Spa Review: The NOW Massage in Studio City, California
The NOW Studio City’s front reception area.
We often get asked to recommend affordable massage options in Los Angeles—something with a nice atmosphere and great services that won’t break the bank. Having heard a lot of good things about The NOW, I’d been wanting to check it out for a while. Last week I finally had the opportunity to see what The NOW was all about when I visited its Studio City location for a 50-minute massage with Gua Sha and Fresh Eyes enhancements.
The NOW is a massage boutique with four locations in Los Angeles (and more locations coming soon throughout the country) that offers massages at reasonable prices in a trendy yet tranquil setting. Service options include 25-minute ($45), 50-minute ($75), and 80-minute ($105) table or chair massages, along with a menu of fun enhancements that range from Crystal Healing to Scalp Renewal. You can see the full menu and selection of enhancements here.
The NOW doesn’t have locker rooms or traditional spa amenities like a steam room or sauna, but instead focuses on offering fantastic massages like you would find at a luxury destination with the convenience of a walk-in neighborhood location.
The NOW Studio City.
Here’s what you’ll love about The NOW:
Affordable massage prices
Clean with a nice stylish and tranquil setting
4 convenient locations in Los Angeles: Silver Lake, Studio City, West Hollywood, Santa Monica
Fun menu of enhancements ($10 each)
Great retail area with curated assortment of cool products
The rose quartz Gua Sha tools used in the enhancement are available for retail.
Last year, The NOW launched a Gua Sha enhancement—a traditional Chinese medicine technique targeting specific areas—and I was excited to visit the Studio City location to experience it in person. When I arrived at The NOW, the first thing I noticed was the cool boho-chic atmosphere. Crystals, sage, cacti, a curated selection of self-care products, and good energy are what you’ll discover when you enter. The NOW also has its own line of products and I spotted other brands I’m a fan of, including Joanna Vargas and Naturopathica.
Path to the massage rooms.
I checked in and was introduced to my massage therapist, Natasha, who led me to my room for a table massage. The rooms are sectioned off by curtains, giving you privacy and lending to soothing beachy vibes. The ocean waves soundtrack and soft dim lighting (there are crystal salt lamps in the rooms) also complemented the dreamy atmosphere.
A peek at the massage room
The massage started with lavender aromatherapy to help set the tone for relaxation and calm. While Gua Sha is often used on the face, The NOW uses rose quartz tools for bodywork to reduce inflammation and promote circulation. The tool is used to apply pressure and scrape the skin to help promote lymphatic drainage and reduce muscle tension.
I also enjoyed a “Fresh Eyes” enhancement, which was a cooling and soothing eye mask. The massage was just the relaxing 50-minute escape I needed before heading back to work. Next time someone asks me where to go for an affordable massage in Los Angeles, The NOW will be a top recommendation.
The NOW Studio City.
Insider’s Tip: The NOW is available for group bookings of six or more, private events, and parties.
What to Tip: The NOW suggests $10 for 25 minutes, $20 for 50 minutes, and $30 for an 80-minute massage.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Address: 12019 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA 91604 (For other locations, visit thenowmassage.com.)
[Images courtesy of The NOW]
Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy