Massage Envy is a franchised chain that caters to people who want the benefits of regular massage at an affordable price -- $49 or $59 for a massage. Massage Envy Spas also offer facials, which cost $59 or $69.
There are currently more than 700 Massage Envy locations in 43 states and more on the way. Arizona, California, Texas, New Jersey and Florida have the most Massage Envy locations. Since Massage Envy is growing so fast I dispatched my sister, an admitted massage freak, to the Massage Envy in Beverly Hills.
She's accustomed to luxury day spa massages, so she was skeptical at first. But she found a friendly staff, a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere and a great massage for the introductory rate of $49. "At this price there are fewer amenities -- no private relaxation rooms, no fluffy robes, no private lockers or showers," she reported. "I changed in the room."
Massage Envy has a reputation for hiring massage therapists right out of school. So when I found myself in need of a massage while visiting my mom in Oklahoma City, I told the front desk I get a LOT of massage and wanted a highly experienced therapist. I specifically said I didn't want someone right out of school, but someone with at least five years experience.
They gave me a therapist with 10 years experience -- and I had one of the great massages of my life for a $39 introductory price (and a $20 tip)! If I lived there, I definitely would have joined the club and seen her regularly. It's a 50-minute massage with an additional five minutes consult time and five minutes to dress.
How Does Massage Envy Work?
Massage Envy offers an introductory massage for the special rate of $39 or $49, depending on the location. If you decide to become a member, you give your credit card number and agree to be charged for one massage a month for twelve months at a rate of $49 or $59. You can get additional massages for $49 (or a facial at some locations for $49 or $59). You can also use your monthly payment towards a facial at Massage Envy Spas.
After your introductory massage you can still get a massage if you're not a member, but it will be at a higher rate of $65-$75. And the introductory massage is only available once -- you can't hop around town getting the introductory rate at different locations.
What If I Can't Come One Month?
If you miss a month, the credit rolls over to the next month. You can also use it at any Massage Envy location. And you can put a "freeze" on your account up to six months for any reason. You're also allowed to cancel the agreement if you move to a location that is more than 25 miles from a Massage Envy, or if you have a letter from your doctor.
How Good Is The Massage at Massage Envy?
That depends on the massage therapist you get -- their experience, talent and how much they care. All the therapists are professional and licensed. Massage Envy recruits from massage schools, so you are more likely to get an inexperienced therapist fresh out of school. But Massage Envy also has some highly experienced therapists who work at Massage Envy because they stay busy and see clients on an ongoing basis. I suggest you request a more experienced therapist, especially if you get a lot of massage and need something more than a light Swedish.
How good a massage is also depends on the fit between the client and the therapist. Even if you aren't totally wowed by your introductory massage, it might be worth it to join and try out different therapists until you find a massage therapist you like.
Once you've found the right fit, try to make a standing appointment. This works well because they can get to know your body and what you need. The most popular therapists also book up quickly, so you might need a standing appointment to get the therapist you want.
What Kind of Massage Do They Offer At Massage Envy?
Massage Envy a whole range of massage types, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage,reflexology and trigger point therapy, hot stone massage, pre-natal massage, chair massage and geriatric massage. This encourages you to try different modalities and to address long-standing problems.
How Much Should I Tip At Massage Envy?
At these affordable prices you’ll want to keep your therapist happy. Ten dollars is considered the bare minimum, $15 typical, and $20 generous.