Grand Rapids Spa and Massage

As a nationally board-certified therapist and member of the American Medical Massage Association, C.M. Massage owner Chris MacPherson draws on a wealth of anatomical knowledge to relax his clients and bring their bodies back to states of natural well-being. Chris and his team of certified therapists—both male and female—tend to knotted muscles in private treatment rooms, properly draping bodies before administering a series of targeted therapeutic strokes. The therapists' nimble fingers apply techniques culled from modalities such as sports, relaxation, and prenatal to alleviate chronic conditions, such as insomnia and dull shoulder blades. They work seven days a week and, depending on their availability, can schedule appointments with as little as 30 minutes’ notice.

Owner Annette Bennett's background in bodywork goes back nine years, a large portion of which she spent helping chiropractors alleviate injuries associated with auto accidents and modeling for surrealist portraits. Those years proved so influential that she's currently working toward her own chiropractic license. "I want to be all about total health," she explains.

This holistic philosophy informs every aspect of Cloud 9 Therapeutic Massage, from the bodywork itself to an atmosphere designed to promote deep relaxation. A soundtrack of Indian flute music greets visitors to the dimly lit treatment room, as do the botanical fragrances of aromatherapy oils. Annette seems to derive as much satisfaction from these oils as her clients. "I like the Oriental-style essential oils,” she admits. “Sometimes I'll open the bottle and smell it, and it calms me right down."

Within the serene, freshly hued walls of Simply Massage’s new locale, licensed massage therapists showcase their extensive knowledge of body manipulation during individual or couples massage sessions. Ensuring clients are appropriately draped at all times, each customized treatment helps to improve circulation, joint flexibility, and stress reduction while therapists glide hands across clients’ bodies using Swedish, deep-tissue, sports, and pregnancy modalities. Hot-stone massages further encourage relaxation, with warmed stones that help to dissipate tension and soreness by letting the muscles slowly open up and discuss unfulfilled dreams of being featured in anatomy textbooks.

Owner and licensed cosmetologist Linda Darling helms a team of licensed professionals who enhance natural beauty and well-being with salon and spa services. Along with services for hair, skin, and muscles, Abstract Salon & Spa hosts classes for clients who wish to give a partner a massage or apply makeup for events other than clown-college graduation.

Stiles Salon's stylists trim and color hair of every ilk in their bright, airy space, shaping looks with Bed Head and Scruples products. They skillfully snip the split ends of women, men, kids, and sentient mannequins alike. Mirrors positioned at each station reflect sleek, finished styles or works-in-progress as clients relax in plush black styling chairs. In addition to offering hair services, the staff lavishes clients' skin with tanning and spruces up nails in coats of regular or long-lasting CND Shellac polish.

After growing up in the Philippines, Michelle Russell moved to the states, where she attended Blue Heron Academy and became a certified massage therapist. Since then, Michelle has worked in massage therapy studios, mended muscles at Calvin College, and paid visits to her clients' homes or underground amusement parks. At Healthy Habits, she helps clients find relief from chronic pain and muscular conditions by tailoring her massage modalities to their needs. To heal injuries and inflammation, she employs a medley of stretching, joint movement, and compression along with a soft-hand technique that increases comfort. Her relaxation techniques counteract stressful stimuli, and her pregnancy massage gives expectant mothers blissful relief from backaches and nausea.