Had a 90 minute massage after having 8 months off any human contact due to Covid lol. Shaka was great from the moment I walked in, explaining everything thoroughly. I went in with extreme fatigue & headaches due to issues in my neck/shoulder. I went from level 9/10 pain to 3/10. He always checks on to see that the pressure is ok and to make sure you are feeling comfortable. Made a follow up appointment before I left because I don't want to miss out haha. read more

Best massage I've ever had since I moved to Jersey! Shaka really knows what he is doing. The store is in an apartment building. Once you walk into the "apartment", you can tell how much effort he has put in. Not just to commercialize the place, but to deliver his concept and passions towards what he does. Def worth checking it out. Especially if you live Hoboken! read more

Let me just start by saying that I would go into the "negative" star rating if I could. First impressions go along way and I should have known there was something very odd about trying to call a business 5 different times in one day and only getting a voice mail. When I finally decided to leave a message I received a call back from a man on what sounded to be a cell phone who seemed a little lost with the call. He didn't say who he was or where he was calling from, instead it was more of a "hi, you left message?" I first asked him if he was from the massage place and he said "yeah" then I asked if he had same day appointments which to he also answered "yeah". I explained that I would like to go in after work and he said fine, that I would need to provide him with a credit card number. I told him that wasn't necessary because I would be using a Groupon that I purchased for this service. He went on to explain that if I didn't give him a credit card number that he could not confirm if there was an appointment for me after all. I said to him "you just told me that there was an appointment" but he said he needed credit card for cancellation purposes. I told him that I didn't have a credit card on me but that I could bring it with me on my way in. He said that I could do that but that if someone else walked in before I did wanting that same time slot that he would take them over me. From there he went on to tell me to bring cash. Again I reminded him that I would not being buying the service since I would be using a Groupon. He said it would be for gratuity and that it was suggested to tip 20%. I could understand the request for cash for gratuity but the amount of gratuity was a bit tasteless to ask for. I always tip 20% and even more on good service so I do not appreciate being asked to tip 20% without even having received a service. One last thing.... when I had requested a female masseuse he said that it would most likely be him so that's when I said never mind and called Groupon to do an investigation on this. read more

Shaka is the best massage therapist I've ever had. I've seen him now for years and I cannot go to anyone after the experience I keep having with Zening wholistic. As an athlete and someone working in a high stress environment, it is so refreshing to find someone who listens to my words and my body and tailors the massage to meet my needs. Shaka is very skilled with deep tissue, lymphatic massage, energetic release and relaxing feel-good techniques. I always leave feeling like I'm on a cloud. He is clean, professional and incredible at creating an experience that is completely personalized and totally euphoric. I highly recommend his services. You will not be disappointed. read more

What an experience! Booked a much needed last minute massage and facial. They were very accommodating at working me in same day, which is great for my schedule, since it's always changing. Andrea performed my massage. She. Was. Awesome!! She asked about specific areas to focus on, and I explained to her my body felt "tight" and needed a good stretch, and let me tell you, she nailed it. I also feel like she listened to my body and didn't just do the "masseuse routine". I literally felt like I was floating after. Shaka did my facial. UH-MAZE-ING! He examined my poorly treated skin and didn't make me feel bad about it. He knows what he's doing, that's for sure. This is only the first facial and I'm already seeing great results, and I can't wait to go back. Once I entered, I immediately felt comfortable and the environment was very homey and relaxing. What are you waiting for!? read more

Chaka knows what he is doing! My back was having spasms. He took me as his last appointment. Thank goodness he did. He knew how to workout the stress knots. He also educated me on the other muscles that were impacting the area that was in spasm. 90 mins later I could move. And I slept great! Highly recommend Zening Wholistic. read more

I had my first appointment with Shaka today. I came in off the street in terrible pain and feeling broken. He has such great technique that I walked out feeling relaxed, more pliable, and centered. I will definitely be returning!! read more

I called in as I was suffering from a light fever and thought a deep tissue massage ( with a bit of lymphatic drainage) would help. He did manage to give me a blend of that and I was happy that he was flexible to fit me in before his working day ended. Shaka was very respectful and professional. He is knowledgeable of his speciality. His techniques were great and I would definitely recommend him if you are after a more holistic treatment. read more

The best massage ever. Shaka is a true healer in many ways. He has helped me tremendously and is caring and really is knowledgeable. Karen Parziale -- 5 stars for him read more

I have had many massages across the country and internationally, however I was extremely happy with my massage here. He seemed in touch with the need of my bodies wellness, was informative and the overall experience left me feeling like my body had taken huge leaps forward to becoming more healthy. read more

I received as a gift my first deep tissue massage month here in the place. Shaka was very professional, he explained everything to me and that made me feel comfortable and relaxing For my first experience I can say that was great!! Looking forward to back again read more

My lymphatic drainage massage was absolutely amazing. I hold a lot of tension in my body and I work out religiously. My thighs had been in a bit ohf pain the last few months. Shaka was so good and so knowledgable. He checked in periodically to make sure the pressure was ok for me and I left the massage feeling so good. My legs have not felt this good in a very long time and I'm seriously going to commit to adding this wellness module to my self-care routine. Thank you! read more

Shaka is in a class of his own. I've been using massage therapy to treat sports injuries for most of my life and when I stumbled upon Shaka and Zening Wholistic I was amazed at how skilled in wellness therapy he truly was. I'm pretty pumped to continue to work with Shaka monthly as part of my wellness routine. read more

Shaka, the therapist really knows what to do, where to touch, and how to address any challange I have presented him with. Me, my sisters, and my parents are all using him on a regular basis few times a year, for few years already, driving sometimes 30 minutes or more... We were blessed to meet Shaka who is very knowledgable, gentle, kind and honest the way he treats you, and his recommendations to resolve any problems in your muscles, back, neck, shoulders, foot, and more. Highly recommended for most common pains and problems, and if he can't help, he will tell you :) read more

Best massage I have had in a long time! He was professional and and kind. He noticed that I needed a lot more pressure than most customers and didn't hesitate. I am extremely grateful. Going home and drink a ton of water made me feel amazing. Hoping to get an appointment this week! read more

So I bought this as a gift for my boyfriend for his bday. Within 4 days, I called to book his appt. I got a man with a very thick accent on the phone. He was very adamant that I give him the Groupon voucher number over the phone even though I said I would be there & show him my phone with the voucher but he insisted anyway. So I did...not thinking too much of it. Then he demanded a credit card and said it was to protect THEM if we didn't show up. I told him since the Groupon was already paid for, no matter what, he'd still get paid, but not to Worry as we would be there early. He then told me to bring cash for tax & tip...even told me how much to bring for tip (rude). So today, my beau went...20 minutes early-waited 15 minutes after his appointment time...called, rang, knocked...heard voices but no one would answer. I called 3x...no one answered. He left. Now I have to watch my credit card to make sure this scam doesn't charge my card for "missed appointments"...what a scam. They were so concerned about US not showing up, and they did that EXACT thing. Shame on them. Birthday gift fail. Thankfully Groupon refunded me & I filed a complaint with my bank. Also, the Groupon disappeared after I gave him the voucher number. So basically he cashed it in yesterday without services being rendered and then disappeared. SCAM!! read more

So I purchased a Groupon to come for a pre-natal massage. I called the first time and made it clear I wanted a female masseuse. The gentleman who answered said that I would need to call back closer to the date I wanted to book the massage as the female masseuse was coming from further away. I called back a few days later and booked a massage for Saturday at 2pm, again making it very clear I only want a female masseuse. He even joked and said 'I am the best, but ok.' The same gentleman booking my massage said I would need to provide a credit card to book which I did, and that I would need to tip at least $25. I said that's fine, even though I found it odd him telling me what I need to tip before I even receive ANY treatment. Isn't a tip given for good/exemplary service? Since when is it a guarantee? I arrived at 2:05pm (they are located on the third floor, there is no sign stating this). Upon arrival it was very, very loud. The second floor apartment was having some type of party for St. Patrick's day. You could constantly hear banging and crashing and the smell of alcohol was rancid. It was bad. There was another lady waiting for her massage upon my arrival, apparently her masseuse was running late. The same gentleman who took my appointment had me fill out paperwork and then told me we could start. I told him I had specifically asked for a female massage therapist. He got flustered and started checking paperwork and said he and double booked! He would be taking the other lady since she showed up first! Not a great way to treat any customer much less a pregnant one. So let me understand this, if I don't show up and don't cancel in advance then I'm charged a fee but if you double book, you just shrug your shoulders and say 'oops.' (He didn't even have the sense to apologize). I walked out because between the drunken parties on the second floor, smell of cheap alcohol (which smells disgusting when you are pregnant), and lack of ability to book a simple appointment it was not proving to be a good experience. Very unprofessional and sloppy business. I do not recommend and will not be back. read more

Went on a Sunday, while he didn't accept my Groupon, I still had a great massage from his female colleague. Professional, clean, and wonderful massage. I was pleasantly surprised. I'll be going back! read more

After reading the reviews about how the owner made women feel uncomfortable during their massage after purchasing the Groupon I decided not to go myself, but sent my husband as my proxy. I set up the appointment on the phone with "Shaka" the owner and explained to him that my husband would be using the Groupon. He seemed fine with it at the time. He went on to tell me my husband would need to bring cash for the taxes and a 20% gratuity was required based on the MSRP of the massage. I thought this was weird and unacceptable because I feel gratuity is earned demanded. Also there was no fine print in the Groupon purchased stating a required gratuity. When my husband got there he walked up to a poorly lit 3rd floor apartment which is his "office". He was given a hard time by "Shaka" saying he would have had someone else be there to do the massage if he knew it was a male coming. The masseuse left the room several times during the massage. He made my husband feel very uncomfortable. I will not be back nor will my husband. read more

Great massage!!! Last minute massage. Came here with a friend we both enjoyed our massages. Will return when we come back to New Jersey. The heated massage table was unexpected it felt great. Shaka was real and did a great job. 1st review I never made. Hot stone massage was great. Clean homely place. read more

The owner is extremely rude and unprofessional. Hard to schedule an appointment, with the call back at 10 pm, a bit late for a professional business. The owner is arrogant about using a Groupon, especially reading reviews and seeing others experienced the same treatment. Has contempt and one has to wonder why offer a Groupon if you don't want people to use it. On top of that a list of exceptions and cancellation fees on top of the Groupon, "moving" appointment time, and other tricks. Do not visit! read more

Very enjoyable massage. Shaka managed to apply the perfect amount of pressure to relieve all my kinks. Amazingly the next day I didn't have that uncomfortable soreness that comes with massages sometimes. I would definitely recommend the 90 minute massage for the ultimate in relaxation. Yes, as other reviewers have mentioned, the space is in a third floor walk up and is not super fancy. However I found it to be homey, clean and relaxing. I will definitely be back! read more

I have been going to Zening Wholistic for a few weeks now for my hip pain. Shaka is great at deep-tissue massage. I am ordinarily very sensitive to deep-tissue and tense easily, but he takes care to always tell me what he is about to do before he begins working and makes me feel very comfortable with the deep massage. My daily pain is minimized compared to what it used to be like, and I can't recommend this place enough! read more

Super nice; super cool guy! Very knowledgeable of massage therapy, coupled with pleasant surroundings.

Where do I start; First I called to book an appointment and the very rude male on the phone insisted I give him my credit card number, zip code and the CSV code on the back of my card, against my better judgement I gave it to him. He then proceeded to tell me that I had to pay $3.50 for taxes and that the minimum tip was 20% of the full value of the massage. I thought this was rude as a feel a gratuity is earned. I show up for the appointment and find myself in a dingy apartment with a very imposing 6'3'' tall male. He tells me to take a seat and then comes and stands over me and begins to talk to me about the massage. I asked him if there was a female therapist. This sent him on a rampage on how all Groupon customers do this show up and then don't want to be taken care of by him. Even asking me if there was something wrong with him. Mind you am alone with this man and he's losing his temper very quickly. I quickly handed him the Groupon and $5.00 to cover the "taxes" he told me I had to pay. I apologized and walked out. He proceed to follow me out the door still complaining about Groupon and how he wasn't going to use them any more. I felt extremely unsafe (born and raised New Yorker who has traveled and worked in NYC since I was 16,, I don't scare easily) I wouldn't recommend that anyone, much less a woman ever use this service. Lastly, I had to cancel my credit card as I had given him all my information. Found out he had tried to but a small charge of $1.07 in the morning before my evening appointment and then cancelled it. I will be contacting Groupon to complain. read more

my experience with shaka has been truly amazing.he is caring, and soothing.i honestly feel he has helped me more than anyone outside the medical field. i will continue to visit until my back is healed! read more

Shaka was fantastic. Best massage Ive had an only massage Ive had that REALLY targeted my chronic pain and provided longer term relief. Will def be going back. read more

Very effective in reducing chronic pain for my serious spine injury in my neck with the neuromuscular therapy, thanks. ya man, feelin irie

Bought two Groupons (name of the place on Groupon is Zening Wholistic), one as a gift and one for myself. We tried to make appointments at the same time, but we weren't allowed to. it's in an apartment, so at first it seemed sketchy, but it actually turned out to be homey. The massage itself was pretty good. I felt very relaxed afterwards. I'm very ticklish but the masseur worked with me and had me breath through it. First time someone did that for me during a massage. We both enjoyed our massages and would consider going back for a couples massage. read more

Would definitely recommended this place! It was the most professional massage I've had in a long time - you can tell Shaka has very good experience and understands how to find and address problem areas of stiffness and pain. The space is simple, but has an extremely relaxing and warm atmosphere. Will definitely recommend to others and visit again! read more

I've been a regular client for 5 years. I'm a very stressed and have a lot of muscles tension. Shaka is great in deep tissue massage and his work definitely brings a lot of relief. What I care for is great massage, not so much the decor or fluff - therefore works well for me! read more

Be Warned !!!. I bought two Groupons, one for myself for a massage and one for my wife as a xmas present. I should have checked out the place first but thought it was a Groupon and should be ok. Well how wrong could I have been!!!!. It took us a while to find the place as it was on a the main street but through a door that led to apartments. We climbed the stairs assuming it was the right place as there was no signage. At the top of the staircase was an apartment with a shoe rack and a notice saying please leave you shoes here; on the landing!!!! The door was locked and we had to knock. Eventually someone came and said that he could not make an appointment right now as he was with a client. To my better judgement I gave him my number and he said he would call back to arrange an appointment. Something didn't feel right. If it was me being massaged and he kept leaving me to answer the phone or the door, I would be a little put out. When he did call we asked for a female therapist and he said that none of the others would do the Groupon and we had to have him. My wife was very reticent about a male doing her facial. He was very insistent that I bring cash for the tax and his tip! Now things really didn't feel good. My travel plans changed and we needed to cancel. We were within the 3 days grace that Groupon give you (thanks Groupon) and I texted the number he called me on to cancel. Later that day he called and left a message telling that it was not 'cool' to cancel and that he would be making a complaint to Groupon! Really!! Is this what good customer service looks like.??? I would not go here unless you like difficult and rude therapists in dingy unprofessional places. I am sure then others that work there are reasonable but not this one. Stay away and use you massage dollars at a more reputable place. read more

Awful experience. When I first called the office, they did not identify the business' name. I was able to book the massage for the Friday after the call was made. However, the masseuse was supposed to call me back to confirm the appt. I did mot receive a call from the masseuse until That Friday morning. During the call he tells me to bring cash for a tip which is normally 20%. I found it odd that he told me to tip, but we continue the convo and confirm for 3pm. I get the address and the place is in a 3floor walk up which did not give their customers any direction. I knock and call with mo answer. Finally the man Shaka comes to the door and gives me attitude as I was confused as to why no one answers the phones or opened the door. I felt uncomfortable going into what looked like someone's living room and receiving attitude from this man. I tell him I do not wish to get a massage and walk downstairs in which he continues to yell down to me that I will still be charged. This was a living social deal that I purchased. Trying to get a refund was very difficult and even then I only received credit back on my account. The whole experience was shady and I would not recommend this place. read more