Finding tranquility off of 11th Street in Houston is as challenging a goal for most urban dwellers as finishing the Boston Marathon. Yet, with tenacity and perseverance, both goals are within the realm of possibility. And I’m happy to announce my success in achieving one out of the two goals. I’ll let you figure out which one.

Which brings me to a little oasis of tranquility: the Heights Massage &Day Spa, a delightful addition to the Heights Business community. Enter the charming walk-up path on the corner of 12th Street and Lawrence and start feeling the layers of city grime melt away. Climb a few stairs and you’re about to temporarily leave the stresses of Houston city life behind. The pleasant waiting area is lined with dark wicker chairs, white cushioned seats while basalt rocks line the corners of the room, complemented by the soft berber carpeting beneath your feet. Lovely Fresh flowers sit on top a table with current magazines and food—what more could you ask? Cucumber slices, Jarlsberg cheese, fancy crackers, munchy granola concoctions, tea, water and even wine (red AND white!) is available. A CD of relaxing music wafts in the air and, if you gaze around you’ll see furniture and mindful accessories imported from around the globe. You’re soon greeted by your therapist who asks you to choose from a selection of music for your massage and then whisks you around a short hallway, lined by various degrees, licenses and achievement awards, into a beautiful peaceful room.

With space at a premium, you change in the treatment room and there your adventure will begin. There’s also a shower in the immaculate bathroom adjoining the treatment area. Laura, whose petite stature belies her ability to wring tension out of a cramped shoulder, is an expert at the Intuitive tailored massage, one of the Heights signature treatments. She used an assortment of oils (including chamomile, geranium, lavender), and balancing to restore equilibrium. Her technique was further assisted by the special heated bodywork table which can be adjusted with relative ease, and gave both of us proper body positioning. Then my arms, neck and head were massaged. I thought perhaps a mistake had been made and I was in for a body facial. But then the real work began.

Another specialist- Krisztina arrived after an hour and a half being kneaded, oiled and softened, and it was time for my pampering facial which was unlike any I’ve experienced. For one thing, there was no bright light shined on my skin, while an esthetician clucked over the size of my pores. That always makes me think I’m being interrogated for a crime, not to mention feeling guilty over not having perfect skin. No bright lights, no magnifying glass! It was perfect.

My face was gently warmed with washcloths, cleansed and the best part—no extractions were performed! No one likes to talk about it, but that is never a pleasant experience. Instead, my face was covered in a healing mask, prepared for my sensitive skin, which was followed by toning sprays. It was possibly the most relaxed facial I’ve ever experienced. Afterwards, I floated to the t’ai chi area, also smartly designed with the sound of the pool’s waterfall and wind chimes lingering in the background. There are chaise lounges for your pleasure, in case you order a spa lunch (the fruit plate was fresh and bountiful), there's also the outdoor bar. It’s impossible to have a bad mood in here and you’re liable to make some friends, too— people are that friendly.

This ultimate spa pedicure was memorable too, starting with a lower leg massage with an invigorating minty scrub paste. It ended with a brief foot ritual. Yes, foot ritual, a mini-reflexology that was wonderful. My feet soaked in a warm milk bath and looked good-to-go by the time the afternoon was up. The only caveat: I had to go back to work.

Even if you are concerned you might be hurting your therapist’s feelings (one of my problems), it’s in everyone’s best interest to mention it diplomatically. Same goes for music being played during a treatment, especially massage, where the point is to get away from stress. If the music selections are not to your liking, speak up. Everyone’s taste runs different. For instance, I learned that when being massaged I prefer nature sounds to classical music, pop singers and Gregorian chants. And if the therapists are savvy, they will quickly adjust your environment. Happily, as soon as I mentioned my difficulty in relaxing because of the music, even though I originally chose it, the therapist quickly left, found a more soothing selection and returned. It was a happy ending all around.

The location has 4 total treatment rooms with two full bathrooms, a hot-tub, pool with a built in cave grotto and a meditation garden. With T’ai Chi, yoga and continuing education massage classes scheduled, the facilities can also be rented out for small venues, parties and events as well.

Heights Massage & Day Spa of today bears scant resemblance to the simple massages that first lured spa goers to the Heights back in the 1990s. Attractions now include an ever-growing list of choice massages, facials, eyelash extensions, body treatments, fine art as well as classes in an array of activities. This is where Heights Massage & Day Spa excels: It’s a first class Day Spa that refuses to rest on its successes and continually expands its offerings.

Spa going arrivals to the facility increased last year, with both loyal repeats and new visitors enjoying fresh attractions inside and out.

The fun continues on the inside with belly dancing classes and Mendhi (henna tattooing) lessons. When the sun goes down there are Tai Chi Lessons on the deck and Wine & Cheese Artist mixers.

Here's a look at what's new at the spa:

Don’t miss the monthly art exhibit in the lobby, featuring colorful works like Mary Elizabeth Gentile’s original paintings.

Heights eclectic art scene has a new hot spot, the HM&DS Art Gallery (832-618-1145) in the Heights. With an expanding two-building showroom, the gallery displays modern works by painters, potters and glass blowers from the Americas and neighboring Europe. After a relaxing massage, sip on cucumber water while deciding which piece of artwork to take home.

Testimonials:

This is my favorite spa in town.  As soon as you walk into this charming spa you can feel the relaxation begin.  The ambiance is perfect, right down to the Votivo handsoap in the water closet, without that "stuffy" feeling which some of the spas that consider themselves the classiest generate.   In large part this is because the folks who work there radiate a positive energy that is based on healing rather than impressing.  I've gotten massages in lots of spas over the past 15 years, and Adriana, one of the newest masseuses, gives one of the best I've received anywhere.  - Jacquelyn, August 18, 2006

I love the lashes!!!  My boyfriend noticed almost right away. Everyone loves them and they look so natural!  Thanks, Ruth K., Student at University of Houston Architecture, Employed by The American Cancer Society, June 26, 2006

Thank you Laura for the fabulous massage after the Houston Marathon. My hip bothered me all night and I was "hobbling" around, but by morning, it felt normal. WOW! I now know the cure for the deep glute muscles. Thank you again Jennie Minken, Boston Marathoner January 17, 2006

"I often had headaches and problems with my neck. When I was sitting in my vehicle, I needed support for my neck. After just two sessions I felt much better. Laura did what she called a Triggerpoint release on the base of my neck and gave me a few simple exercises and stretches. My neck feels much stronger and headaches are very rare now."   Jennifer Ma, Nurse, Galveston, Texas, November, 2005


"I first came to Laura Lee by way of a new & wayward lash curler. I woke up one morning to find that all of my center lashes were gone! At the time, I did not know that the curler was the culprit. My face looked so strange without my lashes and I was very self-conscious about my appearance.   My solution was false-eyelashes.    While telling my friend about my dilemma, she mentioned a new procedure called lash extension and I was on it.

I did some research on the procedure and decided to go for it.

I came to find Laura at Heights Massage by a search on Citysearch.   She had many favorable reviews on both them massage and lash services.    When I went to the website, I discovered she had a superb special and I booked my appointment.

Laura determined that the curler was the problem.  And, even though Laura had practically nothing to work with, she worked magic and I walked out with a full set of lashes.

I LOVE MY LASHES.    It is absolutely amazing the difference the lashes made.   I am hooked on them.    My bald eyes were transformed.    The lashes are long and thick and my eyes appear larger.    It is definitely a confidence booster.

Adios to Mascara.  The only tool I use is a lash brush.

With the lashes, I walk out of the house with a bit of blush and lip gloss and I am set.

I had told my fiancé that I had lost all of my lashes and was very self-conscious.  Of course, being the good guy that he is, he said “hone, I don’t notice any difference”.   I started taking pre-natal vitamins hoping that it would make my lashes grow back quickly.

I didn’t tell him that I had lash extensions and he never noticed even though I was batting my eyes at him.  HOWEVER, one evening while having drinks with friends, my friend’s husband said “WOW, look at your lashes, I never noticed how long they were…. How pretty!”   And, at that point, my fiancé said….  Those pre-natal vitamins are really working!    I started cracking up…. but didn’t reveal my secret!

As for Laura, she is a nice and gregarious person who takes her work seriously.   The Spa is serene and Zen like and it is easy to zone out during the procedure.  Laura is meticulous, professional, and takes pride in her craft.   I often find that she will go over the appointment time just to add her finishing touch to make the lashes perfect.

I highly recommend Laura if you are considering Lash Extensions.   You will have an eye-opening experience that will leave you “batting” for days!"  -Kerry Odem, November 7, 2005

Dear Laura,

Thank you so much for the information, the Lavish Lashes Class was GREAT!  

You have gotten me so excited with Lavish Lashes!  I'll send pics and I'm sure I will be at your next class.

Thank you!

Tiffany Hausman

Transformations Salon,  March 15, 2006

citysearch.com reviews:

A masseuse who definitely knows what she's doing!

My husband and I have been coming here for over a year now. We were hooked from day one as we believe we have found a masseuse who definitely knows what she's doing. This isn't your frou-frou massage center. Instead, it's very professional and I feel that I get total undivided attention to my body's needs whenever I visit.

Pros: professional service, cosy and homey settin, personable
Overall user rating: Highly Recommended

Bring On The Bliss

This is why she's booked daily & I've got a standing appointment once a week.

Pros: emarkable results, unbelievable hands
Cons: none
Overall user rating: Highly Recommended

Our Permanent Makeup Sessions

I just got my eyelash extensions done by Laura Lee and they are amazing. It took a while, but they're so well worth the wait. You can't tell the difference between these and my real lashes, that's the best part. I've tried fake lashes and the stinky part about those was they'd start lifting in the middle of an important moment. These are pretty permanent.

I went with two of my other girlfriends. Jackie got her already real and beautiful lashes permed. She threw out her eyelash curler.

My other friend Claudia opted for an eyelash perm plus eyelash & brow tinting w/Reflexology. The price was an amazing $45.00 before tip for all three of the treatments she got.

We already prebooked our next treatment and girls day out in 3 months to do this all over again. It's so much fun and they made us feel so gorgeous!

Pros: Reasonably Priced, Convenient Location, < time spent primping
Cons: Laura is booked often, can't have perm done, with extensions
Overall user rating: Highly Recommended

Rave For Laura's Eyelash Extensions

In a word- 'WOW'! When I booked my appointment to have Laura put them on me after seeing them on the local news channel, I was intrigued by all of it. They made mention of having these on for 2 Months, that I could do normal things like swimming, showering, saunas on top of them saying that I wouldn't feel any difference. But to look at me- I feel I don't have to wear make-up anymore! I look at least 20 years younger. I feel like I'm in college again with long lovely natural looking lashes. My sister saw mine and she had to book her appointment too as did her kid, my niece. Our extensionist named Laura gave us each a great deal. She's got such steady hands and great hand/eye coordination. (and tell her Shirley sent you, alright? :))

Pros: Feels so natural, Worth the Price, No mascara needed
Cons: I wasnt born this way, Laura is booked fast!, lashes rub sunglasses
Overall user rating: Highly Recommended

Fabulous!

A party of four for a special birthday celebration. We were treated very well and the privacy of the spa was a rare luxury. Three of the four were first timers when it came to a spa massage and they are now hooked! Highly recommended!

Pros: atmosphere, outdoor pool
Overall user rating: Highly Recommended

Finest Therapist with Matching Hands

Writing a review about Laura Lee's massage is like trying to describe what a cloud feels like. You can feel it yet you can not track it. One hand merges into the next hand. Two hands split, but do they? My mind went numb. I fell asleep. She did her hand dance. Rhythm and Melody all put together to make a Symphony of two people, one giving, the other receiving. Thanks Laura. You are talented beyond words and expectations.

Pros: She works 7 days/wk, A Hard Worker, Family Values
Cons: I can't see her daily, I didn't win lottery, Limits # of her appts
Overall user rating: Highly Recommended

This is a gem!

This is a gem! Setting is charming, with relaxing atmosphere, laid back, no sales pressure, no phony smiles and marketing gimmicks. Laura is very personnable, but respectful and tactful and she really listens! Her massage is out of this world. It is relaxing, but energizing, you don't feel drained or drowsy. Instead of going home exhausted like a zombie, I actually happily returned to my office (which might sound a bit perverted), feeling really great!! I recommend very highly...

Overall user rating: Highly Recommended

Postive Energy

I noticed a very different style to therapist Laura's touch. It took me a while to figure out what made it wonderfully different. Her one hand does most of the work while the other hand is fluttering around "dancing" on my body. When I mentioned this to her, she laughed and said "touche". She told me how one hand is the strong hand- doing all the work, while the other hand is the nice hand- doing all the smoothing out of what the pain the other hand was inflicting. I never noticed any pain. She said it was because the brain couldn't process two different sensations and so is forced into relaxing the muscles. All I know is, she's right and I couldn't keep track of which hand was where. All I know is it put me into a trance.

Pros: Relaxing, Flexible Appts., The Massage
Overall user rating: Highly Recommended

"The Move"

I initially made an appt w/Laura & forgot my appt. She was gracious to let me make another one. (sorry Laura!)- so glad I did. She told me to bring in my own music but I decided to let her make the selection. I noticed she could anticipate the tempo of the music, its different changes, nuances and between her wonderful touch (lite in some spots, deep in others) and the blissful music- I was on cloud 9. I made a standing appt every other week to get 'the move' (ask her for this-you'll thank me later).

Pros: forgiving, The "MOVE", competitive pricing
Overall user rating: Highly Recommended

Miss Laura....

I treated mself to almost 2 hours at Mis Laura's place in the Heights for my 48th birthday. Started with a sit in the hot tub with a little good conversation and then a very long relaxing masage including the hot stones.... need I say more. I actually had to relax in the reception area for about 10 minutes before I could head back into the reality of Houston. Only about 10 mins from my office in the Galleria.... I won't wait for another birthday!

Pros: Massage, Hot Stones, Relaxation
Overall user rating: Highly Recommended

Exceptional Massage

Where can you find innovative massage and bodywork? Try your own backyard. I did, and I was pleasantly surprised by the professionalism, intelligence and client-centric approach of this young woman. I walked in with sciatic pain that two chiropractors could not find relieve- and Laura's healing touch relieved it completely. I'm now a true believer in her ability and know why she's been voted the best in Houston.

Pros: Flexibility w/appts, "Welcome Friend" feel, Non-Rushed Atmosphere
Cons: but she takes Paypal, She's popular
Overall user rating: Highly Recommended

Good Value

I received a massage by Therapist Laura "the pilot". I made the appt. last minute, when I was in pain. Though she already had already booked her daily limit (she insists on giving her best possible massage to each and every guest, so she limits the # of daily appts to just a few), she graciously granted me a spot. Let me tell you, I was in PAIN and she fixed me with just one session that two Dr.'s couldn't get me out of. I'm a believer.

Pros: What energy, What a gifted girl, Great Sense of Humor
Cons: I'm already married, She's too young 4 me
Overall user rating: Highly Recommended

I'm addicted!

Heights Massage is by far the best place I have been to for a day spa. I grew up in NYC and have been to everything from Bliss to Elizabeth Arden. By far Heights Massage is the best for the dollar...I hate to feel ripped off, and when you walk in, you feel like you have left Houston for a tropical island. Laura has the most talented hands and gives the best massage. For reflexology and facials, I love them all! For the first time I have decided to write a review, because I really don't know of a better more relaxing place in this crazy enviroment.

Pros: Friendly and Caring, Unpretentious, Sophisticated
Cons: no receptionist, no signage
Overall user rating: Highly Recommended

location, location, location

Like other reviewers, I must add my own two cents about her touch. I agree with every point made so far- intuitive, compassionate, understanding of my needs- I must also include in this review the quality of the location - it's a private get-a-way from the rush of city life. Jacuzzi, pool with cave are the perfect additions to an afternoon of pampering. Bring your own lunch, or she'll order it fresh just for you. Perfect for couples in love, as well.

Pros: Convenient location, Tropical Oasis, Tranquil Rooms
Cons: Addictive, an hour isn't enough
Overall user rating: Highly Recommended

Amazing Bodywork

Laura's bodywork has me returning for more. She is attentive and yet quiet to allow you to relax without jibber jabber. Her personal attention and stellar service put her on top of the list. Incredible massage. Give her a try, and tell her Mason sent you.

Pros: She's Good, Hot Tub & Pool, Shower & FluffyTowels
Cons: Only In Call, She's Good
Overall user rating: Highly Recommended

If you''ve made it down this far... why not add your own testimonial?

Let's have some fun and have a little testimonial contest!

Write a testimonial for Heights Massage & Day Spa, or any of the therapists here. It can be a testimonial for a treatment you'vehad, or a class you've taken, or a party you've had on the site, a testimonial regarding the monthly newsletter, or any other service or product or interaction you've had with us.

Be sure to use the guidelines below

One way to structure the testimonial is to also go through the following steps:

I'll take submissions and at the end of each month we'll announce a winner.

Send your entries to testimonial "at" heightsmassage "dot"com (FYI: By sending these in, we'll assume that you are giving us permission to publish your comments.)

What's the prize?

I'll sign the winner up for any one hour massages on the Heights Massage & Day Spa site:Swedish, Sports, Prenatal, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Hot Stone, Trigger Point, Esalenesque, Deep Tissue or a full set of eyelash extensions!

There will be a reward for runners-up as well- 30 minute sessions with Laura Lee, gratis.

We're looking forward to see what you come up with. Put it together now. It will only take a minute. And again send it to testimonial "at" heightsmassage "dot" com

All the best,

The Heights Massage Team