What a wonderful massage from Zola! I immediately felt better head-to-toe. My massage was thorough, personalized to my needs, and all-around a great experience. I highly recommend getting a massage at Tough of Hope. I will most definitely return and am looking forward to it!! read more

Therapeutic value, otherwise practioner's behavior is completely unprofessional and inappropriate.

I have been to many different massage therapists over the years, and Zola is by far the best. She can zero in on your problem areas quickly and makes sure to check in with you throughout the treatment. She's really helping me with my stiff hips and back (desk worker) and even gives me exercises to do to help. I've been seeing her during Covid and she has been taking precautions that make me feel safe going to see her. Absolutely recommend her! read more

Zola is wonderful. I used to get massages semi-regularly before COVID, but hadn't in a long time. I felt safe with the cleanliness of the massage room (and that both of us wore masks), but more importantly, Zola's highly-personalized and attentive method of massage therapy is unparalleled. She made sure to tell me where she was noticing tightness/imbalance in my body, asked me how I was doing as she went along, and really worked through every muscle group I was holding tension in. I felt like butter by the end of the session and booked my second one before even leaving the building! A truly good massage therapist can be hard to find, so I am delighted to have stumbled upon Zola! read more

I got a post-partum massage with Zola and it was just what I needed. Scheduling online was super easy, and the location is convenient and comfortable. Zola was personable and accommodating, and she listened to what I wanted to get out of a massage. She's a skilled body worker-- I never felt even a twinge of pain, yet she was firm enough for me to really feel the knots release. I would definitely recommend her -- especially for moms or moms-to-be! read more

Zola is fantastic and kind -- I left feeling very relaxed, and with a host of tips and suggested stretches to keep taking care of myself between sessions. Will definitely be back! read more

Far more than gifted, Been seeing Zola for a year+. It's rather difficult to know who or what to let in. Yet, Zola has been my solace. No idea what she did today, though I'm 'cruzin' rather than just walking. Paul read more

Can't comment on the actual massage, since I haven't been able to get one. Review is based on business practices--if no stars were an option, that would be my review. Had a "groupon" that asked to book via email...after several tries and no response, I contacted the voucher company. The response, provided through the voucher company and still no response to me personally, was that they were booked past the expiration date so they'd only honor the paid value. If you make an attempt to book weeks before an expiration, and they are not available until after, you won't honor the full value? Crazy. The voucher, even after weeks of trying to get a response, is today still "valid". I said forget it, that's unprofessional and a huge turn off. It makes me remember who to warn others away from. read more

After buying a Groupon to this place, I was very excited to get a massage from Zola after reading all of the excellent reviews here on Yelp. I set up my appointments well in advance and within the expiration date of the Groupon, even scheduling a very special massage as a treat for my birthday. I was SO excited! Then I got a very unprofessional email from Zola herself telling me that she was "forced" to cancel all Groupons effective immediately, that I was not to contact her, but that I was to handle the refund through Groupon. She also said "If you are still interested in coming in to A Touch of Hope then I welcome you to. First time client visits are $60." Oh, Jeez. THANKS, ZOLA. My guess is that since I paid $95 for three massages, and they were indeed booked until January (at the earliest), that they realized they'd be losing money by honoring our Groupons. At least, in the absence of any other explanation, that would be my guess. You know who could have anticipated that? An Accountant. I am extremely angry about this. It is not the end of the world, but of COURSE I am not interested in coming to A Touch of Hope, ever. Not with all the wonderful professional massage therapists everywhere in this city. read more

I just visited A Touch of Hope for the first time last night and I cannot wait to return. The owner, Zola, fit me in very last minute and provided a wonderful experience. When I arrived we discussed any trouble spots I wanted her to focus on, and the settled in for a (too quick!) one hour massage. She did a great job focusing on my tension spots, and also treating my whole body. After the treatment we discussed stretches I could do to help alleviate some of the back pain I experience. I highly recommend checking them out! Also, (and I realize this sounds 'new-agey') Zola truly has a calming presence, and being there was very peaceful. read more

As a massage therapist myself, and someone who has gotten more than her fair share of terrible massages in Boston and Cambridge (I once came home with bruises on my butt from a place in Kendall!), I'm extraordinarily picky about my therapists and have not had the desire to give any LMT praises on Yelp. But Zola deserves it. Zola is a quality therapist who can provide a restorative deep-tissue massage with the gentle flow and continuity of a Swedish relaxation session. She has a very good sense of pressure - does not need much direction in that area, and puts together a logical and unified sequence based on your needs of the day. And like another Yelper said, she does have a calming presence that puts you at ease fairly quickly. Also great about Zola is that she keeps her services at affordable prices - not inflated to the point that you'd need to wait for a groupon to come by to try her out, or to balk at the $ of a series to invest in your well being. Good tip: get on her mailing list so you can hear about HER specials, not a buy with me or other place where they take a cut. Her office is not in the most beautiful digs in the world, but once you're on the table I promise you won't care... about anything, really! read more

First off, even though I got lost and was almost 15 minutes late and couldn't find her number to call Zola was super sweet about the situation and did not cut my massage short! More importantly, Zola is AMAZZINNNGGG (and the emphasis does not even do her justice)...I had the hour deep tissue massage and extra time was spent on my lower back which bothers me every day. Well, the pain is gone and I am totally de-stressed (not an easy feat). The massage was deep (as requested) and Zola coached me on breathing properly which really helped at the more tender points. At the end, she even showed me some stretches to prevent further back pain. It was the perfect massage from the sweetest therapist ever...After years of searching I have finally found someone to really look forward to going back to. Like all time. In fact, I just paused writing this review to online book another session. Run, don't walk...she's worth it. read more

This is the best deep tissue massage I've ever had!! I had an appointment yesterday for the first time getting the deep tissue massage at the place. When I first entered to the room, the scent of the minty smell already caught my attention. The whole massage was so awesome. Zola has a magical warmer hands, which makes my body super refreshing and so comfortable! I would definitely be back and bring my family! read more

I've had many a deep tissue massage, but none that have matched the customization, quality, and care that Zola provided to me. Besides being a considerate massage therapist, she's a genuinely good-hearted human being. Although she's located on the second floor of a shared building above a Kundalini yoga studio that incorporates singing into their practice, and has to deal with thin walls that don't block out ambulance sirens, Zola has managed to make the massage room as calm and quiet as she possibly can. That's a feat in itself. I found A Touch of Hope through a CoupMe deal I purchased last year (2 massages at $140 value for $75?! I'll take it!). Almost a year after buying the voucher I finally got around to setting up my appointment . . . and found that the deep tissue massage was incredible. Zola spent a few minutes reviewing my new client intake form to make sure she knew which trouble areas of mine to concentrate on (shoulders, neck, and lower back), and the proceeded to unknot all the knots that built up from long hours spent in meetings and fighting with coworkers at my computer. Zola spent a good amount of time on each problem area, and continuously made sure that I was comfortable throughout the process. She even concentrated some time on massaging out my extremities, which are typical overlooked by other massage therapists because their entire focus is on the larger muscle groups. I was even MORE impressed with the fact that she massaged my face at the end to help with destressing those muscles, and informed me of any potential trouble areas she found in my jawline. It's rare to find such an attentive therapist, but I'm glad that I found her. Registration and appointment scheduling was super easy through the online scheduler, and all the information I needed was on her website. I'm definitely going back to her again after my second pre-purchased massage - no doubt about that! read more

I love love love massages. My new obsession with Groupon/Buywithme/LivingSocial/Trubates/etc has allowed me to indulge in more than a few this year. I just don't have the $75+ to splurge on a massage. So when a Trubate came out this week for A Touch of Hope, and I saw all good Yelp reviews, I jumped on it! Good decision. Zola was amazing. I got a deep tissue massage and she really worked through all of my muscle groups. She did full body, but it still felt like each muscle group got plenty of attention. I've become wary of telling massage therapists about my "worrisome areas" because I feel like they spend at least half the massage just on your neck or your shoulder or your calves or wherever you say. So today I didn't say I had any one particular spot, just general soreness/stiffness/tension. Zola still easily picked out the trouble spots that needed more work, and the knots that just won't quit, but no area felt neglected. It was a fantastic massage. The place was very easy to find and I got a parking spot right at the front door. It's on-street parking so make sure you bring quarters. I think I put like $1.75 in the meter and was fine. Once you walk into the building (which has a HUGE "186" on it), it gets a little confusing. There really wasn't a directory. There's no lobby or anything like that. Basically, just walk in the front door, then open the door immediately to your right (that's where the stairs are hiding). Go up to the second floor and open the door (you're going to feel like you're about to accidentally walk into the wrong office or into some staff meeting or something), then take a right and walk down the hall. Zola has a huge office and separate massage room. The atmosphere is cozy and serene, but not to the pretentious uncomfortable levels you find at some upscale places. It was very relaxing and comfy. Great massage. Even without the Trubate, it would still be a good deal. read more

I got a groupon deal as a gift. The therapist Zola used heated lavender oil and rubbed on me with hot stones gently. I appreciated that she didn't talk much to me, though she was inquiring how I was doing from time to time. I thought Zola's hands were very caring. I really enjoyed it. Very soothing. I will be back. read more

I have worked, collectively, for 6 years with a plethora of different massage therapists.... that being said- Zola is definitely in the running for the best massage therapist I've ever been to. I, luckily, snagged the BuyWithMe coupon for 2 hour long massages for $50. Normally, 60 minutes costs $65- http://www.mcintoshmassage.com/ is her website! The place is a tad tricky to find once you're at 186 Hampshire- just go up to the 2nd floor! Anyway, Zola greeted me right away and personally asked me all the questions I normally just check yes or no to on a sheet. How nice to speak to a person about it! The room for the massage was peaceful with low music playing. Then, came the MASSAGE!!! She has a HEATED massage table. I've never had one before but it feels like being hugged. It's incredible. And so is Zola- she has such a calming aura and you can tell she genuinely loves her work! The massage was one of the best I've ever had- no pressure to talk, no pressure to not talk, no pressure at all- just relaxation bliss! I felt as though she was really focused in on my needs. She paid attention to everything I asked and I left floating out the door. I only wish her student discount went up to 28 years so I could see her more often! read more

I just got home from visiting A Touch of Hope and I feel fantastic! Zola not only gave me one of the best massages of my life, but she did something no massage therapist has ever done for me - she gave me tips on stretching and posture to minimize my back pain in the future! Almost every massage therapist I've ever been to basically just told me to keep coming back for massages once a month, but Zola was extremely professional and definitely knows what she's talking about! I came here because I had a Coup Me voucher, but I will definitely go back! read more

I just came back from a massage with Zola and it was one of the best massages I have ever gotten. I have had issues with past massages because I have restless leg syndrome, which often starts acting up when I am forced to stay still. However, Zola helped me through it today, calming me down, and easing my stresses. I will be coming back for another appointment in 2 weeks. HIGHLY recommend her. read more

Zola is as good as it gets. I have been with her for several years now and she's the best. The more you go, the more she knows your body and your injuries. She's an incredibly gifted specialized LMT - i.e. she knows how to handle rotator cuff issues, bursitis issues, etc. She's STRONG - her hands are very very talented, her deep tissue massages are painful but helpful. I have chronic pain issues in my back, hip and shoulder and it's incredible what she does with the pain. She makes it disappear for short periods of time which is something that never happens with any other physical therapy. She's the best at this. read more

Best massage I've ever had. Zola really listened to the problem spots I had and went to work on them. Her technique was relaxing and unique and she increased her pressure to perfect after asking me. She was very kind and professional. I used a coupme, so it was only $30 for a one hour massage. It was worth the full price! read more

It has moved to a near-by location on Cambridge Street, near the corner of Cambridge and 3rd Street. Zola was awesome. She applied just the right amount of pressure, and clearly knows what she's doing. The massage table was self heating, which was a very nice addition. The room was quiet and relaxing, and the music she played was pleasant and calming, but not in annoying way. I went there because I got a groupon, but she did such a great job, I would go back and pay full price. Absolutely recommend read more

I bought a KGB deal for a hot stone massage. I paid $36 for the deal for a 90 min. $120 massage. I emailed 'A touch of hope' well in advance to get an appointment but they did not return my email or call. Very unprofessional! I got a reply from KGB but they did nothing to help me either. Basically, I am stuck with $36 voucher which is expired & not sure what I can do with it. read more

I had a 90 minute massage at A Touch of Hope. Zola is an amazing massage therapist. She was able to use just the right amount of pressure and I definitely will be back. She is extremely professional, respectful and responsible. read more

I had a massage at A touch of Hope yesterday. I bought a a coupon from buywithme . It was one of the best massages I have ever had. The timings are really convenient and there is street parking available. read more

Zola was so kind and accomodating. The music and room was very relaxing, and she gave a great massage. Great hands! I had a great relaxing time and will definitely be back to see her. read more

Zola's hands were one of the strongest ones I've ever experienced on a massage table. I had deep-tissue massage, and will SURELY come back here again! I can guarantee that you will feel no tension when you leave. I was a "brick" when I came, and only after 1 session, I already felt so much more alive! She was simply great! Thank you! (Not mentioning her really great personality, loved her!) read more

Zola= incredible! Best massage since I moved back to MA!!!! I will recommend her to everyone I know!