Urban Nirvana

This was my first Thai massage (done by Shilpa, RMT) and it was AMAZING. If you are looking for a deeper massage than a traditional Swedish and open to the stretching component, I HIGHLY recommend it. After this, I won’t be going back to the traditional table massages. Shilpa was very strong and attended to my troubled areas throughout the massage.
Urban Nirvana as a whole was a lovely, tranquil spa with kind, friendly service. I’m looking forward to my next visit!

Updating previous review. When I initially booked I had some difficulty with a gift certificate from spa finder which they had recently discontinued accepting but was still on their online booking. They did go out of their way to resolve the situation though which I appreciate, on a sidenote I would never use Spafinder. The massage itself was good. It was very intense but I think it helped with the stiffness in my back which is key. Other reviews that mention the noise in my experience this was true to some extent. It was mostly quiet for about two thirds of my massage but then a lady came in that was very talkative. It didn’t really bother me since this isn’t really the kind of massage where you need absolute quiet. It’s definitely a more functional massage some of the stretches are very intense.

This location recently started offering Yoga+ Thai Massage and it is amazing! You get all the benefits of a restorative yoga class with that added stretch for sore muscles and joints. I love the easygoing vibe and the beautiful studio space that looks out over green space. The studio owner Liz is very hardworking yet chilled out.
I have also received a Thai Massage here and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for something more vigorous and intense — they really get into the trouble spots, but it’s not a passive experience (you likely won’t zone out). Definitely worth a try if you have stubborn knots that just won’t go away.

3.5 Stars
While searching for something totally unrelated on Unilocal,I came across this Thai massage place. After looking at their website and reading some reviews, I decided nothing would be better on my day off then to get all stretched out and relaxed so I booked a session. You can book a holistic massage, a RMT massage or a student massage. I decided to go with the student massage mistakenly on my part thinking it was cheaper. It’s $ 65 for 90 minutes, but you don’t get a RMT receipt so it would have been cheaper for me to book a RMT massage which I think it $ 120 for 90 min as I would have been able to claim most of it through my insurance. But that was my fault for not asking questions before booking it. But at least a student got some practice. And they hand pick all their students to ensure top quality so at least I didn’t end up with some person who had no idea what they were doing.
The space is calm and quiet and you get hot tea and a complimentary foot soak… which only makes sense as they need to touch your feet and I’m sure they don’t want stanky feet up in their house!
The actual massage area is on big room with each individual massage area blocked by curtains. For a Thai massage you lie on the ground on a thin mat fully clothed. You can change into the Thai pants they provide or just wear some lose gym or yoga clothes.
Thai massage is not like the typical soothing massage, it’s more about stretching your body and joints out. Think yoga poses with some pressure. Before getting the massage you can choose how much pressure you would like — mild, medium, deep. I chose medium which was great for me, deep would have been too much.
As some other reviewers indicated you can hear some heaving breathing or grunting — it just all depends on who is next to you. Perhaps that is why they have music and some water sounds/​fountain thing going on. The water sounds actually just made me want to pee.lol.
Overall I would include this a few times a year, along with my regular RMT massage person that I go to. I did feel like jelly afterwards :)
For a regular RMT massage, when you check in on Unilocal you get 20% off. You also get a little bottle of Epsom salts as you may be a bit sore from all the stretching and pressure.

Awesome massage. Very nice vibe and cool people. One of the best Thai massages I’ve ever had. Ask for Liam — he’s great and RMT.

My partner and I have come here several times (10+) for couple massages.
For the most part this place is wonderful. The receptionist (s) have always been friendly and welcoming — offering hot tea when we arrive. Also — I will mention that they were very organized about our account. Our package was about to expire, and the administration called us to make sure we booked in all of our appointments before that happened. :)
One time yes, it was way too cold in the studio, and that was uncomfortable. I think they were having problems with their heating. And yes, my partner and I have also been there at the same time as that loud groaning man that one other Unilocal reviewer mentioned. Not really the studio’s fault… he’s just a customer. We were giggling when that was happening. Pretty hilarious.
The thai massage therapist my partner sees is very skilled. The one I see is okay. I kind of feel like I have to be loyal to her now though… but if you’re new and coming to this studio, go with Vanya or Niki. They are FANTASTIC. My partner always goes with Niki — she is a master. I don’t normally see Vanya, but one time I did because the person I usually see was away. Vanya was a dream. She has such an openness and intelligence in her work… I felt she really connected with my body and was very present. I wish I could go with her all the time but it would be weird to switch at this point.
The therapist I see is okay — she’s very skilled, she’s just kind of cold. Nice, but just… not very compassionate, I guess. She has brought me to tears several times using too much pressure — and openly laughed at me for it, while continuing to use too much pressure… (thai massage is no joke people) — so you know, there’s that. But she is okay.
All in all, I really like this place and I would recommend it. Nothing is perfect but they do make a good effort and we found the administration to be very professional.

The massage is great, the staff wonderful, the ambience pleasant and treatment areas quite calming. The problem is administration.
They had issues with so much as accepting the Unilocal voucher I purchased from this site, citing that they had stopped accepting Unilocal vouchers and had asked Unilocal to remove them.
Then, they did not honour the 8-​pack of 90 minute massages I successfully purchased on their online store (they use mindbodyonline), merely because I had used SpaFinder gift certificates to fund my account! SpaFinder is a funding method, like Visa, MasterCard or Amex, so it should make no difference to them how I fund my account at mindbodyonline to buy stuff. The fact that I successfully used those funds to buy the 8-​pack of 90 minute massages demonstrates it was a valid purchase and there was no limit to the number of vouchers that could be used — else it would not have worked, throwing up a message like, «only one certificate may be redeemed per purchase». This is an arbitrary decision on the part of management to not honour what they had already sold to me!
They offered to only reverse my purchase, not refund those SpaFinder vouchers used to fund the purchase — as such I cannot not use the SpaFinder vouchers elsewhere as they are marked as redeemed, and which leaves my money frozen and effectively lost. The only redemption they offered is one voucher of a value between $ 10 to $ 50 per massage that would cost $ 169.50 each with tax, which given 33 vouchers would require me to spend close to an additional $ 4,500 beyond the combined voucher values.

Thai massage at its best at this place with Nikki! Wonderful and friendly staff and relaxing atmosphere.

I was so impressed by the reviews that I booked a massage here and was really looking forward to it. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed and will absolutely not be returning to urban nirvana thai massage:
1. I understand that Thai massage occurs in such a fashion that people are separated by a curtain and not a door. This is fine, but the person next to me was really quite revolting. Listening to his moans and grunts was a huge distraction and completely prevented me from feeling relaxed. In addition, his therapist was chatting with him in incessantly. I asked my therapist if she could ask him to be quieter and she apologetically replied ‘they’re not supposed to be talking’. She did go into the other stall and I presume asked them to be quieter but the moans and grunts didn’t stop.
2. The space is only ok. The stairs up to the clinic are run down and massage rooms are adequate but not wonderful.
3. Staff (not the holistic practitioner who was quite lovely) are not polite. My complaint at the end was not taken seriously. They brushed off my displeasure and seemed generally uncaring and unconcerned.
4. Price. It’s $ 90 an hour. Not outrageous but at this price point there are multiple other options for massages which far outshine this very mediocre business.
Definitely do not recommend!

I had a couples’ massage today at 1pm with my wife.
They placed us into a room where there was a male lying inches away from us, who continuously made loud grunts that sounded like he was either dying or receiving a handjob. This occurred throughout our one hour session.
My wife made very clear to the therapist that this was unacceptable and affecting her experience. It didn’t seem to make a difference.
On the way the way out we made clear to the three people working there that we were displeased with that aspect of our experience (we even told them explicitly we would leave a very negative review on Unilocal). None of them seemed they could care less and one suggested that next time we could spend more money and rent a private room, while they worked to deduct $ 230 from our bank card.
We will not be returning.

Thai massage at Urban Nirvana is amazing! My first experience I only had gentle-​medium pressure and it was wonderfully relaxing — I felt so light! I have been many times, regularly now and generally have a strong pressure applied. Since I’m a very active person, so much gets released! While different from your regular therapeutic, Swedish or sports massage, Thai massage is just as beneficial, if not more so in some instances. I definitely mix up the types of massages I get now, since they all benefit me in different ways. Even if you don’t like «regular» massages, give Thai a shot. You can have both non-​registered or registered, simply request when booking. It’s all good for me, but I would say that the non-​registered traditional Thai is the more beneficial version.
Each session they’ll ask you what pressure you prefer and if there are any issues (tightness, injury etc.) you are dealing with. This is assisted massage. You will start out lying on your back and they will move through a series of manipulations that cover off your entire body. The more time you book, the more thoroughly they can treat you. Just remember to stay relaxed, breathe, clear your mind and enjoy the peace! You’ll feel euphoric afterwards!
Tips, if it helps: No problems booking on-​line or over the phone — nice and helpful. You’ll be guided to the massage room (low, lighting) where you will have your curtained off space; it’s not a private room (although I believe you can request a private room). Other massages are happening next to you (both men and women). You change into loose clothes (pants, T-​shirt) that they provide. No issues — they are clean and fresh. You can bring your own loose clothes but I no longer do as oil and/​or the balm that they use might stain your clothes (they won’t use anything if you prefer not to. However, the balm is heavenly!!)
(NB: I mean no offence, but please don’t moan and groan. It ruins it for everyone else being treated. I’ve been a number of times where there always seems to be some guy who can’t be quiet. It’s pretty annoying and it’s the equivalent of a «grunter» at the gym.)

After relying on Unilocal for tons of reviews over the years, I’ve finally decided to write one of my own. Here we go!
I travelled to Thailand just about two years and indulged in massages at least once a day while I was there (an hour for the price of a starbucks latte — why not?). it was absolute heaven. I’ve been dreaming of Thai massages ever since. Finally I decided to scope out Unilocal for suggestions on where to find an authentic Thai massage in the GTA and landed on Urban Nirvana.
The front desk staff was friendly and helpful, the studio was clean and my massage therapist Saipin was kind, professional and skilled. The layout of massage beds was bang on and they start off the visit by serving tea and washing your feet. highly reminiscent of my original Thai experience. I went mainly for relaxation and stretching (and to satisfy my nostalgia), but was pleased to find that Saipin was able to locate and undo knots in my upper back.
Very impressed with the overall experience and will definitely return — I bought a couple’s massage on my way out.

I’ve had the luxury of traveling all over the world and trying all kinds of spas and this one is my absolute favorite place to get a massage hands down. I was used to conventional swedish massages until I discovered Thai Massages. My husband and I have become obsessed with Thai massages since we came to Urban Nirvana. Only downside is that we haven’t been able to find anything like this anywhere in the states where we are planning to move to in January. Also, Benyapa is my number one masseuse to date so try her if you can. The staff is also a total pleasure every time I need to buy massage packages since we go so regularly. Very cozy environment.

The Good: Great and friendly service since I first started with them 4 years ago. Back then, they were located closer to Summerhill. This location is a lot bigger. I recommend their heat therapy during the winter time to loosen up the muscles.
I use to do 60 minutes, but I upped it to 90 minutes b/​c I just can’t get enough. I’ve found that this is a good amount of time to get a full body massage.
The Bad: On occasion I have not been able to get the massage therapist that I had before so it might take some adjustment to a new person. For those who are sensitive to noise, you will have to get use to some whispering of words if there are other people in the room since it is sectioned and separated by curtains. But you’ll be in nirvana from the therapeutic massage that you won’t even notice it =) The layout itself very much replicates those in Thailand so you do feel like you’re there!
The Overall: I go there once a month and they’ve helped me a lot in aligning my body so that I have better posture and giving me suggestions on how to avoid any more physical pain due to strain.
Revisit: For sure! I found them about 4 years ago and I haven’t stopped going since!

My dream and fantasy all comes true at Urban Nirvana Thai Massage.
My perfect vacation is go to Thailand, eat spicy food and durian and have a 2 hour Thai massage everyday!
Sadly, I am not rich and famous and not retired yet. But during my massage, I felt like I transferred to one of the massage parlors/​spa in Thailand and I just wish it would last forever… after the massage I even have an urge to book my ticket to Thailand!
The front desk staff though was not as «Thai» friendly as I expected. I had a voucher that would be not be expiring in 3 month was met with a frown, stating it might not be honoured anymore and she needed to talk to the manager. But I glad that everything sorted out and I received my treatment!
After writing 3500 reviews, I definitely need a massage to loosen up my tight shoulders, back and hamstrings… I just love those cracking sounds my body makes when my masseurs cracks all my knuckles…

I came here because of all the raving reviews.
I’ve had Thai massages in Thailand and in Vancouver (where i was living before), and this place is OK. The therapist was ok. She responded to my request for more pressure, but I didn’t feel that she was able to find the «knots» and «kinks» in my back and in my neck, despite my guidance. I still felt quite tight at the end of the 1 hr massage.
The front desk staff was also not as helpful or friendly as mentioned in the other reviews. I made the appointment on the phone and the receptionist told me there was a first time discount for new clients. When I was paying after the massage, the front desk staff charged me the full price. When I mentioned the discount, she didn’t appear to know about it until I showed her the pamphlet that was on the counter (which mentioned the discount). She rolled her eyes and said, «well you needed that pamphlet to get the discount. and I guess you just found it … so I’ll have to give it to you».
The whole experience was less than ideal. I get massages regularly for the tension in my neck and back, and I probably will not be going back to Urban Nirvana.

Nice clean place, friendly staff and I had the best massage ever. It was the first time trying Thai massage and I am completely sold. Will definitely go back for more.

If your serious about massage this is the place to go! I was twisted and stretched out completely by the end. The women are from Thailand and absolutely know what they are doing. Intend to be back often!

I’ve been here multiple times, with my husband, with my mother, alone, and while pregnant. Each time has been good in the sense that I always left with something positive from the experience. I’ve learned that I prefer some massage pressures over others.
In general, you should let any masseuse/​masseur know if you’d like an increase or decrease in pressure.
If you’re seeking a hard pressure/​deep massage, I recommend Petch (soft ch sound doesn’t need to be pronounced). She’s very kind, trained in Thailand.
A friend of mine, Vanya, works here. I haven’t yet had a massage done by her, but I’ve heard from another friend that she gives good massages. You can’t go wrong, though. All masseuses here seem well-​trained, confident, and personable.
If you’re pregnant, you’re probably already mentioning this fact to any health practitioner that you are planning to meet — when booking the appointment.
I love the receptionist here, friendly and down to earth.
Google Thai massage if you’re not that familiar with it. Instead of laying down for the session, the person who’s massaging you will use her/​his hands, legs, feet to help stretch your muscles. I once heard Thai massage referred to as yoga for lazy people.
Too bad insurance companies don’t recognize Thai masseuses/​masseurs, as RMTs.
By TTC: Close to Rosedale stn, just one station north of Bloor stn.

I recently purchased a couples Thai massage from Living Social to redeem at Urban Nirvana. Having lived in Thailand, I have had a million Thai massages, and was missing the experience.
Thai Massage is more «active» than other kinds off massage, and can be used for a WIDE variety of benefits. It is more like «assisted stretching» and can be very therapeutic. You wear a t-​shirt and loose pants during the massage, both which they will provide if you did not bring your own.
The website booking was a little confusing, and I accidentally booked an appointment for 2011. We showed up on the 2010 date for our appointment, and the staff was super courteous, shuffling some things around to get us an appointment later that week.
The treatment room was comfortable and the practitioners (a man for me and a woman for my SO) were kind, professional and friendly. The treatment itself was far more relaxing than the version in Thailand (the Thai ladies can be rough) and it was very soothing.
Thai Massage is a great experience, and I would recommended it to anyone. The couples treatment was a nice touch too.