I’m spilling the beans on a secret kept far too long. Or perhaps I am just the last to know.
The National Holistic Institute (NHI) on Studio City is a massage therapy college. It is not Burke Williams or even a spa at all. But it is a pleasant, clean space where you can get a bangin’ massage for a bargain price. While a rather posh, “five star” spa might require more than $100 for a 50 minute session, you will find at NHI you can enjoy a 50 minute session for a mere $25 and a fabulous 100 minute session for $50.
They don’t even accept tips, relieving you of that additional pressure at the conclusion of your session.
Let me be clear so no one is surprised! The only way I can think to describe the setting is that it’s like a hospital corridor. But I don’t mean that negatively. It’s just that it’s similar as in there are several massage tables in a large room, separated by curtains. Mind you, the curtains close all the way and physically, you have a very private space. It’s just that you are not in a private room with a closing door. You won’t find a spa lobby or locker room or sauna. Instead you will drape your clothes over a chair. (Yes, it’s a co-ed space but I promise, curtains drawn, no one can see you.)
You will be able to hear the other customers around you. More so if you wind up next to a “talker” but once you’re blissed out by the treatment, you’ll pay no mind to it. There’s some gentle music playing and it’s pretty soothing but you won’t even hear that eventually.
The massage I received was AMAZING. The massage therapists are in training, of course, but that never showed. My experience was wonderful and at the end, I had to make sure I got her name so I could keep track of where she ended up at the conclusion of her training.
In any case, what it boils down to is, you’re still getting top notch, five-star quality of service for an unbeatable value. If you find yourself feeling tense and dreaming of a nice, long massage but are always feeling hindered by the potential expense, this is a clear solution for you. And even if you can afford a Beverly Hills five-star spa, why spend the money there when it equates to five visits to NHI?
They have seven locations. Please check their website for additional information and to book an appointment.