Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa

I was invited back to try some of the services again. I saw T, and she was very good. She hit targeted points right away, and she didn’t do anything crazy. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND her. (I talked to my normal regular massage therapist from back home, and he told me that it sounded like my original therapist might have been doing this special technique improperly. I forgot what it was called). T spoke softly. She did not interrupt my massage to demonstrate exercises. She used firm pressure. I was very happy with her work.
The reason that I did not give 5 stars, and my main criticism that I think this place is a little shady with the time. I arrived like three minutes late for my massage, so I am giving them the benefit of the doubt, but still I sat in the waiting room for another 6 minutes. I can’t remember what time my appointment was scheduled for, but my actual massage started at 13 after the hour, let’s say 1:13. It was supposed to be an 80 minute massage. T ended my massage at 25 after the hour. That means that my massage was only like 72 minutes. This was really an hour massage plus a 30 minute add on. They told me that the actual massage time would be 80 minutes.
As stated in my previous post, messing with the time is a huge pet peeve of mine. 8 minutes off is 10% of the massage time. I did not take off multiple stars for this, as I was late.
Maybe these masseuses should bring in a stop watch — and the time should start at the time that the massage starts. Not the time that you go into the room. They are already deducting 10 minutes to get ready. I was wearing gym shorts, so it literally took me 5 seconds to get on the table. It is a little ridiculous to take off another 8 minutes for changing/​prep time.
As long as the time gets better, I would recommend this place — T specifically.

Each time I come here, my massage therapist, Essence, works wonders! The place is always clean and inviting. I highly recommend a monthly package plan and this professional massage therapist.

Definitely a must visit. This site has new owners. The staff is amazingly attentive. The facilities are clean and well kept. I enjoyed my facial and massage today. Treat yourself; you’re worth it.

2^nd time to Hand & Spa. … so totally pleased with my facial, and love my masseuse Cher!!! Thank you for taking me into world of relaxing! I definitely would recommend to my friends. And ladies at front desk always greet you will a smile & pleasant.

I went in Saturday morning for the Introductory Massage and I loved it! I saw Essence and she worked on all of my problem areas. I left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. She even taught me a couple of stretches I could use to keep my problem areas loose.
I also got an eyebrow wax and it was quick and painless.
I walked out with everything for under $ 60.00 plus tip. I will definitely be going back!

I was very impressed by this location. I am a member at a different massage business, but I came here as part of a bachelorette party.
The location is pretty good, once you find it. It’s located in a strip mall and if you don’t know where to look you can miss this place. However, there is plenty of nearby parking.
The staff were all friendly and accommodating. My masseuse was personable and attentive to what I needed. I liked the ambiance as well. It was clean, spacious, well-​decorated, and very relaxing. They don’t have a separate «calming/​waiting» area like other places, so when you wait to be called back, you’re still in the lobby.
The prices were reasonable. I only paid $ 50 for an introductory 1-​hour massage and I felt it was worth it. I don’t think I’ll be back because I have a membership elsewhere, but I’d definitely consider this place if I were in the market again.

WHY DID I COME BACK HERE??? D*mn you Living Social for tricking me into thinking this place might have been better. It was just as awful as the last time.
Please just never go here. No one ever asked me if I wanted a male or female massage therapist, so of course I show up and it’s a man… a short round man with a bandana acting as a sweat band.
Let me just say this — if I can hear you breathing over the sound of the massage music… maybe reconsider your choice to be a massage therapist. The therapist was good at rubbing oil on me, twisting my skin and grabbing my neck and squeezing really hard. Seriously, just a terrible experience… stay away.
Hoping someone checks to see if anyone in this place has a massage license and I am completely serious.

Shock. Perturbed. BEWILDERED!
I’ll explain why I have chosen these words to describe my sub par experience at Hand and Stone.
I was super excited when LS had this as an online deal considering my amazing first experience.
I called to make an appointment, and specifically requested my previous masseuse; disappointingly, I learned that she no longer worked at that location. Fine. I’m open. Ah let’s do it!
The day of my massage arrives! Woohooo!!!
Despite getting to my appointment fifteen minutes early, my massage started ten minutes late. Now what now? I appreciated the fact that my masseuse asked about my problem areas, and things that I wanted to have her concentrate on. I laid down, semi relaxed even and then, all hail…
Let’s start from the beginning, the techniques utilized were… odd. I’m not used to someone using their forearm/​elbow as a primary method of massage. Also, it didn’t really feel like a massage… it was almost akin to someone simply rubbing lotion me. Hmmmm it puts the lotion on its skin or it gets the hose again. Sorry. I love movies. I love Silence of the Lambs. This is the way my brain works. I’ll continue.
I’m pretty use to this massage thing. I KNOW my problem areas, I also know that some masseuses prefer not to work on them, or simply don’t know how. This is why I specifically request someone that has familiarity with my problem areas. Needless to say, my problem areas were not properly addressed, and it was quite uncomfortable. There was no direction in the massage and my kinks were not worked out.
It was so bad, that I honestly wanted it to be over. I was not relaxed. I was tired of the wonky lotion rubdown, and her attempts at getting me to relax with the «three deep breaths.» I’m so happy that I didn’t pay full price for this massage. It wasn’t worth the $ 90 bucks. The hit or miss of this place isn’t worth it. I guess I should finally concede, I have learned my lesson! I need to STOP trying to find new massage places… I have a home. It’s in Gambrils.
Hmph.

Had an amazing message with Eric at Hand & Stone. One of the best massages I have ever had. The entire experience was great, front desk staff courteous, space clean and relaxing, and the message wonderful.

Not a place for seasoned massage seekers. Your money is better spent elsewhere. I am not confident the therapists are qualified. Beware!

The front desk staff was wearing stained clothing and just looked disheveled. Unprofessional looking unlike their competition Massage Envy. Think of this as a cheap version of Massage Envy. I’m not talking just price. You get what you pay for I guess you could say that.
I got a pudgy black dude wearing a red ninja bandana. He was HORRIBLE you could tell by the way he massaged he was a massage school drop out.
He kind of had an idea what to do but was all over the place. It’s like he went to the first class, then skipped till the end of the semester so he found a job here.
NIce guy but his hands were rougher than elephant skin. I went to Thailand and rode elephants so I know what it feels like.
His idea of a massage was a lot of squishing with his fingers like kneading dough and twisting. He took my arm between his two rough palms and rubbed it back and forth like how you have a pencil between your palms and just rub vigorously? Yeah like that. Who’s seen that method in a massage, raise your hand? nobody? SHOCKER!
He would rub my back with his forearm but not put any pressure. Up and down, up and down. so basically he was just oiling my back. Throughout the massage I couldn’t believe what was happening. It was the weirdest «massage» ever. I’ve had Thai massages, Swedish, sports, Reiki, all different styles, you name it. This must be some random method. There was no method to his madness. If they hired me to do a massage without me going to massage school this is what I would have done probably, just make up shyt on the fly. But aren’t these people trained? I guess this one didn’t. He was doing his own thang.
I’ve had massages every month from different places including overseas, this is a «new technique» he conjured up. It was making me so angry within the first five mins that I contemplated the entire time how to leave wihtout being rude which led me to think of lies like going to the bathroom but I wussed out. I don’t like hurting people’s feelings even though they are incompetent. at one point I told him please stop pushing his chubby fingers into my spine behind my neck because it was hurting, I dont want it to hurt the next day, he said it won’t. WTF? How bout you stop? You don’t even know what to do with pressure points, you’re not supposed to just lay your finger on it. You’re supposed to press on it. THe ENTIRE MASSAGE my face winced from being so g*dd@mn uncomfortable and he ignored it.
When I checked out, I already had what I wanted to say mapped out in my head hell I spent all 40 mins figuring out the most polite way of saying it without going all btch crazy. The 20 year old blonde didnt bother to ask how it was so I just figured I’ll blast them here. There’s no manager around. She asked for my payment info even though when I made the appt the receptionist made me give my info to hold my spot. I asked why while I fished for my payment. She said its’ just easier than looking it up. WTF? Seriously?
DO NOT GO TO THIS SHORT PUDGY DUDE. I wanted to offer someone 40 bucks to go take one of his massages so they could commiserate in my pain. You really have to try his techniques to get a good laugh or be angry like me.
I’ve never had a bad massage. I’ve had not so good, mediocre and EXCELLENT but HORRIBLE? THIS GUY IS HORRIBLE.
WHY DIDN“T THE RECEPTIONIST ask me if a male masseuse was ok? WTF? I HATE THIS PLACE I anticipate it going out of business in 3 months, 6 tops.
I will not go back. Don’t offer me a refund. I would however love to offer someone else my refund so they can experience this guy for shiz and giggles. *sorry for all the typos I was so mad he wasted my time and energy.

I love this place. I have gotten a massage and a facial there and everyone I have come in contact there is professional and courteous. The massage was amazing! And afterwards the masseuse helped me with stretches to help with my shoulder which is my main problem area. When I got a facial I hadn’t had one for over 2 years and I really enjoyed it and felt very refreshed after. I would recommend this place to anyone. They have great hours and really good service.