Today I went to
The Alabaster Box Massage Studio in West Carmel. I bought a groupon for this place, which allowed me to get a 60 minute Swedish or Deep Tissue massage for $35. I scheduled my massage through the online scheduler on the website, which was very convenient. When I scheduled the massage, I added a note that I would like to try the deep tissue massage, but I was afraid of very strong pressure. Kelly, the owner/sole massage therapist at Alabaster Box emailed me back right away, saying that she would work with me on the pressure.
I had a little trouble finding the place because I was looking for a sign with the establishment's name on it. Instead, I found that it was in a building full of suites that individuals rent. I had never seen this type of set-up before, but it seems like a good idea if you are an independent massage therapist and don't want to go to people's houses or work out of your own house, and don't want or can't afford a full-size store front. The building was nice, but plain. The name Alabaster Box was very fitting, since it was literally just a massage room off of the hallway. When I rounded the hallway corner, I saw the correct suite number and the door was open. The room was nicely decorated, and has the customary low lighting and soothing music. I especially liked the four swags of glittery fabric that were attached to the corners of the ceiling and came together in the middle.
Kelly greeted me and had me fill out a medical history and release form. She then asked me about what I wanted from a deep tissue massage. I said I just wanted to try something different, but I did not want to it to be too hard a pressure. Kelly talked to me for a while about the way she does Swedish versus deep tissue massages, and how she didn't feel it was right for massage therapists to charge more for doing a Swedish massage (generally lighter pressure) with some deep pressure work. She suggested a combination of the two, which was fine with me. My groupon was the same price for either one. Her long talk was a little strange, but sweet, as she was just trying to do right by me I think.
The actual massage was very good. Kelly definitely used a deeper pressure on my back and shoulders, but it didn't hurt. She used a lighter pressure on my legs and arms. Kelly also used hot towels a couple of different times which was nice. When the massage was over, Kelly gave me a bottle of water with a little thank you note and bag of Hersey's kisses attached, which was very cute. She also offered me the same deal I got on groupon for my next massage. Before I left, she gave me a hug.
Overall, I had a very good experience. Kelly definitely seemed very caring and interested in really personalizing the experience for me. She also did a very good job with the actual massage. The combo Swedish/Deep Tissue massage that I ended up getting was a regular value of $72.50 (the average of the two types), but I only paid $35 (plus tip) since I got the groupon. These are the types of places that really benefit from groupon because I would never have known of it otherwise. I would definitely go back to this place and get a Swedish massage for the regular price of $65, although that will have to be my third visit since my second visit will be $35 again. :)
Service Quality Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
"Spa Experience" Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Price: $$$ - regularly charged price ($ - price I actually paid)
Price Guide
$ = less than $1 per minute (very budget friendly!)
$$ = about $1 per minute (reasonable)
$$$ = more than $1 per minute (an occasional treat)
$$$$ = about $1.50 per minute (only if I get a gift certificate or great coupon)
$$$$$ = more than $1.50 per minute (I'll be surprised if I ever get to go to one of these)
