Lucy M.
Yelp
I loved this place and highly recommend it to anyone visiting. Located in an absolutely gorgeous 100 year old house, the setting is cozy but high end, filled with warmth and personal touches. Lovely antique furniture in the waiting area, complimentary teas and water, tassels, rugs. And my room was lovely: warm colors, silky soft sheets, enough layers to keep me warm, ambient music and trickling water. The upstairs bathroom has what looks to be a gorgeous succulent garden in the bathtub. They set the vibe right.
Cassidy was my masseuse and she picked up on a LOT more than just my tension. She seemed to read me well, and identified personal issues that went way beyond my body, and spoke very frankly with me about over-arching themes in my life I was already aware of. I am amazed at her level of empathy.
My only issue was that I scheduled an Ashiatsu massage, which is where the masseuse walks on your back in order to get to deeper tissue. I explained an injury I had surgery for a year ago when I made the appointment. But when I came in, Cassidy explained that due to my body type I wasn't a good candidate for this type of message so she wouldn't be walking on me much (I am very petite and skinny). I wish I had been asked about my body type before booking if this was going to be an issue, because I would have booked something else. I also asked Cassidy to go harder with her hands and she told me she wouldn't, and that going harder could cause injury.
I've had other massages, from $15 street-chair rubdowns in Chinatown to $150 deep tissue massages and this was a first for me. The massage was relaxing, but it did not have the desired effect because it was too gentle. I didn't want to argue with her and I felt sort of silly saying anything after because she was so perceptive of other things, but I didn't get the benefits I normally do. Other establishments have given me deeper massages without causing me injury, so I'm not sure what to make of this, except to be firm in asking for what you want. I still highly recommend both this business and Cassidy!