I was thrilled to score a LivingSocial coupon for half off a massage at Kara's Pro Massage, located…read moreon the second floor of the small shopping center with Balloons and Tunes, and just across the street from Southeastern Camera, in Carrboro. This business is just Kara in a tiny office suite: her small, hallway-like front office, and a small room with a massage table in the back. The space is painted sky blue and is inviting. Kara herself is friendly and welcoming, and really gives off that positive energy that is absolutely necessary from a good massage therapist. I have chronic aches and pains thanks to a thyroid disorder, so I get massages pretty regularly. Basically whenever there's a massage deal on Groupon or LivingSocial within a thirty-mile radius, I snap it up, because no matter how spectacular my Duke Select insurance is, it sure doesn't cover massage therapy. Kara gives an absolutely miraculous deep tissue massage. It can be a challenge to relax during deep tissue because, well, if you're already in pain, it kind of hurts, you know?, but this massage was the best of both worlds. The music playing was something from a yoga class, and the room itself just smelled great, adding a layer of aromatherapy to the experience. A big plus is that there is a private parking lot for this little office building, because you know how ridic parking in Carrboro can be. The only drawback was that I could clearly hear the noisy Friday afternoon chatter of the folks in the insurance office next door through the thin walls. That's the only reason I'd knock off a star, and that is not Kara's fault at all, just something to keep in mind. If you visit, however, during some time other than 9-5 / M-F, I would imagine that it wouldn't be an issue at all. All told, I would go back for sure.

From the owner: Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Trigger Pointread more

I woke up this morning with terrible shoulder and neck pain. Text The Ruby Spa and was seen by Jin…read morewithin the hour. Jin is professional and courteous. She is an amazing masseuse. Needless to say, no should or neck pain and I would recommend her to anyone.

My wife suggested a massage appointment towards the end of the week…read more We had difficulty scheduling a couples or separate concurrent session with a massage place we normally use. Found The Ruby Spa on Yelp and wanted to try them. The hard part was scheduling using there chatbot messaging system when you call and the limitation was you can only schedule same day and not ahead of time. We did get an appointment later in the day and was very happy with the massage provided. The techniques described by the other reviewers is correct and I was surprised that I had areas that I did not know were issues! For those that used the massage place at Southpoint Mall, The Ruby Spa is similar! Both of us felt the massages provided by The Ruby Spa is one of the best in the area!

I went to see Kristine for about 2 years while I lived in Chapel Hill…read more Kristine was super flexible with me on scheduling. We would often text or email to set up an appointment which was such an easy way for me to get in touch. Kristine is an excellent massage therapist. She was gentle when I needed her to be and applied more pressure when I asked. She always asked me how the pressure was and made me feel comfortable. Kristine also has one of the best massage tables I've ever laid upon. I could easily fall asleep on it and I almost did a few times. Kristine's rates are reasonable and I highly recommend her! Her office location is great as well because there is plenty of parking.

I had a groupon for a 60 minute massage, that I used as a treat for completing my graduate school…read moremid-term exams. What a treat! Kristine is so nice, warm and welcoming. The massage was relaxing, just as I wanted, and she was able to change the amount of pressure as requested. It's also very close to where I live, so extra convenient!

It's so rare to find a healer of Sarah's caliber. Her office was beautiful, peaceful, and calm; she…read morehas created Sacred Space. Her approach to finding out about my needs was open and I felt like she was listening to my specific needs. Her deep tissue work was some of the best I've ever received... intuitive, deep and precise. Her Energy Work was the real deal... connected and transformative. I received a 90 minute session with a combination of deep tissue massage and energy work and felt significantly better afterwards. Thank you Sarah!

Sarah is an excellent massage therapist. My orthopedist wanted to give me cortisone injections for…read moremy drop foot. Not only has my drop foot been corrected, but Sarah has helped me reduce the tension in my shoulders, neck & lower back. Highly recommend her 90 minute massage. Her fingers are magic! Grateful I found her & completely endorse her technique.

I can't say enough about how great the service was. I have moved away from the area and had tried…read moreto seek someone as good as the folks in the collective and there is no comparison. The hours are convenient for me and I was able to get a quick appointment. I need someone who really understands deep tissue work, my appointment was with Mitchell and it was awesome I really had some serious knots in my shoulders, back and legs and he was on it. The location is easy to get to with good parking I will be returning.

Almost want to gatekeep because this massage was so good Nicole was incredible. She got to knots I…read moredidn't even know I had. So so happy I found this place. Came home and immediately booked another appointment

I've been in The Durham Salt Cave twice and absolutely love going there! I honestly wish I could…read morehave a salt cave experience once or twice a month. Both times I've been Kelsey was our guide and she is amazing! She walks the group through what is going to happen and explains the known benefits of time spent in a salt cave. She offers blankets, hot stones, and eye masks for the experience. It is so relaxing being in the zero gravity chairs listening to the calming music and enjoying a moment that is not filled with all of the noise, stress, and chaos of everyday life. The first time I went was for a girl's day out. Four of us went and we all loved it so much! I told my Dad about how amazing it was and he wanted to go for the health benefits. I gifted him a salt cave experience for father's day and we took my mom and my husband with us. My dad really enjoyed it and said he has not experienced any pain in his feet since going which is amazing because he experiences pain in the soles of his feet every day. Seems like a new health benefit has been unlocked! I (and my dad!) will definitely be back and I highly recommend that everyone has a salt cave experience! They also offer massages which I have heard are amazing but I've not booked a massage myself.

What a great experience nothing from what I expected. My friend sett up an appointment for our…read moregroup of 4 and it was lovely! The zero gravity seats that vibrate and the sounds, and additional options just made the experience so relaxing and very much needed! The room was a comfortable temperature with the heating pad on the seat, you are given a blanket in case you do get cold. I loved the details and information we received on what to expect and what was going to happen! The mint tea at the end was also such a wonderful touch! All in all I am ready to go back! I have already started looking into a membership!

Very nice spa! Learned about them from a benefits fair at work, and they offered 1/2 off for my…read morefirst appointment! I had a customized organic facial. It was very relaxing and everything smelled amazing. A few things differed from some other facials I've had at other spas in the past (not necessarily good/bad...just wanted to mention it). 1. There wasn't a strapless towel top to wear, but I still felt comfortable because I was under the sheet just like a massage. 2. They didn't pull my hair back in a towel or a headband, so I felt like it got in the way a few times. They did recommend products after, and I did buy one facial cleanser which had been nice so far. I always feel awkward at spas when they offer products. I didn't feel anyone was pushy, but I always feel obligated to buy something. I don't regularly treat myself to facials or massages, but next time I do I will visit this location!

Great massage in a clean and cozy environment. I heard about Flawless Day Spa via Groupon, and…read morefound a wonderful deal (~$30-40 for a 60 minute I Deserve It All massage). For the amount I paid, I was very pleased. However, do note that the 60 minutes actually includes the time spent leading you to the room, talking to you for a few minutes, and letting you undress and dress; it is not a full 60 minutes. The massage therapist was professional and effective, and would ask appropriately for feedback regarding the amount of pressure she was applying. I would come back again, although it is a bit pricey to pay full price. They do have massage packages that they allow you to split with others though, so I might try to do that instead. Also, note that this building is a little difficult to identify because there is no obvious signage. Follow Google Maps, and turn into a small parking lot next to a nondescript building, and that's it. When you walk closer to the entrance, you'll see their sign.

I HAVE DOUND ME A NEW WAXICIAN!! McKenzie W. Did such a great job, as painless as it gets. She was…read moreengaging with me w a warm aura, very kind.. and made me feel comfortable. I have scheduled my next appointment in advance! If you're looking for a new wax lady, she's it! The Retreat overall is such a beautiful place w kind souls and very relaxing. Durham has a gem.

Their brand is smugness and condescension. More like "the abuse" and not "the retreat." I'm sorry…read moreto say they have lost my business forever and I can never recommend in the future. The attitude of the person I dealt with makes me never want to go again. My family has paid for a half dozen services and yet there is no thought to a long term relationship. Transactional thinking that will cost them. They are actually just around the corner from me and I would have considered making this a more regular stop, but one interaction has cost them a lifetime of business.