The Nook Spa — Local services in Dallas

I left a review on ClassPass in detail about my experience but then I received this email. This was one of the worst massage/spa experiences of my life.

When I arrived I was greeted and escorted to my room. The young lady advised me to get undressed and to lay on the towel face up (I was getting the CBD wrap). Another woman comes in and says I need to be completely undressed (not a problem- what I expected) and to lay under the towel but if I wanted to included getting my abdomen done I would need another towel for my breast and just fyi that a male would be doing my service. I wasn’t asked if I had a preference in this matter but again not an issue. I believe no matter the gender a service provider of any kind understands professionalism. You’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all is my thinking.

The man doing my service did not speak any English. Which wouldn’t ordinarily be an issue but we now have to do this sign language gesture sing and dance every time he needs me to move. When he comes in the room, after I’m completely nude under the towel, he gives me opposite directions of the three people before him (another guy stopped in my room as well and told me to get under the towel face up). The biggest issue is we have to do this every time he needs me to reposition myself or turn over. So if there was any form of relaxation/sleeping happening it was disrupted every time I had to move.

Now, the massage. The guy didn’t remove all the mask from my back and legs so I was on a soggy sheet after he rolled plastic from under me like I was a cinnamon roll. He began my massage by digging into my neck, shoulder, and upper back with his thumbs real hard. When he started the massage he pulled the sheet down below my butt exposing my entire naked behind. Only to start massaging my shoulders. I had to ask him twice to cover me up and finally I just pulled the sheet up myself. Every time he moved the sheet he raised it completely up exposing my whole body and then laid it down. Similar to how you would lay the flat sheet on your bed while making it. There was no massage. He just continuously rubbed oil all over me. If he wasn’t digging in my muscle he would just press down/squeeze on my arms and legs real hard- this was the beginning of one of the nanny times I thought he was going to dislocate my shoulder. Then he WALKED on my back! Not just my back but my shoulders, legs, and even attempted to step on the back of my knees but I had to stop him because I knew he was going to injure me. I have never had to tell someone so many times that they were hurting me during a massage. I thought he was going to dislocate my shoulder and pop my knee; MULTIPLE times. I spoke to three different people prior to my service starting and had an in depth discussion on rather I needed to be on top or under the towel for my wrap service but nobody thought to discuss with me that this 5’5, easily 150lbs, man was going to pounce on my back. The lady at the front desk asked how hard I wanted my massage and I feel like I told her 4.5-5 pressure. How does that equate to someone WALKING on your back? Back walking aside, the man did not know how to give a proper massage. There is no way anyone can convince me this man is a licensed massage therapist. He might be licensed in something but it most definitely is NOT massage. All he did was rub oil on me and dig his thumbs in my muscle. The worst pain. I fell asleep the last 10-15 minutes and I woke up to him pinching my toes real hard and pulling on my legs like a bootleg chiropractor. I left the massage in pain. I had to go home and take a muscle relaxer and degrease my body from all of the oil poured on me. I will never set foot in this establishment again and I will be contacting ClassPass about getting my points returned because this was easily one of, if not THE worst experience. I tipped the man because I to am a service provider and it just didn’t feel right not leaving something but be clear, this service, his...

After having a screamer of a headache for two days straight, I decided to try and book a massage for the next day to help work out some of knots and tension in my neck, arms and shoulders. I went online to schedule an appointment at the place I went to before which is one of a chain of locations. After logging in to their site and selecting a date and time, it took me to checkout and imagine my surprise when their price was $60 or so more than it was when I was there in May of this year, five months ago. Apparently the price I paid before was an “intro” price because they want you to join their membership program. For various reasons, I don’t want to purchase a years worth of massages all at once and I don’t like feeling like I’m being yanked around, especially when I’m not feeling well. So, I abandoned that. Frustrated, I looked online for highly-rated spas/massages near me and I came across Nook which is VERY HIGHLY rated by other clients who have been there. It was easy to book an online appointment and I was thrilled that they had appointments for the next day so I immediately scheduled it.

When I arrived at Nook, it was easy to park (free) as there’s a parking lot in front. It’s in a pretty standard strip mall at Summerside and Preston Road. After I parked and entered, I was greeted at the front desk by an employee, Mikaela (I hope I spelled her name correctly) who was very sweet, professional, and helpful. The front area atmosphere is clean, peaceful and very calming. Because I had filled out the pre-visit form questions online prior to arriving, I didn’t have to wait long at all. Shortly, I was greeted by Mary, the massage therapist I’d booked my appointment with. She led me to a room that was appropriately lit, clean and nice. There’s a white noise or noise canceling device that prevents ambient sounds from outside of the room. There was soft, relaxing “spa music” that was nice and not at all distracting. The massage table I was on was a little larger than others I’ve experienced which was nice. They do couples massages as well so I’m sure that’s why the size is different. Mary was kind, thoughtful, and very professional. She’s also strong, which is exactly what I wanted although she does all kinds of massages for those not looking for deep-tissue. Over 90 minutes, she worked out all of the tension in my neck, back and shoulders as well as my legs and arms. I was completely relaxed.

The only thing I might change is that once she left the room and closed the door in order for me to get dressed, there wasn’t much light which made getting everything back on and making sure I had my bag, fitness watch, hair elastic etc., a little tricky. I tried the switch on the wall next to the door but I don’t know what that went to as it didn’t turn the light up or on. It’s not a huge thing but might be something to think about.

Over the years, I've had massages all over the DFW area as the world (at high-end resorts, 5-Star hotels and the like) and I'd rank her massage up there with some of the best of those. I'll definitely be going back. Give this gem of a sanctuary that’s conveniently located in Far North Dallas a try. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Side note: in case you’re interested, there is an independently owned (father/son) coffee shop and roastery that serves Ethiopian coffee, Tre Stelle Coffee, is right across the street. Next to Nook is a dental office, a terrific nonprofit thrift store and one of the repeatedly top-rated donut shops in...

Visit 2 - I wanted to add to my review on my first visit as I just had my 2nd visit there today and it was as amazing as the first!! Today my massage was with Nicole and she was absolutely incredible. It was as different a message as could be from my first one, and in aaaaaall good ways. So I have now had TWO massages there from two different massage therapists (artists I dare say?) and they are now the 2 best massages I’ve ever had. I’m SO glad I found this place!!! Nicole used a theragun during the massage and also used a tool (I forget what it’s called 😭) that helps break up scar tissue for freer movement and then she also incorporated lots of stretching. I’m a hairdresser and I’m a short (5’0”) hairdresser at that, and my upper body gets really stiff and knotted up. Nicole was so helpful with this and I could tell really knows the human body and how our muscles are supposed to work. Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!! I will absolutely be back. 👊💕

I just had my first massage at The Nook Spa with Kai. It was hands down the BEST massage I have ever had, and I have been getting massages for decades. From the minute I walked in, it was perfect. Quiet and clean, and with all the spa decor special touches. The room itself was nice and dark and the piped in music was also perfect. I’ve been to places where it was too loud and it was a distraction, but this was soothing and relaxing. And Kai was attentive and helpful, asking me what areas I wanted to work on and made suggestions for add ons for the massage to help me as I was in pain (yoga balm and a magnesium treatment too!) and then the massage itself was simply A++. I have been a hairdresser for 25 years and we put so much wear and tear on our upper bodies. When I walked in today I was in a lot of pain. Kai worked on areas (under my arms, etc.) that most therapists miss and he was also the perfect combination of deep tissue but still relaxing. I will absolutely be back!! The Nook will be my new massage place and really, I can’t recommend it enough. Now I know why all the reviews are so good!! 5 out...