preventative habits -- on top of her amazing body working skills and thorough knowledge. Alissa takes the time to fully understand my situation and history. I most certainly will see her again, and will continue to recommend her. My most recent session with Alissa was on her boat. Alissa has created an incredibly tranquil environment for her work. Being on the water was a rejuvenating experience unlike any other healing I have participated in. read more

As an acupuncturist and former massage therapist it has never been easy for me to find a massage therapist that I trusted and that I felt was amazing at what they do. Alyssa is both of those. It is rare to find a massage therapist with warm, compassionate hands that bring relief. Like all great massage therapists she can find the areas that need work without you having to her where they are. She always tailors the massage to meet your specific needs and shes great about checking in to make sure she's using the right amount of pressure, though when she does I always find that my answers is, everything is just right. I highly recommend her to friends and patients alike. A truly rare gem and kind and compassionate healer. read more

Alissa is absolutely amazing. I found her here on Yelp, and couldn't be happier! Her space is warm and inviting, as is she. I was so comfortable and got EXACTLY what I wanted. It felt like she was so in tune, she hit all the right spots with only a little bit of "it hurts here, here, and here" before the session. She's strong but graceful and guided me through everything that was happening. She is obviously very knowledgeable and knows exactly what she's doing. I can't wait to go back to see Alissa for another massage!! read more

I met Alissa through her work at Bliss Spa. She is an extremely talented body worker with a great, friendly, relaxing demeanor. I went in to see her before a stressful medical procedure and not only did I get a massage, but we did some deep breathing and calming exercises that really ratcheted down my stress level. Even better, my friend went to see her before an IVF procedure which ended successfully with twins! I don't know if Alissa can get you pregnant, but she can certainly create a mindset of peace and relaxation. Her arm and leg work is excellent as well. read more

I know that there are so many choices for massage therapists lately and knowing which one to choose can be a struggle. I recently experienced the work of a healer with Alissa Jacobs. In my opinion communication is very important in a bodywork session. I felt 'listened to' and throughout the session we checked in to see that everything was to my comfort. Through it all, and days later, I still feel great and I'm looking forward to returning for further treatment. Her approach is intuitive, her techniques are effective and her demeanor is pleasant. You really feel at ease around her. To further my praise I add how impressed I was with the locale. Receiving bodywork while being gently rocked by the ebb and flow of the tide is simply divine. Her boat is the perfect setting to encourage you to just let go and it feels like a real getaway. All of the sounds of the marina just add to the ambiance of the session while her wind chime takes it to the perfect blissful environment. It's a big 5 stars from me and I hope you get to experience it for yourself! read more

Everything about my recent massage with Alissa was relaxing and enjoyable. Alissa was so comforting to be around! She thoughtfully listened to my complaints about my stiff neck and sore hip, and adjusted the experience accordingly. The amount of pressure throughout the massage felt amazing, and Alissa checked in several times to make sure everything was just right. I loved that she incorporated a few basic breathing and meditation techniques. At the end of the massage I was feeling like it was the best one I've ever had!! Before I left the studio, Alissa showed me a very simple stretch for my hip that has been improving the soreness I've had. read more

Alissa's a wonderfully talented massage therapist, with tremendous intuition and skill. I've been getting massage regularly for nearly 20 years, but the last couple with Alissa has been as good as it gets. My trouble-prone back and aching muscles need strong, effective body work and she delivers, without ever being too rough or sharp. I also love her mellow vibe and calm, confident manner; you just know you're gonna leave the table far more relaxed than when you arrived. I can't recommend her enough! read more

Go to Alissa - seriously. Her "gradual deep-tissue" method is the perfect medium between the usual choosing between two extremes (swedish or deep tissue) and her practice is on an adorable boat. read more