Getting a massage is one of my favorite self-care rituals—facials and pedicures, too. It’s something I like to treat myself to when I’m feeling particularly stiff or sore or even just because life can be stressful. Because darn it, I deserve it. Unfortunately, when I lived in Beijing, I became more than a little spoiled by the insane variety of spas offering ridiculously affordable massages (all capped off with a cup of warm tea and a replenishing plate of fresh fruit). As a result, I would indulge myself frequently, typically at least once a month.
Now that I’m back stateside and those halcyon days of cheap massages are no more, I still can’t resist booking a spa treatment from time to time. That’s especially true during the new year or really any time that I’m in need of a reset and a little self-care. Fortunately, there are plenty of spas in Rochester, MN, to choose from, all offering an array of rejuvenating services. So, if you’re hoping to reward yourself with a little spa day for making it through another year (or simply being awesome), then light a candle, put on some soothing music, and read on for the best places for self-care in Rochester, MN.
The Best Spas in Rochester, MN, for a Me-Day
Asian Style Massage
As someone who longs for the days of Chinese-style massages, Asian Style Massage is one of my personal favorites in Rochester. Although the atmosphere is relatively frills-free, the massages themselves are top-notch and very affordable, with frequent special offers. I even got to choose a free gift (a hair clip) on my last visit. Plus, just like in China, Asian Style Massage is open late until 10 PM, making it a great choice for those needing a more flexible schedule.
Services: Deep tissue massage with hot stones and oil
Location: 1906 2nd St SW, Rochester, MN 55902
Healing Touch Spa
While spa treatments are relaxing in and of themselves, a soothing ambiance can make your experience even more rejuvenating. Centrally located downtown inside the same building as Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area, Healing Touch Spa features a wide range of revitalizing spa services in a luxuriously restful atmosphere, allowing you to truly unwind before or after an intense doctor’s appointment or simply retreat from the stresses of everyday life. For a true escape, book one of their “spa-cation” packages, which come with your choice of spa treatment(s) and access to the Hilton’s pool area (including a sauna, steam room and hot tub), as well as extras like a night at the hotel, a welcome amenity and valet parking or black-car service, depending on the package.
Services: Massages (gentle touch, therapeutic, pre- and postnatal, Ashiatsu and more), reflexology, myofascial release, sinus headache therapy, foot treatments, body waps and scrubs, cupping, dry brushing and more
Location: 10 E Center St, 2nd Floor, Rochester, MN 55904
Kung Fu Therapy Center
I don’t know about you, but shopping can be exhausting. So. Many. Bags. Fortunately, for those shopping ‘til they drop at the Apache Mall, the Kung Fu Therapy Center is just an easy walk away. Though specializing in Asian-style massage, Kung Fu Therapy Center also offers an assortment of styles and services to ease your every ache and pain. Add-ons like a hot towel foot treatment, the use of hot stones and Biofreeze, trigger point therapy and Chinese acupressure are also available to customize your massage experience.
Services: Table, chair and four-hand massages, including Swedish, Thai, deep tissue, facial, scalp, lymphatic drainage, sports, hot stone with traditional Chinese medicine and prenatal; reflexology with foot scrub also available
Location: 415 Apache Mall, Rochester, MN 55902
Optimal Movement
Although massages feel good (like really, really good) in the moment, they are most beneficial when used in concert with other holistic health treatments. That’s just what you’ll find at Optimal Movement, which boasts a five-star rating on Google and offers massage therapy, acupuncture and much, much more, all offered in a warm and welcoming setting. Conditions treated include everything from chronic pain to stroke recovery.
Services: Massage therapy, acupuncture, softwave therapy, chiropractic, IV nutrition therapy, PEMF cellular exercise therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Location: 3270 19th St NW STE 203, Rochester, MN 55901
Pebble Spa
Do you find retail therapy just as relaxing as massage therapy? Consider Pebble Spa your one-stop shop for nirvana. Part day spa and part boutique, this relaxing downtown retreat inside First Avenue Suites oozes Minnesota charm (Oof Da Deep Tissue Massage or Lake Superior Hot Stone Massage, anyone?). A wide selection of both spa and salon services, as well as clothing and home décor, are on offer, making it the perfect spot for a day out with the girls. In fact, you can even book your own spa party for groups of three or more.
Services: Massages (deep tissue, hot stone, scalp, face, foot, prenatal and sports), hot oil treatments, facials, microneedling, microdermabrasion, foot treatments, reflexology, cupping, body wraps, lash extensions, tinting and waxing
Location: 16 1st Street SW, Peace Plaza, Rochester, MN 55902
Relax Wellness Center
If you are looking for a place to unwind before or after a stressful medical appointment or you only have time for a short but sweet massage, then Relax Wellness Center is for you. Easily accessible to the Mayo Clinic via a skywalk, this highly rated location offers 10- to 30-minute chair massages for those looking for quick relief, as well as more in-depth table massages lasting from a half hour to an hour and a half. Foot and face massages and cupping therapy are also available.
Services: Chair massages, table massages, face massages, foot reflexology and cupping
Location: 21 2nd St SW #210, Rochester, MN 55902
Sage Wellness
Want a massage that is customized for your body’s needs? Book a session at Sage Wellness. Located at Hermitage Farm Center for Healing, the location specializes in a wide variety of bodywork services, from neuromuscular cupping and myofascial release to trigger point therapy and lymphatic treatments, as well as massage enhancements of all kinds. Book your add-ons ahead of time or simply schedule your session and decide what you’d like after your personal consultation. Hermitage Farm also offers other holistic wellness modalities, with practitioners skilled in aromatherapy, meditation, sound healing, reiki and more.
Services: Massages, cupping, myofascial release, infrared therapy, lymphatic treatments, trigger point therapy and more
Location: Hermitage Farm, 6415 W River Rd NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Serenity Couture Salon & Spa
As much as I love massages, they aren’t the only thing I turn to when I need a little self-care. However, add in a facial and a pedicure, and I couldn’t be happier. If you also like your spa days to come with all the bells and whistles, then Serenity Couture in the Apache Mall is your relaxation destination. Here, you’ll find everything you need for the perfect me-day, from massages and facials to manicures, pedicures, haircuts, blowouts and more. For the ultimate experience, book one of their spa packages, which range from a massage or facial with a pedicure to A Day of Total Beauty featuring no less than seven different services.
Services: Massages, cupping, reflexology, reiki therapy, body wraps, facials, hair and nail services, makeup application, waxing and more
Location: 702 Apache Mall, Rochester, MN 55902
Where is your favorite place for a me-day in Rochester? Leave a comment below!
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