Sabai Body Temple

This place is amazing! 2^nd time I’ve been here and the experience was as good as the first. I love the quiet atmosphere and I also like that they never try to sell you anything. Will definitely return and sending my Mom and husband here. :D

What everyone else said. This place has got it figured out. Well-​thought-​out atmosphere from the moment you enter the place. I got a 90 minute «ninja massage» (kind of a hokey name, but the ninja is the standard option) from Anna. What I appreciated most was how slow and methodical it was and that she applied just the right amount of pressure (and was very responsive to requests for adjustments to that pressure).
I also appreciated the consultations before and after. Before starting she had asked me what brought me there and what areas of my body I wanted her to focus on. I said I hold tension in my neck and shoulders and requested that she somewhat focus there. She did exactly that! Didn’t spend all her time on my shoulders and neck but definitely did some extra stuff in those areas. After the massage, we sat in the waiting room and discussed things I could do at home to keep those neck and shoulder muscles loose: stretches, hot pads, tiger balm, etc.
I should mention that I’ve only gotten a couple other professional massages, so I may not be the world’s best judge. But this was an awesome experience for me. At the time I went it was $ 80 for 60 minutes or $ 120 for 90 minutes; from my limited research I think this is reasonable, but again, take what I say with a grain of salt as I have limited experience!

Just finished a Mom’s Day 90 minute massage with McKinzie. Wow, I haven’t felt this at peace in more than a year! Welcoming, comfortable, awesome atmosphere. Absolutely worth it! I’m bringing my husband back with me for the couple’s massage next week.

This place is amazing. Book a massage here. You will not be disappointed.
After going most of my life without receiving a professional massage, I felt like there was a whole world that needed to be uncovered. So I booked a 60 minute massage at your standard «chain’ massage studio and was amazed at how incredible the experience was. But I wanted something more. I researched Minneapolis massage studios and came upon Sabai – the sensual/​relaxing images of red initially attracted me, but what I really wanted was a studio that used all natural products and essential oils. Check! The other massage places I went to used products that were clearly synthetic, which sort of defeats the purpose, right?
My first massage was with Josh, and it was incredible. Amazing ambience, the lighting is softly lit and the whole place smells earthy & just lovely. Upon arrival they take your coat/​purse/​bag and escort you to the waiting room where you have a warm towel + lemon water to enjoy before your massage. Then your ninja greets you and you have a ~5 minute consultation before the massage to get to know what you want to focus on, etc. This is amazing! Most places just have a standard massage they perform and never really ask what their client wants/​needs.
The oil blend I’m partial to is the lemongrass one, and it smells so divine. My last massage at Sabai included a foot massage, and I nodded off to sleep at least 4 times. Even though I was partially ‘forcing» myself to stay awake so I could enjoy and remember the experience. That’s how you know the massage is good.
The whole experience is just A+ and I make a point to schedule a massage at Sabai at least once every 1 – 2 months. Scheduling one right now as we speak.

I would say that SBT has many strengths. One is that it really has a very eclectic approach to facilitating relaxation that complements the actual massage. They try very hard to provide a relaxing atmosphere, with aromatherapy, a relaxing waiting room to prepare you to leave behind the perils of the world and soothing sound therapy or music in the rooms. They offer fresh fruit and tea after the massage, which is relaxing. I have been to a lot of the places in the Twin Cities and back in San Francisco and this is definitely a favorite for me. I have recommended it to many people. In fact, it is usually the first thought that pops into my head when someone asks me where a good place is. I have gotten massages from several of the practitioners here now. I currently get regular massage from Kinsey. She deserves 5 stars. She has a very relaxing disposition and the aura of a healer. I am still getting to know her repertoire and will update my review when I feel like I have more details. Her style is consistent with the Sabai approach to massage. They focus on pressure points here with an eastern style that can really sneak up on you. Sometimes I get home and nod off like a narcoleptic. I am a very high maintenance person stress wise so I really like deep tissue work. The price is a little on the high end, which is one of my only complaints.

SBT, how do I tell I love thee? Let me count the ways:
1) Amazing ambiance.
For something that has an entrance between a UPS and Vietnamese restaurant, you sure are purrdy. All your deep soothing purples and wood and low lighting make me feel relaxed the moment the moment I walk in. I love the fact that you make everyone take their shoes off before they come in; its like walking into your own house. The music is mellow, there are no crazy smells overwhelming you, and everyone speaks in an unhurried, gentle manner like they have all the time in the world just for you.
2) The treatments and the therapists:
I am not sure how you do it, but somehow, I feel like a different person after my head and shoulders or radiant facial or 60 minute Ninja massage every.single.time, and it doesn’t matter who I have; all your therapists are so good. The fact that you ask me what’s going on in my head each time, regardless of who is working on me that day? Well, lets just say that most massage factories that dump you on the table and throw you out at the precise end of your treatment time do not offer this kind of personalized treatment.
3)The little extras:
Your therapists sit down and chat with you as you relax in the lounge after your service, and talk about follow ups and what they saw during your treatment, while you eat your complimentary fruit. The aromatherapy that seems to come with each treatment. The complimentary seasonal tea that always seems to be on tap before each treatment. All these little things make me feel pampered and add to the feeling that you’ve left your cares and worries somewhere else.
4) The feeling of being someone else when I leave:
Between August, Josh and Jessika, I’ve experienced lessened migraines, improved my posture, and found mental enlightenment into what’s going on in my life. August is now gone, but whatever Josh and Jessika seem to do to train their new staff seems to carry on the tradition; take my recent services with Marcella. I came in with my head in five different places, and aches and pains all over. Marcella, who at this point is only a month into SBT, works her magic and I fall asleep on the table. I woke up feeling like I’d lost some two years of stress. How do they do it?!
I’ve been coming here four years and there’s a reason I’ve kept this review to myself for so long: this place is a hidden gem and I’d like to keep it that way, but at the cost of causing even longer wait times for appointments, you should know: SBT is so good its worthy of a love letter.

My Wife and I went to Sabai for our Anniversary on 9÷20÷15. Upon arriving to the unimpressive concrete exterior, we were pleasantly surprised with what we found inside. I enjoyed the shoes off and soft speaking policy as to not disturb other guests. Before our message begin, we were greated by the massage therapists with warm towels and fresh cucumber water while we went over expectations, areas of focus, etc. It seemed as if your experience could be tailored specifically to your needs.
It was the first time recieving a professional message of any kind for the both of us and Brittany and Amanda took care great care of us. We recived full hour massages that combined with the natural relaxations oils left us feeling AMAZING! Afterwards, we had s short consultaion to talk about our experience (while drinking more fresh cucumber water and eating a few grapes) and discuss if it met our expetations and to also discuss noticed problem areas on my body. She also gave me some advice on stretching out my neck and upper back.
There is no doubt we will be back again.

I cannot begin to properly express how great my experiences at Sabai have been. The full mind and body experience starts as soon as you open the door at the top of the stairs — from the «please use hushed voices» sign, to the fact that they’re a shoe-​free spa, they do an excellent job of requiring you to drop some of those outside distractions before you even lay down on the table. The staff are kind, considerate, gentle, and most of all, they listen to you. The post-​massage chat with Amanda opened my eyes to certain things I should be aware of with my body and ways I can remedy them at home. Just go to Sabai! Give it a try, you won’t be sorry.

Waking into Sabai Body Temple felt like Indiana Jones dicovering a lost temple. Located in a humble building in Uptown, Sabai is a precious jewel among spas in the Twin Cities. It offers very profesionnal and personalized services in a relaxing and zen environment. Mackenzie takes a lot of time to talk to you one on one to tailor the treatment to your needs. Sabai Body Temple is the perfect mix of medicine and spirituality.

My husband got me the Royal Ritual Treatment for my birthday. I went in with a headache and feeling blah and left very relaxed. Josh was great and nearly put me to sleep several times. I really enjoyed all the different scented oil he used during the massage.
I would definitely go back for another massage.

This was our first time ever massage experience (for both my wife and I). And we loved it! We had Jessica and Kelly as our masseurs. They were both very caring and excellent at what they do. We loved both of them! Sabai has a fantastic ambiance. lovely atmosphere. We definitely will go back again whenever we are in town!

I pulled a back muscle couple days ago and after discussing with Doctor, she suggested me to try massage. I usually go to this one massage place, close to my house. But they didn’t have anything available immediately. So I started to look at Unilocal for a good one. This place stood out, since couple of my fellow Unilocalers have been here and left great reviews.
I called and setup an appointment with Kelly. She wanted my Name, address, and credit card information for the appointment. I thought that was little weird. I didn’t mind that though, since it is not an uncommon practice.
This place was very easy to find, you have to take off your shoe and turn off the phone before you enter the place (so you don’t mess with the Zen). Kelly was right there and greeted me promptly. She took me to the room and gave me an information sheet to fill and offered lemon water or Spicy hot tea. I wanted the tea. She was back by the time I was done with the sheet, with tea and hot towel (nice touch). Asked me about where and how I wanted the massage and left the room so I can get on the table and get comfortable.
It was a nice warm heated table. To start the massage, she put couple of warm towel on the bottom of my feet and rubbed softly. I have never done that with warm towel and it feels amazing. She started with very soft touch and pressure points. I was thinking that touch was too soft, but it actually varies as she works your muscles. It was actually perfect for my back muscles. I must have fell a sleep few times, cause I felt like my snoring waking me up. It was an excellent feeling. There are times you can hear the cars, since this location is so close to the road. But I can’t hear anything because to the awesome massage.
Once the massage is done, she invited me to sit and have some apples and lemon water, and told me how to take care of the back and showed some yoga moves too. I was very pleased how helpful she was and how sincerely great was the service.
I will definitely be back there once I need more massage.
Thank you.

As a birthday gift to myself I booked a 2-​hr massage. To make the appointment they require a credit card in case of cancellation. Day of my appointment I get a call that my therapist called in sick, they cancel my appointment. Do I get anything for the inconvenience… Nope. If they can charge customers for cancellations then customers should receive a discount for their cancellations. I was really looking forward to my first visit. I won’t risk it again, there are so many great spas in the cities, why bother wasting your time here!

Great massage, terrible location.
I walked in and was greeted with a choice of lemon water or chilled orange tea, which was nice. However, the door to the supply room was open and I could see all of the toiletries and giant buckets of cleaner which was a bit distracting from the rest of the zen atmosphere.
Next I was walked back to my massage room. It was facing Hennepin avenue and the honking of cars was more than distracting and literally the opposite of peaceful. The massage itself was great (I could tell by the giant puddle of drool under my table afterward) but there’s no question that it was hard to get relaxed with the booming traffic outside.
All-​in-​all, I would say the staff is great and experienced, but there is just no getting by the heavy traffic noise on the main thoroughfare on which they’re located :/

I’ve decided to do 1 – 2 massages a month, and after reading RAVE reviews about SBT, I was eager to see for myself :) My boyfriend and I each got the 60 minute signature.
Positive: The service is wonderful, the ambiance is serene and tranquil, and the massage was great. Very friendly staff.
Negative: The room I was in (I think the Lily room?) was right on Hennepin Avenue… Aside from the ambulance that loudly cruised by, the motorcycles and cars were a distraction and disrupted my peace and focus.
Will likely go back, but ask for the other room.

PROS: I usually try to get a massage 2−4/month. So I’ve tried countless spas over the years, and I have to say Sabai Body Temple is by far the best Spa I’ve been to in Minneapolis. It is the quintessential Spa experience. From the moment you walk in until you leave there is an uncanny vibe of peacefulness and relaxation.
I recently booked a Valentine’s couple’s massage and, as expected, the experience was absolutely amazing for the both of us. My massage with Jessika was perfect. She hits all the right pressure points and has a very unique technique. I usually ask her to end with a head-​massage, which is, once again, amazing. Sara’s masseuse, Amanda, also did a great job. By the end of the massage Sara didn’t want to get off the table :)
So overall, if you’re truly looking for a unique and special massage experience, Sabai Body Temple is the place to go!
CONS: No complaints. Love the place!
PARKING: A lot is located right next to the building. Never had trouble finding a spot.
All-​in-​all, if you want a truly relaxing, unique, one-​of-​a-​kind massage experience, SBT is the place to go.

Recently, I injured my right thigh muscles during a Crossfit workout that incorporated lots of weighted overhead squats, box jumps, and wall balls. (Jeez, no wonder.) Ever since that brutal session weeks ago, I’ve been hobbling around the Twin Cities and wincing with every move. Although I enjoy lookin’ like a gangsta, it’s definitely not worth the pain.
However, these ailments give me an excellent excuse to drop a significant amount of cash$ to see a masseuse. With so many Unilocalers writing either four or five star reviews gushing about this magical, rejuvenating, and healing sanctuary, how could I not consider visiting this Upteezy hideaway?
On a Friday afternoon, I ordered a SBT’s Signature Massage (60 minutes) online and came in that night. I met Shondra, my lovely masseuse, and told her I scheduled an appointment because of my terrible thigh pain. Of course, I asked her to pay special attention to that area.
I entered a dim and orangey room where she gave me a full body rubdown using a soothing black pepper oil. Shondra began by elbowing the knots out of my back and thumbing my strained shoulder muscles, before kneading my tight and sore right thigh. Each area she worked on felt incredibly warm and relaxed. I felt like my blood morphed into that liquid lava lamps have.
Perhaps the best part of the massage was when she held my neck and head in her hands and just squeezed. I don’t know if she put me in a sleeper-​hold. I don’t know if I got roofied from that pepper oil. But yo, I was out cold like when Chris Weidman knocked out Anderson Silva last year. I believe that Shondra used some hocus pocus Harry Potter ala-​ca-​zam voodoo spell on me. I believe I started snoring, and it was awesome.
Although, overall, my masseuse did a marvelous job, I wish she could have spent a bit more time on my thigh. I understand that it’s a full body massage, but I’m paying for it, and I specifically asked for her just to cater to that area. I believe my exact words were «I don’t really care about the other areas on my body, just spend as much time as possible on my thigh.» To be fair, she did pay more attention to that area, but not enough for me.
I’m definitely a fan of Sabai, though! I hope to be back soon.

My husband gave me a gift certificate to Sabai Body Temple for Christmas– what a great gift! I am nearly 9 months pregnant, so he got me a certificate for their prenatal massage. What a glorious thing!
My masseuse was Katie, and she was lovely. She clearly had experience working with pregnant women, and was in tune to what I needed from the get go. She was also charming and willing to chat pleasantly with me as I felt like it during the massage.
She knew EXACTLY what to do with a poor pregnant lady’s body– but on top of that she was in tune with what I specifically needed to have worked on. The difference I felt in how I was able to walk leaving that place was incredible. For anyone who has ever been pregnant– I felt like she gave me MY body back as much as that is possible. I felt like my legs could work underneath me again, and I took the stairs on the way out like a champ. I didn’t even realize how much my back had been affected until I was loosened up again.
She also used a special oil just for pregnant women that is safe for baby and smelled WONDERFUL. The massage was a combination of pressure point work and the longer strokes to sooth sore muscles. I am someone who has always seen massage as more of a luxury… I am beginning to rethink that point.
I’ve only ever had one other professional massage (somewhere else,) but it wasn’t a pleasant experience. At that time I felt like I was being forced to fit into their «ideal experience» regardless of weather it was right for me. They also were big on the sale– trying to coerce me into a subscription package rather than being at all concerned with my comfort or experience. This was NOT the case at Sabai. While Katie recommended another massage at least after I give birth, her recommendation was genuine rather than a commission goal.
I hope to return at least after I give birth, and I am confident that it will be a healthy choice for me and my body. Thanks Katie for a very pleasant experience, and for returning a large portion of my range of motion! What a relief!

SBT is an exceptional spa and my review is based solely on my experience with Josh and the SBT signature 90-​minute massage.
At the SBT, your session will have a beginning, middle, and end. The dark walls and curtains in the waiting lounge will begin to calm you down while you sip on lemon or cucumber infused water and refresh yourself with a warm towel scented with neroli, orange blossom fragrance. Josh will greet you with his friendly smile and spend a few leisurely minutes finding out where you are in life, physically, emotionally. He will ask you to choose from one of the three oil blends they have. Contrary to my usual habit I let him choose for me and it always hits the mark.
Each massage I have had has been different with attention to the areas that need it the most. Sometimes Josh uses deep pressure which I prefer, and sometimes he doesn’t but afterwards, I always feel lighter and more limber. 90 minutes flies by but also feels luxuriously long.
Post-​massage, Josh spends some more time with you, going over how you’re feeling and what he may have found. He also suggests ways to take care of yourself which for me is usually a warm bath. You are served more water and some fruit, a refreshingly light touch to end it all.
One of the best parts is how unhurried the pace is; stretching out your time even further. And you feel very well taken care of.
If you haven’t tried the SBT, you’re missing out on something very special.

This is exactly what I needed — a temple to help rejuvenate my body.
I have been looking forward to experiencing this spa for a while now and I was not disappointed. I felt completely renewed after my amazing massage. My masseuse explained everything that he was working on and why and I was able to relax for a while following my massage with cucumber water. It was lovely. The only thing that would’ve made it better would’ve been if I had booked a longer appointment. This is now my go-​to spa.