All You Need is Knead

Despite its Beverly Hills address, Knead Massage Boutique is strictly no-frills, and for good reason: to keep treatments affordable. At just $48 a pop, Knead makes it possible for you to go ahead and get a full-body massage pretty much anytime you want to.

Just because it isn't fancy doesn't mean Knead isn't a lovely place to visit. The bright and airy spot on La Cienega is decorated with original artwork, and treatment rooms feature nice touches such as glowing candles, soft music and heated massage tables. Our massage therapist asked what level of pressure we preferred and then got to work, using gentle kneading motions to soften tight muscles. She started with our face and scalp, which is the reverse of most massages we've experienced. Because she didn't apply oil until after she was done with those areas, our hair stayed clean – a thoughtful touch.

Knead offers package discounts that can get the price as low as $42 per massage - a killer deal, to be sure. So go ahead and treat yourself to that twice monthly (or maybe even weekly) massage. After all, you knead it, don't you?

Review originally published 2/21/08.