Planning a Self-Care Day? Relax with a Massage From One of These Top 6 Spas in Pittsburgh

Nothing beats a self-care day -- after a long week at work or as a special outing with close friends, a massage can be a great addition to your relaxation plans. Pittsburgh has dozens of spas and licensed massage therapists throughout the city and in neighboring areas, making it a breeze to find one that has everything you’re looking for.

Consider one of the businesses on our list when planning your next spa day to let yourself fully unwind and feel rejuvenated in the process.

Centre Ave. Massage & Spa

One of the most well-known spas in Pittsburgh for its friendly service and interesting massages offered

Rolled towels on table
Not only is Centre Ave Spa loved for their amazing service, they’re also admired for their offer of hot towels, essential oils, and more for no extra charge. Image courtesy of Centre Ave. Massage & Spa’s Facebook.

5701 Centre Ave | Shadyside | CentreAveSpa.com

Near the borders of Shadyside and Friendship, this spa offers its clients specialized services and massages that focus on their specific needs. With over 10 different kinds of massages offered, including the Swedish massage, orthopedic massage, and Thai Yoga massage, every client is certain to find a service that suits their spa-day desires.

Centre Ave Spa also offers other services like facials, body wraps, cupping therapy, and hot stone and can act as a one-stop-shop for all of your spa needs. Whether you plan on just getting a simple Swedish massage, or a full day of spa treatments, Centre Ave Spa is a highly rated and tried-and-true place to go.

“Center Avenue Massage & Spa is a truly professional experience. They far exceeded my expectations. They have also gone above and beyond for safety measures during the pandemic. I’ve been to several massage therapy establishments throughout the Pittsburgh area and have yet to find one that comes close to my experience here.” -Google Review

Body by Design

With an focus on balancing the body with the mind, this spa offers massages to men, women, and children

Spa room
Body by Design offers massage enhancements such as CBD oil treatment and body scrubs, as well as aromatherapy which can be added to any of their massage services. Image courtesy of Body by Design.

6000 Babcock Blvd | McKnight | BodyByDesignPGH.com

With massage techniques that focus on a variety of cultures’ massage histories and methods that target specific areas of the body, this spa has a little bit of everything. They offer massages that are inspired by Japanese, Hawaiian, and Chinese medicine, incorporating elements of the cultural traditions into the massage therapy.

Body by Design also offers a unique rewards program for their massage-loving clients, as well as enhancements that allow for a customizable massage experience.

“The facilities are extremely clean, well designed, and peaceful. The staff was nothing but professional and courteous. The experience was 5 stars.” -Yelp Review

LaVida Massage of Shadyside

For a carefully-curated massage experience, stop in to LaVida and relax in the hands of their calming team

Woman standing in front of spa sign
To stay up to date with LaVida’s discounts and special offers, be sure to follow them on their social media pages like their Facebook. Image courtesy of LaVida’s Facebook.

5430 Centre Ave. | Shadyside | LaVideMassagesShadyside.com

LaVida’s offers massages of all types, including cranial sacral therapy, trigger point, reflexology, migraine therapy, TMJ therapy, prenatal, couples, deep tissue, sports, Swedish, hand paraffin, and corporate which is intended for those who sit at desks for long periods of time. They also offer facials and acne treatments, as well as anti-aging treatments.

If you’re a frequent massagee, check out LaVida’s membership and the added benefits of joining the program.

“Staff is friendly, kind and attentive to our needs. We already booked two more this year! Highly recommend.” -Google Reviews

Hand and Stone Spa

A perfect spa for those who are looking to try their first massage or are long-time massage lovers

Hand and Stone storefront
Check out Hand & Spa’s step by step guide on their website for first time massage goers that walk you through your massage experience from the moment you walk in until the moment you leave. Image courtesy of Okomaps.

936 Penn Ave | Downtown | HandandStonePittsburgh.com

Hand and Stone Spa offers a wide variety of services, with specials for those who are looking to dip their toe into the massage world. The spa provides classic massages like the Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone, but also offers specialized ones like their trigger point massage for pinpointed relaxation.

In addition to their massage services, they also offer a slew of facials and peels, as well as hair removal. Another unique aspect about Hand and Stone is their discounted rates for last-minute bookings. Be sure to check those out occasionally if you plan on booking, because they’re taken fast!

“Everyone here is very kind and accommodating. I always look forward to coming in here because I'm treated like a friend...I recommend becoming a member for added perks such as special discounts and member pricing. As you can tell, I love this place! Definitely come here if you're looking for a place to treat yourself or a loved one.” -Yelp Reviews

Urban Escape

For a more therapeutic massage experience, try out any one of this spa’s fascinating offerings

Woman lying on massage bed
While quite different from a classic Swedish or deep tissue massage, Urban Escape’s Biomat therapy is intended to reduce tension and rejuvenate skin through a calming session. Image courtesy of Urban Escape.

300 Heinz Street | North Shore | UrbanEscapePGH.com

With two types of massages offered, this spa specializes in both traditional massage techniques as well as untraditional types like their Biomat sessions. The classic massages are customized to the client’s needs, and can involve a variety of techniques of massages. All massages are 90 minutes to two hours, which depends on the types of massages that the client chooses and what areas of the body they want their relaxation to be focused on.

Urban Escape’s Biomat services involve using the power of vibrations and musical therapy to relax the body. Clients can choose from a variety of categories of music for their session, which range in duration from thirty minutes to an hour.

“I was pretty stressed out when I came in (like many these days) & I felt so calm, my back aches had subsided, & I slept so well!” -Yelp Review

Peace, Love & Zen Wellness Center

A massage and wellness experience that focuses healing the body naturally

Red salt spa room
Peace, Love & Zen’s Himalayan Salt Cave is an immersive sensory experience that seeks to soothe a variety of ailments by infusing the air with safe-to-inhale salt particles. Image courtesy of Groupon.

6023 Broad St | East Liberty | PeaceLove&Zen.com

For a homeopathic and naturally-based spa experience, try out one of Peace, Love & Zen’s many therapeutic offerings. With services like himalayan salt rooms, acupuncture, water therapy, and integrative massages, you can experience a day of full-body relaxation. The spa also offers services like aromatherapy, infrared sauna, reflexology sessions, and facial cupping if you’re looking to spice up your spa day.

As a small business that is woman veteran-owned and has been around for over seven years in Pittsburgh, this spa is dedicated to making its patrons feel empowered in not only their physical wellness, but also their spiritual wellness.

“The atmosphere and mood throughout the entire place is so zen and calming. There are usually deals for first time services and they frequently email out coupons. I love it here! Can't wait to check out more services!” -Yelp Reviews

Whether you’re looking for a single classic massage or a place to consistently return to and try new massage techniques at, these Pittsburgh spas have got you covered. These unique businesses, while none being exactly the same, all aim to provide you with the best self-care day imaginable.