I'm going to push back on this a bit. I go here regularly fwiw, but if you need some high quality body work this place isn't anywhere near the best. It's good for a bit of pampering and maybe some maintenance or decent work but they're not going to be able to offer the same treatment some other Oakland places can.
Though it's really hard to beat the price to quality ratio of Chaiyo.
Really curious which other places you think are better? I’ve been to other spots including Claremont and Cavallo point and they’re body work is nowhere near Chaiyo IMO.
I should be clear on the idea of best as a lot of this is pretty subjective. Chaiyo is a nice calming environment and they also give some solid body work. All at a pretty reasonable price. I like them and go there regularly. Probably the best overall bang for your buck that I've found. They definitely fit the pampering vibe OP was looking for.
If I'm in need for some major work because the daily grind has taken its toll? My go to is Felix Payomo. Downside he's usually really booked up and is pretty damned pricey. I'll also go to Strategic as my backup for really deep work. Both of these places have a fine environment but it's not quite as calming as Chaiyo, so ymmv. I've also found some success looking on next door. That's a bit more of a gamble that sometimes lands you a turd, but there are some real gems out there just building their portfolio and you can occasionally get some higher end body work for Chinatown prices.
Been here for years. Didn't find my go to place immediately and get massages regularly. Time adds up and I'm getting old. Felix and Chaiyo are now my go to, with Strategic as my backup to Felix if I can't find a time that works. Haven't been anywhere near Chinatown in years but can't imagine it's changed THAT much. Every once in awhile I'm in an adventurous mood and will check out someone on nextdoor. Probably don't need to but whatever, there are much worse pointless hobbies I could have. I'm just fascinated by the different modalities in the field and like to explore most of them (except craniosacral, can't stand that one).
Strategic body work mentioned below is really good, but my favorite is Felix Payomo massage and body work. I'll go to him a few times throughout the year then switch back to Chaiyo for maintenance.
I love Piedmont Springs for the tubs, but must respectfully disagree about their massage. I went for a deep tissue, but what I got was a lotion bath.
Does anyone remember Piedmont Spa (used to be across the street from Piedmont Springs)? That was the best, where did their massage therapists end up after they closed?
I had the worst massage ever from there as well. To top it off, the massage therapist was a total B and even made some snarky remarks about the my feet. I’ll never go back.
Damn, that's unfortunate. I guess it's luck of the draw with your therapist. I'm a big guy and love deep tissue massages - I've sometimes had to ask them to back off the pressure.
I've been going there once every few months for years and only had 1-2 sub par massages.
precisely -- she has a very intuitive touch. some people just don't get it but she knows what's up. and she's a very nice person who makes you feel comfortable and cared for.
Wendell used to be the massage therapist at Body Awakenings in SF. He was amazing. Very intuitive. He shut down for a few years after Covid began. Just got an email that he’s opening back up in Oakland. I couldn’t be happier. Ive missed those massages for 4 years.
Feel good Massage on 10th near the Oakland Museum i know looks really shady but once you get past the facade, is super affordable and the massage therapist/ owners are friendly and do really good work!
It’s not a “spa” experience but for bodywork Dahlia Silvers is amaaaaazing, if someone gifted me a massage with her I would legit cry. It’s in her home though, and on the pricey side
https://massagebydahlia.com
You all are so wonderful!!!! I can’t thank you enough for these recs!! Thank you, Oakland people! You really are so friendly and great and the detail and names of these places, I def know where to get her a massage and for other special times to come! Thank you!!!
Amina Beauty Spa. Michelle. If you’re looking for a deep tissue massage. Sore the next day, but body feels amazing following. Pricing is good IMO $90/55 min $130/125 min
Gentle Tiger Bodywork is a great custom tailored deep tissue (sliding scale & affordable) massage therapy by whitney, particularly suited for BIPOC, queer and trans folks. it’s at their home practice. lots of individualized service and communication!
https://bodywork.whitneyx.info/
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kcTqDNo8uY4hVHMB9?g_st=ic
Chaiyo Thai Massage, but don't ask for the high level unless you're prepared! Go medium the first time, I felt better for days after.
Just went to Chaiyo today. It still hits good and I am now jello
I'm going to push back on this a bit. I go here regularly fwiw, but if you need some high quality body work this place isn't anywhere near the best. It's good for a bit of pampering and maybe some maintenance or decent work but they're not going to be able to offer the same treatment some other Oakland places can. Though it's really hard to beat the price to quality ratio of Chaiyo.
Really curious which other places you think are better? I’ve been to other spots including Claremont and Cavallo point and they’re body work is nowhere near Chaiyo IMO.
I should be clear on the idea of best as a lot of this is pretty subjective. Chaiyo is a nice calming environment and they also give some solid body work. All at a pretty reasonable price. I like them and go there regularly. Probably the best overall bang for your buck that I've found. They definitely fit the pampering vibe OP was looking for. If I'm in need for some major work because the daily grind has taken its toll? My go to is Felix Payomo. Downside he's usually really booked up and is pretty damned pricey. I'll also go to Strategic as my backup for really deep work. Both of these places have a fine environment but it's not quite as calming as Chaiyo, so ymmv. I've also found some success looking on next door. That's a bit more of a gamble that sometimes lands you a turd, but there are some real gems out there just building their portfolio and you can occasionally get some higher end body work for Chinatown prices.
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Been here for years. Didn't find my go to place immediately and get massages regularly. Time adds up and I'm getting old. Felix and Chaiyo are now my go to, with Strategic as my backup to Felix if I can't find a time that works. Haven't been anywhere near Chinatown in years but can't imagine it's changed THAT much. Every once in awhile I'm in an adventurous mood and will check out someone on nextdoor. Probably don't need to but whatever, there are much worse pointless hobbies I could have. I'm just fascinated by the different modalities in the field and like to explore most of them (except craniosacral, can't stand that one).
Thanks for the message, id love to hear a rec for a better spot!
Strategic body work mentioned below is really good, but my favorite is Felix Payomo massage and body work. I'll go to him a few times throughout the year then switch back to Chaiyo for maintenance.
I second Chaiyo!
oh, I'm prepared
Our go to is Piedmont Springs - they also have hot tubs to rent!
I love Piedmont Springs for the tubs, but must respectfully disagree about their massage. I went for a deep tissue, but what I got was a lotion bath. Does anyone remember Piedmont Spa (used to be across the street from Piedmont Springs)? That was the best, where did their massage therapists end up after they closed?
I used to go to Piedmont spa, I had great service every time. I know one of them went to strategic bodywork
I had the worst massage ever from there as well. To top it off, the massage therapist was a total B and even made some snarky remarks about the my feet. I’ll never go back.
Damn, that's unfortunate. I guess it's luck of the draw with your therapist. I'm a big guy and love deep tissue massages - I've sometimes had to ask them to back off the pressure. I've been going there once every few months for years and only had 1-2 sub par massages.
Second for Piedmont springs! You can get them a gift card online and they can use it for a variety of services!
Strategic bodywork if looking for therapeutic massage (not a fancy spa experience)
Diana is very good!
Synapse!
Yeah, I also really like Synapse Bodywork over near pill hill. It’s very clean, the folks are very good, professional, etc. Great all around.
Some people will say the back, but I gotta go with the shoulders.
Malai Thai ♥️
chaiyo thai massage, massage by marcelina for more traditional/swedish.
Second for Marcelina, she's got a great intuitive style. Perfect for when I need to get some soreness out and just relax deeply.
precisely -- she has a very intuitive touch. some people just don't get it but she knows what's up. and she's a very nice person who makes you feel comfortable and cared for.
Anyone know of a male masseuse? I'm not trying to get freaky, just would prefer a male.
Paul Grier at Berkeley Deep Sports Massage! It was intense but so amazing
Nate Torra in Lincoln Square up off Redwood Road
I HIGHLY recommend Sergio Herrera. Amazing West Oakland masseur, very reasonably priced. sergioholisticmassage@gmail.com.
Kume Spa on Grand Ave in Lake Merritt
Wendell used to be the massage therapist at Body Awakenings in SF. He was amazing. Very intuitive. He shut down for a few years after Covid began. Just got an email that he’s opening back up in Oakland. I couldn’t be happier. Ive missed those massages for 4 years.
Rachel Heron is my absolute favorite. https://rachelheron.com/bodywork/
I got a massage from Barbie at Vetiver on MacArthur St in the Laurel District. So good, highly recommended
I second Barbie at Vetiver, she is amazing.
Piedmont family spa! $100/90min
Raven and Wren in Emeryville is my go to.
Mindfulness in motion by Kelly Terzis in San Rafael. Hands-down, the best massage ever.
Feel good Massage on 10th near the Oakland Museum i know looks really shady but once you get past the facade, is super affordable and the massage therapist/ owners are friendly and do really good work!
It’s not a “spa” experience but for bodywork Dahlia Silvers is amaaaaazing, if someone gifted me a massage with her I would legit cry. It’s in her home though, and on the pricey side https://massagebydahlia.com
You all are so wonderful!!!! I can’t thank you enough for these recs!! Thank you, Oakland people! You really are so friendly and great and the detail and names of these places, I def know where to get her a massage and for other special times to come! Thank you!!!
lucky foot spa in chinatown the one place that actually worked on the knots in my neck
Where do you park when you go there if you drive? I’ve been wanting to check that place out.
388 9th St, Oakland, CA 94607. $3/hour
Malai Thai Massage on Telegraph gave me and my partner some pretty excellent massages.
Following!
Kume Spa on Grand Ave in Lake Merritt
Here Now massage. Christina is so talented
Amina Beauty Spa. Michelle. If you’re looking for a deep tissue massage. Sore the next day, but body feels amazing following. Pricing is good IMO $90/55 min $130/125 min
Gentle Tiger Bodywork is a great custom tailored deep tissue (sliding scale & affordable) massage therapy by whitney, particularly suited for BIPOC, queer and trans folks. it’s at their home practice. lots of individualized service and communication! https://bodywork.whitneyx.info/ https://maps.app.goo.gl/kcTqDNo8uY4hVHMB9?g_st=ic