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 13 places to get the best massage in Greater Boston.
Your neck is stiff from staring at a computer all day—sounds like your achy body needs a massage. But where to go? Here, we’ve rounded up where to get the best massages in the Greater Boston area.
This guide was last updated in December 2023. Check back for periodic updates.
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 begins with a detailed orthopedic evaluation to determine exactly what the patient’s problem areas are and how best to address them. 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 $130. Be Well also offers more specialized treatments like prenatal massage and cupping therapy.
437 Boylston St., 4th Floor, Copley Square, Boston, 617-505-1858, bewellboston.com.
Bella Santé / Photo provided
Bella Santé
Best of Boston winner, 2007, 2011, 2012
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 add cupping, hot stones, or a hot oil treatment for your scalp with any of the more traditional massage techniques like Swedish or deep tissue. Massage times range from 25-minutes to a full 80-minutes. Heads up: This spa charges about 1o percent extra for a “peak time” massage on weekends or holidays. An off-peak, basic deep tissue massage starts at $150 for 50 minutes.
38 Newbury St., 2nd floor, Boston, 617-424-9930, two other locations in Wellesley and Lexington, bellasante.com.
Bodywaves Therapeutic Massage
Duck into this studio in a historic North End building and get ready to go back in time—to when your back wasn’t wracked with knots. At Bodywaves, the therapists are ready to go deep with a sports, deep tissue or myofascial release massage. Sessions last either 60 or 90 minutes, and first time visitors can enjoy a discounted rate of $149 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 $170, with holiday discounts available.
Multiple locations, 617-778-7344, bostonbodyworker.com.
C-Spa
Best of Boston winner, 2022
Your massage with the very talented Crystal Morgan starts the minute you walk in the door of her immaculate Back Bay studio—she’s already sizing up the way you walk and will then evaluate how you stand to see exactly where your tension lies. Once you are on the table, Morgan’s magic hands free up every knot and tension spot. You’ll be disappointed when you session ends, but amazed when you glance in the mirror on the way out and see your much improved posture. Morgan also offers Swedish massage for relaxation and tension relief. A 60-minute massage starts at $195.
715 Boylston St., Boston, 617-717-4780, cspaboston.com
Étant
Try this South End studio for the high level of its therapists, who have a knack for sussing out your trouble spots—and working them out. The spa offers: 60-or-90-minute Swedish, sports, and deep tissue massages; a CBD-infused massage for pain management and reducing inflammation; and a 30-minute targeted massage for one area of the body. Couples massage and pre-natal massages are also available. Looking for something a little different? Try the reflexology foot bath and massage to feel relaxed and energized all at once. The 60-minute massages start at $155.
524 Tremont St., South End, (617) 423-5040, etant.com
Exhale Spa / photo by Jesse Burke for Best of Boston 2013
Exhale Spa
Best of Boston winner, 2013, 2014, 2015
Love massage but not the pain? Exhale has you covered with their flow massage, which includes tension-relieving strokes and lymphatic drainage, and their tranquility massage, which uses Swedish massage techniques. Love the pain and the pay-off? Go for the deep tissue. Or try out the pre- or post- sporting event massages tailored to get you ready or recovered. 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 $195 for 50 minutes.
Multiple locations, exhalespa.com.
Four Seasons Spa / photo by Boston staff / Photo by Boston Magazine
Four Seasons Spa at One Dalton
Best of Boston winner, 2021
Located many floors up in one of the city’s newer luxury hotel and residence buildings, the spa and fitness center at One Dalton is one to see—if for no other reason than to relish the views. Instead of offering a lot of fancy sounding massages, One Dalton keeps the offerings simple (and flexible). They have a hot stone massage and the signature massage, which can be tailored to your needs. Massages can be booked for 50 to 110 minutes, and start at $200. The spa is open to the public, not just guests and residents.
One Dalton St., Boston, 617-377-4888, fourseasons.com.
G2O Massage / Photo credit Febian Shah Photography
G2O Spa and Salon
Best of Boston winner, 2019, 2023
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, deep tissue, and sport massages from the comfort of G2O’s state-of-the-art facility on Exeter Street in Back Bay. For pain or inflammation, try the CBD massage. If you have just one nagging, trouble spot that needs some relief, opt for the 30-minute targeted massage. If you are an athlete looking to boost your flexibility and comfort and attend to your overworked muscles, give the sports massage a try. This spa also prides itself on its personal touch, with each therapist providing a custom treatment based on your pain points and tension level. A 60-minute massage starts at $155.
33 Exeter St., Boston, 617-262-2220, g2ospasalon.com.
Guerda Massage and Skin Care
Best of Boston winner, 2023
Guerda Paul has been doing this for a long time and definitely knows her strokes. She worked at Grettacole and Bella Santé before striking out on her own and accumulating legions of loyal customers. She will adjust the massage to what you need, lulling you in a state of relaxation with classic Swedish techniques, going to town on your toughest knots with deep tissue work, or some combination of the two. She offers hot stone massages, and specialized massages tailored to pregnant women and cancer patients. We love the foot exfoliation at the end of the massage. Massages start at $90 for 60 minutes.
47 River Street, Suite 100R, Wellesley, 978-996-2700 guerdamassagetherapy.com
Photo courtesy Mandarin Oriental Boston
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 massages that use hot stones, Himalayan salt, customized oils, deep pressure, or lavender-infused heat packs to lull you into a deep state of relaxation. Massages start at $300 for 80 minutes. Come early and use the steam room and hot tub.
776 Boylston St., Boston, 617-535-8888, mandarinoriental.com.
The Spa at the Encore Hotel
Forget the bright lights, sounds and emotions of the casino: You can bet on the gorgeous and serene spa at Encore to deliver utter calm and relaxation. Show up early to enjoy the sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools and the heated lounge chairs to wind down for your massage. Choose from any of the six 90-minute massage treatments—from the light pressure of an ayurvedic aromatherapy massage to the firm pressure of the therapeutic massage. Or, splurge for one of the 90-120 minute exclusive treatments like the “four hands massage” or polarity therapy, which combines cranial sacral work, reflexology, trigger point release, and myofascial release. The 90-minute massages begin at $320.
1 Broadway, Everett, MA, 857-770-3900, www.encorebostonharbor.com/amenities/the-spa
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. If Thai massage isn’t your thing, Vidaya also offers hot oil, deep tissue and Swedish massages, or the East-West fusion which is a combo of Thai and Western techniques. There is also a 30-minute Thai foot massage and 30-60 minute targeted massage for a specific area of the body. The 60-minute massages begin at $165.
Multiple locations, viyadathaispa.com.
