Massage Envy Spa in Foster City, CA – Massage & Facial

For most moms, “me time” does not come very often and, when it does, it’s very brief. That’s why it’s nice to have a place to go to for some quick in and out pampering. While I was able to get a small sample of the services that Massage Envy Spa offers here in the Bay Area this past summer, an actual visit to a nearby location was really in order. After much procrastination, I finally made an appointment for a massage and brought my daughter along to get a facial.

Unlike a resort or upscale spa that might take a half or full day, a trip to Massage Envy Spa is pretty much only as long as the service itself. You don’t have to change into a plush robe with slippers and there is no locker room with showers, a sauna, a powder area, or an elaborate relaxation room. Just fill out your paperwork (if it’s your first visit) and sit in the darkened waiting area until shown to the room for your facial or massage. When done, you just walk out and pay your fee. That’s it.

Massage Envy Spa, Foster City – Massage

The heated table was so nice to get into but I’m glad the massage therapist offered to turn it off as it was getting toasty pretty fast. The therapist made sure focus on the areas I noted as being particularly in need of work. Sitting and being on my laptop most of the day brings with it tense shoulders and a sore lower back. The pressure was good enough to put me in and out of sleep toward the end of the massage but, even with the petite-framed woman using her elbows and leaning her whole body weight over me, I would have preferred a firmer and more fluid treatment. The 1-1/2 hour did loosen up much of my soreness though. The massage therapist encouraged me to schedule another session in a month for a deep tissue massage.

Massage Envy Spa, Foster City – Facial

This was Munchkin’s first facial. As a teen, she’s getting the typical skin changes that kids her age do and she really needed a boost in cleaning out those pores. However, she has zero pain tolerance when it comes to her skin and I was worried how she would do. The steam didn’t bother her a bit but the esthetician was limited in what she was able to extract. I had to finish the job when we got home. There was a recommendation of purchasing the Pore Reform Regimen from Murad for my daughter but I just couldn’t swing the $30-40/per bottle at the moment. I should also note that after several days have gone by, my daughter has been dealing with some additional breakouts and peeling skin.

As I was checking out, I was told all about the membership plans and how signing up now would waive the initial fees. While the staff was friendly and helpful, I felt somewhat forced and declined. Overall, I thought the Massage Envy Spa in Foster City provided a decent experience for a regular and inexpensive service. Sadly, the push of joining as a member and uncomfortable product sales pitches did damper the visit. After all, if the services were top notch, I’d be back with no incentives necessary.

A gift card to Massage Envy Spa would be a sweet present to anyone needing a break. With several locations and a variety of facial and massage choices, it’s easy to find something to fit any price range or time constraint. Just be aware that there might be some nudging to purchase additional product or services.

Have you ever visited a Massage Envy Spa?