Rude, unskilled, unprofessional. Snickering. Talking behind clients' back and within ear shot too. Unpleasant not relaxing atmosphere. Do not come to this place. I rarely give bad reviews and am not picky. This is one of my worst experiences. We had a booking for massage for a couple for 7:00 pm on a Tuesday night. We arrived on time. No one was at the reception. The entire dimly lit unwelcome place was empty. All the doors to all the rooms were open. We were confused. After a while, a middle aged lady came out of a door by the entrance (we didn't see that door when we came in). She confirmed she knew about our booking. She asked us to wait for a little bit. Her English was poor but we tried to look at the bright side. There was no welcome. No water or tea. No music. Just a very dimly lit, sad, unwelcome, Soviet "living room". The lady disappeared into the room again without a word or any detail about why we had to wait. No news. We waited for 30 minutes. This was already a bad start to what was supposed to be a Valentine's Day gift (for me). It turned out there were two clients (or friends?) in that room. That room was set up for couple massage (with two tables). The two middle-aged ladies, both from mainland China, finished up and came out. They were chit chatting amongst themselves and talking about us. I felt very uncomfortable already but did not say anything. One lady then came to ask us what kind of room we preferred: singles or a double. Our booking was clearly for a couple massage. We reconfirmed we wanted a couple massage upon arriving. Clearly they do not speak English here. Meanwhile, the two female clients (a couple? friends? friends of the massage place?) took their sweet time packing up and dressing up. Finally they were out. After we indicated again we wanted to be together, the two ladies (apparently they only had 2 people working there) reluctantly went back to the room to clean up and get it ready for us. I am not sure they changed the sheets and towels. Finally it was our turn. After a long long wait. Were it not for the pre-paid groupon I would have left already. The two unpleasant, rough ladies once again talked amongst themselves just before the start of our massage: "Which one of us shall work on the girl and who works on the guy?" "Any difference?" Giggles. I understand Mandarin Chinese, but I did not hear or understand everything they said. From their accent I could tell they are from mainland China and uneducated. The massage was much too hard for me. Too much pressure. Painful. Not relaxing. I communicated in Mandarin and in English to no avail. She improved for a few minutes and then it was back to her old habit. She was probably a farmer? She pulled on my hair (when massaging my scalp). She messed up my hair big time. My hair was up in a horse tail. She pulled down half way my hair tie without even apologizing or showing any tenderness (she could have gently pulled down my hair tie and laid it by the side for example). It was me who had to discover the mess and let down my hair myself and put the hair tie on my wrist (all in the middle of the massage). Toward the end of the massage, she asked me to flip over to lie on my back. I reacted slowly because I didn't hear clearly what she said (broken English; followed by some kind of Mandarin Chinese). She laughed at me (to my face) talking to the other lady in the room, how I looked Chinese but did not speak Mandarin. I am NOT Chinese, but that's beside the point. How could they make rude comments either in clients' face or behind their back? We gave them each a 10% tip out of politeness. They snickered at us. What did they expect for the non-service? Such terrible terrible attitude. Come here at your own peril. Think twice. read more

This is a no muss no fuss type of place. I had an early morning weekday appointment so street parking was a non issue, but if you're coming at a peak time then you'll probably have to do side streets or something. When I checked in, there weren't any other patrons as far as I could tell. They sort of ushered me right into a room, which was kind of odd (usually there's some paperwork and you meet w the massage therapist to talk about what you want. They also didn't even ask for my name (I suppose if I was the only early morning appointment it doesn't really matter), but still kind of odd. The massage itself was great! When you look through the reviews, they are either overwhelming positive "omg there was so much pressure it was awesome" or negative "omg there was so much pressure it was awful." Spoiler alert: they use a ton of pressure. If you like that, you will like your massage. Jenny beat the crap out of my neck and shoulders. It hurt. A lot. But I'm used to it. And could probably stand an inch taller after the fact. Will definitely be back. Down a star for the oddness/the fact that I'm pretty sure my room was open an inch the whole time... and at some point my massage therapist had to leave to answer the phone. Weird. read more

If I could give this zero stars I would. The masseuses have no idea what they're doing. If you're into just touch with some SLIGHT improvement in circulation this MAY be a good place, but you're better off going to Shirlington. I've been there several times and it's never been good or worth the $60. They advertise all types of massage and I'm not sure they could actually describe one technique of any of them. I went this weekend and asked for a foot massage and the woman had not one clue what reflexology was to employ one technique. In fact, throughout the entire hour she NEVER ONCE used her thumb and didn't once do a basic shoulder massage. In fact, I had to make another appointment with my regular massage place in Fairfax because my body actually hurt MORE! Also, if you feel violated by TSA pat downs or tech definitely steer clear of this place. Their made up technique is egregious in terms of violation. And when you flip over prepare for no concept of blanket folding technique. It's completely unprofessional, at best. Though this place is cheap it's a complete waste of time any money. To boot, the entrance is next to a bay of dumpsters from adjacent businesses. I mean, what says relaxation like the smell of garbage pre and post relaxation. Really helps you maintain that zen on your way to your paid parking spot on busy Columbia Pike. read more

Have never felt more violated after receiving a massage. Not only was it way too hard (pushing so hard my breathing was impaired), but standard blanket folding for privacy were not followed at all. I felt he spent way too much time and attention to my rear, and the awkward hour was finished with him bending my legs to "stretch" them. It is a cheap, cheap massage, but not worth the cost of personal violation. Will never return here. read more

I've finally found my massage therapist!!! I was skeptical but I really enjoyed this place. Jenny was amazing. She found all my knots, she took her time, and was very professional. I will be coming back here on a regular basis. Thanks Jenny read more

Based on the receipt I was given, the message therapist I had was Yu Qing Yuan (LMT#0019012027 - address online says out of Flushing, NY). He was very distracted and multiple times he stopped in the middle of the message to do who knows what. I strongly suspected he was checking his cell phone but cannot be sure because I was face down. When I arrived he was the only person at the front desk. The main reason for this negative review is that I was charged for a 60 minute message but the service did not last that long and it was a below-average message. A woman who appeared to be the owner was there upon making payment. She had the audacity to ask for a tip which under normal circumstances I absolutely would give. In this case, however, I walked out the door. I didn't expect a fancy setting for the price point but I did expect a message therapist to do his job and a business that does not shaft customers on time. There is something sketchy and unethical about the way this place is run. I will not be returning. read more

I can't say enough good things about this place and Xi Xi (pronounced She, She) especially! I slept on my neck wrong or something and it was causing shooting pain down my neck, left shoulder and I could barely turn my head. I called at 7pm to find out if I could get a 90 minute massage and she fit me right in, she even stayed over closing time to finish my full 90 minutes. It started off as more of a thai massage feel with her working through the sheet without oils but it immediately felt amazing! Her pressure was more than I could take in some areas which is rare. I am used to wishing I could have some more pressure most of the time. I wanted to focus on my neck and shoulder because of the acute pain there but had been having issues with my left lower back and sciatic nerve. She could tell without me saying anything and I could tell she was giving that extra attention. It was painful when she first started working, really painful but she kept going back to the exact spots that hurt and after about 30 minutes my body finally started relaxing. I walked out of there feeling like a new woman. The place is hard to find. On the second floor of the building with just sign pointing to the stairwell down the side of the building. Not some place you're just going to run across but its definitely worth it if you do. read more

I am so relaxed right now I could cry. When I saw this place on Groupon I got excited--Retreat Massage is just a few blocks away and the few reviews that they've gotten had great things to say. It was tucked away on the 2nd floor of a building complex so it's not likely you'll stumble upon this place. There is a good sign that points you to a staircase on the side of the building. As other yelpers have said once you get in you will find really clean and modernly decorated space. I especially loved that the face opening was actually in the table instead of an attachment to the table, so when you face down no part of your body is hanging off the table. Very helpful when it comes time for the arm massage. And when it's time to flip over she puts a nice fluffy pillow in the face opening so the whole turning over process is seamless and you don't need to slide down the table in the middle of the massage. The massage itself was amazing--perfect amount of pressure and the therapist spent a long and generous time on my back, shoulder and arms which I really needed. She adjusted the pressure perfectly when i requested. I also liked how she started the massage under the sheet to ease my muscles into the pressure then took it off later to use the oil. To wipe off the oil she used hot towels which was a nice touch. I sit at a desk for work and do a lot of different exercises at the gym and in a music band so I'm always using different muscles and constantly feel achy. Though I stretch and do yoga nothing can get me as relaxed except for massages. This one left me with loose and flowy all over that I could cry of relief! Prices are reasonable at $60 for an hour. There's also a visit card so if you come 10 times the 11th is free. I think this will become my regular massage place. Also check out the filtered reviews that look legit to me. read more

Wonderful experience. We arrived late and had to move our car to avoid getting towed but both ladies working still gave us the full hour for our massages. Definitely worth it and if you can find it on Groupon you should take advantage of that promo. They also match the Groupon pricing as well for future visits. Huge note: don't park in the shopping center next door or in front of TMobile. They may tow your car. Free street parking is available on Sundays if you're able to visit their location then. It was a little difficult finding the place as their sign sits on the floor in front of the door but it's between the shopping center with the Boston market and the TMobile store. read more

I went to this place through class pass. It was quite a good massage, but let me explain the one star deduction. When I went in, they didn't ask me really anything about how I wanted and had me fill out no paperwork. I just walked in at my appointment time and they brought me right back. With that being said, the massage was pretty good. Great pressure and there was even some light stretching. I would return. read more

Great strong massage by Wendy. Would recommend to those looking for an actual deep tissue massage that don't mind the lack of frills. I'll definitely be scheduling another session! read more

Bought a Groupon for a 60-min hot stone massage...literally nothing positive to say about this place. Appointment: The receptionist's English barely passes the standard of "minimally acceptable." It took several back and forth to confirm a very simple request, but it happened in the end. Transportation: No metro station near the place. A word of caution for those who live in the city and prefer to take public transit like me. Day of: I was running late so I called 10 mins before my appointment to tell them I'll be about 5 mins late - no one picked up the phone. The place was on the second floor of a sketchy-looking building and the whole building smells of food. When I walked in, nobody was in there. After I announced myself, someone walked out of the door, got a bit confused regarding my appointment, but then had me go into a room. There was no intake form - not even a question of where I want to focus on and what was my pressure preference. I understand that I was running late but these two questions takes literally 30 seconds. Massage: Literally the only positive thing I can say is that it was, indeed, the full 60 mins, unlike some of the prior experiences. Everything else was horrible. 5 mins into the massage, the therapist asked me how I was feeling, at which point I said I'd like more pressure (bc it was literally a back rub at that time). She told me that next time I can pay more for deep tissue massage. Really? It's not like she's already doing a lot. And it did not get better. The whole massage was a back rub and pressure was applied in weird places (why would anyone use her forearms and elbows on lats/forearm but not trap, where everyone carries tension? On that more, there was little, if any, work on the trap and neck at all). The hot stone part was also all over the place messy. I did not feel any better walking out than going in. Overall - a waste of your 60 mins. I'll be better off with a theta cane. read more

Jenny, who owns Retreat Massage, brought her great relaxation talents from Ballston Mall and opened her own business on Columbia Pike near Glebe in Arlington. Her office is clean and well staffed. Life in DC can be stressful and Jenny gives a great massage to loosen up this weary IT professional. I stop by once a week to get my lower back adjusted and to keep my attitude positive. The staff is friendly and professional. John read more

First of all, this place is barely furnished and looks like a front for some kind of illicit activity *ahem*. There were only two women in the suite when I arrived, no signs for services, and hardly any wall decor. One of women had just come off a smoke break REEKING of cigarette smoke and told me that she was my masseuse! Who's idea of a relaxing massage includes being stuck in a tiny room for an hour breathing in second-hand smoke through a doughnut-shaped pillow??? NO ONE. I immediately protested and got the other lady to massage me. Or I should really just say "rubbed me". It was one of the most lackluster massages I've ever had. After all of that you'd think they'd have the self-respect to not ask for a tip. Welp, you'd be wrong. Don't waste your money/points on this place, it's a joke. read more

Great massage and they're very nice and give you a warm welcome. I didn't wanna get off the table. Very flexible and you can always guide them to whatever problem areas you have. I would definitely go back! read more

I have been looking for a go-to massage place in DC for quite awhile. As a local, the tourist spa pricing in the city can be frustrating, so I have often relied on Groupon as my guide when looking for affordable spa work. I have been suffering with some neck and shoulder pain recently and wanted help asap. I stumbled upon Retreat Massage under the "Book Now" section of Groupon and was able to get an appointment for the following morning. That alone puts Retreat Massage ahead of my past Groupon massage booking experiences, as I have encountered Groupon-bias at other massage locations in the past, as soon as they heard the dreaded "G-word." Often, their availability would mysteriously go from "next day" to "next week" as soon as they realized you were using a voucher, but this was not a problem at all with Retreat. I should point out that the voucher rates and the rates at the door are EXACTLY the same, so next time, I will happily just book directly through the spa to ensure they get the full profit of the sale, since they are doing all of the work. As others have mentioned, this is a no frills establishment...don't expect cucumber sparkling water or personalized robes, but if you are seeking a non-nonsense REAL therapeutic massage, this is your place. As soon as I arrived I was ushered into my room. It was admittedly different to not have to fill out paperwork but they asked if I had and requests for any areas needing special attention, and we were off! I have noticed that some of the negative reviews on here complain that their host applied too much pressure and that it hurt. I would say that if that ever becomes the case, the guest has a responsibility to communicate that to their host, in order to give them a chance to correct the pressure to their liking. That being said, this place does give a REAL, thorough...yes, sometimes painful (but in the best, most productive way,) massages. I can honestly say Kevin gave me the best massage I have had in ten years in DC, but it was not for the faint-of-heart! hahaha This is not your "Hey, Lauren! We should do brunch and massages next weekend...and maybe a mani-pedi after" kind of massage. (You will have your buttocks and upper chest worked. They will manipulate your limbs into stretches that could easily induce giggles, as its being done by a stranger BUT I am sure if you ever wanted to walk it back, these professionals would gladly comply.) Sorry Lauren, this is a "I have come in here with a legitimately sore neck and back and I need you to whip my body back in shape" kind of massage. Within the first few minutes I could tell Kevin clearly knew what he was doing as he had already zeroed in on multiple trouble zones...he worked with my breathing to get the most out of every movement, and yes...at many times it "hurt" but in the most awesome, breathing-conscious, "Im going to walk out of here feeling like an incredible pile of relaxed jello 'hurt.'" Their command of their craft have earned them a new regular customer. If you are looking for some true adjustment work, an intense, but oh-so-worth it massage, at very reasonable prices, I highly suggest checking them out. read more

This place is terrible. One of the ladies that works there is very unprofessional. The lady who gave me my massage was horrible. The session consisted of rubbing not massaging and the use of her elbow.It got so bad that I stopped her about 20 minutes in and left. This is without a doubt the worst experience ever! read more

This is my first time had massage at this one, I really like it, especially for the deep tissue

I bought the hot stone massage off Groupon. I will preface this review by mentioning that I am a massage therapist who has had formal training in hot stone massage. For starters the woman seemed very confused when I walked in and told her my appt. time. When I did get taken back into a room I was told to undress and get under the sheet. I wasn't asked what i wanted worked on or anything. When the lady came back in, she left the door open as she started to work on me. I asked her to close it and she closed it a little more but never fully latched it. She worked over the sheet for half the massage which isn't the best way to work the muscle. The room was freezing so I was cold for most of the session. Her head massage consisted of her pushing my head into the face cradle and scraping her nails into my scalp which was painful. She left the room TWICE during the massage, with no explanation, and leaving the door wide open. The massage in general was okay. She worked the muscles at times but other times I could tell she was just rubbing her hands on my skin with no benefit. I could tell she didn't have training in hot stone massage because she just rubbed them on my back and left them sitting on my lower back in a clump until the end of the massage. She had me turn over and only worked the front side for about 5-10 minutes. I was hoping for more since my quads were sore. When she left the room so I could get dressed, again she left the door open so I had to wrap myself in the sheet so I didn't flash anyone as I scrambled to close the door before getting dressed. read more

My session with Jenny was great experience! I felt comfortable right away when I walked in to the shop with a friendly greetings. I was so tired after long day at work. Jenny, who restored my energy after the session. I was really surprised and how much this massage has given me to rejuvenate my body. It was so good I've booked my next 4 visit for the month of December. They also give me a great discount. Jenny, See you in December. Thank you so much. read more

Feeling so good about it。 I recommend monthly sessions or every two weeks for optimum health read more

CC and Jenny took such good care of me and my husband!! She literally massaged every part of me save for my lady bits . For $120 for an hour couples massage, we got every penny of our money's worth. read more

Mediocre job, I've definitely had better. The lady was rude at the end since I had a Groupon. She told me a minimum of a ten dollar tip and she was snarky about it without saying thank you. I wouldn't go here again. read more

The massage was amazing I landed on my neck during rock climbing and my therapist worked all the kinks out. If you want less pressure be sure to tell them because they will actually work your muscles. The price was amazing and my girlfriend and I have been to basically all the massage locations in the area and this and Thai origins were our favorites. read more

This is a horrible place to go. Don't waste your time. I had a massage therapist that was Just so so on massage and could not speak any English. Like not even a basic English sentence she wanted me to .. I wanted to share a basic request in what area of body and ask for a hair band and when I asked if she could bring in another coworker to help translate she couldn't understand that . I decided to dress and leave and suddenly another worker (jenny) who Could speak came in. She was nice but basically encouraged me to speak via a translator on the phone and I didnt want to, i did stay and while it was basic I was very upset and would not recommend it! This is not being run like a business. I did feel bad so left a small 10% tip but honestly didn't want to leave a penny and get my money back. Bad experience all around and while I'm sensitive that the therapist could not speak English... they need to have a translator help. Also it's in a shady area facing a alley so don't go alone at night! Worst experience ever.. I guess due to cheaper prices and their Groupons I should not have expected more . read more

My wife and I just got the best massage ever in Northern Virginia. We are definitely coming back next month

Geeat massage! Thought it was just going to be an over the sheet massage but they added in some oil and actual skin contact. It was great, definitely coming back (: read more

The facility is clean with private rooms and friendly staff. However the massage is very strong. Even a "Swedish massage" consists of a very strong trigger point massage. While I appreciated the attention to detail, the massage was just too painful to be relaxing nor therapeutic (I've taken trigger point massages throughout Southeast Asia before and even those were less painful than this). I was so sore that the next day I went to see an acupuncturist. Plus I did not like that the full one-hour massage was only done lying face down, and not on my feet nor on the shoulders/arms while lying up. read more

The first time I came with a friend who introduced me. They were really great. Then I came again by myself. Xi Xi was the person who did my massage. She was GREAT! She really put in work when doing the massage. I definitely would recommend this place to anyone. I definitely am going back. read more

Excellent massage. Do note that this business is on the second floor of an older Columbia Pike office building, and the atmosphere is not everything it could be. Indeed, it is austere. But the price is right and the massage is excellent. MY masseuse inquired just what I wanted her to target, and she customized the massage to concentrate on my own problem areas very skillfully. I was fortunate to have a Groupon, but may make this my preferred place for massage even without a Groupon. read more

Went for a couples massage I got on groupon. The massage itself was cool (good intensity, technique etc), however, the relaxation was non existent. The two ladies had a conversation the majority of the conversation, you could hear outside phone conversations, and at one point the phone rang and the lady giving my boyfriend a massage went to answer it IN THE ROOM while continuing to massage him with one hand. When the conversation was over she sat the phone down on his butt for a second before removing it. My boyfriends massage wasn't even. The lady spent most of the time on his upper body that she barely touched his legs. And the ending was really rushed for us both. After the massage was over we tipped but not so generously bc the experience was subpar and she had the boldness to ask for more smh. Will not be returning. read more

I bought a Groupon for a couples massage. Can I just sat, mind blown!! Don't be deterred by the outside of the building. The couple that did our massage was amazing!! I liked that they didn't try and make conversation, so it was nice and quiet and very very relaxing. They give you the full 60 minutes.oil massage, hot towel rub, face arms legs back. She was amazing get even knot out of my neck and back. Probably the best massage I've had in a very very long time. It was absolutely worth it and I'm definitely going back. read more

Fabulous. I've had two different masseuses there, and both were great. Nothing fancy but they really work out the kinks. Reasonable priced. I've always found parking easily on Columbia pike. read more

I believe her name was Eva, she did a great job on my one hour massage today. She was very nice and adjusted her strength to your liking. I asked for medium-hard and the whole time she used her strength which was impressive. I would definitely visit again. read more

Retreat Massage is a great place tucked away off the Pike for anyone looking for a quiet, competitively priced massage. The staff is friendly and offers both acupressure massage and traditional (oil) massage. The rooms are clean and quiet. I have been several times and have always had a consistently positive experience. For those with flexible health spend plans, you can receive a receipt and use the massage towards your benefits. The Federal Government's FSAFEDS will allow you to claim a massage if you provide a receipt. read more

Jenny does a great job finding knots and adjusting to the level of pressure. I believe she can fix anything. At this price, one easily afford to go once a week. Location looks sketchy. I've paid three times as much for this level of work. Jenny really does the best work I've experienced in the NoVa area. read more

Visited this shop today with a groupon. New to the area and already made my next appt. CiCi is amazing and the salon is nice, quiet and clean. Give it a try - you won't be disappointed. Enjoy. read more

I went for a one hour massage and found it to be a very good massage. The staff were very nice and professional. I will be coming back.

Very quiet very warm environment, where the work is also very professional, very much here.