Majestic Day Spa

Hands Down the Best Hands Ever!
Do you like privacy? Do you require tailored bodywork? Do you appreciate impeccable service? If you’ve answered yes to all three of my questions then maybe we’re in the same boat. I am quite finicky and particular about which service providers I use and even more judicious about who I recommend, but this professional is at the top of my list. I have had the pleasure of having Nathaniel’s expertise in my life for over 15 years and if possible I hope to have it indefinitely. We all deserve the best and this is a gem right in the middle of my hometown. Although I have experienced bodywork in different parts of the world, I am always happy to come back home and receive optimal care and world class professionalism. Nathaniel is spectacular.

Waited a long time to write this because I had to let the «ick» of it all subside and try to be as fair as possible in my assessment. Went to see him because I purchase one of those «deals». Do I think this guy knows how to, technically, give a massage — yes. Is the space clean and nice — yes. Do I agree with some of the other Unilocalers that some of his touches just didn’t seem «right» — yes. While he didn’t actually grab at the girls or slap the booty, he did seem to go awfully close to them all while giving me a massage and it absolutely made me feel uncomfortable and think «Hmmm, so am I being paranoid or is this this truly making me feel that his coming that close to „Alice and Trixie“ just ain’t feeling appropriate?» I’ve been getting massages for over 20 years and I have never had that feeling before so I trust my gut. Proceed with caution.

Nathaniel is the truth, very professional and thorough — I had 2 hour sports massage, all sorenes in neck, liwer back and calves are gone. Very relaxing and worth the money. Nathaniel is highly recommended.

The reviews on Nathaniel are either super-​fantastic or creeped out. I’m in the creeped out bunch. After reading a couple of others who said he treads very close to inappropriate boundaries, I now realize that what I experienced was not just my imagination. He didn’t cross the line but I wouldn’t go back. And being alone in the building with him is a bit disconcerting, too. Too bad, its a good location and the set up is nice.

I am a Physical Therapist and Aston Patterning practitioner in the same neighborhood in which Nathaniel works. We met each other just by chance on the street in front of his office. Nathaniel told me that he does massage, but I didn’t give a moment’s thought to going to him until we shook hands upon going our own ways. That’s when I knew it was worth the risk. I could tell Nathaniel has great hands, just from his hand shake! I am extremely picky about who and how other therapists work on my body. For years I have been seeing a body worker who works in Mill Valley, because it’s worth it to travel when the practitioner is excellent.
I have experienced generic massages when there was no evaluation in the person’s touch, and that is simply unacceptable. This was completely different. Nathaniel is truly gifted, and knows how to respond sensitively to what he feels through his hands, and this is what makes for a really effective relaxing therapeutic massage.
i am grateful for the fact that I can walk to the office of someone I would drive miles over a bridge or through a tunnel to see.
Edie Murphy, P.T.

weird… and for so many reasons.
1. He’s an hour late and didn’t call until he was already 20 minutes late.
2. When he does arrive, I walk in and it’s just him and me. No receptionist or other workers at all. I’m afraid I’m going to be raped in the middle of Oakland by a giant «masseur.» The whole time I kept thinking, if I go into that backroom I will be inviting myself to be sexually harassed…
3. I coughed. He said he could not do the massage because I was sick. Some mumble jumble about how his massages will open my body up and make me sicker if I am sick blah blah blah… Not into that new age crap, I just wanted a massage cuz it was cheap on
sir.
4. Convinced him I was indeed not sick (even though I was a little), and his massage was only mediocre. Did not like the soft giant hands. Although I’ve never been massaged by a man before… and it will never ever happen again…
5. Massage did not last as long as it was supposed to. And he sort of hinted the tip I gave was not enough, so I pitched in a little more but I didn’t think that was fair at all.
6. I left thinking… wtf?

Don’t go here! This guy is so unprofessional! I got so stressed out just trying to book a massage (that I already paid for through Unilocal) that I just decided to take the loss to save my overall well being. Seriously, don’t even bother.

After my first massage in May 2011 (which was a good massage), I purchased a deal from Nathaniel, 200.00 for three body massages. I never received confirmation of my purchase or any reminders. I neglected to make an appointment due to my travel schedule and before I know it, a year passes by and I still have this deal. Long story short, after playing phone tag over several weeks to make an appointment for one of my massages, there was no resolution. I feel there was little effort to correct this and as result won’t be returning.

I’d give Nathaniel 10 stars if possible!
After an intense week of meetings and stomping out all sorts of fires at work, I was a walking time bomb. Luckily for me, Nathaniel came to the rescue. I’m not sure what massage techniques he used but after 90 minutes not only was he able to scrape me off the proverbial ceiling, but I felt like I was floating on a cloud with not a worry in the world, calm and smiling. Just dreamy.
If you want to unwind and find your center again, get thee to Nathaniel’s! (now called finger arts)

I purchased a Unilocal Deal last year for an hour massage for my friend and me. The therapist was very nice over the phone when scheduling our appointment a few weeks in advance but as of the night before, we still did not receive a confirmation for the morning’s appointment and I was feeling just a bit nervous. I called that evening and left a message to confirm with him, just to make sure. The next morning, we are waiting on the sidewalk (it is March and quite cold), the day spa is not open and the therapist is over 15 minutes late, no phones call or anything, showing up right as we’re about to turn and leave. He gives us the briefest of apologies with no explanation for his tardiness.
I inform him that I was recovering from a cold and feeling really tense. He informed me that he can’t work on me for germ reasons and that massage can release toxins, make me feel worse, etc which as a doctor, I know but was willing to tolerate in exchange for the immune– and circulation-​boosting benefits of massage. Anyways, he very kindly offers some suggestions for soup and offers to extend my massage to a 90-​minute when I reschedule. I was a little disappointed but OK I get it, he’s trying to protect himself and his clients. My friend needed that massage just as bad and I had gotten the massages as a treat for us, but she wanted to enjoy our pamper day together and was such a good sport about the change in plan.
OVER ONE YEAR LATER, after multiple messages left in attempt to reschedule, he has not returned a single call. I even tried to remind him who we were… «Hi, we came in last week, you asked us to reschedule…» NOTHING. Unfortunately, I have no experience to share about his skill as a massage therapist. But in reguards to professionalism, customer services… not so good. And reading some earlier reviews, they suggest that my experience may not be unique.

I had a Living Social deal for 90 minutes at a great price. The Majestic Day Spa space is nice, very peaceful atmosphere in a fairly quiet neighborhood. The masseur (whom others have reviewed here as being great) greeted me and spent quite a bit of time taking my history, asking me about myself – about 15 minutes on it which seemed a bit overkill to me. I waited in the room for another 15 minutes befre he joined me to being the massage. Overall, his demeanor was very strong on the kind of «I’m here to serve you» thing which some people might like but I found a bit off-​putting. When we actually got to the the massage it was just sort of barely ok and that, when combined with the servile attitude, just turned me off. 60 minutes was more than enough and I stopped the massage there. I did not go back.

Since my original review I have been a regular client of Nathaniel’s. He never disappoints. From the moment I walk into his beautifully appointed massage studio I feel a sense of calm. His calm voice adds to the relaxation. Nathaniel is very concerned about you and asks lots of questions to be sure he considers any current body aches and pains. He doesn’t assume that since he sees me regularly that I will always need to the same focus. His touch and technique are magical and I feel blessed to have found someone whom I trust to be there for me. He is totally focused on me — not his last client — not his next client.
Nathaniel really values and cares about his clients. That is obvious by the number of clients who have been loyal to him for many years.
Thank you Nathaniel for being a part of my pampering team.

I’ve had many massages in my lifetime and have had the pleasure of being good friends with quite a few massage therapists. Things that are common with most therapists across the board is that you come with your body completely clean and free of lotions and oils, don’t have a cold because pressing certain points on your body during the massage will make you feel like crap (massage releases toxins in your body you know…), show up early and be clear on what kind of massage you’re looking for… Deep tissue or relaxing. In saying that, I’m really surprised by the last review for Nathaniel. It makes me think that maybe people are out there getting coupons and that’s the only time they get massages. If that’s the case, I feel sorry for you because you get what you pay for. With everything.
Nathaniel was the first therapist I saw over ten years ago. I had no idea of what to expect and considering I’m direct and very honest, I let him know that I was a virgin to massage therapy. He was very delicate with me and super nice. He didn’t seem like he was in a rush at all when I got there. He even helped me take off my shoes (with my permission of course) and asked me about my day while massaging my feet. It felt so good that I almost forgot I was there to get a full body massage! Lol
After at least 15 minutes of that, he walked me into the main room and let me know what I needed to do which was remove my clothes, lay on the table and cover myself up. He then exited the room. When he came back, it was time to work. I received a full body massage sent from heaven! It was so good that I fell asleep. I’m a workaholic so my body was really tight. He worked it all out and I felt as loose as a noodle when he was done. He gently woke me up (I may have been drooling) and I literally almost forgot where I was. It was amazing. How’s that for my first time?
Since then, I see Nathaniel regularly and you’d think things would be different after 10 years and maybe he’d be in a rush considering he’s really built a large clientele. But when I get there, I feel like I’m his only client and he takes his sweet time. I just love consistency.
Now over the years, I’ve had massages from all over the bay area from the Claremont (came with my spa treatment) to Stacey Monroe’s in Castro Valley (during my pregnancy). While good in their own way, I’ve never had the experience like I’ve had at the Majestic with Nathaniel. Nathaniel is by far the most competent and nurturing therapist I know. He’s amazing at what he does. It’s something about the time that he takes and how attentive he is. He should teach a class.
Alright, enough of my novel. I’m getting on the line to schedule my next appointment!

Weirdest massage experience I’ve ever had. Truly.
First, it’s really hard to get an appointment here because there’s only one therapist: Nathaniel. Then after making my appointment weeks in advance (to use a Unilocal groupon), he calls me the day of the appointment (perhaps it was an hour before) to say he’s running late. Can he push the appointment back a half hour? Sure.
I get there and then wait another half hour till he shows up. In my car, in the pouring rain because the spa/​office is closed. By that time I’m totally stressed out.
Nathaniel is very apologetic when he arrives and gives me a less-​than-​an-​hour free massage, which was fine and a nice thing for him to do. He’s very apologetic about the lateness, and then we set a date for the full-​hour massage I originally arranged for. That too must be booked weeks in advance.
OK, so I get there — finally! — for the real dealie, hour-​long massage, and there’s a «Closed/​Will be back in X minutes» sign on the door. I peer in the window, and Nathaniel flings the door open, saying with a smile, «Don’t you know it’s rude to look into windows!» Well, I might have replied, not when you were so late for the last appointment! Anyway, it was a bit off-​putting, but whatever, I would have dropped it. But again excessive apologies from Nathaniel for making the joke. Way too excessive, if you ask me. Move on, dude.
Before the actual massage starts, I tell Nathaniel I have a bit of a cold — and he looks at me as if I just told him I have a slight case of bubonic plague. Then he tells me he can’t do the massage due to concerns for my health, etc.
Fine, but really, is this the right thing to do considering how hard it is to actually get a massage here? It wouldn’t be such a big deal if I could get another massage at another time that was convenient, rather than, say, 4 pm on a weekday.
Essentially, I don’t think Nathaniel can handle a very large clientele. He seems to have very little time to devote to new business/​customers. If he had another person doing massages here, the situation would likely be better. And finally, though I think he’s a competent massage therapist, I don’t think he’s very professional.

Interesting about the other reviews here. While there are lots of raves, a fair number of them are for the facials, and the ones for Nathaniel lack specific details. Or they were written by someone who has only ever written one review.
I had a massage today and it was problematic. Before I explain, I’ve been getting massages for 15 years or so. I have received deep tissue, swedish, myofascial, lomi-​lomi, and yes even erotic massage. I’ve been lucky enough to find some fabulous practitioners and some real duds along the way.
When I arrived Nathaniel was pleasant enough. He talked quite a bit and seemed disinterested in what I had to say. I wanted to communicate what I had experienced, what I liked, etc. It was difficult to get a word in edgewise and when I finally did speak, he looked out the window.
So we go into the treatment room and after I had disrobed and gotten on the table, Nathaniel comes in and leaves the door open. There was no one else around, but it was distracting and it made me want to ask about other people walking in, etc. I decided to roll with it.
I love deep tissue and made this preference known before we started. Nathaniel’s problem isn;t too much pressure, it’s being too agressive. He moves very quickly and agressively. It’s not relaxing in the slightest. I felt like I needed to keep my guard up. And I can easily understand how his technique can be interpreted as too familiar. I wondered about that too.
For example, after massaging my feet me moved his hands up the insides of my legs, rotated his hands towards the outside of my legs as he approached my crotch, and reached for my hands. So it’s like he was embracing me from my feet. And he has a lot of similar moves. Standing besides me, moving his hands under me, reaching for my hands as if to embrace me. It was unusual.
Another example: when you massage the inside of the forearm it’s a natural and unavoidable reflex for the fingers to curl up. Nathaniel had my hand positioned between his neck and jaw so when he did this, my fingers curled up as if I was caressing his face.
There is potential for this kind of work to be intimate and healing. I have experienced it myself with other practitioners. But Nathanial lacks the skill to accomplish this, and he should drop any pretense of offering healing work unless he learns how to connect on a deeper level.
But my biggest complaint is that he completely failed to observe the most obvious rule of massage: Stroke down. In other words, you typically stroke down — from head to feet. In massage school they teach students the correct order of strokes. And that’s what moves tension out of the body. Nathaniel massaged UP most of the time. he drove all the tension of my lower body into my lower back. I finally mentioned this to him and he changed the stroke. I’m all for communication, but it seems like this is something he should have known as a skilled professional. And I ended the massage with a backache I did NOT have walking in.
To be fair, he did offer me a free make-​up appointment but I don’t want him touching me again.
ETA: I knocked it down to one star. It’s the day after and I’m still in a lot of pain. And yesterday when I paid him he didn’t offer me change. So I ended up tipping him $ 15 without my consent.
ETA2: I only wrote this review 36 hours ago and 3 people have marked it as «funny». Indeed, everyone who has given Nathaniel a one-​star review has received several «funny» tags while those who give him 5-​strar reviews get «useful» tags. I am convinced that my instincts about this situation are correct.

I can’t seem to google/​map search this company (the name on the door in satellite view is blurred out? is there no name yet recorded in the server?) and their answering machine sounded like a voicemail recording on some guy’s cell phone…
i even have screen shots.
huh???

I had a massage today with Nathaniel after a stressful couple of weeks. I haven’t had a massage in years and was happy to receive a gift certificate to Majestic recently. I had high hopes after reading the Unilocal reviews and I was amazed that my experience there by far surpassed my high expectations.
From the moment I stepped into the small spa, I began to relax and Nathaniel is gifted at creating a calm environment and making you feel welcome and pampered. I felt not only relaxed and rejuvenated during the 90 minutes with him but also that he was very in tune to what I wanted and he truly makes you feel special. This was the best spa treatment I’ve ever received and only wished I could afford go back more often. I know now exactly where to go when I need a treat! I’ll be back as soon as I can.

I finally got to go to Majestic Day Spa this past Saturday (¹²⁄₀₅), I had the Gentlemen’s Executive Package which included reflexology, a back treatment, and a facial. All of which were great.
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I got to Majestic Day Spa at about 2:00pm, and when I entered I was very pleased by the interior of the spa, very warm and cozy, but not overly cozy. Nice comfy sitting space, nice lighting, and planty of space in the waiting area.
But anyway once inside Nathaniel started to check me in and move me in to my treatment room. I changed in to the designated waist gown thingy to for my back treatment, and laid on the table. Once I was comfortable Shonna came in and turned on the steam. As soon as Shonna come in she introduced herself and started to explain what the processes would be like, which I liked because this was my first spa experience. She explained the back treatment and what to expect, once that was done she went to work on my back while making conversation which was great because I’m a «Chatty Cathy» …lol, it also made the time fly by.
The back treatment was great!!! Shonna was able to remove the few blackheads I had developed from carrying a backpack, the great part was I didn’t even feel her remove them!!! Then she re-​steamed, exfoliated, and moisturized and now my back feels great!!!
After the back treatment Shonna moved to my face, and I am very happy with the results. When I left my face felt moisturized, smooth, and I left feeling like I could have good skin, plus all the stuff she used smelled really good!!!
Mid way through the facial Shonna started my reflexology which was really amazing! It was the cherry on top of my whole experience.
I have to say I loved my whole experience, I left feeling very refreshed, relaxed and excited to restart my skin care régime!
I would recommend this place to anyone.
Thanks Majestic Day Spa!!!

I received a gift certificate for a series of three massages as Majestic Day Spa. I was living near Lake Merritt at the time but had never seen this spa because it is off the beaten path. As I drove there the first time, I thought I might be going to someone’s house because I was heading into the middle of a mostly residential area. But, in fact, there is a small collection of businesses on Athol St. and Majestic Day Spa is one of them.
Well, I can truly say these were some of the best massages I have ever had.
Nathaniel, the masseur and proprietor, does a wonderful job. My chronically sore neck (I sit and stare at a computer all day) is so much better, I can’t express it in words. More than giving great massages, Nathaniel is truly a kind and considerate person. For example, one of my massages was scheduled for the Sept. 5 (the weekend of the Bay Bridge closure). Since I now live in the Peninsula, Nathaniel called and offered to reschedule so that I wouldn’t have to deal with bridge traffic and spoil what should be a relaxing treat.
Absolutely a great experience. I would go back in a heartbeat, even though it means crossing the bridge!

One of the best massages ever. I had not had a massage since September and had been wanting one but not had the time to set up an appointment until recently.
Thank you Nathaniel! One of the best massages I have ever had and I am so looking forward to going back next month. Nathaniel is super professional and was great at adjusting pressure and giving great advice on what to do after the massage. The past six months have been hectic so thank you so much Majestic Day Spa!