This post and rating is solely for a wellness center of its kind. Not a spa, ok?! The people are extremely nice, some speak better English, some probably understands you but will not engage in conversations which is great. I don't want to talk either. It's nice and quiet, but some customers have a robust personality and can't stop talking or talking out loud. Whispering is the right way to talk in these types of places. Don't expect 5 star ambience but expect to be pampered and treated the way your body needs at half price of regular spas. read more

I am so happy to have found Zen Wellness. It's right next to Trader Joes, right off Fwy 580 at Santa Rita Road exit. Greg used to be in San Lorenzo, and I was so sad when he disappeared, but then I found out he's right there in Pleasanton! He is quite experienced, and practices Qi Guong (sp?), which is quite healing. For some, his touch may seem a bit too "hard" or "firm" but he has been amazing and I always ask for him. My daughters and friends have had other massage practitioners and were very pleased. The prices are reasonable, as mentioned by others. As another reviewer suggested, wear soft slacks that can be easily rolled up above your knees (or wear a skirt). Also helpful to have shoes/sandals that are easy on/off. And a light cami or t-shirt is also good for the body part of the massage, or you can just relax and let them work on your bare skin, because they always keep you covered throughout the massage. They do accept credit cards (and checks), but you'll get a better deal if you pay cash. In any case, bring cash so you can give your massage therapist a nice tip afterward -- given the low prices charged, I love giving a generous tip directly to my massager. read more

You get what you pay for actually doesn't add up at this place. For an Asian massage they are more expensive and the service was terrible. I made an appointment for a 90 minute massage. After 60 mins the masseuse tells me "done"! I thought it was a little short but thought nothing of it. I got dressed and checked my phone for the time. It had only been 60 mins. I walk to the front to ask the receptionist and she confirms that I paid for a 90 min massage. She then goes to the back and tells the my masseuse that it's a 90 mins massage. When the masseuse comes back she says she doesn't know how to do a 90 min. I give her a blank stare and tell her I paid for 90. She mumbles something Incoherent and then ask front or back. Now to the massage itself. I let her know my legs were very sore so please go light in my legs but my back and neck are perfectly fine. I then I had to repeat myself 6 times as she kept digging her elbow into both my calves. I didn't care to ask for her name because I will never be coming back. I'd rather pay less for a better massage. read more

After setting up furniture or any manual labor, our bodies definitely deserved some pampering. My cousin and I decided to go in and get a foot massage for an hour each. Foot reflexology is their specialty. My cousin, being heavily pregnant, opted for just the foot massage instead of the foot and back combination. I went for a back massage too. It is odd being massaged by a man. But honestly, after my husband, the masseur at Zen is the best! A good 25 min massage for each leg, hitting the right spot with the right pressure and 10 mins on my back to remove any kinks for $30, if you pay in cash. Throw in a $5 tip. Cheap is the right word! Don't expect any pleasantries. They do their job, they get you relaxed and passed out, you pay and walk out happy. Definitely returning. read more

First of all, yelp makes you leave at least one star; if you ask me, i would not leave a star AT ALL! Where should I begin...my husband and I saw this place when we were walking back to our car from a nice lunch date. To say the least, I was curious so I made my first appointment only for it to be my last. I booked a chair massage at 11:45am during my lunch hour and the lady I spoke with was well aware of my time frame. When I got there, she tried to upsell me to an hour; she said only cash if it is below 30 min. WTF? Are you serious? So I said, "You did not mention that over the phone" then she replied, "Ok, sorry." She then picks up the phone and tells me that she will call the masseur to come over. Did she not do that before I came considering I have an appointment? So here we are at 11:55 and the masseur walks in and I'm still waiting patiently. The receptionist grabs the massage chair on display in front of the store where it's been sitting for who knows how long; it was dusty and full of pollen...ewwww!!! She apologized and cleaned it with tissue paper, not even disinfectant wipes. It is now exactly 12:10 and they're still trying to clean it. So the masseur starts and I ask him to go heavy on the massage as I like deep tissue. No response from him as he couldn't even understand me. Anyway, this guy only worked on one side of my back for 11 minutes, rubbed the other side and stopped. I said, "Why are you stopping?" and he says, "15 minutes is over." I was baffled! So folks, if you would like a massage and lie on a chair full of pollen and dust then take 5 to 10 minutes of your massage time for them to clean the chair on your paid slot while it is hot inside the store then I recommend this place to waste your money! ZEN WELLNESS SUCKS!!!! Not even ZEN at all, no music to relax you. Instead, you hear them talking and a microwave going in the background! read more

Good massages but they have a sign post what you are to tip them and they will not take less! They were very rude when I didn't give them what they wanted! read more

Have been going here for years. Always pay cash. ALWAYS tip 20% (generally round up to the nearest whole dollar). Came in today for a 1 hour foot massage. Actually had an appointment. They called us 10 mins prior and moved our appointment to an hour later because they double booked. Fine. We get our massages. Go to pay, in cash. Then the masseuse has a hissy fit because I tipped 20% and not the suggested amount. Literally yelled at me and the guy behind the counter. I don't need to pay what they have up there. 20% is standard. So needless to say I won't be back. They seem to think a 1 hour foot massage elsewhere is $200. It's not. Their facility isn't exactly luxurious or spa-like. And now they act like 20% cash tip isn't good enough. I'm don read more

I'm a big fan of Zen Wellness. I saw their storefront for a year or so now on the way to Trader Joe's. However, it wasn't until my step-mom bought me a gift card for ZW that I decided to give it a shot. I was really pleased with the laid back atmosphere and the skill, flexibility, and strength of my masseuse Vivian. I was incredibly relaxed after the 60 minute session and was pondering asking for another 30 minutes, but she had another client waiting. Next time maybe I'll go for 90 minutes. Your body will thank you for it. One thing to note is that the pricing is very competitive compared to day spas that charge about 50% more for the actual massage, etc. You can save a bit if you pay in cash instead of credit. read more

This place prefers cash and I understand being that the service is not expensive and to keep prices competitive. I had the Foot and Body Massage Package at $45.00 and added a 20% tip. I can say that they did a good job. For those who can't handle pressure points and the health benefits that comes with it, this is not the place for you. I plan to go back and try strictly the body massage. The foot was great, but I think it's only necessary every six months or so depending on your lifestyle. I highly recommend this place. read more

You must go here! My favorite place for a relaxing massage. I recommend Michael who uses just the right pressure. I've had him about 4 times for a 60 min massage. The woman before him left me in pain, but Michael is amazing with the pressure points especially the neck and shoulder muscles. It's cheaper to pay with cash, overall price is cheap compared to other massages in the area. Relaxing music, aromatherapy smelling setting, the room is better than most places such as massage envy. Michael gives you water after the massage. Everyone is Very professional, great massage, I won't go anywhere else! read more

It's been quite a very long time since my last visit. About 18 or more months. I remembered how much cleaner it was before. You can tell back then when you use their bathroom. I was surprised at my recent visit. Bathroom was dusty. The room I was assigned to also felt different. Darn I hope the linen was clean. Lady masseuse was good enough. Kinda rough for me, but she was at it - killing my knots! lol Not sure I want to go back there. Was just achy all over so made a sudden visit. read more

After a long day on your feet, there's nothing greater than a reflexology massage. 40 mintues, $20... You be the judge! Been to Bao twice, he's got the right amount of pressure and hits the right points on your feet for the perfect relief. 60 minute body massage with Linda (for those who prefer a softer massage) Decor: Nothing fancy so don't expect much from it, but the towels are kept clean and the masseuses' are all experienced. Tips: -Bring cash, you may get a better deal -If you get a guy, be prepared for a great deal of strength... So either call ahead and specify for a woman or just give them a warning in the beginning that you like it milder read more

The best place for reflexology; to me personally. Every time I go, I ask for hard massage because of my tired feet and feels great afterwards. They have a specific tip sheet; the ok service is for a $10 tip‍! read more

Great little spot for a good foot reflexology, I haven't tried any of the body massages or other services but the foot massage is great! Pros: Very clean, easy to find, comfy chairs, & cheaper if you pay cash Cons: Front desk lady is not very friendly, but the rest of the people seem to be nice and accommodating Will definitely go back for more foot massages! read more

This location is SOOOO much better than the one next to Trader Joe's. The staff is nicer and the chairs for foot massage are much newer and cleaner. Went on a weekend and they were really booked. Suggest to make appointment. If you go on a weekday, I think the wait isn't as long. Prices are $5-10 cheaper if you pay cash. read more

I love this place mainly because I found the best massage therapist there, Amy. Unfortunately she no longer works there. I'd be curious to find out a way to get her again.. Other than that, the place is relatively clean. the rooms for body massage has temperature control, which was nice. The receptionists are not the best in customer service. One time I specifically asked for a time and after making an effort to come there, I was told to wait 20 minutes, just unacceptable. Other times, when I came in late night, they ask me to pay first, which is out of the norm of service industry. I hope I can find other therapist as good as Amy because I'd like to come again, but a little hesitant trying. All in all, good place to get rejuvenated for an affordable price. read more

The first time I came to this location I had an absolutely amazing massage, even after they were running 15 minutes late for my appointment. I returned for a second time expecting a similar good experience; however, it was the complete opposite. Upon arrival around 7PM, it was very empty and we were taken almost immediately which was a nice surprise. My sister and I both got full body massages. While she was fairly satisfied with hers, I had the worst massage of my life. My masseuse was very aggressive and rough even after I repeatedly told her to that she was hurting me. Days later, I'm still store. The whole experience was uncomfortable and disappointing since I came there to relax. Afterwards, my sister left a $10 tip for an "okay" massage per their tipping recommendations. However, I did not feel like my masseuse deserved a tip, so we walked out, only to be followed by my sister's masseuse, Annie, running out to our car demanding a tip even though we left it with the cashier. She then proceeded to argue with us about it while we were sitting in our car until she stormed off back inside. After the unsatisfactory massage and overall rude customer service, I will not be returning to this location and would not recommend it to others. read more

Tried the hour foot massage for $35. The foot massage area is a bit small, 4 chairs. You start off with a foot soak and proceed to get about 50 mins of foot and leg massage. Then you move to a massage table for 10 mins of shoulder and back massage. All in all, a clean place & great massage. read more

The worst foot massage I ever had! So aggressive,fast,and without any human Touch. The carpet is dirty and never cleaned before.and I get a foot massage while the girl wearing GLOVES!!! CAn you imagine that?????? And the front fest lady is so rude and disrespectful !!! read more

Spur of the moment decision for a foot massage. Sooooo glad I went there, completely worth it. I felt very pampered and the guy who rubbed my feet did a fantastic job. Wasn't sure I'd like reflexology, but now I'm convinced. Will definitely be going back! read more

Bad experience. From the get go, the girl at the counter continually pestered me to purchase hundreds of dollars in gift cards saying, "It will be cheaper." But, that's only if you are suckered into buying them so you are obligated to go to more torture sessions. I just called to let her know I wanted to give feedback and she didn't even apologize for my bad experience. I even said I wanted to help them and not just write a bad review on Yelp! They can suck it. My girlfriend and I got a couples massage and both women were aggressive and inflicted quite a bit of pain on us. They seemed to be pissed about the small room with only less than a foot between the two tables. They were talking and laughing in Chinese during our $200 massage, it was downright disrespectful. I should have heeded the bad reviews! read more

We did a foolish thing of buying their VIP coupons. Everytime I go here, it is like torture. I feel like a POW and that they are trying to extract some information from me, except that I don't know what they are asking for and why I am paying to get this service. Most unprofessional masseuse/s who laugh when I meddle in pain and demand tips after my painful and horrific experience. I just finished using my last coupon and I'm never going back. If you'd like short strong Asian woman killing your muscles with their elbows, this is your choice! read more

I went here last night for a foot massage. The massage was decent no complaints. I paid the $29 when i arrived. I got my massage. On my way out i tipped the man $7 - a 25% tip. They said things to each other in chinese and then the lady points at the sign they says $10 tip for a decent massage. Bad business strategy, all relaxation and then they call you out and ask for a 41% tip. I gave another $5 and left totaling $11 tip. Why not just charge more rather then pull tis trick. All bad, do not go back. Oh and the cherry on top the cashier lady was pretty rude and wiped her nose then gave me my change. Pretty nasty. read more

This place is very bad place the lady or the manager try to hurry me up so the other client can get my spot and then she to try pay me $10 to put a review on yelp!!! sorry your service sucks and your business is really unprofessional and I going to warn everyone not use this place. This place great but the management really is not professional. read more

Zen Wellness - This place is fraud and try to pay me $10 to put a review for them seriously and I said no your service sucks - Massage Therapy Near Me - Pleasanton, California

This location is definitely better than the one on Pimlico next to Trader Joes. I have been to both, the only decent massage therapist I have had at the other one is Amy. The front desk here is much better- each time I have been there (4) the receptionist spoke good english as opposed the other location. Anyway, I have had both LInda and Roger as massage therapists and they are both great! Different styles, depending on your needs. Roger can do great deep tissue, and can also back off a little if you need him to. Best deal in the world for $48! read more

I have to give a star? I used to go to Zen Wellness about once a week for a 1 hour foot massage. One day I waked in and they had raised prices 6 dollars for a one hour foot massage. They used to do 20 minutes on each foot and then a 20 table massage over the top of your clothes, but now with the increase in price they did 30 minutes on each foot and no table massage. I personally decided never to go back. About a year later, my new massage place was booked and I really was in pain. I went back to Zen Wellness and paid for a 90 minute massage. They offered a 30 minute foot with a 60 minute oil massage on the table. They charged $70 on my credit card. The woman who did the massage was no one I recognized but hey, staff changes in a year and I was hurting. Once she started on my calves, I tried to relax but it was hard, because it was extremely deep and there was very little actual foot massage. Did I mention, I love a good deep massage? She was digging her thumbs in so deeply it actually was incredibly painful. I kept holding my breath thinking that I was in so much pain anyway maybe it would feel good when she released the pressure. But unfortunately, that never happened. 30 minutes later I was actually relieved we were going into the room for the full body massage. Unfortunately, she still was pushing extremely hard with her thumbs and it was so incredibly painful, I had to blurt out "please stop, that's way too hard." Once I said that, she lightened her touch a tad but within 60 seconds she was digging in with her thumbs once again. It was five total times I told her it was too deep and to please lighten up ( under my breath at least 10 times) but I was so thankful for the massage I really just wanted to see it through, I needed it so badly. Once we were finished I got my clothes on and went to pay the bill. I asked for change so that I could pay the tip in cash. I was given five $20 bills. I asked if she could break the 20 with 2 -10's, and she started speaking in a foreign language to her friend, the massage therapist. The massage therapist pointed to a suggested tip page and said that since I received a 90 minute massage, I was expected to pay a $20 tip. I said, "absolutely not". She said, why not I gave you a good massage? The last thing I wanted was to get into anything about the massage and just wanted to leave quietly and never return. I reminded her that I had to ask five times for her to lighten her touch. She told me that she was schooled in a certain type of massage that was deep but that it was very good for me. I told her that while it may be good for me, it was incredibly painful. She told me she was very good at her massages and the pain was good therapy. I told her that it was too painful and that I was not even going to bring it up. I was just going to leave after I gave a tip. They both pointed to the 90 minute massage suggested tip of $20. I told them that it said suggested and not mandatory. And as far as I know, we tip based on the type of service that we received. On a $70 massage and one that was not to my liking, I figured a $10 tip was more than enough. Finally the receptionist went to the back and broke the 20 and handed me 10 and handed the therapist 10. You could tell they were both upset, which made me even more and dissatisfied with the services. After feeling bullied to pay a large tip, but not backing down, I left. I will never, ever go back. After that as I walked out I said to myself I absolutely will never come back no matter how much in pain I am. No business should ever force a specific tip based on the hours that someone has worked, and especially after receiving what I would consider a very substandard massage. read more

I always leave this place feeling amazing! I try and go once a month because even though it's cheap for a massage it's still a considerable expense. Wish I could go every week! I book the 1 hour full-body w/ oil (bought the 10 pack @ $40 each). I book with Michael and he does not mess around. For me its not a relaxing spa-like experience. It's re-aligning my crooked back and loosening my tight neck. Not for the faint of heart but breathe through it, chug some water afterwards and your aches will melt away. read more

This was the best deep tissue massage I've ever had. Not for the feint of heart, though. My massuese, Amy, got into my knots so deep, I know I will be sore for days, but that's exactly what I needed. She listened to my requests and often checked in on the pressure. A friend had a similar experience with his masseuse - sounded even stronger than mine! Zen Wellness is very clean and has a professional staff. That and the fantastic pricing - I'm going to be a regular! read more

Linda is the bomb! Don't come here if you dont want tough love, no sissies, she will beat the crap out of you and you'll thank her for it. 45 bucks for 40 minute leg/foot rub and 30 minute back rub. The foot area is clean and comfortable, dimly lit but good magazines. The massage area is private with a no hanky panky warning on the wall. I left relaxed, happy, and satisfied with the massage. See you next month, Linda. read more

They've increased their prices and reduced services. For $29 you get a foot massage only without a back massage. While their foot massage is OK, it's nothing special. Given that other foot massage places offer both, I'll probably go elsewhere. What is confusing and deceptive is that they say they are currently running a promotion for a foot/back combo for $35 with a previous price of $50. This is not a promo as their old price was $29. read more

I think this place is really good, the rooms are quite and the staff is very experienced in therapy massage. I dont know if anyone get extra sensitive around there calves but i've alsways been knotted up there. My therapist was real gentle and I really got the full exerience read more

Zen Wellness - post massage refreshing water and lotions and oils - Massage Therapy Near Me - Pleasanton, California

I've been having body work, (therapeutic massage), for the past 20+ years and this is absolutely the best massage, at unbelievable prices that I've ever had! I make a point to see the same therapist for each visit, and she has gotten to know me, and my body so well that she needs very little direction. I make a point to go every two weeks, for 90 minutes, and pay only 50-60% of what I have paid to either individual therapists, or spas. The therapists at Zen Wellness are all chinese, and use a variety of styles, depending on your needs. Simply wonderful! read more

This place rocks!! Unlike a typical spa they focus on the pain points and knots. I walked in with no appointment and that is great and they have a cash discount and also accept credit cards. My case I had back pain for a year and tried many different massages and nothing beats this place. After taking the 1 hour massage I know next time I am coming back for the 90 minute massage for sure. read more

Great experience. Highly recommended. Once I got past the somewhat dodgy exterior the inside is pretty much like any nice spa. As other reviewers mentioned they definitely prefer cash and give a healthy discount. Lisa, my masseuse, didn't speak a lot of English, but was very concerned about the level of pressure, which was perfect for me. I'd just come from a heavy workout and was still sore from the previous day's workout. Lisa was able to loosen several knots and tight muscles, and get some of the lactic acid moving out of the muscles. I'll be back! read more

Literally willing to pay for a cup and the man at the front said I buy these cups so "no, only paying customers" -- the cups are styrofoam and worth a dollar for the whole pack. I treat my customers with actual water bottles. This place is a sorry joke. With that type of customer service, I'm happy I decided not to get a massage here after my workout. Little did the douchebag know I was going to come in for a massage too. Note to business owners: treat EVERYONE like they are your customers. Maybe it wouldn't be so damn empty. read more

A couple of things. 1. I had an appointment and they kindly booked someone that was obviously had more a priority in my place. Didn't even bother calling me ahead of time to let me know. Extremely unprofessional and they didn't seem to put off by it. 2. This mandatory tipping is total crap! Keep the price lower to add a large $10 tip at the end. Not excited about ever going back. read more

Great massage!! I had lower back pain and she worked out every single knot!! Relaxing and great atmosphere!

I play a lot of tennis and need a good massage frequently. I've had many over the years, from expensive $300+ spas to cheaper ones like this. For the price, this place is excellent. I've tried many of these cheaper places up and down the entire east bay, and Zen Wellness has massage therapists with better techniques than the others. This is not a spa with all the bells and whistles. No aroma therapy and body wraps here. But if you need regular massages for pain or relaxation, you cannot beat the service for the price. It is simple and clean. During the spring and summer season when I play singles tennis 4-5 times a week, I try to come here once a week. I get a one hour foot (I usually have to fight falling asleep) then a one hour body massage in a private room. I've never gotten rudeness or demands for more tip. Perhaps because I tip thoughtfully. As for tipping, this is my philosophy--if it's a cheap price, you should tip more generously, not just based on a percentage. The 15% tip we pay at restaurants, etc. is a GENERAL guideline. If I eat a cheap meal that cost me $5, I'm not going to leave the waitress a 75 cent tip. She did as much work as a server in a pricier restaurant. Conversely, if I dine at an expensive place I expect to pay more, but I will judge the tip based on the service I received. A $100 meal without much attention may get less than 15% tip from me. Sometimes I feel people use the 15% rule in their favor, to get out of paying a fair tip for the service they received in a cheaper place. But then they feel obligated to pay more than they feel was worth it, in an expensive place because they feel pressured. You have to remember at places like this, the owner and the workers are not the same. The workers get very little, if any, of the massage fee. That goes to the owner to cover rent and overhead. The workers are counting on your tip to make their living. So when someone has spent one or two hours giving me their entire attention trying to make me feel better, I feel my tip should reflect that, not a percentage of the cheap price. I come here regularly, and I tip thoughtfully. I've gotten excellent service each time. I don't give it 5 stars, because I think they can be more thoughtful about taking phone calls, and noise level when costumers enter/exit, etc. I'm there to relieve muscle tension and soreness, but I'm also trying to relax. A more thoughtful approach to handling those matters would make it a 5. But I do recognize to keep prices so low, they can't staff a front desk person and the masseuse must multi-task...so I'm willing to deal with those minor irritations for the great price. After several sessions here, those little things get less noticeable. read more

I stopped in last week mid week about 2pm for a massage and I prefer a male CMT for good deep tissue work. He actually was very good but he kept the door open the entire time so the public could see me! I find it oddly curious when a male goes in a massage room with a female CMT and they close the door. Or I am sure a female client does not want the door open either. So I have to ask myself when I go for a massage why they keep pushing a female CMT on me? I stay at 5 star hotels all the time with spas, and one of the first questions they ask is do you want Male or Female CMT. Also when I walked in there were about 4 female CMT's just lounging around in one room, I felt like I was in Bangkok. read more

I will never go here again. The foot massage was good, but when I paid and gave the man a tip he proceeded to yell at me because he was not happy with it. My service was $27.00 and he said he normally gets $10.00 tip for that. I said no and asked for my receipt. He proceeded to yell at me. Are you kidding me?? You think I'm gonna tip you more when you act so incredibly unprofessional? I have never been treated so rudely. Don't go unless you are willing to tip 40-50% of your service. Horrid service. read more