Amazing place for a real Thai massage including stretching. I felt very relaxed and comfortable. This is the best place for a real therapeutic massage in the Bay Area read more

My Boyfriend and I were feeling pretty sore and haven't gotten a massage in well over a year. We're both serious surfers and are constantly working our bodies. I suggested we get a massage and came across Kanda Thai Massage. First off, we've gotten a handful of massages all over town and out of state/country. I have to say... we were both blown away by the 90 minute deep tissue massage. Walking in the environment was very calm and the man at the desk was very welcoming. There is a bathroom and the waiting area has a couch, water, and some snacks. We were asked to take our shoes off and were brought to the back. We were both put in the same room. The room was very clean and smelled amazing. The towels, pillow, and sheets were white and very clean. Our masseuses asked us what we would like to focus on. I said my shoulders/blades and my boyfriend said whole body. They did an incredible job. Many places we have gone to, the pressure was either way too much, or too light. This was perfect! My masseuse spent a good amount of time on my traps and shoulder blades since that's what does most of the work when I surf. They even stood on our backs which was amazing. I am 4'11 but was able to handle the weight of their bodies. They do have bars they hold on so they are not putting 100% of their body weight on you. They really know how to use their own body to treat others. Like most massages, our clothes were fully stripped. There were times when our bottoms were nearly half exposed when they were working on us. Some people may be uncomfortable but we were totally fine. The amount of lotion that was used was just right. They really work every inch of your body. After the massage we were both completely hypnotized. It took a minute for us to get up. My Boyfriend is one who is very hard to please when it comes to massages. I kid you not he said multiple times how good that was, how we will definitely be coming back, and how the pressure and lotion was perfect. He has NEVER said "we will for sure be going back" after getting a massage. And we have gotten well over a dozen massages in the 6 years we've been together. In terms of pricing, this place was priced totally fair. $120 for a 90minute massage. We've gone to Sage Float and Spa and a 90 minute deep tissue is $240. After reading other reviews about the tip issue. We had no issue nor were ever pressured to tip more or in general. We tipped in cash which helps. We also gave the tips to the masseuses themselves and they were more than stoked! All in all this place is a win and we highly recommend this place for anyone looking to get their moneys worth. read more

Lucy gave me a one hour massage that changed my life. So much stress and pressure released from my body. I cried a little. AMAZING. THANK YOU read more

Made reservations at Ocean massage for 5 ladies for 1hr foot/body massage for the advertised price of $60/person. We were texted an alternate location called Kanda Thai. We arrive and were held up and pressured for a half an hour by the staff asking for $85/person. While there another set of ladies walk in being scammed in the same way. We decided to go ahead and do massages for $75/person. At the end when we were tipping they were trying to get more money out of us which was totally unprofessional! And honestly, the massages were terrible! Anyone who massages your feet then touches your face is not doing it right. Never going back! read more

We had Thai massage before and this was not Thai massage. It was more typical of Chinese massage. The manager said most people don't know the difference so it's usually fine. The staff may have been holiday staff, as my massage was not with an experienced professional. She wasn't able to gauge pressure on areas of pain when I winced. Hard was not hard enough on areas that needed pressure. But to her credit, I did leave a bit more relaxed than when I came in. My advice is to be clear that you are expecting a " Thai" massage when you book or in person prior to your appointment. Don't assume based on the name of the business. The premium we pay for Thai vs. Chinese is significant. read more

Ahhhmazing Tradional Thai Massage... Kay is a true healer, she is extremely intuitive and knowledgeable about muscle groups. Say "yes!" when she offers oils- the aroma enhances the relaxation experience. I'm 58, recovering from chronic pain/decondioning and she found range of motion I thought was history. I highly recommend read more

It is not my style to leave a poor yelp review but feel that I need to. Service was friendly and prices comparable. If you like a very deep massage, bordering on pain, this is the place for you! It was, in my opinion too deep especially due to my height and weight. My biggest complaint is that when she walked on my back, I felt a pain and heard a popping sound in my ribcage. Now two days later I believe I have at least 2 bruised ribs. I told her, "not too deep" and being that I am petite, the deepness and pressure should be relevant to size. It hurt. A large male would probably have been fine. I blame myself for not speaking up. Now my ribs are in pain and I had trouble sleeping. Maybe I wouldn't be posting this if I had requested a Swedish style. Again, nice service but unfortunately felt very unprofessional. read more

OMG!! I can't find a great massage therapist. Until now. I hadn't had a Thai Massage before, until now, Kay was great. I have a chronic pain and I'm hoping to find someone who can breakdown the pain in my muscles. I chose the deep tissue- really deep because I have a high tolerance in pain, it felt like my muscles were getting separated from my tissue in a good way, all the cold and knots of my muscles broke down. It felt really great. Next I will have a regular massage and alternate to deep tissue. I found the right place thank you for a great service. She wear a mask the whole 60 minutes session and checked my temperature before we start. read more

This was one of the best massages that I have had in a long time - and the price was super reasonable. I am so blessed that my student referred me to this studio! I am dealing with some emotional energy stuck in my mid-back. I scheduled an appointment via the website and navigated the terrifying rain to make it to my appointment! The spa sneaks up on you - it's right across from the Santa Cruz Power Fitness - between Water Grill and that vacuum store? There is plenty of space to park - behind the spa. The studio is small, clean and intimate. I checked in at the front desk - and the massage therapist was able to see me early. The gentleman behind the desk helped me select the best massage - my back felt tender and my brain felt like a panic attack that already happened so I originally picked the "aroma massage" But, he said the "Thai massage deep" would be best. I am glad I heeded his advice. The massage therapist led me into a warm, clean room - and the table was heated. She walked all over my back and used her feet to massage my entire spine and limbs. The session ended with some stretchy like moves. My spine and mind were able to unwind and I was so grateful. I have spend considerably more money at more "posh" establishments and had subpar experiences - where I am basically moisturized. If you want a real massage, go to Kanda Thai! read more

I have to be honest, this place sketched me out. I have been getting massages my entire life and gone to many different places, and this place had red flags. I went inside for the appointment I had booked and the white guy at the front desk just told me to have a seat and wait, no paperwork. My massage therapist came to get me and with no word led me to a curtain-doored room with two regular massage beds that had no top sheets and random towels folded on them and left. I was confused as I had booked an "aroma massage" which is supposedly both thai style with yoga stretching + swedish massage, so I wasn't sure whether I was supposed to fully disrobe or what, especially since there was no sheet to get underneath, but it wasn't a bed on the floor either. I opened the curtain to the door and stood there until the therapist came back, at which point I asked her to clarify which bed to get on, how much I was supposed to disrobe, and what to drape myself with. Turns out there was a 100% language barrier and she had no idea what I was asking. Eventually she indicated to take off everything but my panties and lay down. However, I wasn't wearing any because when I go to get a massage, I shower right before then go commando under comfy clothes so I can disrobe easily. I tried to communicate this to her but, again, she did not know what I was saying at all. So I decided to leave my lounge pants on, took everything off and lay down. When she came back she insistently started trying to communicate something to me and then started tugging at my pants so I awkwardly with her help had to take them off while laying down on the bed; luckily she draped my butt with a towel. The actual massage was not bad at all but there was no aromatherapy that I could tell and it was more of a traditional deep tissue massage than anything else, very little stretching if any. At one point halfway through, the guy from the front desk came to the door and started loudly whispering to my therapist "she wanted aromatherapy massage! aromatherapy!" and it 100% did not seem like the therapist even knew what he was saying and I felt so incredibly awkward. I felt bad for the lady and honestly really sketched out, like, trafficking vibes??? why do you have a language barrier with your own employees and why does it seem like she has no idea what was going on? It was just so weird. I paid the guy at the front desk without making eye contact and left. I have heard that there *are* actual thai massages at this place that are good, so I don't know what the hell I experienced. read more

I'm really happy we did this. We called on a whim with short notice and they were able to get us in. Everyone was very friendly, and we felt comfortable the entire time. The massage was much needed, and once my masseuse got started she felt my tension and recommended changing the style of massage to something that would help alleviate stress. I'm glad she did and it was a great experience. read more

I can't go back to Kanda Thai after the unhelpful, uncomfortable and paid-upfront massage. I had no recourse. The young woman seemed untrained. read more

First massage in a few years because of the pandemic. They where very welcoming, masks where required at all times. Woke up Saturday morning in need of a massage and was able to make an appointment online at 9:30 for a 12:30 appointment. Masseuse was very nice and kept asking me if the pressure was OK. Good communication with her the whole 60 minutes. Definitely will be back. I work as a kitchen manager, so I'm on my feet 8-9 hours a day lifting, restocking, running around kitchen. Will be back for sure. Thanks!! read more

OK I get it now!!! Thai massage is different than the most common Swedish deep tissue massage. A typical Thai massage takes ~2h for a complete through job. TM is a cross between yoga/pilates stretching and accupressure swedish massage. The stretching is important; especially if you have back/shoulder problems. There are 4 phases: 1) she steps on you with feet because that can apply the most pressure. This warms up your muscles and starts to loosen the muscle knots. She can also tell where the problem tight areas are. 2) oil massage to apply more heat via hands/knees to focus on spot areas. 3) stretching where you grab her arms in some cases and she stretches you out beyond the range where you can stretch yourself. 4) final pressure with knees and more delicate areas like neck and fingers. The neck area can now be massaged after the other 3 stages because if those areas are loose they aren't contributing to adding tension on the neck area. Takes a long time to go through the phases. Time required depends on the body problem areas. You can tell if 1h is not enough. Much more effective for me than a chiropracter or standard foot massage. Tipped 20%. read more

I got a massage today at Kanda and it was pure heaven! Tina was great and was one of the best massages!!! Highly recommend.

Just got a 2 hour Thai deep tissue massage and it was the absolute best thing ever. I was amazed at how tense I was and now I'm leaving feeling much better and I absolutely will be back again in a couple weeks! This is completely worth making time to take care of yourself. The place is small and quaint and smells nice as you walk in it is very clean and I could not say more than I will definitely be coming back regularly!!! read more

I came here with a last minute appointment, the massage hurt real good since I got a a deep tissue massage. I feel like the establishment can be a bit cleaner. But the massage was okay overall read more

I've had many spa massages but never had a Thai style massage. It was great and the young lady was polite and kind with what to expect. The house lady was very nice and welcoming! I was so comfortable and relaxed going in. Thank you for the great job Helen read more

Tried Kanda Thai massage for the first time today. I was greeted by the same person (Jorge) who made my appointment on the very same day (my back was killing me). They were very efficient from the moment I walked in. I wasn't wearing a mask, but one was provided for me upon entry. I met my massage therapist and she took my temperature, and escorted me to the room. She did everything right!!!! Thank you Kay! She was sweet, and helpful and gave me tips to help myself In the future. Kay you helped me so much thank you! I will be back again and bring the hubby too next time! read more

I just had one of the single best massages of all time. Pat - you are a rockstar!! 5 STAR + 1 = the best I am an instant regular. Thank you for your care and see you again soon. read more

If you'd like a very firm massage from a Thai person, this is the place for you. If you go and ask for a traditional Thai massage, you'll be disappointed. Since I've had lots of Thai massage, in Thailand, I feel I can say that after trying Kanda 2x and asking for traditional thai massage-- and didn't get it-- this is not exactly Thai massage. Bits of it was recognizable as Thai massage but it was mostly lots of walking on my body and adding strong balm. The air is heavy with incense. But it is otherwise clean and comfortable and at least one person speaks English. read more

Came here with my friend and got the hour and half massage. This place is hands down one of the best massages i have gotten. Not only was the massage amazing, but i felt safe going there during the covid. They are very clean and take all precautions. All i can say is my friend and i will definitely go back. read more

5 star service & experience!! I was searching for an affordable massage during my short trip to Santa Cruz, but if I lived in SC I'd be here at least 2 times a month. I chose to book with Kanda due to the authenticity of having Asian masseuses doing authentic massage, also wanting to support immigrant workers and Asian business / small business during COVID. I made a booking online in a very easy to use booking system and had many options for appointment times which I appreciated. I called them the day of, to tell them I'd be 15 minutes late, and the gentleman who answered the phone (also working front desk when I arrived, believe he is the owner) had a polite and congenial manner. COVID precautions: When you enter, sanitize your hands, make sure you do not have any COVID symptoms, and get your temperature taken. Wear a mask during the entire time inside. All staff are wearing masks as well. I felt very safe. I did not run into any other clients during my session. I LOVED the decor throughout the place, it was beautifully decorated and felt a little luxurious, despite having COVID-safe interior alterations. Experience: My first time getting Thai massage (and I was so relaxed during the session that my masseuse told me her name I forgot it - I believe it has 4 letters and 2 syllables). I felt very comfortable, the ambiance included a warm room, comfy massage table, relaxing music. Throughout the massage, my masseuse checked in that the pressure was okay, and I have a pretty high tolerance for pain so I let her do whatever she had to do and I was very happy with her work! I had a 1.5hr massage, integrating oil, deep tissue, stretching, massage. From my toes to my head, lying on my stomach and then on my back, it was an incredible mix of strong deep tissue, feet walking on my body (oh my god this was literally amazing, especially on my lower back and upper shoulders), assisted stretching (stretches I had never contorted my body into before)! I never had an experience like it, she loosened up knots in my body that had been there for so long I didn't realise they were inhibiting my mobility. My masseuse was very friendly and had a sense of humor, and recommended activities for me to do at home to keep my muscles from tightening. It is not a light massage, she really gets into your knots, wanting to relieve the stresses in your body, so that you can feel more comfortable later. And you will WANT to give a big tip! I tipped around 30%. Thank you! read more

This place is great. I recommend the couple's spa pacakge- it's quite the deal. The sauna/hottub rooms are amazing with lovely garden views. I thought the woman who booked our appointment and worked the front desk was horribly rude, but I gave her a large tip with the hope it would make her less of a horrible grump (I guess I will see if it worked the next time I go.) My massage therapist was great, kind, and professional. My boyfriend also liked his massage therapist. So, if you are trying to book and you get the same rude woman on the phone -give this place a chance! The facilities and massage therapists are great. I would recommend this spot. read more

Absolutely fabulous time. Came in for an hour long deep tissue massage. The lady did an absolutely amazing job. I told her medium hard pressure because I had a lot of back pain I wanted her to get out and she nailed it. Some parts were tough but for the best to get my pain gone. She even cracked my back in a few spots and put me in all sorts of helpful positions. Besides that, they're very kind people and the service is wonderful. Plus, they don't try to upcharge you like crazy. Very suitable prices. Will be visiting again. read more

As far as I know, this is one of the only, if not the best places to have your back walked on in Santa Cruz. It has some of the best prices and so far, it has several of the best massage therapist in town. The place is super legit. The staff is amazing. I've gotten amazing, authentic Thai massages. Never had an issue scheduling, no language barriers and even had the owner go far out of his way to return some slippers I'd left behind. Highly recommended. read more

This place really exceeded my expectations by a landslide. I get a lot of Thai massages in Los Angeles where I live, but this was easily the best I've ever had. If I lived in SC I would come here every week. Wow! Did the 90 minute Thai Deep Tissue and was transported to another universe only to be reborn a shoulder-and-neck-tension-free human. Thank you! read more

Excellent massage. Very nice , very clean, therapists were outstanding. Highly recommend both traditional and Thai

This place is a hidden gem. Ting does an amazing Thai massage, the studio is clean and their customer service is great! Highly recommend this place. read more

I've been a few times and have had a positive experience every time. The massages have also been consistently amazing each time! Great massage for the price read more

I don't know how deep/ rough you like your massages, but I prefer mine to feel like I'm being jumped in a parking lot. I love this place. Sweet and strong women who can heal your body. Not for the faint of heart. read more

Very cute little massage place. I was able to walk in on a Friday evening without an appointment and get in right away. The owner was very friendly and chatting me up. They offer complementary hot tea and water. Massage www amazing. I got a Thai massage and it really helped unwind all my tightness from 60 miles of cycling. I also loved all the elephants they had and the massage therapist had taken a few towels and made them into an elephant with an orchid. Will definitely be back next time I am in town. read more

Kanda Thai Massage - Massage Therapy Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

We love and enjoyed our 1st time experience at kanda. We had the 2 hours deep tissue massage. It was amazing. Excellent costumer service, neat place and so relaxing. We just knew that they change ownership. The new owners was super nice and accommodating. The masseuse knows what they are doing. I highly recommend this place. They also have complementary food and drinks( water and hot tea). We would surely come back. read more

Absolutely terrible and a waste of my money. Unprofessional in every way. I have never been mislead by Yelp - well, perhaps twice in my life but this was one. My massage therapist was completely untrained. The phone rang three times and they left the room all three times to answer it, although the third time, it rang off the hook for about 1 minute. Therapist came back in and hit the bed with the door and then left AGAIN to go to the bathroom!!!! I should have said that I wasn't going to pay, but I didn't want to be that person that does that. Nothing upsets me more than this kind of thing when I could have paid almost the same amount for a PROFESSIONAL massage. REALLY UPSETTING! read more

So many pressure points that were relieved :) definitely recommend to anyone who's looking for an authentic Thai massage.

I have been treated like a queen by the massage therapists at Kanda. The work they do on my body is phenomenal, it feels great and changes the alignment for the better. Despite the fact that set up there isn't my super favorite, they don't use natural cleaning supplies for example, I'm not going to dig them any stars because their massages or so perfect for me. read more

Awesome service, thank you Groupon if I haven't seen their ad for a 52% off savings I would have never have discovered this place. very relaxing environment and their massages are outrageous. After my hour massage my body was jello all the stress and pain from the work week melted away. will definitely come back here! great customer service and superb training in the art of thai massage. (fyi the sign outside is quite small so the best way to find this gem is it is across the street from santa cruz gym.) read more

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We are visiting from out of town and stumbled onto Kanda Thai Massage. My gf and got massages at the same time and they were both OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! This was literally one of the best massages I have ever had and I get massages regularly. I wish I lived close to this place, I would go all the time. Can't say enough about this massage. read more

My husband and I are celebrating our 20 year anniversary and wanted to do a couples massage. The ease of making an appointment was encouraging. Upon arriving we were greeted so warmly, we felt right at home. Everyone was so nice. The massage was no joke! For 90 minutes we were stretched, pressed and lulled. We would definitely return! read more

Amazing customer service and massages! The owner truly cares about customers and runs a clean and comfortable business that continues to impress every time I've come back. read more