I was anxiously awaiting the opening of this massage center. I do not live in Somerville, but I frequent most shops and restaurants there weekly. I was on their mailing list before they opened. I decided a week ago that for a holiday treat for myself, I would book a massage with some enhancements and finally try it out. The website seemed to make it easy to book, being able to choose the type of massage (they offer 3) and the enhancements. I went with heated herbal wrap, coconut oil scalp treatment, and hemp calm balm. The website had some difficulties, however. Frustrating.
I called to book the appointment and no one answered. I gave up. 20 minutes later I called again. This time someone answered and said they were sorry for the trouble, they were only helping out at the front. Finally, I got it booked! Yay!
I arrived 15 minutes before the booked appointment. There was no one at the front desk. The place is decorated nicely in a chic way; concrete floors are accented with woven or faux (I assume) rugs, natural edge shelves with some products on one wall, a rattan chair, and some faux plants. A natural edge bench is against the window but has far too many pillows to allow someone to sit down, The reception desk is at the far end of the entry space, and two-tiered with products located there as well. A cart with lemon water or plain water was at the end of the desk. A wall ledge above this space is lined with faux cacti and looks charming. A very large natural wood door on barn door rails with a rope handle leads to the massage space. All in all a very inviting area, but it felt like it needed white curtains on the windows and more seating.
A young lady came out and took my name and we chatted briefly. I had already filled out their intake form online.
My therapist came out around 5 after the appointment hour. A very nice young lady, we walked to a space that for all intents I will call the "in-between space". It is a hall-like area in which you meet with your assigned therapist and discuss what your preferences are for pressure, areas of concern, ask any questions, etc. We discussed that I was there for a relaxing hour, and really was looking for medium pressure, so she said "About 5 on a scale of 10?", I said that sounded perfect. She then advised me that once in the space, since it is a shared space, please keep voices down to a whisper.
She then opened the next door and we entered the treatment area. On either side, there are large canvas curtains strung up to posts and rods effectively creating individual rooms. The floor is again concrete with area rug runners the length of this "hall" between rooms. I believe, although I didn't count specifically, there looked to be a total of a dozen rooms. The lighting is dim and the sound of crashing ocean waves is loud - somewhat distractingly so once on the table. The rooms look to be relaxing and are softly lit with a salt lamp. The table looked charming and warm with not only a sheet but a faux fur blanket. More on the room later.
I was very pleased to hear they use aromatherapy for all services and appreciated my therapist asking in advance if that was ok. She then, once I was on the table and ready, held her hands beneath me and whispered to take three deep inhales and exhales. The massage was perfect.
I booked a 2nd massage - not so good. No direction from the therapist, aromatherapy was done but I missed it as it gave verbal direction. And the massage HURT! I said a 5 to him as well - completely different. The herbal wrap was kinda-sort-warmed up, but really cold honestly. I have been in pain last night and today from the bruises he left on my shoulders. BTW, the cold concrete floors and tiny rugs in the rooms don't work well, your bare feet get cold as you step off the concrete to retrieve your things from the tiny basket on the floor. They need bigger rugs and a table for those baskets!
Will I go back, probably? But I'll be extra clear in my preferences. I wish them luck, I hope they stay in town. Looks to be a great alterative to the tired Hand and Stone crowd. read more
