Time to Destress!!: Los Angeles Massages

If you’re on a budget Healing Hands is a good place to book a massage— a one-hour massage costs a mere $55. But don’t think because you’re not spending $100+ you’re not getting a quality experience. The center is located in a quaint cottage, and while there aren’t orchids or Japanese fountains around, HH offers a clean and relaxed environment to get a massage. If you’re looking to be pampered in a spa-like setting (HH doesn’t have robes or a sauna) you might want to head somewhere else, but if you’re looking for someone to work out those knots, this is your place.

The cute, retro-inspired spot is not your average spa. Why? They name their treatments after cocktails! You can unwind with the Grand Marnier Meltdown or get a hot stone massage with the On The Rocks treatment (no alcohol is actually involved, so you’ll have to wait till after your treatment if you’re after a cocktail). After your massage you can chillax in the swanky lounge (complete with shag rug!) and imbibe in some of their yummy refreshments (again, no drinks, just water and fruit).

This kitschy spa is a far cry from your standard massage place—it’s decorated to look like a classy auto shop. So if you’re looking for a real spa experience, your probably better off going elsewhere (after all, can you really expect to be covered in rose petals at a place called the Massage Garage?) The massages are cheap (under $50) and they offer a variety of treatments: Shiatsu, Swedish, reflexology, Thai, deep tissue. The massages here can be hit or miss, so there is a chance you might leave this no-frills joint not entirely relaxed. But for the low, low price that’s the risk you take!

Want to shrink your carbon footprint AND get pampered? Head to rA! This organic spa only uses products that have been produced sans pesticides and harmful chemicals (a good idea if your skin is on the sensitive side). The massages are over $100, but that’s because you will seriously feel as though you are on an island vacation at rA. You can soothe your feet in herb soak spiked with flower petals, munch on tropical fruits and nuts, and drink exotic teas. The massage therapists and facialists are top-notch—they will leaving you relaxed and glowing.

If you’re looking to go on a vacation, but don’t want to shell out major cash (hello, falling dollar!) exotic spa El Leon is a nice alternative. El Leon offers massages that use Thai, Japanese, and Hawaiian techniques—there’s also the hammam option (a Middle-Eastern bathhouse) where you can enjoy a Turkish soak in private (as opposed to traditional variety where every woman and her mother can see you exfoliating). Rounding out your Eastern fantasy escape are complimentary fruits and tea. The prices are very reasonable here, though you’ll have to make do without traditional amenities like saunas and locker rooms.

For being located on chichi Robertson Boulevard, Touch is EXTREMELY reasonable. In fact, the boutique’s tastefully decorated surroundings will probably leave you wondering if you read the prices correctly. They’ve got a small menu of treatments, but since they’re a massage-only place, they’ve got a pretty good selection of techniques and styles: Swedish, sports, deep tissue, prenatal, and reflexology. Normally massages just over $50, but if you come in on a Tuesday you can get one for $45! (a pedicure on Robertson can cost you more than that…).