Professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. These are the immediate words that come to mind from the minutes my girlfriend and I arranged an appointment with Fernando. Massage By Design is exactly the type of massage we received from Fernando. My iliotibial band and my trapezius were in serious need of deep tissue massage due to sitting in an office chair eight hours a day and running way more than I should be. My girlfriend had her tight upper back worked on as well. My God, both of us felt so much better and our entire body felt brand new afterward. Fernando isn't your typical massage therapist; he explains what he's doing and why he's working on certain parts of your body. At the same time he analyzed my reactions in order to apply pressure where and when needed. Fernando doesn't only rely on reading the body, he has great intuition and being intuitive is really what helps in doing the right job! Would I recommend Fernando? Would I go back to Massage By Design? Heck yeah!!! read more

Massage By Design - Massage Near Me - New York, New York

Since I have not had a massage for a long time, I was a bit nervous. However my lower back has been bothering me for the past couple days, so I thought what the heck, I had to give it a try. The location is good since it is in the heart of Waikiki. There is a private parking space for Fernando, so this already eliminated some parking stress. :) I know he also offers out-call as well. When I got there, Fernando took his time to learn about me and my previous experience with massage. I found that was refreshing since my previous experience at a well established spa in Los Angeles and others did not do that. Like other reviewers said, it was truly "Massage by Design." The other thing I really enjoyed was the different techniques that Fernando used to relax and to apply to my body, especially my sore lower back. He also helped stretch my body which was more than just a massage. The entire experience was well over an hour. All I could say was that the experience was so awesome that i actually fell asleep. He had to call my name a couple times before I woke up. I definitely would recommend others to try him out and experience it again in the near future. read more

Excellent experience. If ranking more than 5 stars were possible, it'd be appropriate for Fernando. He is very professional, showed up earlier than expected and set up quickly in a convenient place in our apartment. His massage techniques are top notch, medium-heavy pressure was perfect. He did a fantastic job of paying attention to kinks and problems in your body. He does a great debrief after the massage to help you understand your problem areas and how to improve your tight points. I've been to many of the nicer massage places in the city and I'd rank him better than those, and he COMES TO YOUR PLACE. Very much looking forward to my next appointment and referring him to my friends and family. read more

I met Fernando through Yelp a few years ago and didn't need to look elsewhere. I am in my late 70s and with Fernando's body work and guidance I feel 20 years younger. Besides zeroing in on where the work need to be done he educates you about posture and whole body balance which to me was something I haven't paid attention to until I met Fernando. highly recommends Fernando's knowing touch and his amicable personality. read more

As a hairstylist im a bit of a connoisseur on body work. I usually get a massage about 1 to 2 times a month due to my work. Today I had an amazing massage by Fernando. Not only was he very knowledgeable but did things for my knees and hips that no one else has ever done. His studio is beautiful and very clean!!!! I would highly recommend him!!!! read more

Massage By Design - Massage Near Me - New York, New York

Don't know if he's great or not ... reviews seem to imply yes. I read one review that talked about a massive fail on scheduling, and it was concerning as it really makes me crazy when I think there's a plan and it doesn't happen due to a "mis-communication" when i think the conversation has been pretty clear ... and when I could have made another plan with basically no incremental effort. My guess as to what actually happened is that someone closer to home surfaced ... or some other "better offer" came along. For anyone interested, here's the full thread ... a bit hard to read as copying out of imessage isn't as clean as it could be! jj: 10:18 am Hi there. Any availability today? Know it's last minute, so probably tough! Thanks JJ +1 (347) 225-4100 10:56 am: Hello JJ, Thanks for reaching out. May have an available booking later in the day. Are you aware that I travel to you and if so, where in the City do you happen to be. Fernando jj 11:08 am: Yes. I'm in the financial district. +1 (347) 225-4100 11:10 M: I am free starting at 5:00, and it is my hope the time works. Do tell! jj 11:13 am: And how much are they? +1 (347) 225-4100 11:14 am: http://massagebydesign.me jj 11:15: For deep tissue. Either 60 or 90. Didn't see he pricing on your site. +1 (347) 225-4100 11;17: It is there. #contact $100. for one hour. $150. for 90 minutes. If you decide to book, let me know. I soon will go to yoga class and may not be able to respond. j 1:13 PM: Does 5:30 work? +1 (347) 225-4100 1:14 pm: Will you do 90 minutes? jj 2:05: Not sure yet. Can we decide when we start or do you need to know sooner? Just confirming 5:30. Think we're on ... +1 (347) 225-4100 3;42: Apologies! No. I accepted another booking. jj 3:51: I'm a little frustrated as we've been talking about this all day. You said you were open after 5 and I said 5:30. I didn't think there was ever a question that I wanted to get a massage. +1 (347) 225-4100 3:56: Once again, I apologize. Normally, a booking takes less than 5 minutes to materialize. Demand is high in or around the time you requested. If and when I asked for specifics, your response came a bit late. Apologies! Jj 3:57: I thought it had materialized! Look at the time stamps. There was basically no lag. The only specific you asked was 60 or 90 and I responded with a question. There was never a question around 5:30. +1 (347) 225-4100: This is my final apollogy. Thank you for reaching out. jj: I'll be posting the full thread w/ time stamps to yelp - including your apology +1 (347) 225-4100 4:00 : Please do! You will help in more ways than you think. You and others will learn to respond accordingly. Good day to you. jj 4:02: At 1:13 I said does 5:30 work. At 1:14 you said will you do 90 mins. At 2:05 I said not sure, can we decide later or do yo need to know in advance. No response. At 3:41 I send the note to confirm. At 3:42 you say "no" accepted something else. At 3:51 I say I'm frustrated as we started this at basically 10 in the morning. If that helps your story, happy to help. If you couldn't, or didn't want to do it, I would have made other arrangements. Appreciate the call. Again, the lack of professionalism is frustrating. Would have made other arrangements. read more

I'm half Thai so I've gotten a lot of great massages in my life, but Fernando is something else. He is not only an outstanding masseur but also a wonderful human being. He's observative, talented, funny and thoughtful. If you like strong deep massage like myself, you'll adore his massage style. I was having a rather severe neck pain and a headache that would last for days. I decided to contact Fernando since he has such raving reviews. The next morning I woke up with not a single pain present. Fernando got rid of all my aches and I never went to anyone else since. I have introduced Fernando to 5 of my friends now and we all agree that he is nothing short of amazing. Highly recommended! read more

After my wedding, my husband, mom, and I were badly in need of a massage (all huge massage afficianados). I found Fernando here on Yelp and booked him to come to our hotel room the same day for three 90-minute sessions ($110 each+tip). He came on time, was very professional, and was very personable. Before the massage, he asks about any injuries, problem areas, and your desired pressure. During the massage, he thoroughly explained about my body, possible problem areas and how to fix or prevent future problem areas. This was all great advice but I felt like I was at the physical therapist rather than at a massage. Although this is really good for many people who will see him regularly or want someone who really tries to understand your body, for me, I just wanted to relax, and I couldn't accomplish that. It would have been better if he saved all of his comments after the massage was over. (I'm partly to blame because I kept responding to him too.) Also, I didn't feel as if his massage had as good of a 'flow' compared to others I've had. Good massages have a very smooth and logical transition from one body part or area to another. His flow was ok, but it wasn't as smooth as I'd like. A fair warning: wear your under ware. Fernando mixes in Thai techniques so there's a lot of stretching. I love Thai massages, but usually you're wearing those baggy pants. Since I was naked, my whoo-ha was way out in the open (the towel also wasn't wrapped well, but I don't think it would have helped all that much). And I mean ALL the way out in the open (with my legs stretched over my head). My husband was uncomfortable about this to me too. But easily fixed - just wear your under ware. Overall, it is one the best massage I've had in Waikiki from my limited experience there. I'll call Fernando again next time I'm in town (with my under ware on and mouth shut). He's so friendly and professional, and it's just so convenient that he comes to your room! read more

New Yorkers are spoiled because we truly believe we deserve the best of everything. Sometimes, however, to get the best, a New Yorker has to "go to Hawaii" (the land of Fernando). Every year or two, I go through bouts of getting massages because I play a lot of sports, hunch over at my desk while reading and writing, and have all-around bad posture, try though I might to not. Fernando's massage (and I'm in the middle of a bout so I will be getting more) was certainly the most complete, balanced, helpful, and original. I might even use the adjective "inventive" though you can tell he's been through the rounds as a professional and honed both industry and personal techniques for a long time. Not to mention---he travels to you. The aspect that stands out the most to me is the incorporation of deep stretching with massage. So for example, he'll be stretching one of your IT bands and then massage in that area during the stretch, for extra depth. It felt like it was working out bodily issues that go back to before I was born . . . He's definitely in love with the art of massage. You can feel he doesn't want anything to distract him at all while he's working. I'm also the kind of person who doesn't like to chat during the massage, because I find that less relaxing and I want to just focus on the benefits my body is receiving and the improvements it is making. Fernando only talks to check on pressure and let you know if you have to do something or shift some way. So for me that was great, but that's just a personal preference. Finally, as far as the general tenor of the massage, everything was right on the money, for me, as far as balancing relaxation with achieving a pressure right up to that point before the pain threshold is reached where you know you are really going to feel a lot better and carry less tension for weeks and months afterward. read more

I'm still high from having Frenando's heavenly massage. I've had massages at several spas in Vegas including the Mandarin Oriental and Palazzo and my hometown of San Diego and this was the best massage of them all. The 90 minute massage really covered many areas and his pelvic work was very comprehensive and included stretching and twisting, but i could handle it since i'm a yoga regular. He also worked on my problem iliotibial band. Fernando has strong hands and can effectively target trouble areas. Highly recommended. read more

Fernando was excellent. He first took time to talk to me about any existing body pains and explained some of the reasons we get aches and pains and the need to take care of our bodies. He uses a few different techniques and is careful to be sure the pressure he is using is comfortable for you. Some stretching is also incorporated into the massage which enhanced the overall experience. If you want someone that really knows what they are doing and genuinely cares about giving you the best experience then you must see Fernando! read more

After spending the last 7 days on a cruise (and sleeping in an uncomfortable bed), I needed a nice long massage. I found Fernando on Yelp, and decided to give him a shot. Boy am I glad I did! Fernando arrived in my hotel room with everything he needed (massage table, towels, oils, etc.). His massages are unique because they combine deep tissue, thai, lomilomi, and a couple other techniques. If you enjoy deep pressure, Fernando is your man! I was able to get through the entire relaxing massage without asking him to apply less pressure, which is a good thing because he was able to flush most (if not all) of the toxins out of my body. Throughout it all, he asked several times whether I was doing okay. Even though I was fine, it was still good to know that he was constantly checking, in case I needed less pressure. The key to having a great experience is to trust Fernando, take deep slow breathes, and just relax. I was able to do this, and the result was an awesome massage! I highly recommend his services; you won't be sorry! read more

I found Fernando through Yelp and I was incredibly impressed with the massage. Fernando's deep work left me feeling otherworldly and my sore muscles had opened up. All the reviews on here do justice. I love deep massage therapy, and often have to tell massage therapists "no, really, harder," but not with Fernando, he gets it. After emailing him through his site, he called me within a half an hour to discuss what my problems were and what I was looking for in the massage. I loved the work, very deep, and as other have said, he explains to you what he is feeling with his hands and what you might want to keep in mind after the massage. Definitely going to work with him again. read more

Great experience! Educational and therapeutic! Recently I was in Waikiki for my honeymoon and was looking for a place to get a massage. I was having some pain in my knee and was just plain tight & sore. I'm a very active person so most of my soreness comes for sporting related activities. I didn't want to just close my eyes, go to sleep with a gentle rubbing massage. Want I needed was someone that understood how the body works and could apply the necessary pressure and techniques to alleviate my pain and tightness. We'll I was very fortunate to find Massage Be Design and Fernando. He was very professional, knowledgeable, and thorough. He took the time to learn about my pain areas, and focused on those areas via massage and education. He even provided me with suggestions for preventative stretching exercises for my knee. Highly recommend Fernando! He is more than just your average massage professional. Thanks for the stretching exercises! I use them every day and it has dramatically improved my overall flexibility. read more

I found Fernando thanks to Yelp. I have never found a Massage Therapist that way before, usually going to spas at my gym etc. But I just had foot surgery and so wanted to find someone willing to come to my apartment. Well, I agree with all the Yelpers, Fernando is terrific. Now when I am in New York I will definitely work with him. He came to my house twice, and really did wonderful work. He knows what he is doing, is capable of very deep work, which I need, and is thoughtful about what his client needs. I look forward to many massages with Fernando. read more

Best massage I've had, period. Really, there's not much that can be said beyond that bold statement :) I've had a handful of great ones, then some that add a bit too much mysticism for my tastes.. and a lot of really ones that were 'meh' or outright terrible (..watch the hang nail!!). His rates are VERY fair and so well worth the experience. Fernando was referred by a dear friend and WOW. As he starts working on you, he'll ask a lot about what types of aches and pains you may have. His total body work includes incredible massage, leverage, stretching and breathing. All of this makes for an incredible massage. I ended up taking a spill on my staircase, well, if I took the spill, I would've been in less pain.. but on the way down, I decided to try and stop/break my fall. This resulted in a number of odd contortions and jarring of lotsa back, leg and neck/shoulder "parts." Was in pain for a few weeks. Fernando, in one session fixed all of that. Give him a call or look him up, most definitely the best massage I've had, period. read more

Wow, I experienced a technique that i haven't had before... That says a lot, since I have been a professional massage therapist for the last 20 years. I have had a number of massages from Fernando. I realize that 'trading services' is lucky privilege. I am able to share and learn techniques from my colleagues. Fernando is a free spirit. He loves his work and it shows. I would definitely recommend Fernando to those experienced in receiving massage. He will treat you with professional courtesy and respect. Mahalo to Fernando for teaching me about Yelp and the future of my business. Alolha, Dustin E. read more

My body and my heart needed a balance. The tension of everyday life and the things that happen along the way, led me to Fernando @ Massage By Design. The relaxing environment, the deep breaths and the movement of massage were perfect. My body and my soul united with every breath. I can not thank Fernando enough for such a cleansing experience. The feeling of freedom came with his massage expertise. Mahalo, Lisa Coleman SHEGROOVES PHOTOGRAPHY LLC. read more

Fernando was amazing. Called him up and he was easy to deal with and could understand my New Zealand English accent which a lot of Americans seem to have trouble with. Came on time and was ready in minutes. Very easy and polite. The massage was amazing. Sorted out all my back problems using all sorts of techniques. Thanks Fernando! read more

Fernando was the BEST! A 90 minute massage, he goes to your hotel and it was by far one of the best massages of my life! I am referring him to everyone I know :). Thanks Fernando, you definitely have a gift! read more

Ive had a lot of body work done and this massage wasn't one of the better ones. Fernando was polite and on time but his type of massage left me bruised and swollen. When he said "we needed to connect through mind and body" I knew something was weird. He started the massage by digging his elbow right into the thick of my back muscles and it HURT. I didn't say anything because I've received deep tissue massage before but this was way too much pressure! My back is swollen and sore today (which Fernando said is "normal") and I can't move with out noticing the pain. Fernando also did a lot of Thai type of stretching (which I didn't find relaxing) and he told me that I needed to let go of control. He said that when he shook my arms and legs that I tended to resist him (who shakes arms and legs in a massage??) and that I needed to let everything go. I also found this weird because I don't tend to get life coaching advice from a massage therapist. I wouldnt recommend Fernando unless you want to feel like you've been beaten up. Deep tissue massage is great but from someone more skilled and knowledgeable. read more

I returned to Honolulu and one of my first stops was to have Fernando give my body a tune-up. It sorely needed it even though i have had several massages on the mainland. This massage was even better than the previous one. It is like doing yoga on a massage table with a trusted and intuitive guide. He fixed things that needed mending and strengthened things that have gotten out of alignment. i thought about why he is so stellar at what he does, the answer is simple. Fernando is a genuine and caring person who truly wants you to have what is best for you and delivers. Amazing .... read more

Fernando was wonderful. I get a massage every other month, and not only received a fantastic one, but learned something. His tips about how to alter everyday habits to become more healthy were extremely helpful. Great, strong deep tissue work and a nice Thai element as well.. Would highly recommend Massage by Design! read more

Coming from the Indian culture, I am quite familiar with the tradition of massage and can tell when a therapist approaches it with an attitude of service & healing. Fernando is one such therapist. Healing people is his passion. He is knowledgeable in various modalities and is able to integrate them into a hybrid massage suited to the recipients' need. My husband and I called him for a back to back double massage at our upper east side apartment and he tailored his massages based on the needs of our bodies. He also gave us tips on exercise and yoga positions. He is friendly and has a cheerful attitude. He invests his time and energy without watching the clock. And how convenient to get a massage in the sanctuary of one's own home! And all that at a reasonable price. We would definitely use Fernando's services again and highly recommend him to others too. read more

Very different than the "typical" spa massage. I wish I had a "Fernando" that was local to me. I would book monthly sessions for sure. He started out by asking some questions about what I was looking for and then he started to work. It took some practice and coaching, but I was able to relax the area he was working on. He could tell, just how my body was reacting, what I needed to do nutritionally to remove the toxic build up I have accumulated over the years. A great experience! He has a very good understanding of the body and how it works. Much more than just a massage. He opened my eyes. Exactly what I was looking for! Thanks Fernando! read more

Fernando was amazing. I love that he comes to your home. I am a woman so I was a little nervous about inviting some guy off yelp to my home for a massage. Within moments of meeting Fernando I was completely at ease. He's very professional and very good at massages. He's strong and cares a great deal. Lovely guy. read more

There are painters, and then there is Michelangelo. There are singers, and then there is Pavarotti. There are therapists and then there is Fernando. Their work stirs something deeper within you, where you are somehow transformed by an experience that can only be described as surreal. Although Fernando never claims to be more then a therapist, I believe he is a healer. I have been to him three times and after each subsequent visit, I kept telling myself that it was the best massage of my life, only to be out done by the next. On my last visit I felt very aware of being in the present, of reaching a state of consciousness that usually comes with intense meditation or yoga. Rhythmically his massage was in concert with my breath and that's where it ceased being just a massage and felt more like a deep nurturing and almost spiritual experience. I felt as though he could psychically feel my physical pain and mental stress. As a healer he was able to release me from them to the point where I actually felt giddy and finally comfortable being in my own skin. Make no mistake his work is not a fluffy rubdown. It is intense, deep and even a bit emotional. If you are looking for a go to sleep and wake me when you are done kind of massage I would go to a spa and pay twice as much (which I did a week earlier and it was just alright). He performs a lot of stretching in sync with a firm (not sharp) pressure. Even as I write this a day after my last service I can still feel the positive effects. My only negative comment is that I am sad to say that he is leaving for New York City. Just as well his work can most likely do more good in a place where everyone is tense and stressed all the time. I wish him the greatest success even though it leaves me pretty much spoiled forever. I doubt I will find another therapist like Fernando then again there has never been another Michelangelo either. read more

Fernando is fantastic and sessions with him are deeply restorative and relaxing. Skilled in various massage techniques, tailors to my needs and follows my instructions re: any modification. I often find myself falling asleep during sessions and waking up calm and energized the next day. Highly recommend. read more

After surfing every day for a week, my shoulders were in dire straights but by the time Fernando left I was as good as new! He came to our room (on very short notice) at the Marriott Waikiki Beach hotel with a table and I got a 90 minute (for $65 with Yelp coupon) massage that incorporated several different styles. He was able to apply the necessary power without overwhelming me and was very skilled at finding where I needed relief the most. He brought oils, lotions, music, sheets and everything he needed which is great because I'm used to going to spas (this was my first outcall massage) and was worried about the lack of music for atmosphere. With a masseur like Fernando healing my body and the gorgeous Waikiki backdrop I was in heaven! read more

One of the best massages I've ever had. If you love deep tissue massages like I do, you will not be disappointed with Fernando. Within twenty minutes, I was already feeling better. He really knows his stuff. read more

Yep... if you are a fan of deep work, Fernando is the best! He was sensitive with my tender spots and seemed to feel his way into working on me. I was surprised he didn't tire as he put in 1.5 hours on me. A treat! A must! and... I'll be back:) read more

In Hawaii for vacation, and needed a massage to relax the tension of traveling. I was able to contact Fernando and set up a massage session with him very easily and quickly. A little intense, but so worth it. I woke up the next day so relaxed and well rested. Thanks so much Fernando. We will keep in touch tip next visit to the islands. read more

BOOK FERNANDO YOU WON'T REGRET IT!!! I found Fernando thanks to Yelp and I couldn't have more AMAZING things to say about him. I was a gymnast for 15 years and in a car wreck a few years ago, which has left me with chronic back pain. I initially booked Fernando to come help me with my neck after I slept on it wrong and couldn't move it. He was so amazing that I now see him twice a month and as a result, my back pain has gotten progressively better. I was a little worried about someone coming to my apartment at first but Fernando is extremely professional, I now love the convenience of him coming to me and he makes me feel very comfortable. He is so knowledgeable about massaging and the muscles of the human body. He moved here from Hawaii less than a year ago and knows so much about massages around the world. Fernando couldn't be more genuine and truly cares about his clients. His pricing, especially in New York, is also hard to beat. To the person who gave him a 1 star (Lawrence)--I'm sorry you had a miscommunication with Fernando but it is truly unfair to give him a 1 star since you didn't even have his services. If you had experienced a massage from him, I'm positive you would have given him a 5 star! He is normally excellent with communication and promptly on time. read more

Fantastic massage. Strength and skill--body work and a massage---I highly recommend Fernando. He was prompt, professional, kind and gifted. Don't hesitate to book him. Technically proficient and intuitive. Thanks yelp and see you soon Fernando! read more

I'm in Waikiki and looking for Fernando. But alas, he's gone to NYC. Lucky, lucky, New Yorkers! Fernando - I'm sure you're doing great out there. Loss to Waikiki. read more

Absolutely Amazing! Recommended to me by a friend and I couldn't thank them enough. I've had a couple of sessions and everyone has been better than the last. Fernando is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about his trade as well as very easy to talk to about his profession. In between explaining to me the purpose behind every technique he was happy to share Hawaii's beautiful history and recommended dozens of exquisite sites. Every visit has been a wonderful experience. It is impossible not to get caught up in the love and enthusiasm that simply radiates from this man. Both myself and my wife often walk away from our sessions giddy and energized. A Honolulu treasure! I highly recommend the Massage by Design experience to everyone. read more

(disclaimer - I know Fernando as a friend through a hiking group) I've had many massages with many therapists, and this is the first to open my chronically tight right upper back, neck and shoulder area enough that it felt relaxed several days into the following week. In addition, the 3 simple stretches he suggested haved continued to help. Fernando was professional, and responsive to my needs and limits. Recommended! read more

Fernando came to our condo and gave my partner and I the best massage both of us have ever had. We felt very comfortable having him at our place and were able to completely relax. I had an injury which he was very mindful of and he helped take away a lot of the pain. The experience was fantastic! Fernando is a true professional. Looking forward to getting another massage from Fernando next time I'm in town. read more

I have been getting a 30 minute massage from Fernando each month for the last two years as a perk at work, but I finally (after far too long) had the pleasure of a full 90 minute session. I am not exaggerating when I say that this session was a work of art. It was a total body experience and when it was over, I felt completely relaxed and physically realigned. Fernando is very good about seeing how your body responds to the different techniques and adjusting accordingly. He also helped me moved the furniture to make my tiny East Village living room a suitable atmosphere for the best massage I've ever had. Book a session immediately! read more

WOW - not only is Fernando very personable and professional, he gave me one of the best massages I've had.....and I have had lots of them! He came to our hotel, which was a good thing because afterwards, I was completely relaxed and off in La La land. We even had him come back so my husband could experience the massage I kept talking about days later. Thank you Fernando - if only you lived in Seattle we be one of your top clients! We will be calling you for sure when we are back in area. read more