Self Care Rec: MAR Wellness

There are loads of great self care providers around town. I’ve posted about a few of my favorites here, but I recently discovered the best massage therapist. I wanted to share because it has been shockingly hard to find a really good massage in a relaxing setting, and frankly, after my tussle with covid I wanted a really good massage. If you’re in need of both a therapeutic and relaxing massage, check out MAR Wellness in Orakei. I recently got a 90 minute deep tissue massage specifically to work on some ongoing (like three+ years ongoing) back problems thanks to a freak supta kurmasana incident. I’ve been to chiropractors, physical therapists, had x-rays - all the things - and it’s still bothering me. After 90 minutes with Mariana, my back feels the best its felt since 2018.

MAR is a home studio, but it was relaxing and welcoming. There isn’t a fancy waiting area or any of the amenities you would find at a hotel or my favorite Austin spa, Milk & Honey, but Mariana is one of those people who can ask a few questions, poke around for a couple of minutes, and then magically know 47 spots to work on from different angles. It was painful in the best way.

Also worth noting is that while a 90 minute deep tissue massage at Milk & Honey is US$180 (plus tip) the same service was NZ$120 (about US$80) with no tip expected. To say that I felt like I was getting a good deal is an understatement.

So now that I’ve spilled the beans on this hidden gem, I hope that I’m still able to book future appointments. I’m going to give my back a few more weeks to see how it does, but I’m already looking forward to going back.