7 Days Spa — Attraction in Bethesda

A genuinely excellent place. I don’t know Jack, but Jessica, Annie, Tina, and Helen are wonderful, the best in the area at any price and cheaper, sometimes considerably so, than anywhere comparable. If you find yourself with a choice of therapists, Jessica’s Tui Na firm pressure point technique is great at releasing tensions one didn’t even realize one was holding, while Tina is better at hypnotic rhythms that make one’s muscles being loosened more of a meditative experience. I have found myself with Annie most often; I teach dance and thus really appreciate the degree to which her movements are holistic. By grounding her strokes and turning small movements at the point of her hand into integrated whole body movements, incorporating larger muscles, she makes her technique smooth and powerful without reducing her sensitivity to knots and such. Obviously, all competent therapists do this to some extent, but with Annie one can really feel it, such that a massage can feel like one is watching a recital but with tactile rather than visual perception. (Sorry, this was long but I feel like I’m not being good at explaining the phenomenon, so approached it from a couple of angles). Annie’s skill is helpful for any massage, but has additional relevance when there are two therapists. 7 Days’ prices mean that when I am particularly in need of restoring flexibility this is an appealing option. So far, I’ve seen Annie and Jessica and Annie and Tina. In both cases, my perception was that they choreographed their movements exceptionally well, meaning that there is considerable synergy; perhaps one will draw attention to a point or engage in repetitive movements that cause you to disengage a little while the other does something less comfortable that benefits from you being relaxed and not focused on the pressure. Perhaps they will both engage in different tasks at different points on the body, then finish at the same time and engage in simultaneous effleurage, magnifying its impact. When a therapist leaves to get a hot towel, hot stone, or some such (which they are always highly efficient at; so quick that one does not lose one’s place even with a single therapist), the other will do something particularly interesting, perhaps a novel stretch, or maintain the most impactful activity, either way meaning that the break does not feel like a break at all. Again, my words do not do the coordination justice, but the upbeat, professional relationship maintained between therapists, the high degree of focus, the coordination, and the individual talent make this an experience that substantially deepens the effect of the massage rather than the gimmick that it can seem like in lesser hands (which is to say, pretty much all hands I have known).

I should also note Jessica’s charm at the front of house. She sets a joyful, welcoming, and wholesome tone for the establishment, with the therapists having the feel of family or friends to each other. Along with, on the days when I want to talk, Annie’s convivial, insightful conversations and a decor that is neither uncomfortably utilitarian nor gimmicky, I can rely on my interaction with the spa being a part of my day that will be pleasant and cheering, even aside from the...

Massage was really nice and relaxing. The environment was nice enough. My reasoning for a 4-star review rather than 5 stars is due to my final moments at the spa. I was asked if I would be paying cash or card, I pulled out my card and was then asked if I would be tipping on my card, as the therapist was walking to the back of the spa, after standing, seemingly waiting for a tip. This did not surprise me as most Asian massage businesses are this forward. I explained that I’d be tipping in cash, and she was told to come back (to receive the tip, I presume). Once the card transaction was complete ($110 for 90-minute massage), I handed the therapist $30 in cash. She looked at the cash, said thank you, but was seemingly dissatisfied with the nearly 28% tip. This surprised me because was friendly before, during, and immediately following the massage. This was also problematic for me because, although the massage was nice, it was certainly not perfect. For instance, there were moments in the massage where she did not perform on the opposite side of the body (e.g., massaged the palm of my left hand and did not massage the palm of my right; spent time on a particular side, significantly less time on the other side). This was not a deal breaker for me, it happens. However, not very appreciated.

It should be noted that I was taken at the last minute and I also came in my military uniform, as I came in on my break, so, it took me a little longer to get undressed. I appreciate them getting me in and for their patience with me. Though, I did not understand the disposition of the therapist and it left me feeling uneasy. In any case, I think I would return if I found myself in a bind, but not without trying a different...

I have been going to this spa for almost 7 years now. I used to work a few blocks away so it was convenient, but there is a reason why I still go there, even though I work in Fairfax, VA now. To echo another review I’ve read, it is a no-frills place that provides you with EXACTLY why most of us go to get a massage - to relax and to get the kinks and aches worked out from our muscles. This spa is CLEAN and they do this at the most REASONABLE of PRICES and they do it CONSISTENTLY. I have gotten massages at some very upscale places for double the price and have been disappointed that my body does not feel the way it feels after a massage at 7 Day Spa. My body always feels still and quiet each time I leave here. And I know it's because I no longer feel the aches and pains I was feeling when I walked in.

The people who work here are also so nice and welcoming! Jessica is the the warmest and sweetest person ever to greet me at a massage place (and is also the most amazing therapist, herself!). And Jack, who has been my therapist for years, is the BOMB. He, somehow, intuitively knows exactly what to focus on every time I come in. I have never had a bad massage here. I can't say enough about this place and will keep...