Spa Review: The NOW Massage South Bay
The NOW Massage South Bay is the newest Southern California location to open its doors.
I’ve been a longtime fan of The NOW Massage since they opened their very first location in West Hollywood back in 2015. I can proudly attest to the fact I have been to every one of their Southern California locations (Silver Lake, Santa Monica, Studio City and West Hollywood) multiples times, so you could say that I’m somewhat of a super fan.
Whenever people ask me for an affordable spa recommendation in the LA area, I always refer them to The NOW because of the elevated experience that it offers without the high costs. It’s the perfect middle ground for those seeking some relaxation and a high-quality massage without spending an entire day at a spa (and at a fraction of the price) yet it’s much nicer than your standard walk-in massage place down the street. And with a stunning design aesthetic inspired by nature and beachside locales around the world like Tulum, it also offers plenty of good Instagram content for the avid social media lover.
When I heard that The NOW was finally opening a fifth location in November 2021 in the South Bay (which also happens to be where I grew up) I was especially ecstatic. I’d been saying for years how nice it would be if The NOW expanded to Manhattan Beach or the surrounding area, so this was literally a dream come true.
Conveniently located in The Works shopping center in El Segundo, The NOW Massage South Bay is in a prime location. It’s right across from places like Veggie Grill, Hot 8 Yoga, and Hammer & Nails South Bay among others, so you can make multiple stops while you’re there whether it’s grabbing a bite after your massage, treating those sore muscles to a massage after your workout, or indulging in some post-massage retail therapy!
The welcoming reception desk at The NOW Massage.
Here’s what you’ll love about The NOW Massage South Bay:
It’s located in The Works shopping center in El Segundo within close proximity to nearby stores, restaurants and shopping—and it’s approximately three miles to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is especially perfect if you want a massage right after a flight/arriving to town.
There is an abundance of free parking in front of The NOW South Bay and the surrounding open parking lot, which makes for an easy, stress-free experience.
The South Bay location is owned by Lisa Caldwell-Meeks, who along with the rest of her team go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome during their visit. If you’re lucky enough to meet her when you’re there, be sure to say hello!
The stunning, nature-inspired interior design reflects the clean and soothing aesthetic of other NOW boutiques with bright, airy spaces; organic materials like wood, stylish throws and pillows, and chic plants.
The treatment menu offers different types of massages (available in 25, 50 and 80-minute sessions) with up-to-date enhancements and wellness offerings that can be added onto any services such as Gua Sha, eye masks and herbal heat therapy, and more.
The affordability of services is what sets The NOW apart from other massage boutiques and spas, making wellness and relaxation more accessible. Massages range from $50 to $120, while enhancements are $10 each. They also offer monthly memberships so that clients can enjoy treatments at a reduced cost.
The treatment menu includes a variety of massages and enhancements.
Out of all of The NOW’s locations, the parking situation is by far the best at The NOW South Bay. The other NOW boutiques are located on busy streets like Beverly Boulevard in West Hollywood and Ventura Boulevard in Studio City where parking tends to be fairly limited, but the El Segundo location has plenty of free parking out front and in the surrounding open parking lot. In a place like LA where parking can be a challenge, this is a big plus that makes for a stress-free experience when getting there.
On the day that I visited, I was lucky enough to meet Lisa Caldwell-Meeks, owner of the South Bay location. She, along with the other members of her fantastic team, was extremely warm, friendly and accommodating, going above and beyond to make me feel welcome during my time there and taking the time to answer any questions that I had about the location and my service.
The view from the bright and open waiting area.
One of the other things I love about The NOW is its stunning aesthetic, which is inspired by nature and the founders’ travels to beachside locales around the world. The clean and soothing interior design consists of bright, airy spaces; organic materials like wood, stylish throws and pillows, and chic plants. The moment I step inside, I’m instantly transported to Tulum or some other exotic destination, and I always leave feeling inspired by my surroundings. True story: I actually have photos of The NOW on my vision board for my dream home that I plan to show an interior designer when my husband and I buy/remodel our future home together!
The stunning interior aesthetic of The NOW is inspired by nature and beachside locales around the world.
The retail area carries an assortment of The NOW’s signature products.
Upon checking in, I hung out for a few minutes in the main lounge area that included a comfy leather chair and a long wooden bench against the large glass window. There is also a retail boutique that sells all of The NOW’s signature products including their candles, incense, hemp line and skincare products, as well as various tools like their jade rollers, gua sha tools, and an assortment of crystals.
A sliding wooden door leads to another relaxation area and the treatment rooms.
Next, I was led through a large wooden sliding door to a smaller relaxation area that had additional seating and a custom crystal grid. Each NOW location has one, which according to co-founder Gara Post can be used as an effective tool for energy work and to help set intentions. Fun fact: the team also strategically places crystals in the foundation of each boutique to set the tone and serve as a talisman for each new location!
The intimate relaxation room occupies its own space between the reception area and treatment rooms.
When it was time for my service, my massage therapist, Chelsea, greeted me and led me into the treatment area. As soon as I walked through the door, I could hear the soothing sounds of an ocean soundtrack, which immediately made me feel calm and relaxed. All of the treatment rooms are separated by sets of tall, thick white drapes that are roped off for privacy, while soft, tropical-inspired light fixtures and glowing faux-candles on the ground add to the soothing atmosphere that prepares guests for the next leg of their wellness and relaxation journey.
The calming, dimly lit hallway leading to the individual treatment rooms.
Before my massage, I stopped in the restroom at the end of the hallway which featured a beautiful wood sink, positive affirmations on the wall, and calm lighting. A NOW candle was also lit, filling the air with the pleasant fragrance of jasmine and coconut. It’s all of the little details like these that contribute to the overall experience at The NOW, and I love how relaxed I felt—even in the bathroom!
The NOW’s design aesthetic can be seen in every detail, including this beautiful sink in the bathroom.
The NOW Candles are among the retail items available for sale.
A positive message in the bathroom at The NOW Massage.
After I headed back to my treatment room, which was lit with a Himalayan salt lamp, Chelsea and I chatted for a couple of minutes about what areas of my body I would like focused on, and she took the time to explain to me what to expect from my service, along with its benefits.
I was going to experience The NOW (50-minutes), which is their signature Swedish-inspired massage, along with two enhancements. I chose the Scalp Renewal, an organic coconut oil massage that stimulates the scalp, along with Gua Sha, which targets knots and stiff muscles with a tool made from rose quartz.
Each treatment room is separated by a set of thick drapes and the ocean soundtrack can be heard throughout the space.
After I got undressed and was lying face down on the comfortable massage bed, Chelsea stepped back into the room and started my treatment off by massaging a relaxing lavender aromatherapy oil into her hands before placing them under the face cradle. She instructed me to slowly breathe in and out several times, which helped to relax and prepare me for the massage.
She started with my back, using long, firm and deep strokes to break up any knots and stiff muscles (which I have a lot of due to sitting at a desk and typing for multiple hours a day). The NOW’s signature massage offers numerous benefits including stress relief, rejuvenation, reduced anxiety, increased relaxation, and improved well-being.
Depending on what you’re looking for, they also offer The Healer, a calming energy-balancing massage; as well as The Stretch, a sports-inspired massage that is especially great if you’ve been working out or are active and looking to reduce recovery time of muscles, improve range of motion, and stimulate your lymphatic and circulatory systems.
The comfortable treatment bed where I enjoyed my massage and enhancements.
Chelsea used a soothing body oil during the massage that smelled incredible and helped her glide across my muscles, leaving me feeling relaxed and moisturized. She shifted her focus from my back to my legs and feet, followed by my arms and hands. Prior to having me turn over, she then incorporated the Gua Sha tool into the massage, which felt heavenly as she was able to specifically target deeper knots and areas that were harder to access using only her hands.
After I turned onto my back, she massaged the tops of my legs, abdomen and décolleté, then followed up with Gua Sha. For those not familiar with Gua Sha, it’s a traditional Chinese Medicine technique that uses a smooth tool (often made out of jade or rose quartz) to reduce inflammation, promote circulation and soothe stiff muscles. For more information about Gua Sha, its benefits, and an at-home healing facial you can try, click here.
The final component of my service was the Scalp Renewal Enhancement, which consisted of a hydrating and stimulating scalp massage with organic coconut oil. Not only is it great for boosting moisture in dry hair (and nourishing those roots), but it also encourages circulation. When Chelsea had finished massaged the coconut oil into my scalp and hair, I felt calm and satisfied—relaxation goals achieved!
A relaxing Himalayan salt lamp adds to the ambiance in my treatment room.
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at The NOW Massage South Bay—so much, in fact, that just a few weeks later, my husband and I came back together for a relaxing couple’s day. We both had 80-minute massages and once again, I opted for the Gua Sha enhancement. My husband, who has accompanied me to several NOW locations, also commented on how much he loved the location of The NOW Massage South Bay, and how easy and convenient the parking was.
Whether you need a quick massage for muscle relief and relaxation, or you’re looking for a fun thing to do with a friend or loved one, I highly recommend checking out The NOW. It’s the perfect experience that will fit into your day yet leave you with plenty of time to do other things, and it also makes for a great gift idea (gift cards are available) that won’t break the bank. After all, what’s better than the gift of relaxation and wellness?
Already looking forward to my next visit to The NOW Massage South Bay!
Cost: The NOW Signature Swedish-Inspired Massage (50 min/$90) + Enhancements Gua Sha ($10) & Scalp Renewal ($10)
Insider Tip: Book treatments in advance, as reservations fill up quickly. In addition to parking spaces in front, there are plenty of parking spaces in the surrounding open lot. Guests are encouraged to arrive 10 minutes early to get settled before services begin. Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to change in and out of.
Hours: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Monday - Sunday)
Address: 710-A South Allied Way, El Segundo, CA 90245
Phone: 310-455-6766
Email: southbay@thenowmassage.com
For more information and to book a service, visit the website. Follow on Instagram: @thenowmassage
[Photos by Kamala Kirk]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk