Hunched over a computer every day? Lifting heavy boxes at work? Simply cursed to always be sleeping in awkward positions? Nothing cures sore muscles like a long massage, but a bad one can do more harm than good, so how do you make sure you’ve picked the right place for the job? The 2024 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is EVO Spa (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Massage picks, see below.
Our 2024 Beauty category sponsor is NorCal Plastic Surgery. View the rest of the Best of the County Beauty category here.
We’ve broken it down by region: Southern and Central Marin.
Southern | Central
Southern Marin
Align Chiropractic
Mill Valley
Their mission statement is making sure that the client is comfortable and relaxed in their modern office setting, ready to have any knots in their muscles worked out by the time they’re lying on a soft massage table. Along with therapeutic massage, they are also a chiropractic office, so if there’s a particularly stubborn crick in your neck that your masseuse simply can’t work out, then a chiropractor can fix you right up in the same session. Hours are Monday through Thursday 9am – 6pm, Friday 10am – 2pm.
147 Lomita Dr B1, Mill Valley, 415.388.2214
Almonte Spa
Mill Valley
Although this might look like a typical Marin day spa, Almonte prides itself on being a center of healing. Located amidst the towering redwoods of Tamalpais Valley, the outdoor hot tubs allow you to soak in the middle of the gorgeous natural surroundings and fully relax before going in for a therapeutic massage. They know better than to think a one-size-fits-all approach works, and each massage therapist has their own personal specialty that allows the spa to tailor your massage to your needs, so make sure to inquire when booking. Hours are 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
158 Almonte Blvd., Mill Valley, 415.383.8260
Cavallo Point
Sausalito
With its tranquil atmosphere and serene gardens, Cavallo Point Healing Arts Center & Spa is here to rejuvenate and renew you. Feel free to take a plunge into its indoor pool or have a drink at the Tea Bar to de-stress, as they are here to make sure you experience the entire healing process — mind, body and soul. For the environmentally conscious, worry not, as Cavallo Point uses organic and sustainably harvested ingredients for all of its skin care products, demonstrating a commitment to green living. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
601 Murray Circle, Sausalito, 415.339.4767
EVO Spa
Mill Valley
EVO Spa is a lifestyle boutique with the goal of providing a safe refuge for unwinding and relaxing. For those interested in red light therapy, EVO offers the best of the best, designed to produce maximum results with maximum longevity. Check out the monthly specials to see if something in particular catches your eye, and don’t miss wellness options such as the detox foot bath or far-infrared sauna. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
800 Redwood Highway Frontage Road #216, Mill Valley, 415.383.3223
HELLO Modern
Mill Valley
HELLO Modern takes a holistic approach, encouraging your body to activate the instinctual ability to self-heal. Coming from a variety of different backgrounds — from web designer to concert violinist — the team understands just how much life can throw at you and the problems that can plague the body. Here you’ll find many services, from deep tissue work to Swedish massage. If you’ve been struggling with traditional doctors, owner Kari Iverson is bound to help. Hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday.
507 Miller Ave., Mill Valley, 415.823.2155
Mill Valley Massage
Mill Valley
At Mill Valley Massage, their (correct!) belief is that regular massage can be a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle. Also on offer are CBD treatments and aromatherapy for those who are looking for a little something extra. One session will have you feeling blissfully calm and understanding why they boast of the health benefits of regular, exceptional massages. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday 10am – 8:30pm, Monday 2pm – 8:30pm.
61 Camino Alto #102, Mill Valley, 415.381.1855
Central Marin
Bodywise Massage
San Rafael
Opened in 1999, Bodywise is one of the oldest massage studios and yoga supply stores in Marin County, helping those nearby to get what they need without having to cross the bridge. Beyond standard therapeutic massages, the practitioners are skilled in healing techniques like Shiatsu and Tui Na to ensure that you leave feeling refreshed and de-stressed. Hours are 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday through Tuesday, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.
1435 4th St. Suite F, San Rafael, 415.459.6333
Golden Island
San Rafael
If you’re looking for more than just a backrub, check out Golden Island. Foot massages and reflexology, acupressure and hot stone aromatherapy are all available, providing whatever care you need for those knots in your back. Golden Island has experience with high-intensity athletes and foot arthritis, and they boast a stellar reputation. Don’t forget to bring cash! Hours are Monday through Sunday, 9:30am – 9pm.
2232 4th St, San Rafael, 415.295.7999
International Orange
Larkspur
International Orange (IO), a day spa named for the paint color of the Golden Gate Bridge, was built with the vision to create a bridge to your better side. Expertly trained staff guide guests through an assortment of therapeutic massages and customized facials. Want to extend the experience? Take advantage of the steam room and sauna, or relax in indoor and outdoor lounges. IO also offers a curated selection of skin and body care, artisan wares, and daily wellness essentials. Hours are 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday through Monday.
2421 Larkspur Landing Cir Suite 43, Larkspur, 415.563.5000
Resonance Marin
Corte Madera
Resonance is dedicated to, in its own words, “helping others discover the miracle of the body’s potential,” and a long list of satisfied clients speak to staff’s proficiency. Well-known for infrared saunas featuring sound therapy and chromotherapy as well as skin treatments that utilize HydraFacial technology, the spa provides a number of full-body services. Enjoy the comforting smell of the cedar wood sauna and soothing herb-infused massage oils while sinking into a soft massage table for a rejuvenating experience. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
26 Tamalpais Dr., Corte Madera, 415.891.3328
Tinozzi Chiropractic Studio
Corte Madera
Dr. Rina Tinozzi is a graduate of Los Angeles College of Chiropractic and provides a unique blend of chiropractic treatments with massage therapy. Go in for a treatment and you’ll have a detailed chat about what you’re struggling with, then lie down for a relaxing massage so that your muscles are loose when you get your chiropractic adjustment. It offers stand-alone massage therapy and provides an excellent preventative measure so that those pesky shoulder issues don’t flare up. This comprehensive approach to wellness ensures that everyone who walks through the door leaves happy and healthy. Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
520 Tamalpais Dr. #205, Corte Madera, 415.924.8089
Best of the County Beauty Sponsor
Nor Cal Plastic Surgery
NorCal Plastic Surgery provides a personalized, goal-oriented approach to enhanced quality of life. Dr. Tim Rankin employs award-winning surgical techniques and provides consistently safe, high-quality outcomes.
Give us five local favorite places you like to go: Wellness, restaurants and activities?
Bungalow Kitchen for appetizers and cocktails, Now Power Yoga for my sanity, Kitchen Sunnyside for their hot stone bowl, Sam’s for their clam chowder and F45 to burn off all the food I just listed.
What do you love about Cosmetic Surgery?
I have the opportunity to help people maximize their quality of life and watching people achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding.
What are your top 3 favorite procedures to perform?
Facelift, facial fat transfer and breast lift.
If a patient is on the verge of surgery but not ready for a surgical procedure, any advice?
Surgery is a big step for any procedure, but I think that education is the key. I hear patients say all the time, “I was so nervous, but now I’m excited”. I think that with a little education, we can allay most fears and show patients that our approach is safe and that recovery tends to be faster than people realize.
NorCal Plastic Surgery | Greenbrae | 925.856.4800 | norcalsurgery.com
