NUAD ROYAL THAI SPA (MASSAGE) — Local services in Los Angeles

EDIT: still suffering from severe contact dermatitis a whole week later! I’ve had to have multiple doctors’/derm visits. I really don’t recommend!!! I unfortunately really wanted to like this massage spa, but after two negative experiences, I felt inclined to write a review. My first massage felt like torture- my therapist had long acrylics on, and so the entire massage constantly felt like her long nails just digging into my skin, and all in the wrong areas as well. It seemed like she was not aware of where any knots were located, and kept massaging random parts of my body but with extreme force that caused pain. She also gave me rug burn with a dry towel on my neck as pictured, and took at least a day for the redness and other bruises from the massage to subside. The front lady was kind and gave us a refund and also offered me a free massage to make up for this experience. When I redeemed this massage, the new therapist was kind and actually gave me a great massage. However 30 min later, my whole body developed a raised red rash, and I am still suffering from worsened contact dermatitis the next day. I am not sure if they used a different oil this time, but I did not react the first time. I feel frustrated and disappointed with...

Let me first qualify my review by saying, I have been to Thailand many times. I have gotten hundreds of massages all around the world, and my favorite massage technique is hands down Thai massage. The key is to have it done right. Combining acupressure and stretching, it can truly rejuvenate your body and further your spirit, if done right. Done right is the key. First, you need a masseuse who knows what he/she is doing, and Bowy is just that. She is strong, firm, has the perfect technique, and knows where the pressure points are to relieve the knots and stress buildup in your body. I experienced 2 hours of painful bliss, and I felt like I could tackle the world.

But, this 5-star review is beyond Bowy and her skills. There is just positive energy in this spa. Everyone is so friendly, not only by Thai standards. Thais are very friendly, but not only are these folks super friendly. The place is super clean, and you can tell the ownership is trying to give you the full Thai massage experience. So, if you are a fan of Thai massage, this place simply rocks. Try them, and your body, spirit, and mind...

Unfortunately, this was the worst massage I’ve ever had, and I’ve had nearly 50 massages over the past decade. I’m giving more than one star only because the receptionist was extremely polite, and my friend, who accompanied me, enjoyed her massage.

However, my massage therapist completely lacked the skill and technique necessary for even a decent massage. The experience felt more like receiving an "air hug" than an actual massage. Despite requesting more pressure twice, the therapist briefly applied it for about a minute before reverting to barely touching my skin. I had also specified my upper back and neck as key focus areas, yet she spent maybe 10 minutes on them, mostly just lightly placing her hands on different spots rather than working out knots.

Additionally, the massage rooms aren’t enclosed but rather resemble elongated cubicles, making it easy to hear conversations and noises from other clients and therapists. The lack of privacy and ability to choose your therapist makes this place a gamble—one that, unfortunately, didn’t pay off for me. I wouldn’t...