We booked (3) massages with the fabulous Lowell ! Unfortunately, our vacation rental lost power and…read moreheat in the storm and we couldn't get all 3 in! Lowell and Tobi, the Bodywise owner, were graciously accommodating switching us to the studio and making everything smooth in a difficult situation! Will definitely use Bodywise in future!

I rarely write reviews, but after my horrific experience at The Bodywise Massage Inc. (1435 4th…read moreStreet Suite F, San Rafael, CA), owned by Tobi Lessem, I feel compelled to warn others. If you're seeking a place for relaxation, healing, or even basic professionalism, steer clear of this establishment. Tobi's incompetence, condescension, and outright dismissal of customer needs turned what should have been a restorative birthday treat into an emotional disaster. I'll detail exactly what happened so you can see why no one should ever trust her or her business with their well-being. In February, I texted Tobi to book a 2-hour massage for my birthday, which I treat myself to annually as a form of self-care. This year was particularly tough; I'd lost two incredibly close women in my life, leaving me in deep mourning, emotionally heavy, and profoundly vulnerable. I was counting on this session to help process that grief through therapeutic touch. Tobi confirmed the 2-hour booking via text, so I arrived excited for some much needed relief. The masseuse was a bit late, but she got me settled quickly, and we began. About an hour in, while I was face down, fully immersed in the massage, feeling those pent-up emotions finally starting to release, there was a sudden knock at the door. The masseuse stepped out, spoke briefly with Tobi, and returned to inform me that my session was over because the next client had arrived. Stunned, I reminded her of my 2-hour booking and offered to show proof from my texts. She stepped out again to relay this to Tobi, only to come back insisting it was just a 1-hour slot and I had to leave immediately. I was furious. Being yanked out of that vulnerable, healing state mid-session felt like a violent interruption to my emotional process. I got dressed and confronted Tobi in the lobby. I explained the booking error and showed her our text exchange proving the 2-hour booking. Even the other client, a gentleman who'd been double-booked over my time, overheard our conversation and graciously offered to reschedule, saying, "I'm sorry, it's your birthday, I don't want to interrupt that." But it was too late; Tobi had already forced me off the table and out of the room. Tobi acknowledged her mistake in booking me for only 1 hour instead of 2, but her response was shockingly condescending. She dismissed my concerns, saying she "had to make the call" and would prioritize the other client, essentially telling me to she didn't care. When I expressed how deeply disappointed and hurt I was, especially given my personal circumstances, she had the audacity to retort, "If this is the worst thing that's ever happened to you, you're lucky." Appalling doesn't begin to describe it. Here I was, raw and exposed, and she minimized my pain with a flippant remark that showed zero empathy. Later, Tobi sent a follow-up email that only compounded the insult. I've attached a copy here so you can see her mindset in her own words. Read that again: "We are not interested in good customer service." She openly admits her business prioritizes some vague "community" notion over basic respect for paying clients. She assumed the other client's "medical massage" needs trumped mine without knowing anything about my own emotional and physical state, as if grief and vulnerability aren't valid reasons for care. I paid for the full hour I received, but the damage was done: my birthday self-care ritual was ruined, and I left feeling more broken than when I arrived. This isn't just a simple scheduling mix-up; it's a glaring display of arrogance, poor management, and a complete lack of accountability. Tobi's actions show she values her own judgment over evidence (like text proof) and client feelings. In a field like massage therapy, where trust and sensitivity are paramount, this level of disregard is dangerous. Psychologically, interrupting a session mid-flow can exacerbate emotional distress, turning a healing space into a traumatic one. If she treats vulnerable clients this way, imagine how she'd handle yours. Do not give Tobi Lessem or The Bodywise Massage Inc. your time, money, or trust. There are plenty of compassionate, competent massage therapists in San Rafael who actually care about their clients. Save yourself the heartbreak, avoid this place entirely. 1 star, and that's generous.

I accidentally purchased a gift certificate for this place a year ago. Reluctant they would take…read moreit, I made an appointment. This place was fabulous! I love foot and body combos! For $55 I got a foot and body combo. This could become my second home. No need to sell the family farm for a decent massage. There were big puffy chairs and I got my feet soaked while my masseuse gave me a scalp massage. The style is Chinese and the pressure was perfect. I love a massage that doesn't require you to undress. This was absolutely amazing. They do have some back rooms with tables for an oil massage, but honestly, this was great. They had 4 masseuses working. All of them looked good. They all seemed solid. I can't wait to return with my husband. Lisa was my masseuse and Kathy the woman at the front desk were both wonderful!

Clean and nice , they don't speak English but if you find the right masseuse it's well worth it …read more Been going there for a few years and some weak ones and a some good ones . My I probably is they charge you 10% to use a credit card , I can see 2 or 3 % but 10 is a rip off . The tables are old and not that comfortable compared to a few that I've been.to . Had 1 problem the Massage was poor so I tip was smaller than I usually give . And got attitude from masseuse. Have not seen her since .

Soothing decor and atmosphere. Got a thai deep tissue massage and it beat me up lol. Loved it…read more Amazing massage.

I was referred to Paranee by one of my clients. I am a hairstylist who has been standing for 44…read moreyears. I had an intercept procedure done on my lower back for bulging discs. I went to Paranee for Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage. Through my healing, and it has helped tremendously with reducing all of my inflammation. I just had a Thai Deep Tissue Massage from her and I can't tell you how tremendous my body feels. I highly recommend her for any of your Massage needs.

I have been to this Asian massage place for years. Judy sits in the front who is always warm and…read morewelcoming, and the female masseuses like YoYo Laura, along with male therapists Tom, Jason, and Ken are absolutely amazing. Once you get to know them, even though their English isn't perfect, they're really helpful, and they pay close attention to your needs. They really get to know your body, and they've helped me so much with my sports injuries.

Masseur Andy at Golden Island Acupressure has been a VIP in my life for about 5 years now. I book…read morea massage with him at least two times a month, and it is always a pleasant, relaxing, and rejuvenating experience for me. The pressure is as strong or gentle as I want, he is caring in response to my particular needs, and he has a knack for finding the muscles in my body that are needing the most attention. Judy at the front desk is consistently warm and welcoming, and supports me to get a massage as soon as I need one. The massages are affordable, the foot massage routine is brilliant really, and they have a knack for finding good people to work for them, and being able to get a massage on the same day as desired is a great blessing, thank you to the owners!

This pace has the best Thai massage therapists, affordable, and availability in Marin…read more I've been going for the past six months to work on some sciatica and hip mobility issues. I've received top notch massages from their team that have improved my mobility significantly and very thankful for them.

This place has terrific Thai deep tissue massage therapists. Maximum pressure yet knowing when to…read moreease up. I walk out with a changed mood - body, mind and feeling. Attentive, professional and engaging.

OUTSTANDING!!!!! The moment i walked in I was transported…read moreinto pure tranquility!! :) The front desk assistant was really sweet and he spoke to us about the different massages as well as offered recommendations on what massages are best on either table or platform. I got the Thai Therapeutic Bodywork which was on a platform and my body has NEVER FELT BETTER!!!!! I cant remember the name of the sweet lady I had but she was AMAZING! She really dialed into my body to feel the knots and kinks and took the time to massage them, use hot stones and various stretching techniques to work them out. I was also super impressed with the perfect amount of pressure she used and she checked in periodically to make sure I was ok ;) I love a great massage but cannot tell you how many places I have gone that claim to do "bodywork" and its just a decent massage. But this Thai Therapeutic Bodywork was ACTUAL OUTSTANDING AUTHENTIC BODYWORK! Like legit bodywork!!!!!! Whether you sit on your butt at a computer all day, or if you're churning concrete....GET TO NORTH THAI BODYWORK & THAI MASSAGE! Your body, mind and spirit will thank you!! TRUST ME!

Such a kind welcome. They helped me pick the right massage. My therapist was excellent and I felt…read morea little sore initially but slept great that night and today I feel so much better I think the therapeutic massage with coconut oil and tiger balm even helped me avoid ticks on a hike later that afternoon ( my hiking companions had 4 each and I had none most likely just luck but who knows?)

I went to college with Krista years ago. While in class, I'd get migraines from the lights nearly…read moreEVERY single class. She would work on acupressure points in my hand to help ease the headache so I could focus. She's very talented at what she does. I wish I hadn't moved out of state, or I would be seeing her still for my chronic pain.

I had such hip pain when I went to Krista, I was walking around like an old woman! Her approach to…read moreworking on pain points is magical. She also uses body movements that really got my hip joints to loosen so that I could actually stretch! Such a relief! Whether you're just looking for a relaxing massage or you need healing, she's got the perfect touch! Highly recommend!

Sirin and her mom as the best. They are super caring and you feel totally taken care of with them…read more My mom and I got a massage today from them and it was such a special experience. They are talented and kind! Can't wait to return.

Massage has been part of my physical care routine for a long time, and over the years I've come to…read morerely on Thai massage for the strong physical practice, traditional, practical approach, and the warm, non-clinical atmosphere. It helps with fatigue, pain, anxiety, and is also often a time when I process a lot of messages and creative ideas. I usually get Thai massage every two or three weeks. I know Sirin from other shops and now she has opened her own independent practice. I've had hundreds of Thai massages and she's the best!

Corrina is a nervous system-informed esthetician--wow. I've never come across that before. She was…read moreactually recommended by another esthetician due to her specialty is sensitive skin. I had tried several estheticians before her, and my skin was reacting to everything. But after just one session with Corrina--and following her recommendation of new products--I saw significant improvements that I hadn't experienced with anyone else. I really appreciated how knowledgeable she is about rosacea and how she takes a truly holistic approach. Her facials feel like a full, nourishing experience rather than just a facial. Highly recommend.

Corinna is an amazing Esthetician! Not only has she helped my skin a lot, but her office and…read morepresence are extremely calming and relaxing. I feel revived when I leave her office.

I visited because of a reference by a friend. The masseuse…read morewas Asian and her English wasn't perfect, but not a problem. I see there are a couple of not-so-good reviews, but I had a good experience. Maybe the staff wasn't as good a couple of years ago. I was able to take a shower there both before and after. She very very attentive to what I wanted and had good technique. I recommend.

I called and asked if they had any available massages and they said no. My husband walked in 15…read moreminutes later and got a not so great massage and was asked if he wanted a happy ending. Guess if you're looking for pleasure it's the place to go!