I was so happy to find out that my regular massage therapist, Hannah, had started working at Escential Massage when she changed jobs recently. Camille was extremely helpful with driving directions, including where I could park, and with options offered for getting multiple massages. The massage by Hannah was exceptional, as usual. I have been a client of hers for almost a year and a half, but she still brings new things to her treatment of my various problem areas. Hannah is extremely attentive, genuinely concerned that I am comfortable, that the pressure is right, and that she is helping with my problem areas throughout the session. I could not ask for a better massage therapist! read more

I was in Middleton for work and was dire need of a massage. This place hit it out of the park! By far the best massage I've ever had! Camille was so pleasant through the whole process prior to the massage. Once I got there I was greeted by Kim. Kim truly cared about fixing my problems. I get tension headaches and drive a lot for work so she focused on reliving the pressure causing my headaches as well as my upper body muscles from driving. Kim even taught me different stretches that I can do to help stay ahead of "knotting up" while on the road. She is such a genuine person! Middleton is 2.5 hours from home for me but I will be making my schedule around going back to see Kim monthly. I left there feeling like I had known Camille and Kim forever! read more

Don't plan on scheduling your massage for at least 3 months. The owner is impossible to get ahold of by phone or email (the only options), so good luck trying to even get a call or email back from her. Story: I purchased a LivingSocial deal, and the owner would not return my phone calls for months. I ended up going through the LivingSocial Consumer Advocacy team to file a Merchant Services case against the owner as I received ONE return call from her between July 2011 (when I purchased the deal) and January 2012 (when the deal expired). This is despite repeated phone calls two to three times a month, and a few emails simply listing my available hours and asking that she just schedule me and let me know what time to be there. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone due to the horrible treatment I received from the owner. read more

I purchased a Groupon for Escential Massage and wow, I'm glad I did. It was 60 minutes of pure bliss. The atmosphere was so relaxing, the masseuse was very skilled, and the lotion she used wasn't too oily or scented. And the sheets on the massage table were incredible! I left there in a daze I was so relaxed. It may be a bit more pricey than other places in Madison, but it is worth every single penny. I ended up booking another appointment in a month and I'm already looking forward to it. read more

Tried for 2 months to get an appointment without success. They stopped offering evening and weekend appointments, which means if you have a full-time job you probably won't be able to get a massage at this place. Who has weekdays off these days? They also never picked up the phone, but usually returned the call the next day. When they did call back, it was usually to rudely tell me that they had no availability for the entire month. They seem understaffed and are having a lot of difficulty handling the volume. I supposed if you don't work and can book an appointment 8 weeks ahead of time, this place might work out. If you're a normal, productive human being with a job, it's less of a hassle to just go somewhere else. read more

Four stars for the massage - my only wish is that the hot stones would have been a little more prominent in the massage. Other than that, it was amazing. The massage table was super comfortable, warm, and very relaxing atmosphere. I left feeling wonderful! If it were cheaper, I would schedule one every month. Two stars for actually trying to book my appointment. It took several calls and messages before I was finally able to get in touch with anyone. I think they need a full time receptionist to answer the phones! read more

I have been to several places in Madison for massage and this place is the best! The atmosphere, music and therapists are professional and top notch. The massage table is always so comfy and just the right temp. My most recent massage with Julia left me feeling as I had taken a nap. Look no further, its worth the $, drive or whatever! read more

If you're looking for a great massage you've found the right place!! Great atmosphere, comfortable table, massage therapists that know what they're doing, hot stones that are amazing AND included in the price. I've tried several different places and this one is hands down the best. I've found they also offer great package deals so you can afford to come back regularly. read more

I received the 75 minute Warm Bamboo Fusion massage, and dang. Super relaxing and I wish I didn't have to get off the table and leave. Can I rent the table and room for the night please? The sheets were soft, clean, and amazing. Need some for my bedroom!!!! I was tense and stressed from moving recently and the Warm Bamboo was just the remedy. I love a good hand massage as well but this was new and very awesome. The staff is trained and certified to use this technique, the only place in Madison so far to be doing this type of massage from my understanding. Being that they are SO good at what they do, appointments tend to fill up so make sure you call and make an appointment. Them being so busy is a good thing, people! You want to get a massage from a place that has tons of openings the same day? Shows you nobody is going there, and probably for a reason. This place deserves to be busy with how awesome they were. Just keep it in mind and don't get all huffy puffy like one reviewer, Leslie. Take it as a good thing, and call ahead. The place is very clean, nice, relaxing, and professional. It's out of the way of foot traffic and noise, which is the perfect environment for such a service. They use good healthy products, and take pride in what they do. Next time I get a massage, guess where I'm going??!!! read more

Other than it's discrete location, and booking an appointment, the massage was great. I purchased the 75 minute warm bamboo fusion massage which was undoubtedly relaxing. The ambiance was great with aromatherapy to help me relax, which usually takes me a while. The massage table did get a little warm but you can request to have it turned down. I recommend 75 minutes or more to fully enjoy the benefits of this massage. read more

Have been fortunate to have had a number of massages here and always come away wishing I did it more regularly! The place is beautiful and soothing and the massages cover the gamut depending on your needs. I usually prefer deeper massages as I am an aging athlete, and they always manage to find those spots and relieve the issues I cause myself. The hot stones as a regular practice is unusual and really a nice touch. Every time I'm asked what issues are so they tailor to MY needs instead of a one size fits all approach. You will NOT be disappointed, and like me will be anxious for the next visit! read more

Ridiculous! I purchased a Living Social voucher for a massage. I left messages FOUR times in the past 2 weeks without a response. Very poor business etiquette- aren't massages supposed to relieve stress, not cause them? Not sure if they are out of business or not. At least Living Social refunded my money. read more

I purchased a coupon for Escential Massage through Community Change about 3 months ago. I had just come back home from being out of state dealing with a family illness and could really use a massage to relax my tense muscles. I went to schedule my appointment but notice the coupon had expired 3 days ago. I emailed to ask if it was possible for them to stll honor it and they would not. While I understand expiration dates are necessary, I feel that exceptions can be made. I guess they don't need the business. It's too bad because I was looking forward to trying them out. read more

I am not sure if I would schedule a apt with this group. It takes too many calls and messages to get a appointment. I bought 2 messages and mostly so my Daughter In Law could get a message because she needed it so badly. I bought 2 thinking we would have a girl day together but could not book them together on the same day. I have my apt coming up but my Daughter In Law could not get a apt in Dec on the day she took off. I booked mine and wanted to book her's but they would not let me do that so the day that she could of went and that they had openings is now booked because of the lack of a receptionist. I would say call someone else. read more

Horrible customer service, over-priced, so many places in Madison that are much more friendly and better!