Zama Massage Therapeutic Spa — Local services in Portland

Do not go here. One of the worst spa/massage experiences I've ever had (and I've had many massages around the country). You walk into the house and the check in room is on your right. The girl checked me in then told me to sit on the couch in this room to wait for my masseuse. With other places I've gone to there's usually a relaxation room you wait in (instead of waiting in the front area) so you can start unwinding and getting into the right mindset for your massage. Instead I sit there for 15 minutes forced to listen to the 2 cashiers and another girl (dressed in normal clothes but seemed like she worked there) gossip. The girl in the normal clothes would not shut up and went on and on about her boyfriend (his job, school, etc.). Then they started talking about the spa. One girl stated that my masseuse got booked up that day so she had to be there from 9am-8pm. Then all 3 talked about how much that sucks and how pissed my masseuse must be. I found this VERY unprofessional. Not exactly something someone wants to hear about their masseuse right before their massage. Then some women walk in who have just finished their services. When asked how things went one woman commented on how again she's telling them that they need a relaxation room for clients after their massages (so I'm not the only one who's noticed this). They leave then one of the masseuses walks in. She starts talking about how there's a problem with the couple coming in later. The man coming in has stated that he has had a recent concussion. The 4 girls talk about this situation and at one point the mans name is even used. Again, I found this EXTREMELY UNPROFESSIONAL.

Finally, the masseuse came and got me. Its a split level house and she walked me downstairs. Asked if I had to use the bathroom before my service, which I did. The bathroom was the size of a public bathroom stall and not the cleanest. After, she motioned for me to step into the halo therapy room (a room lined with salt blocks). It's pretty but they overcharge for getting a service in this room compared to a normal room.

The massage was not the best. 90% of the massage was her using her forearm and body weight to push against my body. Other 10% was her gently rubbing her hand on me like she was petting me. I've had people use the forearm method as one of their MANY massage techniques during a session, but not as the only one. She didn't use her hands/fingers to actually massage my muscles. I left feeling no different than when I walked in. Actually, I'd say I left with my body feeing worse because my muscles feel tenser expecting to get a real massage which didn't happen. Also, during the massage you can hear the other employees walking on the stairs and upstairs above you which again hinders the relaxation process.

After the massage I get dressed and the girl is waiting for me outside the room. She hands me a cup of water and reminds me to hydrate. Again theres no relaxation room/area for you to sit and drink the water. When she said that to me my thought was "am i expected to chug this?" I take a sip of my water, walk up the stairs and give them my gift card as payment (of course putting my cup of water on their cashier table because I had no time to drink it). Thank god I didn't pay for this because I'd be so pissed. They charge way too much for the lack of quality given.

UPDATE: The owner, Brittany, reached out to me about my experience and apologized. She was very professional and understanding. Gave me a full refund. I really appreciated her professionalism and how she handled...

I was really looking forward to a relaxing spa day with my mom, but unfortunately, the experience was disappointing due to major booking errors. We had scheduled a couples retreat to enjoy the services together, but during my facial, that is when I found out that our package was not properly booked. This led to long wait times, separate treatments, and an overall stressful experience. The reception did not inform us of the booking error on their end prior to my arrival, when I got there everything seemed as planed!

During my facial, the esthetician skipped key elements like steam, head/neck/arm massage, and product explanations—focusing instead on discussing the booking mishap for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, my mom was left waiting alone in the lobby until she requested a private space to relax. To add to the frustration, the package included beverages and private time together, neither of which was provided without asking or interruption. The slippers are not slippers, as described, they are more hard overly small slides. To get to/from services we had to go up/down stairs and hand carry our personal items in a basket. I was surprised the staff did not offer to carry our stuff for us, since there is not any lockers.

The only highlight was the 90-minute massages with Jeffery and Tony, which was excellent. I still talk about their muscle technical skills to this day! We felt safe, comfortable, and the warm oil was nice instead of lotion. To offset the booking error I appreciate that the spa offered complimentary skincare products upon our request, but given the stress and disappointment of not receiving the experience we booked, it was a frustrating first-time visit. I even overheard the staff say comments that was not very professional for clients to hear like "this is a day from hell". After our massage they took us downstairs into the Copper Room and we had about 5 minutes together. I was in a robe and had to wait alone for 30 minutes while my Mom got her facial, which she described was relaxing and fabulous. Once she was done she was dressed and then I had to get dressed in a cold small bathroom.

I hope the spa improves its booking system and communication so that future guests don’t go through the...

Friendly staff. Decently priced. Definitely not what was expected or advertised from the pictures or description on the Zama website. I bought the Stone & Salt Detox spa package. The day started with the Himalayan Hot Stone Age-Defying Facial. The facial was done in the basement in a cramped, disorganized non Himalayan salt room. The aesthetician called it the "hobbit room" which is the complete opposite of what is pictured on the website. I was instructed to place my clothing in a wicker bin on the floor and make myself comfortable. During the session the aesthetician rocked the table as she ran back and forth in the cramped semi dark space trying to get various non disrupt products as she places them on me with no to very little communication. Afterwards I was instructed to place all of my clothing into a small carrying tote bag and to put on the provided thin robe and rubber sandals. After exiting the room I was given a glass of water for the upcoming journey. Warning you will be carrying this tote bag up and down stairs into various rooms for other treatments throughout your stay so pack lightly. While carrying my tote bag and glass of water I made my way up the stairs to a semi private waiting room for my next treatment. Next was the Detox Foot Ritual. I carried my bag into a semi private foot soaking room with a panel of windows overlooking neighboring Portland unkept backyards and small parking lot. I was asked if I had a moment to look through the drink list I said no. They listed off drinks when they mentioned their kombucha I asked if it was local. They said no just store bought. That is opposite of what was listed on their website. So I was provided with watered down red wine and a chocolate while sitting side by side with another appointment. Afterwards I was lead back into the semi private waiting room for my massage therapist. Lastly me and my belongings were lead upstairs for the 60-minute Swedish massage. The massage was the best part of this whole experience. Afterwards I was provided a glass of water. The package was supposed to include a Steam treatment. If I received this treatment it went unnoticed. Will not be back or recommend. Two stars for...