Sanctuary on 2nd

What can I say? I went to sleep that night thinking that Alison was still giving me a massage. As I am writing this review, I think how badly I needed that massage and all of the good that it did to my body.
Boyfriend and I booked a couples massage on a Saturday. We needed an activity to do together and relax at the same time as life has been hectic. I filled out my form as to what Alison was going to focus on. Since I have been under strenuous exercise and the muscles get tight like that, I wanted her to know that. Bf had another girl who’s name I don’t remember. We arrived a little late as it’s hard to park in the area, particularly a pick up truck. They called to let us know that they’d wait another 10 min past the appointment time. Very nice of them.
As we arrived, the girls offered us water and then we went upstairs where the massage beds are. They mentioned the procedure which included to pick an essential oil if we wanted. I picked lavender and lemon. Of course heavy drops for me. Alison kept on pressing on my toughest spots which were the shoulders. Signs of an insane amount of stress equal tight shoulders. She was apologizing all the time as I was tweaking insanely. But I assured her that everything was fine — I needed that kind of pressure. They gave us plenty of time to get our selves together before proceeding to pay. Both of us left Sanctuary on 2^nd extremely happy. I couldn’t recommend it enough.

5^th time here in the last year. Really great place. Always polite, always respectful, great strength, and very welcoming and cozy. Will always come here over the other top salons in philly.

Came here during the winter months and loved the rustic backdrop of Queens Village. Was easy to find and not too noisy.
Alison literally made my body into putty! I am a girl who really enjoys deep pressure and Alison just intuitively knew my trouble spots. I have been dealing with left-​sided neck pain for the last ~2.5 years and within 75 minutes of my time, I not only had a relaxing conversation but my neck pain was near gone! (Results achieved the next day when I woke up without my usual sore neck.) At first, I was taken aback with the amount of conversation I was having because I’m used to silence (I had about 3 massages up to that point), but I was so relaxed and nothing seemed forced in terms of your comfort level or conversation. Be careful on the staircase but otherwise, cute place!
Totally wish I could keep Alison on retainer :) She really worked her magic and so far, hands down, best massage I’ve had!

We had a couple massage it was awesome. They were so nice, right from the door, being our first time, they put us right at ease. Can’t wait to go back!

Don’t be fooled by the appearance! A few friends of mine didn’t like the ambiance of this place, but my husband and I loved it! It is in a house that was converted to a massage parlor. The atmosphere is definitely «no frills», but I prefer that to a stuffy atmosphere.
We have gone twice for couples massages and will definitely be back! The masseuses are wonderful and really listen to what you want and focus on the problem areas. I prefer a more gentle, Swedish massage and my husband prefers a deep tissue massage. We were both pleased with the depth of massage and professionalism by each masseuse. We had Cait and Stephanie and will definitely request them every time. The couples massage room is on the 2^nd floor and has 2 heated beds. We can’t wait to go back again soon!

The Couples Massage was great. I enjoyed the ambiance of the place even though it is not your typical Philly massage location. I had Alison, she was fantastic. Took the time to see what I needed and made an awesome lemon lavender oil for the massage based on my liking.
My only complaint is that about halfway through, someone with heels or boots was walking up and down the hardwood floors and steps and it was super loud and a little distracting. Otherwise, I would be back! And compared to all the upscale Philly massages places, this pricing was perfect!

We were all here for my birthday. I had Stephanie, she had great pressure and was wonderful. My friends both loved their massages too! We will return!

Nice place, but no Ulta. Although they try to be… However they do a darn good job and provide a nice boutique experience with some ‘different’ but decent products to pirchase.

We had a peaceful and relaxing couples massage at the Sanctuary on 2^nd today! The massage therapists were very responsive, the essential oils were a nice touch, and the massage room and the beds were private and so comfortable.
We were treated respectfully and every need was met. I’d recommend this place and I’ll return again one day. Kelly and Ali are both experienced and delightful to work with.

I’ve been going to Sanctuary on Second since 2012. I spent about 2 years seeing Sally, the owner, but over the last year haven’t been able to get our schedules to sync so have mostly switched to Ali. I have fairly serious, chronic back and shoulder problems, and I’ve tried lots of different places looking for a massage therapist who can give me the kind of intense pressure I need for relief. Both women are fantastic – capable of doing really deep work but also so careful, respectful, and aware of when that might be too much. I happily and enthusiastically recommend them to friends who need therapeutic work as well as to people who are just looking for a pleasant massage experience. The online booking is a big plus for me too – makes it super easy and confirmation is always very quick.

Finally! A massage place that offers everything that I need. After a month of flying all over the country in cramped airplane seats and sleeping in hotel beds of varying quality, I found myself tossing and turning in my own bed late one night. I started searching Unilocal for places and settled on Sanctuary. And I am so glad I did! With my aching neck and back, I made an appointment for the next day.
First, you can book a massage easily online. For someone as introverted and phone-​phobic as me, this is perfect. I also got a text confirming in the morning the appointment since I booked less than 24 hours in advance.
Second, Alison is amazing! I love a firm massage and she knows how to bring it. I love how you get to sit down and chat and she’s so kind, friendly, and warm! A great addition to such a gifted masseuse. She also take notes on what you like, which is A+
Third, It’s affordable! I don’t know if it’s because I am used to NYC prices (i recently moved to Philly), but for this level of service I know I wouldn’t be able to afford to go as often or have as long sessions. You can pick an aromatherapy scent for free which is great.
Overall, I am addicted and happy. The first time I went I was so relaxed and pleasantly surprised that I strolled the 30 minutes home instead of taking the bus and had some yummy phở by myself. I’ve been going every two weeks since my first appointment since i have so many knots I need to get out. I look forward to it. I’m counting down the days to my next massage as I speak.

Definitely recommend the couples massage

I surprised Dining Partner (and pampered myself) with a couple’s massage at Sanctuary on 2^nd this past Saturday. I found Sanctuary on 2^nd via a Unilocal search for «couples massage» and effortlessly booked a 75 minute session online for a very reasonable rate. We walked in about 10 minutes prior to our appointment and were greeted by Stephanie. It wasn’t until we sat down and started filling out the intro paperwork that Dining Partner realized what the surprise was. I like this, because the space is just a regular house on the street. We were offered water and escorted upstairs after a brief consult with my masseuse Cait and his masseuse Stephanie. The upstairs room was dark, relaxing, and intimate. We both opted for the Lavender/​Sage/​Neroli oils, but there were several to choose from. The pressure was good and both Dining Partner and I agreed that these were some of the best massages we’d ever experienced. It’s not the typical robe-​wearing spa experience, but it is a quality, personalized massage. Some spa’s tend to feel like massage mills, and you’re in and out without a second thought. At Sanctuary we were able to relax and escape from reality for a bit. I would definitely recommend this place to others and will come back in the future.

Came here today with a sore neck and back. Really nice setup and home atmosphere and friendly staff.
I requested a deep tissue massage and got exactly what I asked for. My therapist Kate was wonderful and very strong. After an hour I felt great and my pain is mostly gone. I look forward to coming back again.

Tried the couples massage with my bf about a month ago and I can say the experience was great. The place is charming and unique In a row home in Queens village, no frills nothing uptight. We are the type of couple who enjoy the quality rather than the appearance and so glad this place exists so close to us.
From the phone call to the masseurs who were patient and kind in answering so many of my questions to the moment we stepped out of our appointment was very comfortable. They asked our preferences about how we wanted the massage to go and even what we like our massage oil to smell like– it felt very personalized. We will be return customers, the massage was so relaxing we even spoke about making it a monthly treat!
The one star deduction is for the reason we requested the paraffin dip but it wasn’t ready for our appointment, they did apologize and offered the hot oil service complimentary but we declined due to the heat wave going on outside.

My boyfriend and I had a WONDERFUL time with our couple’s massage at Sanctuary on 2^nd.
I love how the parlor is in a restored home. It doesn’t have that white-​room spa feeling — which I found to be a LOT more relaxing. It is more natural and feng shui — dim candles, scent of oils, comfortable furniture, relaxing attitudes, peaceful vibes. The whole environment brings on relaxation from the moment you step through the door.
As mentioned in other reviews, the massage therapists are incredibly responsive to your needs. If you need more pressure (or less) — have a trouble spot that needs more work, or a sensitive spot that needs less — they’re totally there to listen and respond to your body and preferences. When my boyfriend and I had our couples massage, it was his first massage EVER, and he was actually pretty nervous about it. But, they were totally relaxing and gentle for him.
I’ve had several massages at other places in the past, and it’s usually kind of hit or miss. But these ladies hit the target perfectly every time!
My boyfriend was particularly fond of the scented oils.
All in all, a wonderful experience!

I hope that I never move away from the Philadelphia area, because then I wouldn’t be able to get my massages at Sanctuary on 2^nd!
My husband and I have been going to them for about three years now for couple’s massages. We love massages and get a few there every year. We also enjoy getting massages while we’re on vacation, so we consistently have new comparisons to make to Sanctuary. Without a doubt, Sanctuary continues to be head and shoulders above all other massages that we get.
I can’t stress enough how great they are at listening to your needs and taking care of you. We’ve been most consistently massaged by Allison and Cait, and no matter how frequently we go, they always take the time to ask us about the areas we we want them to concentrate on, areas to avoid, etc. After each massage, they take careful notes on how we responded to pressure and certain areas so that each time they can improve and make our massage even more perfect.
For my husband, who is very muscular and who has a number of chronic sports injuries, the pressure that Allison is able to provide and her ability to find the exact problematic spot is what keeps him raving about Sanctuary. For me, it is the consistent excellence and care they show.
If what matters most to you is a luxurious spa atmosphere, then this isn’t the place for you. Other reviewers have commented on the old rowhome — yes, it’s a little shabby and off-​putting at first. But if what matters to you is being comfortable in an unpretentious atmosphere and getting what will likely be the best massage of your life, then Sanctuary on 2^nd is for you.
We just went three weeks ago and we already can’t wait to go back for another massage.

The short and sweet version: Do yourself a favor; go to Sanctuary on 2^nd and see Alison.
The extended version: I’m a full-​time grad student who also works full-​time, and a second job on Saturdays. To say that I needed a massage is an understatement. I went and saw Alison last Sunday morning and I am so happy I did. I went on a recommendation, but also took advantage of the Unilocal deal which was nice.
The space is very cool. It’s in an old Victorian house and the massage rooms are bedrooms throughout the space. Very non-​pretentious; totally comfortable. Parking was a breeze– I parked directly out front.
Alison greeted me then took time to ask me when my last massage was, what I liked and didn’t like about it. Worth noting– she totally heeded my comments, which I think is awesome. She brought me up to the room, made a lovely scent for the aromatherapy based on my liking, then gave me time to get comfortable on the bed. The HEATED bed. I was in heaven before she even touched me. While massaging me, I know she could tell I am a bit tense, but totally put me at ease. I think after the second time of her telling me I should stop lifting my shoulder, she would just gently push it back down (I really couldn’t help it. It just felt so good and I don’t think I could control myself). I started face up, then flipped over. When she got to my second foot, I was almost sad because I knew it was ending soon!
I really cannot wait to go back, and will be back sooner than later. I deserve it… or something like that.

I had no idea that a massage could be that relaxing and enjoyable. I was brought here as a birthday surprise yesterday and I had never had a massage before. Thanks to Cait and Allison’s expertise and friendliness, I am a complete convert to the art of massage. I have been more mellow than ever before in my life, and as I write this review in bed, I feel so loose and happy. THANK YOU.
Sanctuary is actually in a house, so it’s sort of easy to miss, but inside, it’s really down to earth and familiar (I think because it’s a house). The second floor massage room is discreet, dark, and soothing, with soft music and warm sheets. The masseuse (s) give you plenty of time to get comfortable before and after the massage and are great at encouraging feedback to make the most of the experience. I definitely needed ten minutes or so to nap afterwards because I just wanted to preserve the perfect calm that fell over me. I also really loved that this place specializes in couples’ massages; I had never had a massage before, and having someone I trust there because it helped me get comfortable with a new experience quickly.
Being new to massages, all I can say is that Allison is really wonderful at responding to my feedback. I forgot to tell her that my feet are ticklish (hehe), and I got a little hysterical when she went for my right foot. After we cleared that up, she let me know when she started my left foot and I was able to calm down more (though I am still way too sensitive there). She worked out the kinks in my shoulders and back above and beyond what I was expecting, which is really good, because I was really tense. Proof of her massage: generally, I am a fast walker and a busy person, always trying to get from one place to another quickly. After Allison finished with me, I felt as though there was no deadline to meet or even time passing in the world.
The prices guarantee that this will be a special occasion destination, but I will definitely be back!
My only suggestion to the owner: put «couples massage therapy» on the title of the sign in the window, because my mind did not jump to the correct activity when we walked up and I had to give my boyfriend a bit of a stare (although it’s a joke now).

My better half and I came back here to treat ourselves to a couples’ massage after a brutal weekend of moving to a new house. The whole experience was just as good as the previous one. We got to choose our aromatherapy and the therapists did a great job of getting feedback on pressure and whatnot. We had Alison and Cait (I got Cait this time, last time I had Alison) and I can vouch that they’re both fantastic. And really friendly!
I tell people all the time that this is the place to bring your man. Most men freeze up in typical spa settings– they get intimidated. This place is so approachable and comfortable, any guy could go in, even by themselves, and not feel awkward.
Buy a Unilocal deal! It’s so worth it! You can’t use two on a couple’s massage, as I found out the hard way, but that just gave us an excuse to come back again soon.