Last Friday afternoon Sues and I were invited to a complimentary day of beauty at Salon Marc Harris in Boston’s bustling Financial District. Tracey, the manager at Rocks, Paper, Scissors Salon, highly recommended massages by their therapist Anthony Stamp, so we figured it was an opportunity we didn’t want to slip by. Once we spoke with Anthony and set our appointment with the salon manager, they informed us that not only would we be getting massages but facials as well! We, of course, agreed… I mean, who passes up an entire day of beauty with their best friend? Crazy people, that’s who.
I’ve been getting massages for quite some time, typically treating myself on my birthday (and half birthday, ahem), and they’ve always been just okay. I’d never actually been blown out of the water, amazed, “I need to do flips and cartwheels because that was perfect” by any massages I’d received. They were relaxing, yes, but never “kept” and my muscles would resort to their old stiff ways shortly after. And then there were facials. I’d never even gotten a facial before last Friday, because quite honestly they made me a tad nervous. I’d always heard stories about people breaking out and I was satisfied with how my face looked so “if it aint broken, don’t fix it”, right?
Wrong.
As we entered Salon Marc Harris, off the busy and hectic, suit and tie streets of the Financial District, it was an automatic escape from the chaos. We actually jogged to the salon once we got off the train since we were running a little behind schedule 
The feel of the salon was definitely urban-chic. Exposed beamed ceilings, white brick walls, lots of modern lighting and leather furniture. We still very much felt like we were in the heart of our lovely Boston…
… until we stepped into the spa area. It was so quiet, smelled something like a garden, and was pure tranquility. The private locker room was breathtakingly immaculate. We stored our belongings in the lockers, hopped in our plush robes and sandals, and waited for our appointments to begin.
We were visibly excited….
Check out the “aim”! Woops. HA!
Anthony Stamp, the massage therapist, and Beatrice, one of the aestheticians, came upstairs to greet us and show us to our rooms. While Sues was getting her facial with Beatrice, I got my massage from Anthony. Before he began, he asked how I was feeling and what areas trouble me (my back and shoulders is where I hold ALL of my stress!). He decided to do a firm pressure massage with a focus on my back and shoulders. Sounded perfect to me. Okay, so yes this was a complimentary massage, and yes, all Sues and I did was leave tips, but our opinions are 100% honest… we would and will never lie or exaggerate to you, our readers. So here goes: This was by far the best massage I’ve ever received. In my life. As in, as long as I live in the city of Boston I most likely will not see another massage therapist. And if I move to another city I will pack Anthony in my moving van.
The massage was not only was therapeutic but it worked all of my problem areas (it’s a week later and my shoulders and back still feel great and fluid), rhythmic, and everything down to the last detail was well thought out. There was stretching involved. It was seamless. A lot of times I’ve gotten massages at other places (which are far more expensive than Salon Marc Harris… more on that in a bit) and I can hear the massage therapist a) breathing heavily, b) bustling around the room searching for goodness knows what c) squirting handfuls of lotion out and d) breathing again. I’m not into the loud breathers. It was like the lotion magically appeared in Anthony’s hands… I couldn’t even hear it. Maybe that’s not a huge deal when looking for a massage therapist, but when I’m spacing out in full relaxation mode I really don’t want to hear anything except the meditation-like tunes coming from the speakers.
Once the massage was over (sad face), and Sues was finished with her facial, we met back up in the spa’s lounge area to wait for our next service. When we first saw each other we both looked so relaxed and just said “hiiiiiiiii” in the softest, most mellow tones. We were on cloud 9. We chatted for a few minutes about our services then swapped places.
Now for the facial from Beatrice. As I entered the room I told Bea (we’re buddies now), that I’d never even had a facial, I told her what my concerns were, and that I have very sensitive skin and was afraid of breaking out. She put me at ease and talked to me for a bit about her longstanding experience and the gentle but effective product line they use, which ultimately made me feel better. Since I’d never had a facial before I don’t have anything to compare this to but it, too, was out of this world. Lots of steam, masks, and two ice cold globe-like spheres were incorporated into the massage portion of the facial. There was also a foot massage incorporated, so yeah. Beatrice was so friendly and explained everything she was doing since it was my first time. Every question I had, she immediately answered with confidence. Not only do facials help give you that glowing look, they also aid in blood circulation, hydrate the skin (mine was a bit dehydrated!), and help relax facial muscles which ultimately slows the formation of wrinkles in the face. And a week later, I’m happy to report that my skin still feels hydrated and soft.. and was breakout free! I purchased a couple products at the salon to continue the upkeep… a face wash with exfoliating beads, and a face lotion to use after showering, so I’m sure that’s helping with the maintenance.
I’m sure by now, you’re wondering how much these services would cost. Both the 50-minute massage and 50-minute facial are priced at $90 each! I almost fell out of my chair when I heard the price, especially the massage, considering for the past handful of years I’ve been spending well over $100 for mediocre massages. This was a phenomenal experience that left us both feeling refreshed! After the appointments were over, I may or may not have said to Sues “If I could do cartwheels I’d do one right now”…
And here’s the good news: The staff at Salon Marc Harris wants to extend a special offer to you! For all We are not Martha readers who are first-time clients at Salon Marc Harris, when you call and book your massage appointment with Anthony or your facial appointment with Beatrice at their Financial District location, you will receive 20% off your service! Just mention you’re a WANM reader and you’ll be on your way to a glowing face and completely soothed and relaxed muscles!
Salon Marc Harris
125 Broad Street
Boston
617.443.8633
Anthony David Stamp is a graduate of the Boston Shiatsu School as well as The Muscular Therapy Institute. He has over 15 years experience and has treated over 15,000 since the starts of his healing work. He is the primary therapist for the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, the Boston Opera House and the Wang Center. His reputation in the healing community is a strong one and he remains highly recommended by his long-standing clients. He is sought after by many well-known actors when they are visiting the Boston-area. His clients’ health and healing goals are of the upmost importance to him. His dedication to his clients shines through in all his sessions.
Happy Friday, happy weekend, and Happy Father’s Day! 
[Chels]
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Awesome salon! Love it!
that sounds absolutely lovely – and what a beautiful space!
Wish I loved closer – it looks like a wonderful salon and spa!
Wow how did you come across this amazing opportunity – so fun!
Sounds like the perfect afternoon – there’s nothing like a good massage!
Have you ever been to G2O on Newbury? I think they are absolutely the best for massages… although of course I’ve never been to Mark Harris in the financial district. Their 50 min massages are also $90. I agree – it’s very reasonable.
i’ve been going to Bea for about 2 years now – she is AWESOME!