Outside, it was cold and rainy, winter threatened and the sky glowered. All of that quickly faded away after stepping through the doors of Massage Heights Ironworks in Indianapolis. The bright, white walls and the warm reception by staff members immediately banished the chills.

Spa Profile: Massage Heights Ironworks

I was greeted by Ashley and the energizing white décor of the seasonally decorated reception area. It let me know I was in for the sort of experience that encourages guests to be repeat customers.

Here’s what you’ll love about Massage Heights Ironworks: 

• Safety. If you’ve ever felt anxiety about a massage—will you be safe? What happens if you are touched somewhere you don’t want to be? Massage Heights has your protection built into everything it does from the intake form to a “concierge button” on the massage table.

• Customization. Massage Heights knows that every body is different and so every massage needs to be different. They design personalized wellness experiences that will fit each guest’s self-care routines.

• Products. Massage Heights uses all-natural and plant-based products designed to be good for your skin and kind to the planet.

While I said the atmosphere changed once I walked in, there was a hint of that even before crossing the threshold. On the glass of the door was printed the logo and name of the establishment, and one other delightful touch. Above the listed dates and times that they were open was written “Hours of Relaxation.”

While intake forms are not unusual at spas—nearly every spa has one—Massage Heights doesn’t just hand their guests a clip board and walk away. When I arrived, Ashley brought over a tablet with the intake form on it. She reviewed it with me, asking not just the basic medical questions, but showing me a body that I could touch areas I wanted attention on and areas that were off-limits. It invited me to give consent to each area—something that both empowers and protects the guests.

She also talked to me about the “concierge button” on each massage bed. If, she said, at any point I felt uncomfortable about what was happening in the massage, I could reach down my arm and press the button on the bed. It would alert the front desk and a receptionist would immediately come into the room to resolve whatever issue was taking place.

My massage was with Mitch, who provided a Swedish massage that targeted a few specific areas that I desired work on. Their massage menu includes couples massage, Swedish massage, targeted treatments, prenatal massage, sports massage and deep tissue massage. While they are divided into different treatments, they look upon them as modalities more than menu items. The therapists incorporate whatever modalities are needed to provide the guest with the wellness experience needed that session.

After entering the room, Mitch and I spoke about what was on my intake form, what sort of massages I’d had in the past and what I was looking for with this visit. He asked what my preferred pressure was. He then left the dimly lit room, giving me the opportunity to undress and melt into the bed.

When he returned, he wafted aromas from Massage Heights’ signature line under my nose, inviting me to breathe deeply. He began with long, flowing strokes across my body over the sheet before starting work on my neck, back, legs and arms.

Over the course of the hour, he provided an intense massage that worked out various kinks while allowing me to enter a state of total relaxation that melted away all stress that I was feeling.

Massage Heights encourages its guests to become members, offering to be partners in ongoing wellness that goes beyond an occasional indulgence. They have a menu of membership plans, each of which involves a trained lifestyle consultant helping determine each person’s individual needs. The membership is valid at any Massage Heights location, not just Ironwoods. Unused services can be rolled over from month to month and customized at no additional charge.

Their services include massage, facials and “elevations” to both services. Massage elevations include hot stone therapy, foot scrubs, cupping therapy, dry brushing, hemp-infused massage, and aromatherapy. Facial elevations include a skin-enriching ultrasound, skin purifying vacuum, skin refining, microdermabrasion, ProPower Peel, and IonActive serums.

Nor does Massage Heights end its relationship when you walk out their doors. I have continued to receive texts that let me know about specials they offer, especially around holidays or when they introduce a new promotion. It’s easy to opt out of, but it is also a great reminder that no matter how busy life gets, there needs to be time for wellness and that Massage Heights wants to invest in an ongoing relationship with me, not just a single transaction.

Cost: 60-minute massage, $70 for first-time guests, $140 for non-members

Insider Tip: The staff at Massage Heights is more than willing to help create special experiences. While I was there, a couple arrived for a date that was a surprise for the wife. The husband had called the spa and asked to set up a surprise couples experience for them. She was clearly thrilled.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Address: 2721 East 86th Street, Suite 160, Indianapolis, IN 46240

Phone: 317-659-8151

For more information and to book a service, visit the website. Follow on Instagram: @massageheightsindy

[Images by Bridgette Redman]

Bridgette Redman, who is a second-generation journalist, fell in love with spas and travel while working as a writer and editor for 16 years at the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. As a freelancer for the International SPA Association, she co-wrote two textbooks, nine workbooks and numerous case studies on spas. Her freelance career began in the 80s and she has written for publications in Michigan, Arizona, California, and Texas along with several regional and national publications. She is a committed storyteller who loves sharing narratives which improve people's quality of life and build community. Born and raised in Michigan, she currently lives in Lansing with her husband and son. See more of her writing at www.bridgetteredman.com