Where to Get the Best Massage in Boston
Whether you want a typical relaxing day at the spa or more of a structural alignment, here are 11 places to get the best massage in Boston.
Your neck is stiff from staring at a computer all day and your legs took a beating in that CrossFit workout last week—sounds like the only thing that will cure your achy body is a massage. But where to go? Here, we’ve rounded up where to get the best massage in Boston.
Photo credit Andy Levine Creative
Be Well Boston
Be Well Boston’s clinical massage technique is the result of years of practice and careful study by founders Katrina Baker and Jim Memory. Each session at Be Well begins with a detailed orthopedic evaluation to determine exactly what the patient’s problem areas are and how best to address them. Be Well’s therapists then prescribe an individual massage program based on their evaluation, which can include anything from deep tissue massage to myofascial release therapy. Hour-long massages begin at $115. Be Well also offers more specialized treatments like prenatal massage and cupping therapy.
437 Boylston St., 5th Floor, Copley Square, Boston, 617-505-1858, bewellboston.com.
Bella Santé / Photo provided
Bella Santé
Try a coconut oil massage with dry brushing at this spa. Dry brushing helps to exfoliate your skin and clean your pores while coconut oil will soothe and replenish your skin—you’ll even go home with a complimentary dry brush so you can continue seeing the benefits of this practice. Or choose from more traditional massage techniques like a Swedish massage, deep tissue, or Himalayan salt massage. Massage times range from 25-minutes to 80-minutes, or if you’re looking for a head-to-toe face and body ritual for complete relaxation, the 120-minute treatment will leave your body feeling rejuvenated and reinvigorated. The basic spa massage starts at $110 for 50-minutes.
38 Newbury St., 2nd floor, Boston, 617-424-9930, two other locations in Wellesley and Lexington, bellasante.com.
Bodywaves Therapeutic Massage
People keep coming back to this North End studio for the sheer range of massage techniques it offers. Bodywaves therapists are trained to perform Swedish, deep tissue, circulatory, and table Thai massage, as well as trigger point therapy, myofascial release, and Reiki. Sessions last either 60 or 90-minutes, and first time visitors can enjoy a discounted rate of $89 for their first 60-minute session.
145 Hanover St., Boston, 617-778-5501, bodywavesboston.com.
Boston Bodyworker / Photo provided
Boston Bodyworker
If a personalized sports massage is what you’re looking for, Boston Bodyworker is the massage studio for you. Boston Bodyworker therapists use the latest medical research to inform their work, resulting in a clinical massage that is proven to be effective for muscle tension and pain. This studio works especially close with athletes to ensure that the muscle groups they use most—like runners’ calves, for example—are specifically targeted and prepared for improved performance. Introductory 60-minute massages begin at $99.
Multiple locations, 617-778-7344, bostonbodyworker.com.
Exhale Spa / photo by Jesse Burke / Photo credit Jesse Burke for Best of Boston 2013
Exhale Spa
The massage therapists at each of Exhale’s locations specialize in a variety of techniques, including tried-and-true deep tissue and sports massages as well as craniosacral and shiatsu treatments—both specialized forms of bodywork. Customers at the Battery Wharf location can also enjoy an extra detox after their massage in Exhale’s traditional Turkish hammam—a heated stone bath. Massages start at $140 for 60-minutes.
Multiple locations, exhalespa.com.
Four Seasons Spa / photo by Boston staff / Photo by Boston Magazine
Four Seasons Spa at One Dalton
Located many floors up in the newest luxury hotel and residence building in the city, the spa and fitness center at One Dalton is one to see—if for no other reason than to see the views of the city. Treatments like a black diamond facial and cryotherapy await. There’s also dry brushing and full-body wraps, as well as eight different massages. Massage treatments include things like reflexology, which stimulates energy flow and encourages optimal body function through applied pressure as well as an express massage for 25-minutes and a deep focus massage that reduces the chronic restrictions your body endures. The spa is open to the public, not just guests and residents.
1 Dalton, Boston, 617-377-4888, fourseasons.com.
G2O Massage / Photo credit Febian Shah Photography
G2O Spa and Salon
G2O is Boston’s largest day spa resort, and its extensive massage program makes it clear why it’s so popular. Customers can enjoy 60 or 90-minute sessions of aromatherapy, Himalayan salt stone, Swedish, and sport massages from the comfort of G2O’s state-of-the-art facility on Exeter Street in Back Bay, starting at $125 for 60-minutes. This spa also prides itself on its personal touch, with each therapist providing a custom treatment based on your pain points and tension level. This is especially effective for athletes, as the G2O sport massage will go straight for your most overworked muscle groups and adjust them for improved flexibility and comfort.
33 Exeter St., Boston, 617-262-2220, g2ospasalon.com.
Inman Oasis / Photo provided
Inman Oasis
For all of those times when you just need someone to press out those pesky, hard-to-reach knots in your back or loosen up your stiff computer neck, this spa in Cambridge offers short 15-minute massages. From there, you can choose a massage therapy up to 90-minutes in 15-minute increments ranging from relaxation massages, to orthopedic massages, to prenatal massages. Hour-long massages begin at $95. Tack on a 30-minute soak in one of their state-of-the-art hot tubs to sink even further into deep relaxation for just $10.
243 Hampshire St., Cambridge, 617-491-0176, inmanoasis.com.
Photo via Mandarin Oriental Boston / Facebook
The Mandarin Oriental
If you’re truly looking for a mid-week getaway or a self-care Sunday, head to the Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, right on Boylston Street. Choose from a customizable body massage using aromatherapy, therapeutic or hot stone techniques, or an oriental essence massage, which uses a blend of oils to relieve tension. If you are pregnant or nursing, take advantage of a pre- or post-natal massage. Massages start at $200 for 80 minutes.
776 Boylston St., Boston, 617-535-8888, mandarinoriental.com.
Treatment Training Wellness / Photo by Lena Mirisola
Treatment Training Wellness
Who says massages are just for relaxation? Whether you’re feeling a little sore after a particularly hard-core workout or just coping with everyday aches and pains, the talented technicians at this South End wellness center are here to help with a variety of massage techniques tailored to your needs. Calming music, hot-towel compresses for the face, and a beautiful Himalayan salt lamp all add to the ambiance in the treatment room.
142 Berkeley St., Boston, 617-266-6810, treatmenttrainingwellness.com.
Viyada Thai / Photo provided
Viyada Thai Spa
Viyada Thai Spa’s serene environment and beautiful décor are a welcome sight to anyone seeking an authentic Thai massage from seasoned professionals. There are eleven different packages to choose from, including aromatherapy, deep tissue, and traditional Swedish and Thai massages, which start at $135 for 60-minutes.
Multiple locations, viyadathaispa.com.
