I have been really busy and my sweet fiancé booked a $135 next day massage for me. This appointment is made for a service which will happen in less than 24 hours. He booked it through Yelp and there was no mention of any cancellation or rescheduling policy. This morning, a close contact is getting sick and being tested for covid, while waiting for her test results, I am being quarantined and could not make it to this massage. My fiancé called them and was told we could not cancel nor reschedule due to their 24 hours policy. He explained that appointment was made within 24 hours so it is physically impossible to cancel or reschedule it within 24 hours. They still ruthlessly refused and rejected his request. How would someone feel relaxing for a massage knowing that this is how this owner run their business? We will have to dispute our charge. And too bad, I am a frequent spa visitor and just moved into the neighborhood but will never come to this place. Updates: We received owner's response but it still do not explain how one can cancel an appointment out of the 24 hours period while they made the appointment within 24 hours. The policy contradicts itself and it's physically impossible. Secondly, I guess owner prefer to risk a sick person to come into her business. read more

Carrina is excellent at what she does. She runs the best spa in Burlingame. She is a small business owner who cares about her clients. She always takes the time to get to know her clients specific needs. read more

I got my first massage from Carrina and it was amazing! I will definitely be returning. I didn't want the massage to end- I was way too relaxed. Halfway through I told her I was going to have a hard time leaving and she said that clients have already asked if they could spend the night on the massage table! She's super nice and she talks to you just the right amount! She offers half hour massages for $45, and hour long ones for $80. Definitely worth every penny. read more

Hands down the best massage therapist I've experienced (I've been to MANY in a few different states). I've never been so relaxed - I kept drifting off to sleep. This has never happened to me with other massage therapists. Carrina asks how your body is feeling, what your needs are, and how you would like to feel at the end of the massage. She really tailors the massage to your requests and what your body needs. Tip - don't be afraid to voice your concerns about aches/pain or the amount of pressure desired during the massage. Carrina REALLY DOES LISTEN and follows through to meet your needs. Not only is Carrina talented and thorough, she has such positive energy! She definitely has a warm personality and a zen like presence. I've found my go to massage therapist. Thanks, Carrina! read more

Booked a Saturday appointment with pre-payment. No one showed up for 30 minutes and no one answered the phone.

Carrina at Eszence is AWESOME!!! She has such great presence and I feel calmer every time I enter her space. I highly recommend her services to everyone! (And ask her about more than just her massage services - she does amazing breath-work as well!) read more

My fiance wanted to pamper me for our 2 year anniversary on Saturday but we couldn't get an appointment at a lot of the nearby spas. Boy, was I happy I got an appointment here! By far, one of the best massages I've ever received! This isn't a full spa with a hot tub and a tea-drinking waiting room- I don't care for all of that. It's a small one room suite that is very personable and intimate. The main owner was on vacation, but she had Jade covering for her. She knew exactly the right amount of pressure! I am usually a softy and usually ask to tone it down, but she was the perfect amount with still getting in and relieving a lot of pressure. I literally almost dozed off a couple times! I received the hot stone massage and would totally go back! If her backup was that amazing, I can only imagine how good the owner is! read more

My wife and I have been Eszence customers for the past 2 years. Carrina is strong, talented, and professional. I work on a computer all day. Regular therapy from Carrina has helped me avoid repetitive stress injury. She also performed a valuable role in my physical therapy after knee surgery. I feel lucky to have found Carrina and am happy to recommend her services. read more

Most of Carinna's clients are loyal long-term clients--and there's a reason for that! I have been coming to her for over a year now. Her massages have helped me stay healthy during stressful times in my life. She provides very personalized massages and always seems to understand exactly what I need (even when I don't!)--whether it's deep tissue work, a cranial massage, or even energy work. She is one of those people that just exudes an inner calm and true kindness. Prices are reasonable (under $100/hour) for the Burlingame area. read more

Carrina is simply extraordinary. She is very knowleadgble about her craft and has a natural gift for feeling and healing pain. Before each session, she always inquires about my physical health and tailors the massage to my needs. I truly enjoy and strongly recommend her services. JFK read more

Carrina was caring, professional, and showed a lot of concern for my overall emotional and physical health, not just the symptoms that brought me to seek out massage therapy. She asked directive questions to prompt me to reconsider my lifestyle in a way that prioritized self-care, and I felt that her hands-on work was a part of a bigger picture that she was helping me to see. I'm glad that I made the time to book a session with her - scheduling was simple and she arrived promptly at the start of our time together. read more

Was in search of someone local, read the reviews and took a shot - it's been 4 months now and I'm in every 3 weeks for a 90 minute session that's about 30 minutes too short! Carrina is passionate about what she has to offer and is definitely in her "wellness lane." If you really want to take care of yourself consider incorporating her in to your personal plan. read more

Just had a massage with Carrina. Everything was great. First she had me fill out a questionnaire just so that she could know my body more. Than she sat down with me and consulted me before the massage to make sure that she was aware of all my expectations and needs. Upon entering the room the lighting and sounds were helpful in inducing relaxation. She was very professional and had a very calm demeanor which helped. She started with tuning forks along the body to induce relaxation of the nerves and muscles, then she continued on with her healing hands. She was able to find the right pressure and the right spots that needed release which is a very crucial to help with relaxation. She also seemed to incorporate some reflexology and reiki which also helped with the therapy. Will be back. read more

I have been a client of Carrina for over 7 years and she has been amazing since I first began getting massages from her. She is very pleasant and charming, always asks what I hope to derive from the massage and then knows enough to let me relax while she works on me. Her location is very calming and I always leave feeling muchg better than when I arrived. She also does massage for my daughter, who started seeing her when she was 7, because of tight muscles from sports, and she is addicted to Carrina now too. I recommend her whole-heartedly. read more

Carrina is simply the best masseuse I have ever encountered. I travel a great deal and all the airplane time wreaks havoc on my lower back. After a 90 min massage with Carrina, however, I am pain free and able to carry on about my daily routine. She is always careful to ascertain exactly where I'm tight and to work out the kinks thoroughly and carefully, finding just the right mount of pressure. On line scheduling and payment is very easy. She's always happy to see you when you arrive. Nice space with on-street parking. I recommend her highly. read more

This was my first massage in two years and it was excellent.. Carrina made sure to create a personalized massage experience and focused on all the areas that I wanted/needed. I would recommend eszence to anyone interested and I will definitely continue to have massage therapy done here. read more

Carrina is hands down, the best massage therapist I've found (and I've tried many). She approaches each session uniquely - depending on what my body needs - but always in such an insightful, knowledgeable way. She takes a holistic mind-body-spirit approach, mindful of what's going on physically and emotionally which helps her focus on what's most important. I always leave her feeling instantaneously better! Carrina is professional, kind, committed to her craft, and really listens to her clients. Don't doubt all the 5-star reviews...just give her one chance, and you'll be as big of a believer and supporter of Carrina as I am (and many, many others are). One last notable...I also love how super easy and convenient it is to schedule and purchase your appointments online. read more

I've had numerous massages, but Carrina is by far the best. From the opening bells, I'm at peace.

Carrina's breathwork has been foundational in my transformation over the past few weeks. About a month ago, I did a guided breathing with Carrina. She taught me this new way of breathing that I have taken into my daily life. It gives me energy in the morning and relaxes me at night. When Carrina was guiding me she lightly touched parts of my body that were calling for healing, like my recovering broken ankle. It brought blood flow back into that area and really connected my brain, my breath, and my body. Carrina is a miracle worker and I can't wait to work with her again! read more

My first time getting a professional massage in over 10 years! I loved my experience at Eszence! As a Hollywood Stuntman, I get battered and broken. Carrina's knowledge, care & expertise truly shine and helped me get those "knots" out!! I will surely be back & will recommend to my stunt team! read more

Do you spend a lot of hours in front of the computer? Do you feel that as you grow older, you tend to get hurt more easily? Do you feel that your neck, shoulder and low back hurt at night? Do you prefer to have a female massage therapist who has good strength and technique? Do you want a therapist that truly knows how to help ease your pain? For six years, I feel fortunate to have Carrina help me relax my muscle to prevent injury. Once I get into the routine of a monthly massage, my body reacts favorably and I could really relax during the session. I highly recommend taking care of our body through exercise, diet, sleep and a good monthly massage. Try it, call Carrina and just relax. You will be glad that you put your own health as the number one priority. P.S. There is a parking lot around the corner if you couldn't find street parking on Broadway. read more

I have been fortunate to experience many massage therapists in many parts of the world and some were good and some were not. In my opinion, Carrina is one of the very best. She is able to adjust the pressure to meet my needs from firm to very firm. She also mixes it up and tries new techniques. Carrina always asks about any tight spots or ares needing extra focus prior to the massage. She is always open and asks for feedback regularly. I have been going to her now for over a year and would not consider another therapist. Carrina is the best. read more

I first came to Carinna several years ago after a yoga injury to my hip. I am a runner and work at a computer desk, so I have tight shoulders, neck and legs. I visit Carinna regularly to stay relaxed and healthy. She is a experienced and dedicated therapist who is caring to her clients and knowledgeable of the body. She is professional and her office is clean, simple and relaxing. read more

I've been coming here for a monthly massage since February, and it's gotten better every time! She's fantastic, and I'm going to keep coming back every month! read more

HEALING HANDS... 10 stars! Carinna truly does have healing hands. If you're anything like me you have a stiff neck and back ache from sitting in front of a computer all day. Well..days of aching and soreness are all over! The thing I liked about Carinna from the beginning is that she takes the time to get to know you and figures out how to best help you. Before she even begins the massage. After that she began the massage with something called a toning fork... I have no idea what this thing he even was .. As she started to use this tool, I felt gentle vibrations up and down my entire body which really helps to relax me before the actual massage took place. It was amazing I've never felt so comfortable and the massage hadn't even begun yet! Then she put her healing hands to work and by the end of the massage I felt like Jell-O, which is a really good thing. I hope that you give Carinna a chance to put her healing hands to work you definitely will not be sorry. I had a wonderful experience and plan to tell everyone I can about it. read more

Carrina is Amazing! I found her on yelp after trying several different massage therapists in Burlingame and San Mateo. I've tried several and she's the best around by far! I don't know how she does it, but she simultaneously gives enough pressure to work out all your knots and soreness while also making you feel completely relaxed and comfortable. She also asks questions before the session and takes into account any issues or soreness you've been experiencing. (This may seem like a given, but not everyone does it! I've been to so many places where I tell them my neck is killing me and they don't devote any extra time to it.) Every time I see her, I walk out feeling fantastic, relaxed, and pain free. She's exceptionally good at what she does and is very thorough and caring. Cannot recommend enough. read more

I met Carrina about seven years ago through the monthly 15-minute chair massages provided by my employer. I now see her on my own for 90 minute massages and look forward to each one. Carrina has a great memory for details of problem areas needing attention. If you have specific health concerns or sensitivites she'll be attentive to those concerns and make you feel comfortable while offering suggestions that may help allieviate problem areas. Definitely, for me, money well spent! read more

I found Carrina's Essence a few years ago while she was located on Broadway Ave, and have since followed her to her new location on Howard Ave. I went to see her due to recurring shoulder/back pain in my right side, and she was caring, considerate, and professional. Her massages are excellent, and the environment is incredibly tranquil. Carrina clearly believes in holistic health, and I can tell she practices love, kindness, and health in multiple facets of her life, not just in her business. She is professional, caring, and dedicated, and actively listens to her clients. A massage by Carrina is so decadent, but absolutely worth it. Give her a try, and you'll become a believer. read more

Carina is amazing! This review is long overdue. Her personality is so comforting and her hands just seem to find my pain. I refuse to go to anyone but her ! read more

So I've been experiencing severe neck and back pain off and on for most of my life. Chiropractors, acupuncturist, masseuses, doctors and physical therapist I know them so well, too well! The exclusive ones for each category are extremely hard to find. I'm fairly new to this area so it was time to research the area and find not only a barber, doctor, chiropractor, but a masseuse as well. I'm always skeptical when trying out a new place because let's face it, perfection is just hard to find. Walking in like a 95 year old man praying you'll walk out like superman. At Eszence this was the scenario to the tee! Perfect amount of deep tissue and Carrina new just the right amount of force. She also knows how to communicate with you and your body. If I would request more or less power she'd react. Very open to making sure you get back to an exceptional level of health. I've tried many places in the bay and this is the only spot I felt was worth the review. I'm looking forward to my next appointment! read more

Carrina was able to fit me in with just a couple days' notice. She is very comfortable to be around and immediately put me at ease. She asked questions beforehand to see what I needed. Her massage was fantastic - super relaxing and also able to work out the tension in my body. Also, she didn't chat a lot so I was able to be doze in and out. Thank you, Carrina! read more

I have been a client of Carrina's bi-monthly for over ten years, from stress relief to marathon training to injury recovery. She can take care of whatever your needs are at the time. Carrina is both very personable and professional. She is friendly but not too talkative. When you talk with her, she listens and is even able to read between the lines based on what you tell her is going on ("I've been working out more lately", "I've been working some long hours recently"), so she really knows where to focus without me having to be too specific. But really, you don't have to say a word to Carrina and she will find the reason you came to see her. She will find things that you may not have even been aware of, work on that area, and you will be so much better off for it. In that sense, she probably knows my body better than I do. I can't imagine going to see anyone else. read more

My husband and I just had our massage and we both came out relaxed, refreshed and pain free! Carrina is very specific in which area you needed attention too. She would asked if the pressure is not comfortable for you. My husband who doesn't like massages loves the way that he came out pain free and relaxed. Will definitely recommend. read more

We have been going to Carrina for a few months, she is best masseuse we have found on the peninsula (having moved from Berkeley last year). She is sufficiently strong to give a good deep massage, which we have found difficult to find in this area. She also is good about talking to you about your needs before the session, and actually really focusing on the areas that you discuss. This is a huge pet peeve of mine. So many massage therapist will talk to you before, but really do not end up using that information during the session. We would definitely recommend her! read more

I have had many massages before for various aches, pains, and stress, and usually walk out feeling better than when I entered. An experience with Carrina,however, is very extraordinary. The appointment begins with a very caring concerned therapist listening to you. What your needs are and your overall state of mind. As the massage begins, you immediately realize this is somehow different. Slowly, all of the worries of the day, the headaches, the muscle pain begin to melt away, like cold butter on a frying pan. Any negative thoughts are quickly replaced by this paradisical voyage that you don't want to end. Days afterward you are still in kind of a trancelike state, where the little frustrations of the day just don't seem to matter as much. Carrina is indeed a healer. If you have a chance for one massage in your life- this is the one to put on your bucket list. read more

From the very first massage I ever got from Carrina (which happened to be a chair massage at my work), I knew she was something special. Carrina listens to you to figure out what type of massage will work best for you and then delivers a massage that's both relaxing and effective with the perfect amount of pressure. She is always willing to listen to your needs and adjust midway through if necessary and also asks for feedback after each session in order to make any adjustments for the future. If you're looking for a great masseuse in the peninsula, definitely give Carrina a try! read more

I've been seeing Carrina for over a year now ever since my husband bought me a gift certificate. She helped cure the low back spasms I was having after having my first baby. I've even gone as far as prepaying for six 90 minute massages since I now see her every 1-2 months. She is almost like a therapist with a holistic approach to incorporate what is going on in your physical and emotional being, helping her to target your problem areas. If you're just looking for a relaxing massage it is always that as well! I always look forward to seeing her and can't wait until the next time. read more

I had such a wonderful experience at Eszence and Carinna is a truly skilled professional. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and I could smell the soothing aromas emanating from her office the second I stepped off the elevator. She expertly found all the knots in my back and patiently worked her way through them (and boy were there a lot!). She has a great touch and knows how to apply pressure deeply. I also loved her use of tuning forks and sound bowls to really help my body and mind drop into relaxation and prepare me for the work that was about to be done. I would highly recommend coming to see Carinna. read more

Carrina knows what's up!! She's thorough, professional, personable, and uses the right amount of pressure per your liking. Her space is mellow and comfortable and I like that she's hip to the technology - email reminders and an helpful website. read more

I don't think there's much to say other than you will have an absolutely wonderful massage with Carrina. My one important tip is to make sure you bring coins because the parking nearby is metered! read more