A couple of months ago, my friend, who is a massage therapist, took a workshop on Thai massage…read more Luckily, she wanted to test out her techniques on someone, and luckily, I happened to be nearby. Holy cow. My muscles didn't know what hit them. After that brief introduction to Thai massage, I decided I wanted to try out the real deal. So my search led me to Yelp, which led me to Mark Bonus. First of all, his name. How cool is his name? When you meet him in real life, you immediately begin to question your lifestyle and wonder how can you become more like Mark. He is zen. He is peaceful. He is calm. I adore his aura. Then, there is the massage. It's soothing and therapeutic. I felt like a giant blob that Mark was molding and putting back together. I never want to get up from the mat after he is done. So, the first time I visited, I opted for the 60 minute Thai massage. It is not enough time. On my subsequent trips, I've booked 90 minute sessions, which gives him more time to focus on my problem areas. I believe most Thai massage therapists generally recommend at least 90 minutes, so keep that in mind if you decide to book, which I highly, highly, suggest you do. Your body will thank you.

First, I get regular massages (try for every other month or more) and I get regular body work so I…read morecan tell a good one from a bad one. Second, get the thai to table massage for 2 hours. Its the best of both worlds and it was incredible. Third, $1/minute is incredibly reasonable and I would have paid more than that for this massage. Now onto the review... To call Bonus a magician would be to insult his knowledge, body awareness intelligence, touch, and craft that he clearly has mastered. Its been 2 weeks since my massage and I'm tempted to get on a plane back to Austin just so that I can see him. I spent 2.5 hours with this man and not only did I love his home, love the sacred space he created for massage, and have a great time getting to know him, I left knowing more about my body. I also left walking straighter and taller than ever before. He's incredibly attentive to parts of your body that are tight, for me it was my hips. Which he stretched and massaged in every which way and they felt better for days. This wasn't just a massage, it was a lesson in body mechanics. I learned about pain/tightness usually occurring on diagonals (sore left shoulder, tight right hip, etc.). He massaged the front part of my shoulder, my pecs, which most people forget/don't work on. Most of us spend our life hunched forward in some way - at a computer, hunched back, etc., so its incredibly important to massage a muscle and joint from the front and back. I kinda knew this, but Bonus cemented it. He also taught me a killer massage for the front of my hip flexors, which almost made me want to puke, but I felt like I got new hips. There's nothing to think about. This man is amazing, so go get a massage from him. Oh and sassy miss waxy, his lovely partner, is pretty rad too so take care of that if you need. Hopefully I'll be back in Austin soon or I'll clone Bonus and bring him to SF. Side note: I'm not sure if anyone reading this is nervous about a male masseuse, but let me assure you, you have nothing to worry about. First, Bonus is just a good, kind gentle soul and you see that the minute you meet him. 2, Sassy Miss Waxy and he run their business out of their home and it rocks. And 3, if you're uncomfortable, get a thai massage where you can wear yoga clothes and it will be incredible.

I will start this by saying I was not a fan of massage. Just a personal thing. But, I had an issue…read morewith my back come up and it was suggested that I do massage as part of making that better. I asked around and found Howdy Massage. I now have had 2 sessions with Rick at Howdy Massage and I have to say my opinion of massage has changed. He does really good work. He takes the time to understand what it is that you are having problems with and tailors the experience to address your specific issues. He is thorough and attentive to your experience as the client. It feels like a very bespoke experience and not just a "massage by number" experience. I cannot recommend him highly enough. He truly helped my issues. I will continue to be a returning client.

Rick is masterful. I went in with my usual tight body but also a very painful wrenched hip muscle…read more I walked out like a man who had been in blissful meditation for a week. He really has the gift. A total bargain.

If you're searching for the best massage therapist in Austin, look no further--Jeff is your guy…read more I've been seeing Jeff for over six years, and with his 20+ years of experience, his skill level is off the charts. His deep tissue work is exceptional, with a level of depth and attention to detail that's unmatched by any other therapist I've encountered. Jeff's home studio is cozy and welcoming (with easy street parking). Everyone I've referred to him has been blown away, and I hope more people get to experience his incredible talent. Fair warning, though... once you've had a massage from Jeff, you'll be spoiled for life. You'll find yourself comparing every other massage to his, and nothing else will quite measure up (speaking as someone who's a self-proclaimed massage junkie!) I can't recommend his bodywork highly enough--he's truly one of a kind. If you're serious about getting an exceptional massage, do yourself a favor and book a session with him. You won't be disappointed!

Magic hands! Jeff is one of the best massage therapists I've ever worked with - I was so happy to…read morebe introduced to him when I relocated to Austin and I see him regularly for maintenance on my low back and hip injuries.

I had a one hour massage with Barbara yesterday. I was having problems with my left leg - I was…read moreeven limping when I walked due to muscles thst were tight and locked up. Barbara worked and worked loosen up these tendons. Amazingly, I was able to walk better afterwards than anytime in the past 6 months.

Barbra is a MIRACLE Worker. Best in Austin hands down. Do your body a favor and get some true reliefread more

Undeniably the best massage and bodywork I've ever had. Juan is a true miracle worker -- you can…read moretell he's deeply dedicated to his craft. I booked the 90-minute deep tissue with cupping, and while we worked through plenty of pain, the relief and sense of harmony afterward were absolutely worth it. I also loved the thoughtful details -- the hot towel at the end was perfection, and the boxed waters and KIND bars were such a nice touch. The space itself is calming and inviting, from the building to his office. Juan's techniques are masterful, and I genuinely can't wait for my next session!

I had purchased a Groupon and had a 90 min massage here late this afternoon! It was absolutely…read morefantastic and I highly recommend it. I had cupping therapy done as well, which I never had. Highly recommend. Super comfortable environment and the massage was amazing.

I am not easily impressed with massages or lymphatic work, for that matter. Frank totally blew my…read moreexpectations for a lymphatic massage away. He quickly located the lymph build-up spots and massaged them out in the direction of the blood flow. Within a week, my normally (under) chin was significantly reduced. Also, my headache going into the treatment was completely alleviated. He truly has a talent.

I had a headache when Gregg showed up for my massage, and after I mentioned it, he went straight to…read morework on my head, neck, and face. I'm guessing about five minutes later--headache gone! I actually got to enjoy the rest of the massage sans pain. This is probably my 4th massage with Gregg, and what really stands out about his services is the versatility. He's known for correcting problems and his ability to go deep, but he can also provide more of a relaxing treatment as well!

I have seen many massage therapists over the years so this review does not come lightly but Gregg…read moreis by far the best massage therapist I have seen and has an amazing attention to detail! He has a gentle yet firm and comforting touch and ability to find the deeper / hidden areas that need attention that most others would go right past. I felt so comfortable and relaxed in his room and on his table. One of the best massage sessions I've ever had, a true artist at his craft. Would give more than 5 stars if I could! Highly recommend going

I have not had a massage in at least a year. :( Let's just say having a massage today with Gina was…read moreWORTH THE WAIT!! I knew about this place because I go to the nail salon next door. This place is a hidden gem. She offers hot stone, deep tissue, relaxation, shiatsu, and ashiatsu massage. *Note to self: make coffee and breakfast at home so you can save up for your next massage**

The massage and overall experience was fantastic! I was able to get in the same day, and Gina did…read moreawesome job working through some serious tight spots I had. Plus, stretching and hot towels afterwards felt so good. I'll definitely be coming back!