Getting a massage is a wonderful treat, but it's not a routine part of our schedules. Or should it be? Touch Massage Bar, which recently launched its second location on Eglinton, certainly believes that self-care should be an everyday luxury.
"With our new midtown location, we’ve created a sanctuary that blends thoughtful design with social wellness, inviting clients to relax and recharge — alone or with friends or their partner,” says Saira Lakhani, founder and CEO of Touch Massage Bar, which launched its original King West location in 2020.
I head to Touch's new midtown studio to find out how the brand is redefining self-care for busy urbanites — and try out a treatment myself.
Touch Massage Bar – Midtown: The Space
I've walked past Touch Massage Bar's King Street studio on many occasions, so I'm curious to check out the new midtown location. Despite being on the busy Eglinton strip of shops and restaurants, and only a 10-minute walk from Eglinton Station, it doesn't take long to relax after following the staircase up to its hidden oasis.
When I arrive, the sun is shining, casting some beautiful light across the reception area. The space is decorated in light whites and beige shades, with throw cushions, pampas grass in vases, and woven rattan lampshades, creating a boho-chic aesthetic that makes me feel like I've arrived at a beachouse in Tulum.
The vibe is calming, and the staff wait patiently while I unload my winter saddlebags (coat, bag, scarf, gloves). From there, my masseuse escorts me to my room, an equally chic space where there's a robe hanging and a handy bag for me to decant my clothing into.
Touch Massage Bar – Midtown: The Treatment
I’ve never experienced much in the way of back or neck issues, but lately, turning my head has started to feel like trying to crack a walnut. While I consider spa days a self-care necessity, having the time to dedicate an entire day to ironing out my kinks — especially ones that are the result of too much time spent hunched over my laptop like Quasimodo — isn't always in the cards.
I opt for the 50-minute Much Kneaded ($155) treatment, which allows me to customize and curate the massage to my personal needs. After a quick consultation with my therapist, we settle on something between deep tissue and relaxation, which works out some knots in my upper and lower back, without skimping on the foot and hand portion of the proceedings that I love so much.
A remote control allows me to signal to my therapist that I'm ready for her to come in once I've changed and settled myself on the heated bed (a huge perk for an anxious brain like mine). The 50 minutes slip by blissfully, and soon it's time to head out to the lobby for a post-treatment tea and a brief recalibration before heading back outside.
After the session, the tightness has reduced, and I can finally turn my head without any weird sounds. I leave feeling relaxed, refreshed and decidedly less crunchy.
Touch Massage Bar – Midtown: What Else
Touch Massage Bar offers several services, from 25 to 120-minute therapies, seated or on the massage table, solo or as a couple. The focus of massages is broad, ranging from the legs and feet (Good for the Sole) to common areas of tension that arise during pregnancy (Mama Knows Best).
There are also flexible membership options designed to help busy city folk incorporate massage into their self-care routine. Members enjoy exclusive perks like complimentary beverages and discounts on retail products.
Plus, the experience doesn't have to end when you leave the table. Keep the self-care rolling with Touch Massage Bar's menu that includes wine, brunch and even charcuterie boards. Though I won't be visiting daily, my massage left me floating on a cloud of relaxation for the rest of the evening, which even a ride on the subway couldn't dampen.
