First Relax Express

Attention all, so I purchased this massage for my wife as a gift. She went to redeem it while I was at work, only to get home and find out that the male masseuse by the name of «Tom» at this place was extremely inappropriate and boundaries were crossed. She felt violated and the man did not seem experienced nor did he actually massage the targeted spots of her back. Instead he rubbed her gluts excessively with one hand while making weird sounds. We would not recommend this place and individual to anyone ever to avoid having anyone go through the terrible experience that my wife did. More than anything I do not want anybody going through such an uncomfortable situation.

I went also with a Living Social deal. I actually found the atmosphere sort of unique. Yes I’m used to private rooms and quiet, but I wasn’t bothered by the curtains or the surrounding noises. I was too relaxed. My massage was very good. I even got the Korean body wash which is a story in itself. My only disappointment was that she didn’t do my face. But she really helped get the kinks out of my back which is where most of the hour went I think.
For the priced, I’d go back. I didn’t miss the big spa sales atmosphere either. In this case.

This is a tiny, no frills establishment in a less commercialized part of the Kentlands community. Two of us purchased Groupons (one Swedish massage, one foot reflexology) and came here after making appointments. We were confused by the difference in our massage afterwards because it didn’t sound like there was one — I had been the one who wanted the foot massage, but I still got a full body massage. I don’t have many other massage experiences to compare this to, so I can’t say if this was better or worse than others.
Tom was my therapist. He did not speak great English and I could only get through to him in Chinese — I’m actually surprised how other customers managed to communicate with him. He listened to me about pressure and it was overall a decent massage. However, I was expecting a foot massage so I’m not sure that I got what I wanted.
As others have said, the beds are separated by curtains so you can hear a lot of outside noise.

I do not recommend this place. My friend and I were there on a Saturday. I found a deal online and called to get an appointment and confirm. He said that he will charge me less than the groupon deal and told me to come without. We got there and waited a little. It’s a big dark room with curtain dividers. It’s not a relaxing environment. There were one female two male therapists. The woman seemed to have back-​to-​back appointments. The person for me smelled like cigarette but I thought he did an okay job. The therapist for my friend was terribly bad. There was no method to what he was doing. I highly doubt that he has any license or proper training. The worst part was when He massaged her feet and then started messaging her face without washing his hands. This was beginning of this summer and were wearing sandals. It was the most awful experience we’ve had at a spa if you can even call it that.

I had the exact experience Laurie B had, but it was a guy who was my massage therapist! He opened the curtain while I was still undressing (super embarrassing), but it only gets worse: the towel was tiny, but that didn’t matter bc he uncovered my private parts (I’m used to massage therapists tucking the covering all around me). I kept telling myself maybe it’s cultural & my culture is too hung up on modesty, but it made for a miserable experience. And the massage itself was probably one of the worst I’ve had. I have 2 more coupons to use up, but I will definitely request the woman & then never return!

Found this massage place through Living Social like many others have and wasn’t sure what to expect.
I honestly just needed a good massage that wouldn’t kill me in the process because I am a 40 hours on my feet, working that retail crazy life so I was not looking to get an expensive over the top spa experience.
Tom was very good and made sure to ask if the pressure was too hard or too soft. I opted for a half hour Swedish Massage and am feeling very relieved.
Now for those that are talking about curtains separating the «rooms» and the thin linen– yes this is the case. However, for the price I expected this much. Go wearing something light and comfortable and you won’t even need to undress

I took my mother here for a Mother’s Day present. Having had several massages in China and eager for a similar experience, I was very happy to find exactly what I was looking for at First Relax. I did the 60-​minute foot and acupressure massage, and loved it. My mother got the Swedish massage, and found it both relaxing and invigorating. Both of our masseuses were very pleasant and friendly, and quite responsive to our questions and requests. Although the staff’s English seemed limited, this wasn’t an issue for us at all. In fact, it was a great opportunity for me to practice my Mandarin since the staff seemed genuinely excited to converse with me. The prices were reasonable, and the Unilocal coupon made this an especially good deal. My mother and I both plan to return and try the other massage options.

I found this place through Living Social, and although the massage itself was OK (she didn’t hurt me or anything), First Relax Express definitely does not offer a spa-​like experience. It was inexpensive, but as the saying goes, «you get what you pay for». It was not very private at all, with only curtains instead of walls separating me from my neighbor, so I could hear everyone, including the guy at the front desk answering the phone and every person that came through the front door. So much for zen. In addition to the curtains, rest of the «room» was equally unimpressive. Every other massage spa I’ve been to provided a cushy bed with nice linens to lie on and cozy blanket to cover me. This bed had just a gauzy «sheet» on it and I was covered with a bath towel. A TOWEL! I’m a small woman, and this was barely big enough for me. I can’t imagine what they do when a large person gets a massage.
I suppose when zen went out the window, modesty went with it. In fact, the masseuse came in my curtain room while I was getting undressed and then did it again while I was getting re-​dressed after the massage. She didn’t say a word, just came in. She also didn’t have any concern for my modesty during the massage, as she openly lifted up the towel that was covering me, without looking away, when it was time for me to turn over.
Every other massage encounter I’ve ever had has been much more luxurious, private, and frankly, respectful. Needless to say, I will not return to First Relax Express. I’ll shell out a little more cash for a decent experience.

Tiger offers a great massage and has the intuition of a professional to know which spots to work more or less on. He is very unique in his style and use of his fingers to get to the very hard to reach but necessary knots. He is always my first pick for a masseuse; highly recommend trying this place!

I came here for a quick 30 minute massage for $ 19 ( Unilocal offer when you check in). The gentleman that performed my massage did such an awesome job, and it was exactly what I needed to treat myself on a day off. I have had plenty of massages in my day, and I have also worked in a massage parlor as a receptionist, so I know a lot about the industry and different modalities. I was very pleased with how knowledgeable my masseuse was about accupressure as he was hitting all of the right points of tension on my body. It is a hidden gem in the Kentlands shopping center. I definitely recommend giving this place a chance if you are looking for a relaxing and de-​stressing massage to rejuvenate yourself! For the price, (and massages tend to be very overpriced in this area) it is such a steal.

I just love this place. The price is the best there is, anywhere! But, I like that no one really knows about it (i.e., it isn’t massage envy). So, you can always walk in and get a massage immediately. By the way, it is cheaper than Massage Envy. I have gotten massages everywhere, and the ones I have received here are among the best.

I’ve been a customer at First Relax Express many times since it first opened up. I keep coming back only because it’s relatively cheap (compared to other similar businesses in town), it’s in the neighborhood and the employees are friendly.
It used to bother me when I first came and saw that the employees spoke little English. Good luck having a phone conversation with with any of them other than what time you want to come and for how long you want your session. It’s nice that they take walk-​ins. I’ve always been able to walk in and get service immediately. I’ve never had to bother making reservations.
As other people mentioned, the rooms are sectioned off by curtains. That does not help. So many times, the phone rings and everyone is either busy with a customer or has stepped out, to answer the calls. This must be a family-​run business because sometimes little toddlers are running around. You cannot relax with babies screaming or crying in the background.
Couple of the male employees are heavy chain smokers. Sometimes they come in from a smoke break and want to massage you. I don’t know about anyone else, but I sure don’t want to have the smell of cigarettes lingering around me when I get a massage.
They are good with the deep tissue massage and the accupressure. My feet hurt all the time and they are always able to get the pressure points. They don’t offer much else besides those two.

This is a no frills joint-​excellent if you are seeking a high pressure massage to help with pain. I have visited several times because the prices are so reasonable. The massage rooms are sectioned off by curtains so there is no noise barrier-​you can hear everything and everyone. The employees are friendly though English is limited. I have been able to communicate sources of pain with some gesturing. i have never had to wait very long as a walk in. Worth the money for a no frills acupressure massage!

This is pretty decent place to go but not as good as what I am used to. I came here not knowing what to expect. There was no one at the front desk when I came in but then someone greeted me. She was working on a client and had to excuse herself.
I was taken right away by an older gentleman. He was friendly but barely spoke any English. I knew a little Chinese so it definitely came in handy.
The massage was decent and he did what I wanted. I also got a little foot rub with my massage because I was able to ask for it. There are no private rooms and I was separated by walls of curtains. I guess that made it a little private. I could still hear everything around me including people yelling in Chinese upstairs. It’s not going to be the quietest place to relax but this is not a spa either. I also didn’t like the Asian music playing in the background.
Overall I would go back but the price is a bit steep. It’s convenient and on the way home so I will come back again. I’m pretty sure this place just opened so they are not that busy. I was able to walk in without an appointment.

I woke up with a stiff neck and a light headache this morning. Knowing that I either need a good body massage or I’ll come down with a cold/​flu in the next couple days, I googled and found this place from the internet.
The place is run by Chinese people, who hardly speak English but are experts in acupressure massage. In case you don’t know, «acupressure is an ancient Chinese healing method that involves applying pressure to certain meridian points on the body to relieve pain.» The method is known to relieve stress, relax body/​mind, increase blood circulation, etc.
I feel 100 times better after the session. This place is a hidden jewel. I definitely come again.