Boston Spa/Massage Guide
As a self-professed massage junkie, I feel it is my public health duty to inform my fellow Associated-Content peers of some personally-tested and approved local spa opportunities.
Best Bliss to Cost Ratio:
At $89/60min, Waddington’s Massage Therapy is the best bliss to cost ratio I could find in
Boston. I love getting massages everywhere I go, and this place is one of the best. They keep a file on your preferences, so your massages will only keep getting better!
Harvard Discount:
Harvard Outings + Inning’s (http://harvie.harvard.edu/perks/) offers discounts for Harvard students and employees to Body Mechanics. For $136.50, you and a friend can each receive a 60 minute massage and 30 minutes in the hot tub – regularly $155. Perfect treat for you and your honey on a cold winter’s day. Or, take a friend. Relax in the hot tub together, then separate to private rooms for the massages.
Cheapest Massage:
Even those on a tight budget deserve a little pampering once in a while. The Massage Institute of New England (http://www.mine-massageinstitute.com/) and Cortiva Muscular Therapy Institute (http://www.cortiva.com/locations/mti/clinic/) offer massages at their student clinic starting at only $30 for an hour. Do not worry, you will not be getting a massage in a lecture hall in front of a class. Your treatment will be from a masseuse-in-training in a darkened room separated from other “guinea pigs” by privacy screens. In return for this great deal, they only ask for your feedback.
Trendy treatments on
Newbury Street:
If you’re willing to shell out a little extra dough, try G2O (http://www.g2ospasalon.com/g2o.html) – a chic spa hidden above busy
Newbury Street. ($90 for 50min) It was one of the best massages I’ve had in New England. Go to their website for 25% off your first visit or discounted parking with a G2O package.
Tip: Do not bother splurging for the Spa Lunch. It is actually just a personal pizza, salad, or sandwich delivered from Sonsie across the street at a steep price hike.
Massage Primer for massage virgins:
A few tips for newcomers to the massage world:
Full moon – Do not be afraid to get naked for your massage. These are professionals, and it will allow them to work on your lower back more easily. You will be strategically covered by a sheet or towel at all times and robes and slippers are sometimes provided.
Arrive early – Often, for your first visit, you can expect to fill out a few forms (e.g. medical info, waiver). You do not want to cut into valuable massage time!
Do not be shy – Tell your masseuse what areas are sore, what you like, or do not like. Remember, they are being paid to please you.
Types of massages – There are several types of treatments, but the standard in the west is the Swedish massage – the best to start with for newcomers. Some other popular types are a combination of aromatherapy and Swedish massage, deep tissue or Shiatsu that might leave you bruised the next day, craniosacral that focuses on your head and spine, and couples massage where typically you and your partner are massaged by separate masseuses in the same room.
The works – Spas will sometimes have a locker rooms where you can shower and some will provide complimentary towels, toiletries, robes, and slippers. Luxurious spas will also have additional facilities available for clients included with the price of the massage e.g. sauna, pool, steam room, hot tub. However, expensive Boston real estate means that you will probably need to travel out of town for this.
Gratuity – Do not forget to tip 15-20%.
(All prices listed above are for Swedish massages.)
