My husband and I live in San Jose, but will come to see Angela anytime we are in town. Her massages are that good! She provides a very therapeutic and relaxing experience. She is respectful and doesn't talk your ear off (which is one of my pet peeves). She is very responsive to your body and your feedback throughout the massage. At points I felt like the pressure was borderline painful, but the knots were melting away in her hands. By the end of our session, I'm amazed at how different my body feels from when I walked in the door. I wish we could find someone like this where we live because we don't get to SLO that often. read more

I have been going to Angela off and on for almost 5 years now. Every so often I try someone else who may charge a little less...but I always come back to Angela. There is no comparison. I've had massages at spas, at my own house, at massage centers...they are good...but not great. Angela obviously knows her muscles and where they attach and their function. She can do deep tissue or not depending upon your tolerance and need. If you want a serious massage for aches & pains...you will not be disappointed and will feel amazing! Just be aware you will no longer want to see anyone else for your massages. read more

Angela is seriously amazing! I never have to tell her to change the pressure, she seems to just know exactly what my body needs!! She worked on all the areas that needed the most attention. I don't think I will go anywhere else! Hands down the best massage I've ever received. Thanks Angela! You rock! read more

I live in SLO, but as I've only recently moved here, I've been looking for a reliable massage therapist since I've gotten to this town. On a cautious whim, I read Banyan's reviews and decided to give it a try. Angela was very polite and it just so happened that she had an opening available. Anyhow, when I got there I told her where my problem areas are she acknowledged them. Once I was on the table and ready for the massage, she enquired about my interest in doing some ashiatsu massage as I had requested a deep-tissue session (lower back, neck, and shoulder pains). I really didn't care, I just wanted that pain/tension to go away. Boy, was I glad I was open to it. Angela provided the deep-tissue massage I requested and then informed me of different techniques that could better relieve the tension I was experiencing. She is very polite and only speaks to you during the session to ensure that she is utilizing the correct amount of pressure. I have to say, that's very nice of her as some of the other therapists I've seen so far are only interested in starting/completing the session. The only regret I had during this experience was that I had originally requested a 60-minute session. I swear I must have fallen asleep at some point because the session felt like 5-minutes. It was actually 60-minutes, but the session was that good. If there is another therapist that surpasses her skill, let me know, because similar to another responder, I just don't believe it. read more

The Banyan Tree Healing Center is a quaint and calming location perfectly designed for relaxation. I usually have a very difficult time letting go during a massage, but I immediately felt comfortable with Angela. I am new to ashiatsu (a form of massage where the practitioner's feet are used to deliver firm, uniform pressure over large muscle groups), but Angela seems to be a master. The massage was seamless, and I was so happy by the end because I had reached a true state of relaxation and release. I recommend Angela to anyone with stress and serious muscle tightness. I could actually feel the knots in my back moving and loosening as she worked. She delivers deep pressure, but is attentive and happy to accommodate customers who want a lighter touch as well. read more

I have seen Angela every time I've been in town for the last 5 years. As a matter of fact, I go out of my way to stop in SLO just for her. She never disappoints, she lives up to my memory every single time! Today was no exception. She really is extraordinary. She finds knots you didn't know you had and magically works them out. It's an incredible massage. If you've never tried Ashiatsu massage, get over the ick factor and try it. And if you're willing to try, Angela is the BEST! read more

Rachel was fantastic. She walked me through some massage options, inquired about my problem areas, and worked diligently to loosen those tough spots & knots. After the massage, she spent time with me in reviewing what she did and supplied me with exercises & web links for more information. In a nutshell, her hands were magical, and I could tell she really cared about me...and not just while I was on the table. Thank you, thank you! read more

Have to agree 100% with the other reviewer who said to forget day spas, and come to this gifted massage therapist, Angela. I couldn't have been more happy with my 1st session today. She really listened to what I needed and hoped for from the massage, and was very responsive to feedback during the session (though I hardly needed to say anything besides "Hey, that pressure is perfect!" because she is so intuitive.) I'll be back again soon, definitely. read more

Angela is awesome! A friend introduced me to her and I was incredibly pleased with the experience... I even fell asleep my first massage with her. She listens to, and encourages feedback-which I appreciate. I feel like her massages are well-balanced, and touch on everything my body needs to deeply relax and release. My mom and I recently visited again, and I can't wait to go back! Highly recommended. read more

I've been going to Angela for years and always have thought she's awesome. Can't even tell you how many people I've referred to her or bought gift certificates for with her. Recently a very painful back issue had me there for more therapeutic work, and I can tell you she is a master at her craft! I'm even more of a fan now....... read more

Angela is an amazing professional. Trained in many schools of massage, she has a lot to offer every person. Her intuition is astonishing. She can adjust the pressure from soft to deep tissue. It took me a long time to find a massage therapist that I would return for a second appointment. Now I buy packages! read more

One of the best massages I have ever had! I have been there twice and saw Angela both times. The first time was a deep tissue which was great. The second time Angela talked me into an ashiatsu massage which is done almost completely with feet. Amazing, amazing, amazing. I went in there with a shoulder problem and left with less stress and much less of a shoulder problem. I don't live in SLO but will definetely go to Banyan every time I'm there. read more

Angela's massage was really good. I was not expecting her to do Reiki on my face though. I got a migraine that night as i am sensitive to things like that. read more

I had an awesome massage in San Luis Obispo on my trip up the Coast! I have been to other massage therapists in the past but none have helped me as well as Angela. I am a 64 year old woman and have several issues going on in my body. Angela is very talented at what she does. She seemed to know exactly where all my problem spots were. I tried the Ashiatsu Massage, oh my goodness! Sometime into this massage it felt like there were several hands working on me at the same time. Angela is the most gifted massage therapist I have ever encountered. I went back for a Reiki session which was amazing too. Lots of healing goes on during these sessions, which I cannot begin to explain. My stress level is high and it takes a toll on me. Banyan Tree Healing Center was a great place to go to help me with these issues. I will go back! read more

The Banyan Tree Healing Center is an amazing place to get a professional massage. Angela is one of the few massage therapists in the San Luis Obispo area that I feel actually knows what she's doing. You can tell the difference in massage expertise between Angela and most of the others in SLO. 10 stars for this massage therapist! read more

Angela's massages are absolutely amazing. I've gone to her on and off for several years. The muscles in my body tend to get tight, knotted and painful, leading to fibromyalgia type symptoms. Angela is excellent at listening to what I need and providing it. She's very responsive to requests of more or less pressure and to giving specific areas of my body extra attention as needed. The massages are incredibly relaxing too, with gentle, soothing music and a small fountain adding to the sensory experience. As others have mentioned Angela is not one to talk my ear off. She's open to talking if that's what I want or she allows for silence so I can fully relax into the experience. read more

I received a much needed gift certificate (Thanks Minh) for walking in the Avon 39. The Banyan is so serene inside and I had Angela who does AShiatsu massage it was FABULOUS!! I will go again. read more

Needed a massage for back pain while traveling through and found this location on Yelp. Had a wonderful massage with Amber who knew how to pin point where pressure and stretching was needed to release pain. Would return. read more

I found Banyan Tree Healing Center late one night while searching the web for trigger point massage therapy in our area due to pain in my lower back, neck, shoulders, and IT band area. The reviews were fantastic and I was sold. I went to the website and was able to book an appt right then and there which I found to be very convenient. I got in immediately the next day and honestly ..... I have NEVER had a massage this incredible. Angela is above and beyond talented. She was PERFECT! I shared with her all my chronic problems and she nailed it knowing exactly how deep and where to work on the troubled areas. I booked an hour and a half and it was sensational. I felt relief for the rest of the day and have booked a 2nd appointment knowing she can continue giving me this relief. Angela, thank you! I feel very fortunate to have found you. Can't wait to see you again. read more

Angela is the best! She balances perfectly between therapeutic and relaxing. I go to her every kind of ache and pain! I've bought her packages a number of times and it's worth it every time! I would recommend her 100% of the time! read more

Angela has been instrumental in helping with healing my migraines. I have been getting monthly massages for several years now by Angela and she continues to get all of my knots out every single time I see her! I don't think I can say that about any other masseuse, and I've been to many! Thanks Angela! read more

I'm only writing a review of this place, so that I could have it on my profile for easy reference. (I had to do a search again on Yelp, since I only remembered the business name started with the letter 'B' and referenced a tree.) BUT NOTE: I have been DREAMING of doing an overnight trip TO COME BACK here from the Bay Area. SLO is a great mini-vacation spot, but Banyan is the cherry on top. I found this place on Yelp in Feb 2010, on a last minute decision to get a massage, which happened to be the day before I got married. I truly believe that because my massage here, I was so relaxed the next morning, that I forgot I was getting married that afternoon. This place is top on my list for massages. The lady is intuitive, and reads the body well enough to remove the knots and even the tiny "bubbles" to smooth out the muscles; esp. in my back where I hold most tension. (I plan on coming here in two months, so don't you dare take my slot when I come in! :p) read more

We rolled the dice and tried Banyan Tree. Very professional, accommodating and personable. Amber is the best there is.

Angela Bothwell is a fantastic massage therapist. I usually can't take too much pressure, but Angela is so smooth and slow that I can handle more pressure from her and still feel incredibly relaxed. She is friendly at the beginning and end but does not talk during the massage (which I really appreciate). She does a wonderful job of finding your trouble spots and making them feel like jelly! I go for stress relief and pain relief and it works, every time. read more

Angela is amazing!! She is very in tune with the body, its muscles, and pressure where necessary. I just finished my second massage with Angela and she suggested trying the Ashiatsu massage which is done with her feet - incredible! Feels like hands/forearms but amazingly different and BETTER! I will request it every time I go back to see her! Thank you for a great experience. read more

I've been a massage devotee for 30 years. I carry stress in my body that can cause headaches if I don't stay on top of it. Angela performs miracles on my overstressed, tight, knotted back and neck once a month (6 years now and counting). Her uncanny ability to coax my muscles to relax, progressing by layers, enables me to receive and enjoy a "deeper" deep tissue massage than I could get with previous therapists (and I've had dozens). She is consistently gracious and professional. Nice perks: her massage table is heated which I love, office is in an easy-to-access, quiet spot on the creek in San Luis with good parking. I can't say enough about Angela and her skill. I leave restored every time. She's a gem. read more

I have been to Angela and her husband Kim for work. They are both such fantastic people. Kim is wonderful at helping you relax and process situations and gives you tools to help you do that on your own as well. Angela gives the best massage. It's really about healing, and feeling better for me, she can always get the knots and joint pain out. I suffer from rotator cuff and neck pain and she knows exactly how to work those problems away. Also while I was planning my wedding and my stress was manifesting in my muscles she was able to make me feel like a new person with every visit! I would recommend them both! read more

This is hands down the best massage I have ever had. Angela is amazing, she worked the knot out of my neck. She listens and knows how much pressure to apply. I was nervous to try the Ashiatsu massage in which she uses her feet to massage you (I thought she stands on your back with all her weight) but she uses a chair for all her weight & massages you with one foot (not to worry she has bars to stabilize herself). It is the most incredible feeling, it's even better than hands. I cannot stress to you that you must try this. I'm a fan of Angela & Ashiatsu massage now. She is easy to talk to & professional. Her massage table is mechanical and she can move it up & down with the press of a button - great feature. She plays soothing music & if you are not a talker she respects that. I look forward to going back for another incredible experience. read more

I called Angela earlier in the day and she was willing to accommodate such short notice. She was very professional and my back and neck felt so much better after only an hour visit. The pressure and pacing of the massage was perfect and Angela appeared quite knowledgable. I only wish I resided in SLO to see her on a more frequent basis. I would highly recommend her. read more