In Boston it seems like there are two types of salons/spas: the ultra-cheap, not-super-ethical, walk-in places on Newbury street where you go for your bargain mani/pedis, and the high-end, actually relaxing "spa" experiences that you normally find at luxury hotels. Sway is a rare hybrid of the two. It's incredibly clean, new, and a relaxing spa-like experience, but at prices that won't feel like an indulgence. The owners, a husband and wife, and incredibly nice and go the extra mile to give you a great experience. I got a Sway Pedicure, which came with more attention that I'm used to, expertly-painted nails, and an actually effective massage--not just a disgruntled lady halfheartedly patting your calves. I'll definitely make this my regular spot. Can't wait to go back. read more

So.. I hate to be the sole one star review among a sea of glowing reviews, but I want to report my honest experience. I had the "Stress Fix" massage with Doris.. I was very excited to try this place based upon the awesome Yelp reviews. However, it was a terrible experience overall. I will mention that the facility is nice-clean, quiet, and relaxing, and the front desk woman is very friendly and calming. Now, onto the massage story: The lights were left on in the room and Doris pushed the door open while I was still undressing.. .It was already off to a bad start. I lied face-down on the massage table, my head in the "donut" pillow. She squirted the oil and began to massage my back/shoulders. She came at me quickly and somewhat aggressively. It did not start off gentle and relaxing at all. Then, I started to get a whiff of a bad smell... like dirty socks or sneakers. I started moving my nose around inside the pillow to see where the smell was coming from. I thought it was the pillowcase. Then, I opened my eyes, and saw two large socked feet below my face, standing on the floor. I realized that Doris had removed her shoes, and I was smelling HER feet! It was wicked.. I started breathing out of my mouth to avoid the smell. She seemed to be in a hurry throughout the massage, quickly pushing and kneading me.. it was not relaxing at all. It was just a really unpleasant experience. Too rough... I asked her to go lighter, and she didn't. She kept saying how I was "tense" and "needed" to be loosened up. But, I know from experience that massages should not be painful. Especially Swedish! Today, I am sore especially in my shoulders and back. I've had many massages in my life, and this ranked as one of the worst. Based upon all of the glowing reviews, maybe it was just a bad night? I was also put off by the envelope they expectantly hand you at the end.. I thought tips were "appreciated, but not expected?" I asked to put a tip on my card, and the front desk lady scowled at me. I didn't even want to tip, to be honest. I would not come back here. Maybe the other masseuses are better, but I'm not going to take the risk to find out. read more

Just had a wonderful massage with Thomas, a new addition to the team. He was thorough, attentive and responsive to feedback. He also assessed areas of improvement and provided ways in which I could work on tight muscles after the massage. The front desk staff was courteous and welcoming. 5 star experience. I will be back! read more

I was looking for an ethical and fabulous nail salon/spa, and I've found it. Sway in Kenmore Square not only lived up to, but exceeded my expectations. Very nice, courteous and helpful people. Gentle touch on my pedi, sample colors on my nails to make a final color choice, and an over-coat with specks that really add pizazz to my toes! I had the Aveda Pedicure - which included a leg/foot massage that went on and on. I was in heaven! Knowing that their staff is well-paid and working under good working conditions makes me even more satisfied. This will be my go-to spa from now on. read more

Sway Spa - White speckles on hot pink polish. So cute! - Massage Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I found this place through Yelp after recently moving to the area and seeing that there was a $20 discount for Brazilian waxes during August. I have been getting regular waxes for 4 years and let me tell you - this was THE most painless experience ever! Sweta was incredible: super gentle, sweet, and considerate of my preferences. Definitely get your wax here, and book with Sweta if you want a guaranteed good experience! It was a super relaxing atmosphere, very close to the Kenmore T stop, and I'll definitely be coming back here for regular waxes and other spa services. I also was about 15 minutes late to my appointment and they were very accommodating and didn't seem to mind (although I felt terrible, and really appreciated their kindness). read more

I moved to Boston a few years ago and was constantly searching for a good place to get Brazilians. I have been getting them consistently for the past seven years. I tried quite a few places around the city always finding they were unclean, way too expensive, or the quality of the wax was so poor I couldn't wait the full month before I needed another one. Once I found sweeta I was sold. She is professional funny and very very good at her job. She makes the whole experience quick and painless (as painless as it could be) saying "I get waxed myself so I know what hurts and which methods to use." And I have been going to her every five weeks since the first time. I would strongly recommend her and I have also heard fabulous reviews of the facials. read more

Very nice spa, very clean. We were greeted by a very friendly receptionist and offered a beverage while we checked in. I had a great facial by Ari who was extremely kind and professional. She started with a facial massage, facial steam, an extraction followed with a hydrating treatment. The facial also included a foot and shoulder massage. My second treatment was a Natural Massage by Delores; I chose a deep tissue massage; she had the strength I needed to work out the knots in my upper back. When my sessions were complete I was offered a glass of sparkling cider and pastries. I really recommend visiting this salon read more

I picked the spa at random and was very pleased. My masseuse -- and I'm sorry if I am forgetting his name -- Dravon-- had a very gentle but strong touch. I was wound as tight as a knot going in and left walking on a cloud. The front desk was friendly, the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. read more

My husband bought me a week-day membership to Sway last year so that I'd be able to go for a monthly massage (thanks hubs!). It's close by, so it's super easy for me to get to on my day off. I've had the membership for about a year now, so this review is a little different from a one-off massage experience. I also only go on my days off (Thursday's), so I have only met the people who work on Thursday's. I love that it's a clean, quiet place. It doesn't feel uppity, but still feels like a little hidden treat in the city. The staff are always gentle and attentive. They've tried to graciously to accommodate last-minute bookings for me. I've tried a few masseuses by now and I've come to realize that they each have their own strengths, so I'll try to book with the masseuse depending on "what I feel like I need that day." I love to book with Nadeen when I want the so-relaxing-that-I-fall-asleep-but-didn't-know-that-I-did massage. I love her use of essential oils and breathing, as well as hot packs. I'll book with Lucy if I really want to work on my horrendous knots--girl is strong! I've also had a massage with Samantha once and Kiary once, both of whom have also been great. I can say that every massage I have had, the masseuse has first asked about any "areas to focus on" after they greeted me, and then checked in on the pressure once we were about 10 minutes in. My favorite pro of the membership: your monthly massages roll over if you don't get the chance to use them that month! Tip: bring cash for the tip envelope they give you at the end when you go to pay at the front desk. A great gem in the area! read more

This spa is the best I've ever been to--the customer service is unbeatable, and the technicians are amazing. I always go for waxing, and Shweta is the most friendly, gentle waxer I've ever experienced. She always makes me feel comfortable and is very knowledgeable--giving me all sorts of tips and information for skin care. She is a pleasure to be around. The entire staff and owner are all friendly and go out of their way to provide great service. I would highly recommend this spa! read more

Wanted to do something nice for my boyfriend so I booked a massage online for him. I thought the service was great. They texted me about three days before confirming the appt and making sure I was aware of their cancellation policy. He enjoyed the massage - they even sang happy birthday to him and lit a candle! Lol I thought that was very cute and thoughtful. I will definitely be back for a massage myself!! Thanks Sway Spa! read more

I'm so glad to have discovered Sway spa through yelp! Sweta is amazing. She has magical hands. I have got two Aveda enbrigtenment facials so far and absolutely loved them. Sweta takes good care of you during the facial and doesn't rush through at all. The facial also includes complimentary scalp and feet massage. Wow! The place is very clean and hygienic. The ambience is truly relaxing. I see myself being a regular here. Can't wait to go back. read more

Had a relaxing and knot destroying massage with Yue. Start to finish it was an easy and relaxing experience, easy check in, wonderful massage, a cold bottle of water and easy check out. Very clean, and I felt safe throughout. Definitely will be back! read more

Walked in feeling so happy and relaxed, left feeling sick. Upon walking into the spa I felt so great- the smells were relaxing, the front desk girl and others in the front were so sweet and very funny! I was offered water and tea, my coat was hung up, I felt so optimistic for my facial.. Then I go into the room and could not get past the smell of BO. I thought it was me but I realized it was the woman doing my facial, Sweta. She must have had lunch or something beforehand because the smell on her hands was just so strong as well. I felt so sick! I never write reviews but I was so turned off by the service I had to. I read such good things, maybe today was an off day.. Anyway. I'm hesitant to go again as I felt very dirty and sick and not at all relaxed afterwards. Kind of a waste of money. Lesson learned ‍ read more

I went in for a couple's massage appointment and my experience was absolutely fantastic! The owner was attentive, prompt and very professional. The ladies who worked with my boyfriend and I we're absolutely phenomenal. I didn't realize I had so many knots on my back, through my legs and even my glutes! She really worked her magic and I left more refreshed and relaxed than I have been in a very long time. I would highly recommend this place to everyone! read more

This is my "new" nail salon! I'm new here to the area and fell in love with it. This place is truly relaxing, quiet, and the ladies working on your nails are skilled, extremely precise, and honor whatever you need. The experience was a quiet one (true relaxation!) and they were quiet with one another unlike many other places. I had an issue with one of my toes going in (the nail had sort of ripped) and the woman who did my nails was so careful with it. I GREATLY appreciated this! They use all new items fresh from a package and it is completely clean and sanitary. My nails are PERFECT and beautiful right now. I will absolutely be back! :-) read more

I loved my time at Sway Aveda Spa. The office itself is very clean, quiet, and calming. The front desk associates were professional and accommodating, and greeted me by name when I came in. My massage therapist, DiDi, was fantastic! She was friendly and professional, and gave me an excellent massage. She was very knowledgeable and knew exactly how to help my sore muscles. I was so happy and impressed with my experience that I purchased a 6-month membership after this massage. Can't wait to go back next month! read more

My girlfriend and I went for a couples massage, she received a Swedish massage and I a Deep Tissue. The therapists were professional, personable, and promoted a relaxing environment. Not to mention the massages were excellent. read more

Mediocre facial with Sweta. Very sweet family run spa but do not recommend for a facial. I have facials very frequently and as I was traveling thought I would try somewhere in Boston for a treat. Wish I had saved the money. This isn't the worst facial I've had but would not go again and suggest looking for somewhere else in Boston. I'm always suspicious when people try to butter me up at the start of a facial by saying I have wonderful skin (because I know exactly what is / is not good about my skin and there are a lot of flaws / challenges - large pores, oddly dry and oily, at the same time, very reactive / quick to redden... etc.) - and this happened with Sweta. I had chosen the Outer Peace Facial (according to the website focused on exfoliation, extractions and redness reduction). Some specific points: - I had said on the online booking form and the paper form I filled in at registration that I wanted to really focus on extractions, my pores get very clogged and it's hard to manage myself - I would say overall about 5-7 minutes of the hour was extractions and i was so disappointed when i looked in the mirror after and saw that I could still see so much clogging, especially around my nose. Seemed like such a waste of money- even though when I asked Sweta specifically said she had cleared all of my pores and there actually hadn't been much to unclog. I didn't realize shed missed most of it. - Extractions were unusually painful - somehow she needed to use a lot of pressure, and because my pores are large and easy to clear this was something I've never experienced before in a facial - really seemed unnecessarily harsh. Ended up with some red marks on my cheeks that took more than a week to go away - Sweta's hands smelled quite strongly of garlic - i left smelling a bit like a damp kitchen towel, not like I had been pampered - A large portion of the time (maybe half?) Sweta wasn't focused on my face but rubbing my feet or head. Not what I wanted to be paying for. - Another pet peeve from me is that the spa has emailed me several times since the facial to ask me to write a review and to tell me to tag them on instagram for a 25% discount. I don't think I signed up to any list and really would prefer not to get the junk mail On the plus side, its a sweet family run spa, everyone is extremely friendly and polite and they really do want to do a good job which I know is why they are sending my the emails to try to spread the word. read more

Came here for a couples massage. Left with my back more messed up than when I went in. $180 wasted. Had to go see my chiropractor the next day read more

Just had a wonderful and relaxing massage with Shelly. Highly recommend!

Loved this place and the experience I had! I got a regular Tulsara facial and it was so relaxing that I fell asleep! Sweta helped reduce the redness and tiredness in my skin. I will definitely be making sure to come back again! read more

Very nice staff, and a pretty shop! It was clean and the masseuse was very nice and made sure I was having a good experience. Would definitely come back again! read more

Had a lovely Aveda facial here! It was my birthday and they even brought out a candle for me to blow out and make a wish on. The customer service here is truly something special. read more

I have never had a massage before in my life and my sister gave me a $100 gift card to this place as a graduation gift so of course I was going to give it a shot. Sooooooooo glad I did. Maybe it was because it was my first massage ever but I never felt better after I left Sway. Everyone was very professional but friendly enough that I didn't feel intimidated. I booked a Signature Elemental Nature Facial and a Elemental Natural Massage, both 60 minutes long. I've since wanted to get massages more often but have no desire to look anywhere else. I cannot WAIT to book another appointment here. Sway, if you're reading, keep being amazing at what you do, if anything just to keep ME happy because i'm that selfish. read more

I really enjoyed my stress fix massage. I liked the type of massage, she kept spritzing the "stress fix" aroma therapy which was great as well. I thought that my masseuse was great and very pleasant. The front desk was great as well, very welcoming. Bring cash for a tip for your technicians, otherwise they have to wait 2 weeks to receive their money which I didn't know. The only negative thing is that the room was right off of a busy hallway. Every once in a while it would get pretty loud and there wasn't much music playing in the room to mask it. That's truly the only thing I would have changed. read more

I had a 60 minute massage with Samantha to try to loosen up the tension in my shoulders and back. She took great care of me and was diligent about communicating for breathing deeply and making sure the pressure was to my liking. The spa itself has a relaxing atmosphere and pleasant aroma. Facilities are clean and comfortable. I will be going back to Sway Spa in the future. read more

Outstanding couples massage w Serge & Jaime. Would definitely return & highly recommend the couples massage to others! Pamper yourselves- you're worth it! read more

I was able to book a last minute appointment the day of when I was feeling tension in my upper back. I scheduled a 60 appointment, and had massage therapist, Kiary. This was one of the best massage experiences I've had in my life! I was greeted and welcomed, given water and taken back to the spa room. Kiary checked in to ask what my massage needs were, she was able to apply just enough pressure in the stress areas and continued to check in throughout the session. Her technique is highly professional - she knows what she's doing. I left feeling incredibly relaxed and stress-free. I highly recommend Sway Aveda Spa and Kiary as the therapist! read more

Great place with great services! My last appointment was a wax with Lucy and it was fantastic and super thorough. They're all fabulous there and I highly recommend this place! read more

Kiary is wonderful! It was a very different massage than what I've normally had - she uses mostly her forearms and elbows and long, slow, deep strokes, which actually helped release the muscles really effectively without making them feel sore. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

I went here for a neck and shoulder massage to help ease the stiffness and pain in those areas. On meeting Ajay, the co-owner I just felt comfortable, he seems like someone who knows what kind of massage would help whom. My masseuse Jamie was very understanding, asked me the right questions to know my trigger points and then massaged me to help relieve pain from those trigger points. The overall experience was very calming and soothing to both my mind and body. I would definitely recommend this and myself be back for more such experiences. read more

I had a facial with Sweta, and it was nothing short of incredible. She is gentle but effective with extractions, and her head and foot massage is out of this world. I can't say enough good things about her ability to immediately relax you with the energy of a healer and the skill set of a top notch esthetician. The spa itself is gorgeous, relaxing, well-appointed, and has a very 'zen' vibe. Highly, highly recommend--my skin looks fantastic and I plan on going back regularly. read more

AMAZING massage. Nadine is fantastic, very accommodating, asks how the pressure is, really seems to want to have you relax. The rest of the staff was great as well. Very clean facilities. Definitely going again. read more

Had a great experience here today, 90 minute massage, the place is clean and calming, the front desk employees are helpful and polite. The massage rooms are nice and the therapist that worked on me did a very nice job. Most impressed, I will definitely be referring our clients here and of course returning myself. read more

I went in for the "Spa Day for Her," special as a spring break treat to myself. I was greeted by warm and friendly staff who offered some citrus water while I filled out some brief paper work. The experience began with an hour long massage. The therapist (I'd be happy to refer to him by name, but had a hard time finding a staff list on the website), did a fantastic job. Attentive to areas I'd specified as in need of some extra work, he was intuitive, professional, and skilled. Next, I was treated to a lovely facial. The esthetician spent time and gentle care on my skin. I received exfoliation, a mask, extraction, and moisturizing. After, she gave me some recommendations on products and skin care. My pedicure was skillfully executed and the leg/foot massage was an added bonus. My feet were in desperate need of some care and I felt relaxed and rejuvenated after the technician worked on them. I work in a place that doesn't allow nail-polish (at least not noticeable nail-polish) and the nail technician was patient while I found a shade we could used. She did an excellent job shaping my nails, taking care to make sure her work was polished and well done. I'd recommend Sway for anyone in need of a "Staycation," or whom is looking for a place to rejuvenate with self care. It's nice to know of a spot where I can pick up a quick gift certificate and be assured that it will a gift that is thoroughly enjoyed. Strongly recommend and will most certainly be returning. Thanks guys so much. read more

The perfect cure for anxiety and stress. A beautiful location and an incredible massage. Highly recommend!

I love coming to Sway Spa. I've been going for about 2 years on and off for Brazilian waxes with sweta. Sweta is very knowledgeable about waxing and always creates a comfortable environment for me. Sway spa is very clean and always has a nice receptionist. If you're looking to get waxed be sure to go here! read more

I just finished 90 minute deep tissue massage with Ernesto and it was AMAZING. He's got good strong hands and works on every knot and tight spot. I really needed and feel a 100 times better now. Beyond that the staff is courteous and accommodating. All together a great experience. read more

I closed my previous account but wanted to leave my same review. I came here last year on my birthday and had the most delicious massage. Karen, the masseuse, put me in a whole new world. What was a 1-hour massage felt like 3 hours because of how relaxed I was. The best part was when I told them it was my birthday they sang to me. It was such a nice touch. It was my first time visiting Boston but this place alone makes me want to come back. read more