As someone who has been in the F&B industry for about a decade as a server, there's a specific pain I've accumulated in my upper back carrying heavy trays. Fortunately I was taken care of by Ben, who was incredibly kind, patient and considerate of my comfortability! Ben made sure to check in with me throughout the massage, and provided great deep tissue pressure. Ambiance was relaxing & definitely allowed me to relax for the time I was there. Thank you Ben & Massage Sanctuary team! read more

Massage is always so great here! Would highly recommend them. They're flexible and easy to work with.

Jodelle is the best massage therapist I've ever had! She was able to help me with a pinched nerve that no one else could help with. She has the perfect balance of friendliness and professionalism. she clearly knows her stuff and is a pleasure to work with. I love this place, feels like a neighbor as well as a business. read more

Great care and information was provided at the massage sanctuary. Staff was welcoming and kind with navigating parking. Amanda was amazing and attentive. Couldn't recommend more! read more

Injured my low back on my flight out to Seattle. I've been through this before, and was pretty sure my week was going to be spent on my back trying to prevent back spasms. I decided to try a massage and was lucky to be a few blocks from Massage Sanctuary. They were able to get me in within 24 hours and Amanda Norman did a fantastic job relieving the stress around the injury to the point I was mobile by the next day and able to hike by the end of the week. Turns out she's a specialist in low back pain! Lucky find for me and a fantastic experience. Side benefit -- she also was the most effective masseuse at relieving my chronically tight IT bands and overly-tense thighs, without the pain I normally feel when folks work on my legs. Excellent service and really great experience. Bartlett read more

I have been coming to Massage Sanctuary for a long time. The staff is always professional, and they know their stuff. I have chronic back issues, and my therapist listens and offers different massages and therapies to help manage my problem. I can always schedule my appointments easily. read more

The Massage Sanctuary is a lovely place to go for massage. The environment is relaxing, the staff are friendly, and the treatments are wonderful. I highly recommend Marina. She is attentive to any areas of the body that need special care while still giving a full body massage that eases overall tension and stress. I would recommend the Massage Sanctuary to anyone without hesitation! read more

I have had one really great massage and one okay massage. The great one was a warm room and the masseuse listen and adjusted her approach. The second time different masseuse and the room seemed fine to start but I was feeling cool half way through. Bad on me for not saying anything. The masseuse also had cool hands so that didn't help. I also should have asked for more pressure. Started good but got lighter as it went on. I will go back and see the first person. It's all personal preference. Very clean space and has air filters in the room. Also easy on street parking. read more

Tomorrow I have my fourth massage with Lyra at The Massage Sanctuary and I couldn't be happier. Lyra is attentive, accommodating, skillful, and kind. I have chronic pain and chronic fatigue and am quite picky about my bodywork. Two weeks after I saw Lyra for the first time I saw my regular bodyworker who said "I've never had a client get a massage that's done so much good and stuck around for so long after the appointment." Lyra's work is gentle and subtle and powerful - I feel good when I leave, and unlike any other massage I've had I notice that for every day that passes I feel better and better. She's very attentive to touch and consent and makes me feel so safe and taken care of - she's undone layers of pain and dysfunction in one session that would take countless hours of work from less skilled hands. I'm delighted to have found her and recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone looking for high-quality massage. read more

Booked appointment took all the information card, cancellation policy , then called back and cancelled they said while they were booking my appointment someone else got it??? read more

I love seeing Lyra at Massage Sanctuary! peaceful, intuitive, fresh, comforting, relieving.

I first started going to the massage sanctuary about a year ago just for general relaxation massages. It's a really cute, clean little shop with a relaxing ambiance. Every therapist I've had has been good but I tried to book Leo whenever he was available as I like a very firm pressure and he always delivers. Then 6 months ago I had a terrible knee injury that left me with constant arthritic pain in both knees at only 26 years old. I could barely walk for a month but a few massages with Leo really helped me turn a corner in my healing. Yesterday I went back for my first time since their temporary closure and waking up the morning after my legs feel dramatically better. Leo really knows his stuff and offers a lot of good guided stretching and intense trigger point work that you'd find in a sports massage - but I also had some great general relaxation massages with him prior to my injury. Highly recommend this place! read more

This is ridiculous--I have needed to reschedule/chancel my appointment for days, and I've tried calling them 6 times and have been unable to get ahold of someone. I do NOT want to pay $50 because of their lack of customer service. I don't understand why I can't just cancel the same way I booked online, and why no one ever picks up if I try to call. At this point I will have to physically go over there and cancel it. read more

I just had a 45 minute massage and it was wonderful! I've been having lower back pain for over a week and all it took was one massage to fix it. Therapist Al has magic hands and I highly recommend this place. read more

Cool hideaway across from Harvard Exit theater, located in the lovely Loveless Building. They have scheduled and *WALK-IN* appointments. Instant gratification! Peaceful ambiance, super-clean facility, dreamy-scented. Comfortable rooms and a staff that really cares. The owner is very cool and sets the good vibe for the place. I'm a long-time massage junkie and have found not just one, but two, massage therapists here to place on my Top 5 Ever list. Stephanie and Jeremy rock!! read more

The Massage Sanctuary - Massage Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Thank god I was gifted this massage because if I had paid for it I would have been very disappointed. I asked for a full body with focus on my neck and shoulders. The pressure was inconsistent and at times it felt like the MT was just wasting time. I hardly got any massage to my back and the back of my legs were completely skipped. They massaged around my ankle bones but did basically nothing to my feet. There weren't any broad stokes to warm up the muscles, it was just straight in with knuckles to the quads. The one good part was traction to my neck but I was looking forward to some relief in my upper traps and it never came. I'm not sure if this MT was inexperienced or what but I would not recommend this person. All I can say is that the experience was very bizarre and I think I've gotten better massages from friends. read more

Had a terrific first experience at the Massage Sanctuary. Sadly, my second experience was the complete opposite. I've been having terrible neck spasms/pain. Went in and was seen by Bryan last week. He really knew what spots to work to release tension. He mainly focused on the area where I am experiencing discomfort and needed no direction once we got started (before we started I just pointed to the area, described the pain, and how much pressure I wanted and that was it). It was both very therapeutic but simultaneously relaxing. I left feeling so much better. After such a great first massage, I came back but had a different masseur. In 45 minutes he had me change positions 4 times and included these active neck push/stretches. I came to find relaxation, not wanting to "participate" during the massage. I did not relax for one minute. While it seemed he was attempting to apply firm pressure, it felt strained and he was off on major pressure points/muscles. Didn't seem to intuitively know the right spots to work. I could not wait for the massage to be over. Also, he kept deep breathing so audibly the entire time (think exhales in yoga class). Perhaps this technique and method works for others, but it definitely did not work for me. This experience has me hesitant to come back unless I schedule with Bryan. read more

Bryan is hands down (ha!) the best masseuse I've ever found. I visited him multiple times over the course of a year living in Seattle, and each visit was excellent. I tend to prefer deep tissue massage, and he always managed to find just the right degree of pressure -- hard enough to work out the knots without making my muscles seize up or leaving me sore for days. He's very responsive and attuned to the client, and also just a nice, personable guy, which made for a really comfortable experience. Any time I'm back in Seattle, I would definitely arrange my plans around a return visit to Bryan. FWIW, I also saw two other massage therapists when Bryan wasn't available, and they were also very skilled, just different styles. You probably can't go wrong with anyone at the Massage Sanctuary; try them all until you find a great fit. read more

Received a gift card to this location and couldn't be more happier, this place is wonderful. Due to covid it is strictly by appointment only, as you arrive you most wait outside. The massage therapist was there to greet me and take my temperature as I filled out the new customer paperwork. They really make you feel safe and follow protocol for safety between the customer and employee. Before we began I was asked if there was any certain spot I'd like to get worked on and pressure, Kyle took notes and did exactly what I had requested! It was such a great session I left feeling amazing, Kyle was professional and kind. Top notch service! read more

Yesterday, I had a much anticipated prenatal massage with Melissa. My body had been aching from the growing pains and I was dealing with terrible headaches. To be honest, after having a not-so-great prenatal massage a few weeks ago at another location, I didn't have high expectations for my visit yesterday. I chose Melissa based on previous reviews. I was blown away by my experience! I appreciated Melissa's knowledge with pregnancies and her strong hands! She provided the best massage despite my limitations, getting deep where she could. I walked out of that room feeling the best I've felt this pregnancy and I can't wait to go back to her! The price is reasonable and the experience was outstanding. Would definitely recommend Melissa to others! read more

Super professional and excellent massage therapy studio. Liz was very understanding even though I was late to my first appointment, and gave me some flexibility. I did a hot stone massage the first time and the second time did a cupping session. She asks for your preferences throughout the session and doesn't mind sharing some information with you about how to work on your body outside of the session. Awesome place, highly recommend! read more

wonderful relaxing massage by Amanda. She made me feel very comfortable and responded intuitively to my body cues. Highly recommend, one of the best massages I've ever had! read more

Although this salon offers 30 minute massages, I was never called back to make an appointment for a massage there. Last year I spoke to a person at this salon on the phone and they said they would pass my details on to a person who works there. I never received a call back. A few days ago I decided to ask again for 30 minute massages but this time I had to leave a message. And again I was not called back. I find it suspicious that a company offers a service but ignores requests. A company that doesn't respond to customers is untrustworthy in my opinion. read more

Wonderful place!! Very relaxing and clean. I ha a deep tissue massage done by Al. I felt amazing!

Let's face it; I'm a wreck. I called at 4:00 for a 7:00 appointment and they booked it without batting a lash. I had Mem, the owner. First of all, her voice and demeanor is instantly relaxing. I could feel some of those knots start to unwind right away (despite being so uncomfortable from the heat outside). I truncated the long list of maladies and just went straight to the serious pain in my lower back, hips, and neck. I mean, we've only got an hour. It's necessary to focus. She gave the trouble areas some good attention, but turned on my arms, legs and feet; areas that really bother me as well, but just not as much as the back. I'm really glad she scoped out the trouble and took care of it. My ankles are basically scar tissue (7 sprains, one really serious), and it helped tremendously. Overall, I left feeling more relaxed and pretty gooey, still with some of the back/shoulders issues, but really pleased with the massage. Another plus: during the treatment, I learned that Mem has a background in nursing; so she didn't give me the awkward "What is THAT?" when she came across the lump on my forearm. I usually have to explain that it's a benign tumor; no, it doesn't hurt; yes, I'm embarrassed about it; no, removing it isn't really a viable option; please stop ogling it; can we please move along? She knew what it was and just asked if I'd had it checked, asked if it hurt at all, and moved along. It made me feel more comfortable and relaxed with her expertise. So why not 5 stars? Well, I'm a little biased. My sister is an experienced massage therapist, with an emphasis on energy work and physical/emotional healing. I don't need to tell her anything that bothers me; she can find it, and work it out. All of it. Every time. And the effects last for a few weeks. I am still hoping to find someone with that ability (probably not a fair search, but I won't stop trying!) I would give this place 4.5 stars if I could, and reserve a half star for that magical massage next time... read more

Eva is amazing. I've had relaxing massages before, but I've never had a massage that felt like it truly worked out the issues in my back and neck. I've also had a deep tissue massage before (at another massage place) that was excruciatingly painful. Eva somehow managed to go deep without the massage being painful, and I could actually feel the difference - places where my muscles were knotted up and painful before were totally loosened up afterwards. I don't know how she does it, but she is a massage magician. I'm looking forward to going back this weekend and I think in addition to going to the chiropractor, I'm going to make getting a massage here at least a once-monthly self-care routine. Also, bonus points for super easy online scheduling and the ability to make next-day appointments! read more

I saw Brynn today for upper back/shoulder/neck pain and tightness. Brynn was incredible. She was so easy to talk to and had just such a great demeanor overall. She had water waiting for me and went above and beyond to explain to me what she noticed in my body afterwards. I think she stayed late just to do that, which meant a lot, and I know that's not the expectation every time. Sharing what she noticed really, really meant a lot. I don't know any therapist who has done that before. Thank you so much for your great work, Brynn. You're really good at what you do read more

"Well, I'm off to go get rubbed by strangers!" That's what I say every single time I head off to an appointment at The Massage Sanctuary... Are my friends and coworkers still amused by this? Eh. Who cares, I'm getting rubbed! And for a reasonable price! Woo hoo! It's weird, but the second I walk in the door, I feel all smooshy and relaxed. Which is surprising seeing as this is not usually my reaction to sitar music. The rooms are super clean, super comfy, super warm, and might I just add that they are super conscious of the fact that, Hey! I'm naked under here! And as someone who don't want nobody I'm not having sex with to see me naked, I appreciate this very much. PS. I love Mem! And Stephanie! And Lea! read more

Sanctuary is the perfect description for this place. It's warm and inviting, a retreat from the cold Seattle rain. Not too overdone, so you feel comfortable. I had a 45 minute massage with Marina. She started the session off with asking me about what areas needed special attention and what my overall goal was. She applied just the right amount of pressure and made sure to ask me several times how I was doing. The music was soothing and not overpowering. I thought the price was very reasonable based on the quality of the massage. If you get an hour or longer service before 1pm, they offer a special deal. read more

After getting a new gift certificate from the owner who recommended that I go with Bryan for deep tissue work, I will say that I can recommend the place, but to choose wisely your therapist. He was incredibly thorough and found bizarre pressure points I didn't know I had. A very satisfying massage, and now, I'd like to come back and get my legs and feet done, too! The only reason I put four stars is that I had to come twice to learn how good the massage can be. I think when a brand new client books, a series of questions should be asked of the client to get a better fit. read more

Sigh...Massage Sanctuary just inspires me to relax and sigh. Mmmm... Conveniently located, courteous therapist, cozy room, affordable services that I will return to as often as possible...sigh... read more

I went here after searching Yelp for some good massage therapists that could get me in quickly. I was able to book a same-week appointment (probably could have gotten same-day, but hey, I didn't ask). This was the main good thing about this massage place. It's super close to my house, so I was really looking forward to becoming a regular. However, I'll be taking my business elsewhere. I asked for a firm massage, focusing on my back/shoulders/neck. But it was like the masage therapist (female, can't remember her name) was working off a script that she couldn't deviate from. Got a full body swedish massage-- which felt good -- but really wasn't what I asked for. I like my massages nice and deep so they actually do something vs. feeling nice at the moment. If she couldn't do deep tissue work, she should have said so. Disappointed. Still looking for a great place on the Hill that I can go to at least once a month. The search continues. read more

Decorated in Ashanti & Turkish furnishings, nestled in the catacomb-like historic Loveless Building, getting a massage at the Sanctuary is an Experience from the moment you walk through the door. I have had both an hour-long full body massage and a half hour chair massage. Mem, who is the owner, has a gorgeous South African accent & a zen-like calm. Sarah sparkles with joy. Both were wonderful. Both worked the tension out of my tightly coiled muscles. The $35 half hour massage is affordable enough that I'm going to start doing this on a regular basis. I love the setting just as much as I love the massage! As others have noted, parking is atrocious in this particular section of Capitol Hill, but if you're willing to walk a few blocks, you can usually score free residential area parking, particularly during weekdays. read more

Ahhh-mazing. Massage Sanctuary is relaxing, warm, inviting, no-frills, and simply wonderful. I've been to a lot of different spas in Seattle, and Melissa has given me the best massages of my life. When my muscles need some love, she combines the best of relaxation and strength to get all the kinks out and make me feel ooey gooey. She is so good in fact, that I made the investment of purchasing a package of six massages for the price of five. Their hours are great and people that work 9-5 on weekdays can still come in after work and on the weekends. As I was mentioning before, this place is no frills. You won't find a rain shower and luxurious robes here. But what you will find are the best massage therapists and the best customer service all around for a price that is certainly more reasonable than other spas in Seattle. read more

Really love this place. I see Kurt as a massage therapist and he listens, digs in and really works well with me. I didn't rate it 5 stars as they don't take insurance. read more

I love this place--it has become my weekly habit. A massage, then around the corner to the Joe Bar for a mocha and the Sunday paper. Ahhhh. I wish the rooms were kept a little warmer, something I will ask about next time I go. I usually see Mem, who is lovely and has the perfect level of pressure for me--feels deep, but doesn't hurt. And she started giving me a discount after my first massage--not sure why, but I'll take it. Loss of one star is for parking woes. Goes with the neighborhood. read more

I was in trouble. 3 hours on my feet at a concert, followed by 2 hours with my drum strapped on and accompanying dancers at Zen Circus. I thought it was just a great evening until I woke up in the wee hours of the morning unable to roll over. I agonize over choosing health care/healing practitioners. This is because I have an uncanny ability to attract "learning" situations for said practitioners, where they manage to do something screwed up and then -learn- that perhaps a behavior or practice is best avoided. First I tried to survive on maximum doses of ibuprofen, but finally succumbed to taking some oxycodone that was in the medicine cabinet. Then I called a few LMTs I know and either couldn't reach them or no appointments were available soon. The pain was NOT going away, so I turned to YELP! I called several of the listings posted here, talked to a few people and finally concluded to take a chance on the Massage Sanctuary. It was probably the attitude and feeling of the guy on the phone that convinced me, particularly when he referred me to the other masseur, who he felt would better address my issue. I can attest to the skilled manipulation and work of Kurt, who impressed me with his knowledge of the body and sent me out the door significantly better off for the experience. It was great. No unexpected experiences, just solid professional Beneficial help. You can't ask for more than that. read more

I love this place. It is great if you need a sport massage, help with an old injury, help with after-surgery care, or just a relaxing massage. I went in with an injury, and Lindsay ans Melissa got me back into fighting form within a week. I used to "tough it out" with injuries, thereby extending them for weeks. Now I know that if I get injured there is a place that will actually help me, and not by throwing Advil at the problem. The Massage Sanctuary is indeed a sanctuary. It is quiet, warm, calm, and the best place to unwind or get unwound. read more

I came to Massage Sanctuary a few weeks ago because my shoulders had never felt so tense and my life and I had had a headache for about 3 days straight, and I rarely have headaches that can't be remedied in a few minutes by drinking more water. I was miserable and almost felt like I was going to be sick. I was hoping that working out some of that tension would make me feel better. So I yelped away and found this one only a block away from me (great since it was during that really cold spell). They had a couple appointments available for that afternoon, so I threw on some sweats and boots and ambled over there. If I'm being real, I don't remember my therapist's name, but he was very receptive to my issues and made some suggestions for me. Felt great on my shoulders during the massage. I can't say that the tension went away entirely, but I think the next day it decreased significantly. That was the first time I had every gotten a massage because I felt like I NEEDED one, so I am looking forward to going back because I want one. read more

I had been thinking about getting a massage for a few weeks now, and found the Massage Sanctuary on Yelp with its excellent reviews, but kept putting off making an appointment due to this or that. Well, that changed yesterday morning when, upon waking, I turned my head and my neck popped in an OMFG way. When Advil didn't do much to dull the pain, I dialed the Massage Sanctuary, hoping they would have a same-day appointment available. Unfortunately, they were completely booked until today, but I decided to go ahead and make the appointment. They don't have a receptionist, so we ended up playing phone tag back and forth but that's why God gave us voice mail. Woke up this morning and discovered that my neck felt mildly better, but that was only because the pain had moved down into my shoulder-blade and especially my lower back, making it impossible to even walk without pain. Fortunately, I managed to make it down to the Massage Sanctuary where I met my masseuse, Sarah, who is very friendly and cheerful. Another reviewer said she 'sparkles with joy' which I think is a very apt description. We talked about my prior massage experiences & what I was looking for, then she left so I could get undressed. What followed was an absolutely glorious massage. Sarah was very sensitive and gentle with the parts that hurt, and also very adept at finding aches in the parts that I didn't think hurt until then! Her technique was perfect--firm enough that I could tell she was getting the knots out, but not so hard as to make me want to cry (at least not until the end, and only then because it was over). At $75 for one hour, it isn't the cheapest thing in the world, but the value for your money is superb. Massages aren't part of my normal routine (the last one was probably 2-3 years ago), but the Massage Sanctuary just might have changed my mind! read more