Melanie Rose P.
Yelp
Yes, I consider myself a very lucky girl to have been sent here (directly following my cocktail and snack at the Lobby Bar downstairs). I sure as shit wouldn't have been able to to afford a massage at the Ritz on my own.
Anyway, I arrived and was greeted warmly by name (they KNEW somehow), my coat was taken, I was offered champagne, etc (I declined as I was already tipsy from my martini) and I was shown to the lounge where everything was explained to me. In the lounge, there are lockers where you can custom program your own combination for the lock, and in the lockers are robes, sandals, a towel, a hanger and a jewelry box.
I didn't take the time to sit in the steam room, but it looked very nice. There was also every amenity imaginable provided for use: Mouthwash, toothbrushes, whatever you need/forgot/want to take.
While waiting for my masseuse, I sat in the lounge area, where there was "fruit water" (water with tons of fresh berries in it), a bowl of fresh fruit for eating (delicious, I had a few...), books to read, CDs to choose from (but the selection playing was fine for my taste).
After a few minutes of waiting, a soft spoken woman named Shannon came to get me. She addressed me as "Ms. Rose" which I found hilarious yet appropriate for my surroundings, and I followed her to my treatment room. She asked about any medical conditions, medications, etc and then left the room for me to get settled. When she returned, she got to work immediately. She was extremely thorough, provided perfect amounts of pressure (without any guidance), and the entire session felt seamless; I never felt or heard her getting more massage oil or lotion, moving around...nothing.
Of course, I enjoy getting massages...but this one was just different. I've heard stories of people falling asleep, but I never had. This time though, I totally drifted in and out of consciousness because I was so completely relaxed. I woke up and had to drag myself out of there, went home and passed out.
If I could afford this weekly, I would make a standing appointment.