Massage experts in Costa Rica

Here is a list of some MASSAGE THERAPISTS/people I & others have used or connected with in the Central Valley (mainly in the West-end).

PLEASE add on/share your favs (or yourself!!) & add to the list (phone # is crucial as is location [or if they come to you], styles & price)!!

NOTE: Some people have complained about the prices of some of the therapists. Here’s my take/experience on CHEAP MASSAGE PEOPLE VS. MORE EXPENSIVE ONES: My EXTENSIVE experience is ya get what ya pay for!! 99% of the cheap Tico Massage people (they’re usually not “therapists”) I’ve found/experienced have NO formal training (& it SHOWS by MY standards!!). Also, training in CR is WAYYYYY cheaper than training in the States. Plus training here is pretty much basic/standard techniques. The cheap ones tend to be EXACTLY an hour (which to me isn’t tapping into my bodies needs). Also, it’s going to cost you more if someone comes to you (since they’ll often be traveling by bus for an hour or so).

RODRIGO PORRAS (843-6857 [if his cell isn’t on or it has the generic voice message, do NOT leave a message since he doesn’t know how to use it] OR you can leave a message for him at The House of Self Empowerment where he works out of at 228-1969 [English only here] or his home at 214-1621 [they don’t speak much English there]) – You can go to him at the House of Self Empowerment in Escazu (San Rafael – ON Calle Viejo right by Country Club Road [there’s a bus stop by them]) or his TINY/simple/rusticy office in Hatillo where he has a TINY Steam Bath & Sauna (near Hospital San Juan de Dios) or he can come to you with his massage table for $10 more plus taxi fare.
Rodrigo is BY FAR the BEST Massage Therapist I’ve EVER experienced!!! He is one of the Massage Therapist for the CR Soccer Federation (over 8 years) & he’s been doing professional massages/physical therapy for over 17 years & even taught massage at THE massage school in CR. He knows so much about the mechanics of body (inside & out) – both clinical & when he taps in intuitively – he gets to the right spots to get maximum relief/results (at least for me). A professionally trained massage therapist is important but someone that brings in a DEEP intuition is CRUCIAL to me as I’ve been receiving massages regularly for over 30 years & sadly, the most clinical/ detached/unintuitive/worst massages I’d ever received prior to connecting with Rodrigo (& one other gal that seems to have dissappeared) have sadly been in CR. I want someone that taps into what my body is saying – not just what they’ve learned or is their usual routine! One client he worked on had her hip misplaced in child birth 17 years before & nothing had fixed it – till ONE session with Rodrigo!! He’s mainly available on the weekends & sometimes on weeknights after 6:30pm or so plus he sometimes travels internationally with Selecion.
TECHNIQUES: He knows Sports Massage, Deep Tissue, MEGA Stretch, Thai, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Holistical Massage incorporating the mind, body & Spirit; Biomechanical, he knows many chiropractic type moves (he is NOT a chiropractor!!), INTUITIVE!!!
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: $30/session (if you go to him in Hatillo or Escazu) (but if he goes over an hour [which he USUALLY does! He’s been known to do 1 1/2-2 hours because he actually LISTENS to whatever your body needs! Novel concept eah?!?!] – PLEASE be VERY generous in your tip) OR he can come to you with his table at $40 plus his taxi fare to/from wherever he’s coming from.

KONRAD ESQUIVEL (816-5743 / 261-0504 / KonradYClara@yahoo.com) – I’ve referred MANY people to Konrad and ALL were very very happy .
TECHNIQUES: Quantum Force, Reflexology, Stretching, back, shoulder & hip pain, Anti-stress, Lymphadic Massage, Magnetic Therapy. He can come to you or you can see him at the House of Self Empowerment-Escazu.
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: $30 for a session (plus tip if he goes over & you’re really happy) within the La Garita, Escazu, Santa Ana to San Jose radius (he lives near airport so it can be cheaper if you’re near him). He’ll travel to you if you’re further away for more $$.

LUIS SANCHEZ (LSanchezCA@ice.go.cr [though he doesn’t always check his emails] / 206-0280 / 206-0282 [both of these numbers are his work between 5-10pm so please be descrete & don’t mention to anyone else why you’re calling]) – He comes to you, mainly in the day till 3pm but he may be available at night with advance notice. Sessions are normally 60-80 minutes using a combination of different
TECHNIQUES: Reflexology, Digit Pressure, Deep Tissue, Aroma & Therapeutic Massage. “My Commitment is to your Well-Being. To understand your body make you feel better while connecting with the Universe’s Vital Energy. I am just an instrument for helping you. When this becomes clear and you begin to realize the mission, the Universe will provide you with the tools needed to carry it out. Above all, our session will be an Encounter with yourself to discover your natural state.”
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: $20/hr.

ERIN DEANS – Santa Ana-behind Baccus (you go to her) (203-3492 / SunH2OYes@yahoo.com)
TECHNIQUES: Trained – 23 years in practice doing Aromatherapy Massage, Osho Rebalancing Massage, Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Reflexology, Kineseology, Warm Water Therapy. Nurture and nourish your body, mind and spirit, rejuvenate, relax and melt away stress. HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 9am-5:30pm.
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: $45/hr (various packages)

DIANE EVANS – Escazu (San Rafael) – go to her or she can come to you (289-3397 / 832-4325 / DianeRVincent@hotmail.com)
TECHNIQUES: Thai & Shiatsu
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: 10,000/hour if you go to her. 15,000 if she goes to you close by.

ROSIO SOTO – She lives in Curridabat but she comes to you (274-3114) – She’s professionally trained.
TECHNIQUES: Chiropractic Massage, Theraputic, Reflexology, Lympthatic, Swedish, Relaxing. She also does Cleanses/Juice Fasts. She speaks a fair amount of English if you speak slowly. I found her to have a nice gentle touch.
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: $20/hr.

MARIA JULIO – She comes to you BUT, last I heard she didn’t have a phone so you have to find her through other regular clients of hers like Mary Alice – MALesko2000@yahoo.com – I LOVE LOVE LOVE Maria Julio!!!! She’s REALLY GOOD but sometimes has “situations” where she doesn’t show or call. Because I sit in front of the computer for so long – she even got up on the table & did this technique that I’ve never had anyone do in the past. She kinda pushed my tush upwards with both hands & it unlocked my tailbone area giving me more flexibility!! I don’t believe she has a table so you need to have one (or she’ll do you on the floor which gives for GOOD stretches). $20/session (though she often does longer) plus her bus fare. Spanish only (though she understands a little bit of English). She has a contact that can make you your own Massage Table for around $150-$200+.

MERCEDES DANERI – Escazu (Los Laurels) – you go to her (289-3687 / MercedesDaneri@hotmail.com) – She’s no longer doing standard massage – she’s now focusing on these
TECHNIQUES: Cranial Sacral, MyoFascia (like Rolfing [looking for the sliding of masses to repair]), a combination of techniques working into the Mouth. She KNOWS the bod!!! She also does Spiritual Response Therepy (soul reading). Corporate Physcotherapy. Soft Oestheopathy – uses the chemical your body is going to eleaborate to soften the tissues (chemical reaction to eliminate tension). She’s been on this path for over 40 years.
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: $60/session

FREDDY PADILLAC – Office – Piadades (you go to him) (881-7602 / 282-5719 / movement8@yahoo.com)
TECHNIQUES: Rebalancing Massage (a combination of Joint Release, Deep Tissue, Craniosacral and Reflexology). Good English & Spanish. HOURS: Weekedays-Mon.-Fri.
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: $35/session or $250/10.

JOHN GILMORE – Ciudad Colon – at his place or he comes to you (249-2563 / jgilmore7.1@juno.com)
TECHNIQUES: Massage Therapist, Reiki Master Teacher, Tai Chi Teacher & founder of Diana Sarah Wellness Center & Cyber School. He also teaches Tai Chi Free Flow (Short Tai-chi forms, Medical Chi-kung, Tai Chi Ball Chi-kung & then the developement of our own unique forms) at Sat Yoga Institute in Escazu & Infinite Nine Tai Chi at the Kapoli Yoga Center & Unity Church-Piadades.
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: 10,000/1 hour if you go to him. +5,000 if he comes to you.

IRIS (868-5880 / 289-2453) – Escazu (San Antonio) but she comes to you. Laine says “Iris is a beautiful Colombian gal with very strong hands, she’s professionally trained and really gives a great massage.”
TECHNIQUES: Deep Tissue,
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: 15,000/one & 1/2 hours

NORMA Albarado Santa Maria – Santa Ana (near Rock & Roll Poll) (882-0572 / normaal60@yahoo.com)
TECHNIQUES: Theraputico • Relaxation • Sports • Pregnant Women • Baby’s • Weight Reduction. Chocolate OR Fruit Therapy/massages (grapes, orange, vegetables, cucumber). Whole body – 40,000 – 2 hrs. approx., 20,000 facial with mask. Accupuncture (in ears only) – 10,000 30 min. (5 needless in each ear). Lymphatic Massage (takes 2 hours & 2 people work on you) – 35,000. Foot Massage includes exfoliating – 30 min. 10,000.
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: 12,000+ in her studio 15,000+ (depending on the services) in your house (plus taxi from Santa Ana). Norma’s Associate – Rosio Soto (891-8628) – Does Facials (mask, exfoliating, steam) starting at 15,000. with Lymphatic massage on face – 20,000. They also have someone to do Pedicure 10,000. Manicure 5,000. All of these services are available to you at your home but for higher prices. Mainly Spanish with a tiny bit of English.

RICHARD STOCKER – Belen (you go to him) (215-2139 / partlycloudy@rstocker.com) – ROLFING (VERY VERY VERY STRONG/DEEP [aka painful]). 30 years experience.
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: $75/hour

DAVID ASKEW – Pozos de Santa Ana (or he can come to you) (896-7911 / DharmaDave@gmail.com) – He does many types of massage plus he’s a Naturpathic Doctor. Professionally trained (still licensed in Florida) for over 16 years.
TECHNIQUES: Massage or Naturpathic
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: $40/hour (can be workable with price for Tico’s & the situation). English

ALIDA with Rainforest Healing – NEW LOCATION – Escazu-San Antonio (848-5666 / 588-1172 / alida@RainForestHealing.us)
TECHNIQUES: Hot Rocks (I had this – INTERESTING & it felt GOOD!! NOT what I was “expecting”), Reiki, Body Therapist, Psychic Artistry.
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: Primal Experience 1 1/2 hours $75.

OLMAN PIZARRO & MARCELLA – Santa Ana (they come to you) (282-3427 / 890-4153-cO / 866-7055-cM / Pizarro36@yahoo.com ) – Both do massage & chiropractic (Marcella can’t work on larger chiropractic clients). Marcella does REALLY STRONG massages (to the point the person that told me about her said she adjusted something in him that had been blocked for awhile).
TECHNIQUES: Theraputic, Relaxing, Shiatsu (Marcella), ROLFING/Deep Tissue (Marcella), Lymphatic (Olman), Bioenergetic, Marcella was trained in Germany. I think they were on the more pricey side compared to the others. English & Spanish He’s also a tour guide so he’s in & out a lot. Both speak good English & Spanish.
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: Locals-$30/hour + $7+ gas. Foreign $50/hour + $7+ gas.

VICTORIA SCHWARZ – Escazu (you go to her) (228-3163).
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: $45 session

BARBARA ADAMS – SECRET GARDEN MASSAGE – Escazu – Bello Horizonte (you have to go to her though if you have mobility issues, she’ll make an exception) – (228-1049 / SecretGardenMassage@yahoo.com) – Her
TECHNIQUES is called Certified in ReBalancing Massage (a bybrid combo of trager & Feldenkreis, a LITTLE bit of non-painful rolfing, Reich – deep, slow & relaxing). She has one of the few tables around with a belly hole – perfect for pregnant gals. When I spoke with her she said she’s quite busy so you may have to wait to get into her.
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: $45/hour, $60-1 1/2 hours

OTHER AREAS:
MONIKA BINGEN-HARA – Instructora de Balance Integral – HEREDIA – she working out of a little clinic in Centro Heredia (260-0960 / 393-2401 / info@BioBellaOrganics.com)
TECHNIQUES: Aromatherapy, Flower Therapy, Reiki, Feng Shui, Hot Stones+. I use only organic pure essential oils to helping your body and soul to find their unity. The massage crème is handcrafted, keeping in mind that your skin needs the maximum care. Let me accompany you in your process, wanting to recuperate emotional, physical or spiritual balance. Bio Bella Organics is her OWN line of WONDERFUL Organic Natural products from creams, exfoliants, blend sprays, lip balm & more. HOURS: Mon, Wed. & Fri.
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: 11,000/session (about 75 min.)

TARA DI PONTI-CMT – Heredia (Barreal [near Carriari) (814-0763 / tara.di.ponti@gmail.com) – In her home office or she’ll come to you nearby.
TECHNIQUES: I offer a calming and comforting 60 minute massage; combining Swedish, European, & Deep Tissue techniques. Hot Stones (90 min.). She also has a traveling Massage Chair so she can do offices & parties.
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: In her office – 15,000. She’ll come to you nearby – 20,000. Hot Stones (in her office only) – 20,000.
SPECIAL: FIRST SESSION 1/2 OFF!

JOE GOODMAN – Heredia (above in Santa Barbara) (336-8175) –
TECHNIQUES: Swedish, Japanese, Deep Tissue.
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: $35/hour on East side. West side $40.

MICHAL AISHA – San Pedro – Los Yoses – (831-2991 / MichalAisha@gmail.com)
TECHNIQUES: Thai, Reiki, Accupuncture.
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: 15,000/hr. A combo of accupuncture & massage 21,000 for 1 1/2 hr.

SPA’S
MANDALA SPA – Escazu (Centro)-de la Bomba Shell – 100 este y 200 Sur (228-9627)
TECHNIQUES: HydroTherapy, Hot Oil Treatment, Lymphology, Weight Reduction, Facials & more. Spanish Only

HARMONY CENTER – Escazu – San Rafael (ON Calle Vieja – next door to the House of Self Empowerment & The Fountains Guesthouse) (288 4658 http://www.HarmonyCenters.com / info@ HarmonyCenters.com)
TECHNIQUES: Massages – Therapeutic – 30 min. $30. Anti-Stress –$65/60 min., Andian Head Massage – 45 min. $40, Complete Massage & Facial – 1 1/2 hours $100, Foot Reflexology – 15 min. $25. Also – facials from $30-$60. Wraps $50. Scrubs $50. Ruth specializes in Accupuncture.

CHEAPER MASSAGE PEOPLE
(5,000-9,000/hour [& most WATCH the clock]. Most do NOT have a table so you need one or they’ll do you on the floor. Most are NOT professionally trained or if they do it’s limited. Most do NOT speak English)

PABLO CHAVEZ – Santa Ana – Farmacia Betesda – 25 meters Oeste Musmani Panaderia a la derecha (282-5343-farmacia / 890-2959) – Pablo has his own Pharmacy & can do cheap/relaxing massages from his pharmacist table. I had one from him & it was nice. He speaks limited English though he understands more but his son Estaban can help translate (please give him a propina for helping out!!).
TECHNIQUES: Massage, Aromatherapy, relaxation, circulation. He can also help you with Private medical assistance, IV’s (for dehydration & to cleanse the blood for various things). He has his own lab to do blood work & he has MANY connections with GOOD people in the medical fields around CR. He can make emergency house calls (on sliding scale). HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 8am-6:30pm, Sun. 8am-noon.
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: Massage in Pharmacy – 5,000/hour. Comes to you starting at 10,000/hour (if he goes over, please give a NICE tip/propina).

LILY – Escazu (she comes to you) (355-3498 / 228-7635) – If you just need a basic/cheap massage. She does NOT speak English. I don’t think she’s professionally trained hence why the price the
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: 7,000/hr.

EVELIA – She comes to you in the San Jose/Escazu/Santa Ana area BUT YOU have to provide the table (355-0716) – She only speaks Spanish. She’s not professionally trained but the person that referred him said she gets the job done for cheap she always confirms with you the night before the appointment & is always on time as well. YOU have to provide a massage table and massage cream/oil (quite typical for the cheaper ones). Her sister also does massage so they can do a Massage/Pamering Party.
INVESTMENT IN YOUR BODY: 7,000 colones/hour

Turrubares – Jorge Valverde Mora (419-0392 [whomever answers doesn’t speak English] / 879-0621) – He’s young & STRONG and has professional training & also does Sports Massage & stretching etc. (per Jill Ruttenberg)

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MASSAGE TABLE:
PriceSmart often has quite nice wider/padded

MASSAGE TABLE MAKER:
Fausto Barrientos – Tibas (235-2646) (Spanish only). HOURS: 7:30 am to 11:30am & 1-5:30pm. DESCRIPTION: The table has a wooden frame with padding on top. Legs are made of aluminum. The table folds in half and it looks like a piece of luggage. It also has a piece for the head/face that allows you to put you face inside a hole when you are lying down on your stomach. The vinyl padding is in black; dark blue; dark brown or dark green. ORDERING: You can call and order it by phone and it would take 8 working days for him to build it. You do not have to pay anything in advance. You pay when you pick it up. INVESTMENT: 65,000 colones.
DIRECTIONS (it can be complicated unless you have lived here for a while and know your way around San Jose): Tibas – from the NE corner of the Catholic Church 100 meters north, 600 meters west (Clinica Dental), then 100 meters north until you find the Municipal Stadium until you get to School Jesus Jimenez then 200 meters east towards (Saprissa Stadium) until you find a property that is fully covered with a fence and you will find a public phone. When you get to the public phone call him and he will meet you.

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MASSAGE SCHOOL
Costa Rica School of Integrative Massage – Heredia (San Rafael) (398-6670 / http://www.CRMassageSchool.com / http://www.learnmassageincostarica.com / info@learnmassageincostarica.com) – Classes (including weekend classes) include the Basics starting with Anatomy and Physiology, Aromatherapy (including Raindrop Therapy), Iridology, Hydrotherapy, Kinesiology, Sports Massage/Lecture/Assesment, Swedish, Connective Tissue Massage, Reflexology, Neuromuscular Massage, Shiatsu, Integrative, Spanish For Massage Therapists and more!!!
When classes are in session they will offer FREE MASSAGE to Locals – Mon.-Thurs. 3-7pm by one of their stude

Centro de Balance Integral (224-0883) – Director-Javier Ortiz – Classes in Spanish