I Got a Massage at The NOW in West Hollywood and Was Amazed at How Much Better I Felt in Only 50 Minutes
The entrance to The NOW in West Hollywood. Photo by of Jamie Sanders
If I could get a massage every day, I would. Between pain from old injuries and lower back issues that worsen with migraines, my body is what I would frequently refer to as, well, a mess.
I welcome every opportunity to lessen the stress and strain, which is why I (gingerly) jumped for joy when I was invited for a massage at The NOW.
The NOW is a massage boutique chain with multiple locations throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego.
I’m lucky enough to live close to the West Hollywood location, so I booked The NOW Signature Massage with Deep Tissue and Herbal Heat Therapy to see what could be done about the knots and kinks that had been building up in my neck, back, and shoulders.
The NOW features a bright and airy decor that is inspired by Tulum, Mexico. Photo by of Jamie Sanders
From the moment I stepped through the doors, I entered an oasis in the middle of bustling Weho. The space is open, bright, and airy, done in sleek white with touches of pale brown wood, cracked cement floors, green succulents, and light brown wall hangings.
Near the reception desk is a bar cart that houses flat water and a water blended with cucumber and lemon, the latter of which I tried and it was delectably refreshing.
I felt like I escaped to Tulum for the afternoon, especially due to the ocean waves playing in the background. Along the walls are well-appointed shelves of items for purchase, such as sage, jade rollers, skincare products, delicate jewelry, and scented candles.
It also smells divine, thanks to well-placed candles throughout the space — specifically, The NOW Jasmine and Coconut Candles, which were heady and luscious.
The scented candles at The NOW smell incredible and are also sold in their retail boutique. Photo by of Jamie Sanders
The NOW massage treatment is available in increments of 25, 50, or 80 minutes. I’ll admit that I typically go for 80 minutes or longer, but on this occasion, I stuck with 50.
Call me adventurous, call me crazy, but I really wanted to see how much better I could feel in less than an hour. And since this treatment is meant to rejuvenate, relieve stress, reduce anxiety, increase well-being, and put you in a state of total relaxation, that sounded pretty fantastic to me.
In addition to The NOW massage, the boutique offers The Healer (meant to balance the mind, body, and spirit), and The Stretch (a sports-inspired massage for athletes). My favorite part, though, is the fact that all three treatments can be customized with a variety of enhancements, which range in price from $15 to $20.
The NOW has a sitting area for guests with a crystal grid designed to amplify energy. Photo by of Jamie Sanders
As I already mentioned, I chose Deep Tissue and Herbal Heat Therapy, the latter of which involves herbal heat packs that are strategically placed on areas needing more attention throughout your massage. Other enhancements include body gua sha, crystal hot stones, gliding cupping, and a scalp massage.
Once my massage therapist, Linda, came to greet me, the true fun began. She led me through a gorgeous, dimly lit corridor with flickering candles and hanging lanterns, which headed back to the treatment rooms. Each room is closed by floor-to-ceiling curtains.
While this spa is different than others in that there are no locker rooms or robes to change into, you will still have time to change in and out of your clothes in the treatment room before your massage begins.
A dimly let hallway accompanied by the sounds of ocean waves leads to individual treatment rooms. Photo by of Jamie Sanders
The treatment room is instantly soothing. It’s low lit, featuring a salt lamp on a small table in one corner. The massage bed is dressed in a plush faux fur throw and sleek white sheets. There are baskets and small holders for your clothing and jewelry, and light brown wall hangings placed around the room.
As soon as I laid down on the heated massage table, I actually emitted an “Ooooh” to myself. The ocean waves playing in the reception area were also playing in the treatment room, which put me in a zen state from the moment I put my face into the face cradle.
In no uncertain terms, Linda was a true miracle worker. In a mere 50 minutes, she brought my body back to life. She kneaded my body with deep, even strokes, working out kinks and knots along the way.
I appreciated how much time she spent on my lower back, which is a frequent pain point, and the herbal heat pack she placed there helped loosen it up as well.
For the next 50 minutes, I enjoyed a relaxing deep tissue massage on the heated bed. Photo by of Jamie Sanders
While I opted for deep tissue, and certainly enjoyed that during the session, it was never too deep or painful. Linda worked out the pain in my body without hurting me, which I very much appreciated. She also employed trigger point work on my shoulder blades to help loosen them up throughout the session.
I was amazed to discover how much looser my entire body felt after only 50 minutes. I felt so much lighter, and there was no strain or pressure throughout my body.
I’m so grateful to The NOW for the chance to experience such an incredible massage. In addition to The NOW locations in California, there are multiple boutiques throughout the United States.
The treatment room’s relaxing details include a Himalayan salt lamp and small containers for jewelry and other personal items. Photo by of Jamie Sanders
The NOW offers both member and non-member options for treatments. Memberships range from $90 to $235 a month depending on which massage you choose and how often want to visit. Meanwhile, a 50-minute massage for non-members is $130, and an 80-minute massage is $160.
For more information about The NOW, visit their website. Follow The NOW on Instagram: @thenowmassage
The NOW West Hollywood is located at 7611 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
[Photos by Jamie Sanders]
Jamie Allison Sanders is an LA-based writer with 20+ years of experience in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. After 12 years in New York City and a brief stint in Pittsburgh, she (finally) relocated to Los Angeles in 2015.
Her work has appeared in InStyle, People, BuzzFeed, Insider, Today, Harper’s Bazaar, and Well+Good, among others. She also started her own blog, The Beauty of Life, in January 2007.
Over the years, she’s cultivated her obsessions of bold nail polish, candles, Bonne Bell Lip Smackers, and strappy heeled sandals. When Jamie isn’t working, you can most likely find her exploring the Los Angeles bar and restaurant scene, traveling, or enjoying time at a spa.