Relax

I was in the city on business and about 2 days before flying in started to get shoulder and back pain and then also headaches. I knew I would not last a week, so went in search of a place for relief one Sunday morning. A quick google search (I was visiting the high line at the time) revealed this place and despite the door being locked initially, I secured an appointment for the same day. My masseur shaneava was a ninja, her power, strength and knowledge was absolutely amazing and she went to work on my shoulder with an expert touch.
It’s funny I hadn’t read the reviews but no-​frills, but «really good at what they do» is my thing.
Hats off — keep up the good work.

What a find! My back muscles were hurting badly, and I needed a massage as soon as possible. I’d walked by Relax many times, and when doing research on massages near my office Relax kept showing up. I called to make an appointment, and I spoke to the owner Rick who was so friendly and helpful. I scheduled my massage for the same day and when I arrived I was greeted by a warm, welcoming receptionist. She made me feel right at home. My massage therapist Philip was phenomenal! He took the time to listen to me and find out what I was looking for out of our session, and then he went above and beyond to deliver. I could tell within the first 5 minutes that Philip knew exactly what he was doing. He expertly worked on every tender and achy muscle in just the right spots. He was friendly, competent, smart, understanding. After the massage he said «I think I nailed it!» He did. He told me I’d feel much better on Thursday, and he was right! What a difference. And the massage was very affordable, which is just amazing. I’ve already recommended Relax to my local friends, and I hope everyone has an experience like mine. I will definitely be back!

Lovely nearby West Village facility. Very low-​key — not at all fancy-​shmancy/​bells & whistles, yet very clean and professional. Mark, my very gentle (but with a good firm touch!) and sympatico massage therapist, did an amazing job in relieving my spazzed-​out lower back pains and yes, helped to really RELAX me altogether. And even was so sweet as to thank me when I gave him a token tip, too. Oh yes, was easy to get an appointment here for exactly the late time of day that works for my schedule, too. Def will keep this spot in my special list of natural health «go-to’s», hands-​dpwn!

Wonderful massage. Professional, quiet environment. You get what you pay for, will return.

If you are looking for a frilly spa experience don’t go to Relax. But, if you are looking for a REALLY good deep tissue massage then go see Rick. I’ve gotten many massages over the past 25 years from many different therapists, and Rick gives one of — if not the — best deep tissue massages. (He’s also the only therapist i ever let work on my low back where i had back surgery.) Definitely worth the trip to the west village. And do yourself a favor, go for 90 minutes instead of 60.

Excellent massage place in the West Village. I’ve been three or four times — typically when I’ve strained a muscle in my back (have a lot of trouble with my low back and traps — despite being in my mid-​20s and fit). I’ve seen two separate therapists (male and female) and both were great.
The space is no frills but relaxing (kind of nice not to have to deal with a stand-​offish receptionist at a spa). The price certainly isn’t cheap but is incredibly reasonable for NYC (around $ 95). I’ve had a number of disappointing massages at places like The Plaza and Bliss for double the price — you won’t be disappointed by Relax.

I got a great massage from King Tommy. He addressed all my concerns, did some serious deep tissue work, and quietly checked in to make sure I was comfortable. I had severe cramping in my legs and feet, and my feet now look and move in a different and much better way. Also, I was super-​late, and King Tommy just rolled with it. I’m very happy to find a good massage place with certified and licensed therapists in Manhattan – now I don’t have to go to Brooklyn.

Overall very disappointing.
Small, no frills, clean, professional, priced reasonably. These are all positives.
But the key variable, the massage, a complete letdown.
While it is certainly possible that one might get a good massage here, I cannot recommend the place.
I did give them two stars because Relax appears to employ a number of different therapists and it’s very possible the guy I had was not representative of the ability of the others — but I cannot justify another $ 100++ to find out.

I love these people! Operated out of a cozy storefront it it always busy, and for good reason! They do serious massage the right way! I went in with serious pain (too much exercise, yoga shoulder stands, etc), and after a discussion to make sure that they could help and not make it worse, Joanne attacked and triumphed! My husband swears by Lisa, and the owner, Rick, is a gem

I’m with Alexa on this one… Hate to give up this secret, but they are that good! If you’re looking for a no-​kidding around seriously GREAT massage this is the place. no spa atmosphere — these are real professionals that are there to give your back some much needed tlc. I’m not giving up my favorite therapist though-you’ll have to figure that out that yourself

Hate to give up this awesome secret, but if you want a GREAT massage, this is the place to go. Not fancy or over-​decorated, but quiet and with real professionals who know how to make back pain go away!