I had to find myself a new massage therapist since the gentleman I visited the last 10 years retired and closed down shop. Luckily I found Massage Essence online and it matched my needs pretty well. It is located in a strip mall on Red Hill, pretty easy to find. A good landmark is the MacDonald in the same lot. Massage Essence is on the second floor. I used the staircase since I didn't find an elevator. The massage room is nicely decorated. The music is piped in from a wall mounted speaker. I was happy with the strength and techniques of my masseuse. The price is reasonable too, a 60 minutes signature massage was $65, cheaper than other places I have visited. Yes, I plan to be back next month. read more

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I had a wonderful experience here as Massage Essense. The masseuse provided gentle, yet firm, firm that released the tension from my knots. The store is also very clean and hygeinic. I'd highly recommend this place! read more

Great place and therapists are skillful. This place has at least 9-10 private rooms which is what I prefer. Most massage places are small and interior decor are badly designed. The only thing I don't like is I have to climb up the staircase to the second floor. Otherwise, everything is good. read more

I came here for an hour massage I was there 15 min early 10 min past my appointment the owner came and said I can only get a 45 min massage because they had another client. They only gave me a 30 min massage and asked me to pay for the 45 min. I refused to pay for the 45 min because she only gave me a 30 min massage and she stood by the door and locked the door. I told her I will pay for the 30 min and she said no smh I will never come back here again. read more

Booked a one-hour massage, got told it could only be 45 minutes, and it ended up being about 30. When I refused to pay for more than what I received, the owner locked the door and wouldn't let me leave. Police had to get involved. Afterward, she followed me outside and stood in front of my car trying to block me from leaving. The massage itself was terrible and definitely not worth the trouble. Absolutely do NOT go here. Unsafe, unprofessional, and the massage was awful. read more

Loved my experience here! Took me in last minute on a Saturday and didn't get my masseuse name but she was incredible and had high attention to detail. Highly recommend and it's only 65 for 60 minutes! read more

Massage was amazing, the receptionist was a bit short so the customer service could have been better. People will always remember how you made them feel and I left feeling unappreciated and dismissed despite tipping well. read more

Staff were very nice! Super helpful. I felt great after my massage. The place looked very clean.

I paid for a 45 minute massage because they said that's the only spot left and they only served 30 minutes of massage. Last I was overcharged on my credit card $5.00 . I had already paid the fee the tip they stole 10 minutes and overcharged $5.00 extra. Total rip off in every way they can. read more

Great place...went for couple years before Covid and now back once in a while. The ladies are nice and always do a great job. read more

This was a last minute decision to get a massage. Wendy was my therapist. She was amazing. She had the right amount of pressure and amazing technique. I had 90 minutes and I am So glad I did. I felt so much better. I am not sure of the next time I will be in Orange County. I will definitely make time to come back. I am ready for a nap. read more

Nancy gave me the best massage I ever had. She knew exactly where to massage and how much pressure. Highly recommend her.

This wasn't a bad massage, I have had far better, and I would have given this 3.5 stars but my lady kept stepping out of the room to go talk to the woman in the front. Finally after four times of stepping out she apologized. I think she could tell that I was a bit annoyed by it. Then accidentally jabbed me with her nail on my back, also apologized. All in all, just an ok massage. I will be willing to go back as long as my masseuses' attention span is on me and not elsewhere and if I can't get an appointment anywhere else. read more

I was pleasantly surprised by this lovely little place. Have driven by a million times and sad that I didn't go in sooner! Anna gave me one of the best massages of my life. Pressure was perfect and she was very attentive. I will definitely be a regular at this place! read more

One of the best massages I've had. Friendly and professional staff. Highly recommend. read more

Hard to write this when it's with mixed emotion. Had one 90 minute couples massage and it was a lot better than we received in some time. We scheduled more appointments since we like weekly massages, but then learned the business model. We showed to our next two appointments to find that they gave our appointment to individual 50 minute massages since they make a little more. We were asked to wait in the parking lot for an hour until they were done and they would squeeze us in before they closed that evening. Why would they not call us to let us know they wanted to give our appointments away? They weren't even apologetic, rather it's their way of doing business. The massage therapy was good, but scheduling and management style is not for me. read more

They always fit you in no matter when you call. The owner and staff are very kind. I've never felt uncomfortable here which is important for a massage studio. read more

WOW! From the moment I walked in I was greeted in a very friendly and calm manner. As a hairstylist I'm on my feet a lot. My back and shoulders are always super tight. I go for massages here and there, but I found the most amazing massage therapist. Her name is Kiki. She relieved all my pain. Plus I have edema in my arms and legs. She worked these areas also extremely well. Since I'm detoxing and dieting this is very important to me. Words cannot express how wonderful they are here!!! I don't think I've ever had a massage this amazing. I've found my massage place!!! If I could give this place and Kiki 100 stars I would!!! Thank you for being so amazing. I'll be back a lot!!! read more

I tried to book appt with the online service on the web site. Two days went by no response so I called. (Call don't bother with online) There is a bit of language barrier. Finally got appt. Arrived but they were unsure what I wanted. I had said two people (couple) for reflexology massage when booked. After we got that straightened we went to the couples room and they told us to undress. Ok but usually for reflexology you take off top but leave shorts on, they soak your feet as they manipulate pressure points on face and head. Then they dry feet and massage then do back. This is not what we got. We basically got a 1/2 Swedish massage and half hour of weird rubbing of feet and Achilles. Not reflexology pressure points. I also kept saying I wanted reflexology and the price of that shows $50 for hour online. Should have been charged $100 but they charge $120 (see picture). I was like whatever I just wanted to be done. I think for a regular massage (even though they used elbows and that's a big no no) it would be ok. Definitely not reflexology. read more

Massage Essence - Charges listed online - Massage Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Did a 90 minute couples massage. We had Tina and Anna, they were both amazing. Very thorough, utilized stretching with the massage. Dedicated to releasing tension and stiff muscles. True artist at their craft No nonsense approach to relaxation. Clean facilities, friendly. read more

MUST GO HERE!! Julia just rocked my world and gave me one of the BEST massages of my LIFE! I got a 90-minute deep tissue massage and she hit every part I asked her to focus on. And she even spent lots of time on my right shoulder blade cause it hurt so bad. Usually people just do a little there and then they're done. Not Julia. She focused in and went slowly to find the pain point, and then worked it till the pain went away. It was like she really CARED about me and my massage. She has a sense of humor too! Janelle at the front desk was swift and sweet and super professional. Plus, they booked me for a massage fifteen minutes after I called!! This place is the best game in town! read more

I'm here for Julia's one-hour massage, But she gave me Ninety-minute massage! She wouldn't stop talking to me. I couldn't relax. I gave her ten dollars and she told me I had to leave for ninety minutes. She was standing at the door with money in her hand. I couldn't go out. I had to give her another ten dollars and I left. I won't come here again. I don't like her behavior. It makes me sick read more

I got a massage today in Massage Essence. It is the worst experience I have ever had ! The lady's name is Cindy and she " helped "me.She does not have good skills. I think she hurts my spine. Does she have a massages therapist listen? I doubt that. I just forgot everything she did to me. There is one thing I unbearable: she asked me for the tips after she did a terrible job. I think I won't come back , hopefully someone may take a little bit of time to train her on how to do a customer service. read more

I like this place a lot. Manager is friendly also massages therapist. Place is clean and nice. I prefer deep and hard massage and they could walk on your back which I really like because I have hard work plus lifting weights. Only one thing I wish and have always the same massage therapist who know me and know what I want. read more

I visit the Costa Mesa/Irvine area often for work and to see friends, and one of my friends recommended this place for a massage. When I went in, I have to say I was amazed at how warm and comfortable the decorations were, and I remember noticing I felt right at home. The next thing I notices was how professional the staff was, and the massage I got for that price was as good as any massage I have gotten in recent years. I had a particular issue with my shoulder and neck from a car accident and I left feeling 1000% better. Not only that, but I continued experiencing relief of the pain for days later. I plan to make an appointment here every time I am close by - it is worth the drive. Great massage. read more

I can't believe what just happened First off, my bad, I should have left when the receptionist came out in a school girl's outfit and was obviously a prostitute. My massage was mediocre, at best, overall. What was insane, is that she left my feet and hands for last and then barely touched them! They were freezing cold for the entire massage, and just aching for some attention, and then got less than a minute each of soft touching at the end?! What?! When she said "You're finished" I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I went in there for right side neck pain that's causing pain in my hands. She dug in the left side of my neck with her thumb for a while, uncomfortably, barely grazing the right side with her fingers. Only using her right hand. Sometimes I felt like she was texting with her left, it was so mindless. I can't believe I just left an hour long massage and my neck is this tight, I could cry. I might actually. They also left the room several times, talking to people and each other. Unlike another helper mentioned, it did not seem necessary as the business was well staffed. When my boyfriend and I got up to put our clothes on, the first thing he said was "That was the worst massage I've ever had." Which was almost exactly true for me also. This was the second worst massage I've ever had, second only to a massage therapist who talked to me about her oxy addicted niece for the entire hour, asking "You know what I mean?" every couple minutes if I didn't respond So yeah the massage tonight was pretty bad. My boyfriend voiced some of the same issues I pointed out; hands, feet, asymmetrical attention and pressure, leaving the room to talk, a generally "half assed" massage, and thinking after each area was finished "is that all?" But he also added that he wasn't given a towel over his eyes (as I was) to protect them from the light above, the room was not dark. Not enough oil was used a lot of the time, so the massage pulled on his skin and leg/arm hair. After dressing, we decided to leave without tipping. We both felt we had not gotten the service we had paid for. We were asked to pay before the massage, using a credit card, so once we were dressed we just headed for the door. This is where it gets hilarious... the masseuse stops us at the door and says "You forgot to tip." We were so surprised that my boyfriend said "We paid you $100" and the masseuse replied "That was just for the hour, the tip is extra." We said we'd go get some cash from the car and then just left. There was a large man standing there and it honestly felt like we were being strong armed a bit. Very strange. That has never happened to me at a business, ever. I very rarely refuse to tip for a service, I worked in the service industry and survived on tips, but the lack of a tip is a critique, and one that should be taken seriously. The icing on the cake was hopping on Yelp to post a review and finding five star reviews left by employees of Massage Essence that I recognized! I saw one from MY masseuse And the cherry... I'm breaking out in hives now. So that's great. I'm not sure what oil they use, but if you're sensitive at all you should probably find out read more

Massage Essence is an outstanding therapeutic massage spa. The manager, Janelle, is extremely professional, and the three therapists I have used are exceptional. The facility is clean, and the atmosphere is friendly, relaxed and professional. The massage therapists are experienced and provide the requested massage (I have had deep tissue and been impressed with those massages). I highly recommend this spa. read more

WARNING: Overly expensive, poor quality massages, and they strong arm you for a tip. The reviews for this place are deceiving--they're from people who work there!! The massages sucked, they don't know what pressure is--unless it has to do with ejaculation (I have reason to believe this is a run-n-tug) and the oil gave my girlfriend a topical reaction (they never asked about allergies or anything). If I could give less stars I would! I hope other couples don't have to experience what we did... we should have walked away as soon as a clueless girl came out from behind a curtain in a school outfit, but we were desperate for a massage. What a waste of energy, time, and money. read more

Great Message! Great Price! Ask for Angela....Best massage have had in years! Highly recommend this place.

Worst massage possible. I gave the receptionist $100 for a $40 massage and they refused to give me change. Had to call Costa Mesa police to get my money. This is a dive rip off place. Save your money and go anywhere else read more

Great service, price reasonable, love the owner Janelle.

I have been around the globe and lived in Singapore for 5 years. Massage Essence is far superior to any other place in Orange County and a secret gem! Julia is one of the best, if not the best for deep tissue massage and she is always consistent and friendly. I hate to mention massage therapist on line because she won't have time for me if I do read more

I have been regularly going here 2.5 years. I have Vivian do my massage. I have injuries from sports and car accidents when I was younger. Both shoulders, elbows, hips, back, and knees hurt. I spend 3 hours with Vivian and I feel 21 years old again when I leave. Her massage is not only excellent, but essential as I'm also diabetic. I can feel it helping my circulation and wellbeing. I've had massages from others there and they were excellent as well. I would highly recommend they're services, and the setting is clean & quiet. It's a win - win. I've been to places double the price with terrible service. LIFE IS TOO SHORT FOR A BAD MASSAGE! read more

Not a bad deal for the price. Don't expect to speak easily to the therapists as English is a second language. I was a bit scared walking up the stairs across from the McDonalds with air planes flying over from the nearby airport - but once inside, silence. A steady flow of customers support previous reviews - as for me? I'm an out of towner looking for a quick fix or my girlfriends neck pinch that developed on the drive up. Her pinch wasn't resolved but she felt overall relaxed by the end. Careful with the pricing. We wanted just a shoulders and neck massage; through translation it appeared to just do the 60min for $52. As I was waiting I pulled aside the business card on the acrylic price display an there it was, 30min neck and shoulders for $30. No worries. On with our weekend we go. read more

I go to Massage Essence for more than a year, about 2 times every month. My go to masseuse is Vivian. She is very professional. She knows the muscles and the problem areas where knots develop. I need a deep tissue massage and she always asks if the pressure is exactly what I expect. Vivian is always positive and polite. I do not need to tell her my problem muscles any more. She remembers and concentrates the massage on those areas. As for the business, I like it. Very clean, good position in Costa Mesa, good parking. Janelle, the manager, does everything she can to run a very accommodating business. In all this time I never had any problem with the appointments or with the setup, or the room. I recommended this business and Vivian to friends and they were happy with the service. read more

Best massage ever. They even stretch you and do physical therapy on you fixing knots and inflamed tendons. I tried 3 different masseuses and they are all amazing. Thank you to all the hard workers. See u soon read more

First time to this spa. There were many reviews that suggested that this would be a positive experience and I was not disappointed! I saw Kay Kay, and she was professional and responsive and I left feeling relaxed and satisfied. The early bird special of $45 was a steal for the service I received. I will certainly return. read more

Had bad tightness in my upper back. Looked around for a place to hopefully loosen it up. Chose Massage Essence based upon reviews, price, & location. This was my first massage and it was great. The masseuse, Vivian, did an amazing job. I feel much better & will go back. The place was clean and comfortable. read more

I stopped in the other day with a stiff neck and shoulders, and pressure at the base of my skull. I didn't have too much time so I only opted for the 30 minute. Wow! what a great massage. The place isn't the 4 Seasons or anything but it's quaint, and relaxing. The staff seems to all be very polite. I was completely satisfied with Yuki who walked on my back as well as rubbed me down. She found all the kinks and really worked them out. I will definitely be back and plan on getting a longer session next time. read more

I like this place a little bit pricey . Tiffany she did great job on my nails , she such nice and sweet