NOPA Bodyworks

I very rarely ever write Unilocal reviews even though I always tell myself I will, so I think this is a huge compliment, as it is intended! I also don’t like to share my well-​kept secrets, but I thought this was by far THE BEST massage I have experienced before — it would be sad not to spread the word. I’ve had many massages over the years; fancy spas, not so fancy spas, gym spas, in-​home — you get the point. Rob was amazing. His set-​up was cozy and comfortable. I was not sure what to expect, but I knew I was in decent hands with all the great reviews. The entire experience exceeded my expectations. Rob took the time to ask what my needs and expectations were, he had a glass of water set up for me, he walked me through what to expect, and a blissful 90 minutes later.. .it was sadly over. I didn’t think I would go back very soon as I’m a student, but I already booked my next appointment for a few weeks out. Worth it and if you book/​see him regularly, he offers a great deal! Thanks Rob for an incredible and relaxing massage.

Excellent! I’m new to the city and have tried several different spas, therapists and I think I’ve finally found my permanent massage therapist here in SF. After weeks of travel and stress on body, Rob’s style of massage therapy is exactly what’s needed. He is hands down (no pun intended) one of the best therapists I’ve been to anywhere around the globe.

I’m an open water swimmer, avid yogi, and former ironman triathlete who’s had my share of bodywork over the last 10 years. My massage with Rob was just what I was looking for: firm enough to loosen muscles that get A LOT of regular use, relaxing enough that I could drift into a peaceful place, and the right price. I plan to return regularly, since a massage that works out the kinks without making me sore for the next few days is just what I need. He knows what he’s doing and has a lovely studio to boot.

I went to Rob to help with a tired body due to a toddler and new baby. He was very attentive to my requests and gave me a wonderful massage. The room was pleasantly warm and the table very soft. The backyard environment made the whole experience especially restorative and peaceful. Rob makes scheduling very simple via text. Highly recommended.

My massage with Rob at NOPA Bodyworks was amazing. The Esalen technique resulted in an all-​body relaxing experience. I felt myself sink into a state of relaxation I’ve never encountered before. It was also extremely effective in reducing my tight muscles and Rob did a great job focusing on the areas I needed it most. I’m definitely recommending to friends!

Rob is just wonderful! I just had my second session with him this past week — and it was just as great as my first. In fact, it was the first time I’ve ever gone to the same masseuse twice — that definitely tells you something! His style is firm but calming, and doesn’t leave me aching or anything the next day. I also love that he tends to focus on areas that others neglect — like the forearms… I never realized how much they need to be massaged, too! All in all, a great experience, especially for the price.

Rob gives a fantastic massage! I was extremely relaxed and in a great mood afterward. He communicates really well, the music was great, and the Esalen-​style massage is really lovely. Highly recommended!

Rob is a great listener and talented massage therapist. The Esalen-​inspired technique lengthened my muscles and was perfect for my scoliosis problem! I will recommend to my friends!

I was a little apprehensive about going to a small single studio, but was swayed by the glowing reviews from his previous clients. I went on a whim and was rewarded with a long and luxurious 90 minute massage from Rob. He has a first time offer through Unilocal.I had a lot of neck and shoulder pain and he worked on the stubborn areas attentively. The massage table was nice and warm and I forgot about my worries for 90 minutes.

I’ve been a Burke Williams member for well over a year and no one touches Rob. He’s the best. It’s like he is reading your mind and the amount of focus on you is amazing. Glad a bit of Esalen is nearby.

I had a wonderfully relaxing and enjoyable massage from Rob. He has a very specific technique that uses longer strokes which I really enjoyed. I especially enjoyed him focus on one half of my body (left vs. right side). It was easily comparable the relaxation on one side versus the other. Would definitely recommend for someone in the neighborhood and looking forward to going back.

Rob’s massage really is as good as it gets. 75 thumbs up. After my first time with him, I thought «now THIS is a massage.»
The studio simple and homey, and Rob plays great music. It’s not your typical «om shanti», nor babbling brooks and crashing oceans. I don’t quite know what it is, but it helps me to slide right into the long, slow strokes that make up the Esalen massage.
Rob is professional and easy-​going, which makes it easy to feel relaxed and comfortable around him at the same time. This is important for many women when considering a male masseuse.
The massage is connective; it moves energy from head to toe, connecting parts of the body that haven’t been connected for a long time. The rhythm and style lull me into a quiet space I never achieve with a Swedish massage or shiatsu (and I completely go somewhere else when he works slow magic on my feet). Complete attention is paid to your body, and the touch that comes from those long, comforting strokes is so important. Rob holds a safe space for you to experience one of his amazing massages.
If massage is an important aspect of maintaining your well-​being for you, then Rob is the only masseuse to see.

AMAZING! Had my first massage with Rob yesterday and have finally found the perfect massage experience after trying several very good, but not exceptional, massages over the last several months. Initially I had some trepidation with going to a man in his home but Rob was simply so 100% professional, skilled and kind that there was absolutely no creepy vibe whatsoever.
The Esalen technique Rob uses is luxurious and effective (he was trained at Esalen and continues to train there). The best part is you don’t have to drive to Esalen or pay their prices (!) to get what is certainly going to be one of the best massages of your life. I am still feeling great! (IT band pain gone.)

I had an awesome massage in my first session with Rob! I had been dealing with some neck pain for the last couple days and didn’t have high hopes that it could be resolved with a massage, but by the next day after my session, I felt completely back to normal.
As others have mentioned, Rob’s setup is a really soothing environment where the entire room is heated. His demeanor is open and calm, and he listens intently to what you have to say. I’m not sure I’ve had an Esalen-​style massage before, but I really enjoyed the long strokes vs. the usual intense digging into specific places. But at the same time, he was great with working out the knots in my neck while maintaining that flow. I’m pretty sure I fell asleep for parts of it, which is always a nice bonus. Happy to have discovered him in the neighborhood, will definitely be going back!

The blend of slow nurturing long strokes and gentle stretching made for the best massage I’ve had in years. The Esalen style and warm environment got the chill out of my bones and the stress out of my soul. NOPA Bodyworks to the rescue! I feel whole again. Thank you Rob, I’m hooked!

Getting a massage from Rob always leaves me blissful, relaxed and with a big smile on my face. He is very thorough, attentive and creates a super comfortable environment conducive to relaxation.
I really enjoy the deep long strokes, the different stretches and his warm and welcoming studio. Highly recommend his massage services!

I recently had my first session with Rob at NOPA Bodyworks, and am *still* relaxed from it! I had never experienced Esalen-​style massage before, and I found the long strokes (as opposed to deep focus on one part of the body at a time) to be super relaxing and really pleasant. There’s kind of a «whole body connected» feeling both during and after the massage.
The massage style itself was part of it, but I believe the environment that Rob creates and the attention and intention he puts into the session were what made the experience so great. Prior to the session, Rob asked questions about what I wanted to get out of the experience, explained the massage style and what to expect, and created the space for me to tell him if I wanted more/​less pressure, etc. The room was nice and warm, and the music was gentle.
A few things really stood out, though. For the full 90 minutes, Rob maintained contact with my body nearly 100% of the time. That felt amazing and was very comforting, but also told me he was present and mindful. He also seemed to be really well synched with the music, or maybe it was in synch with him, or maybe I was just in the bliss zone. Whatever it was, the tempo/​energy of the music and that of the massage were totally on point. There was an excellent foot massage too.
After the session, I was definitely in a super-​relaxed zen state, and Rob advised me to take a walk around the block and enjoy the mellow. Apparently, it worked, because I am still feeling the wonderful effects! I highly recommend a visit to Rob at NOPA Bodyworks. He definitely puts love and good energy into his work, and you’ll leave with a great feeling that will stay with you long after the massage.

I came to Rob with a headache, tense shoulders and very sore calves and left feeling entirely rejuvenated with soreness removed and headache 100% gone. I had never experienced Escalen massage before — it is extremely relaxing and my new favorite! The studio is very peaceful and Rob is a lovely guy. This 90 minute massage cannot be beat. Thanks Rob!

Gorgeous location– a quiet garden oasis in the back of a Queen Anne Victorian. Rob has a centered, grounded presence that transmits a peaceful vibe which put me at ease from the moment he greeted me.
Premassage Rob discussed my bodywork needs and asked about injuries, level of pressure etc.
I have never had an Esalen style massage before today, and the long, connecting head to toe strokes melted me into the table. Some of the massage highlights included gentle stretching, rocking, and a scalp and foot massage.
Rob listened well during the intake regarding problem areas and gave them extra attention during the session. I left completely relaxed.
I highly recommend Rob’s nurturing, soul-​nourishing massage.

Rob’s energy is very focused, sincere and attentive. The Esalen style massage is wonderful, with long body strokes going up from your feet all the way up your body. Very nurturing and yet sensual at the same time.
Not like sports massage or deep tissue massage, this type of massage is more relaxing and peace-​inducing. I enjoyed every bit.
Highly recommend him and his warm massage table.