- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 11 am - 7 pm
Thu-Sat 11 am - 9 pm
Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
32 reviews for SOAKOLOGY foot sanctuary and teahouse
Review Highlights
"My soak was $30, and they range from $20 to $50."
(in 17 reviews)
"I also elected to have a head/neck/shoulder massage."
(in 3 reviews)
"...sipped chai, ate a lavender shortbread cookie, and read my..."
(in 6 reviews)
Loading...
32 reviews in English
-
Review from Julie C.
1/4/2012
Soakology is pretty amazing.
My fiancé knows I love to be pampered and participate in life's sweet indulgences. So he booked an appointment for both of us to get foot soaks and massages as a surprise for my birthday.
He originally booked an appointment for the day we arrived but he mixed up the time and we weren't able to be taken, he thought 5:30 pm while the appointment was actually 5 pm.
Oops! But the staff at Soakology was very accommodating and allowed us to reschedule for the next evening while avoiding the cancellation fee. Big kudos to that!
So, our appointment came and we got menus of the various soaks you can get. They range from soothing to ones that provide curative relief. There were so many to choose from, it was hard to narrow down to just one.
For our massages, we opted to do 20 mins on the lower leg and then 20 minutes on the neck/shoulders area.
You get taken downstairs where they have huge couch seats and your big pot of hot/water with your foot soak of choice arrives.
As soon as you dip your feet in, its so blissful.
We ordered a pot of tea and snacks to really take in this luxury.
The tea menu is pretty extensive and offers some rare teas, we got a really nice flowering green tea and it was delicious! Our snack tray included pita, veggies and hummus. The pita bread comes out warm and the hummus was soo good.
The ladies at Soakology come around every 20 mins or so and refills your tub with more hot water. It feel soo good.
When it was time for our massages, it was the ultimate pampering. Leah did my massages and she was excellent. She applied the right amount of pressure. You stay right in your seat with your feet still soaking.
The only negative thing I will say is, you don't have much privacy. Its in a large room and its sectioned off by curtains, so you can hear everyone's conversation. It would've been nice to have private rooms or at least be able to block out other parties noise and conversation. One lady even answered her cell phone which isn't even allowed!
But I would come here again. Its really a nice treat and a great way to start or end the day. -
Review from Eliza M.
5/20/2011
I've been seeing Soakology on Yelp for years now, but never had the excuse to pamper myself.
Firstly, WHY do we need excuses to take care of ourselves? I don't know, but that's a whole 'nother discussion.
I went with a bunch of girls and we had a great time, relaxing, drinking tea, and chit chatting before my friend's big day this weekend. They accomodated the 6 of us VERY last minute, since the rain canceled our schooner ride... I got the aruyvedic hydrating foot soak ($35) and a personal pot of their lavender earl grey ($3). I also ordered three of the clove snap cookies, because I figured they'd be small and they were only 90 cents each. We had two people helping us, one was amazingly nice, soft spoken, and perceptive... The other one was a little less thrilling, but maybe it was an off day for her. They treated my friend like a queen and we hung out for close to an hour (maybe more?).
The nice thing is that, as your soak starts to cool off, they top you off with fresh hot water. I like that there are no cell phones allowed and no flash photography (but they will take your picture for you and email you the photos at no charge).
All in all, it was a nice experience and, when I get a job, I'll do it again.
Oh - something to note - if you have a large enough group, the tip is included and you can't split the bill. So, just be warned. -
Review from Jolene H.
Beverly Hills, CA
6/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've decided that Soakology is one of my favorite places on this planet. We were tipped off to this funky little soak/massage/tea place by a magazine my husband had borrowed from a friend. It was one of the best decisions we made on our recent New England trip.
Once we checked in we were given a menu to select from - what kinds of foot soaks, massages, services we wanted. My husband got a refreshing foot soak and I got a calming one with lavender. I also ordered a head, neck, and shoulder massage. Once we chose our services, we were led down the stairs to start this magical relaxation journey. We were seated on an elevated couch next to each other and offered a menu of teas. Having just finished teatime at our bed and breakfast, we asked for water instead. Then came the huge bowls full of delightfully hot herbal water. I'm short so my entire lower legs and some of my upper fit in the bowl. Ahhhhh. Accompanying the soaks were warm packs draped over our shoulders.
The massage sent me into heaven! The massage therapist did a wonderful job!!! I always have neck trouble and she seemed to work it right out.
We got to stay as long as we wanted and didn't feel rushed even though we were there near closing time. I can't wait to go back!!! Too bad I live on the other coast!!! -
Review from Connie M.
Harpswell, ME
12/21/2011
I love Soakology. For a couple of years I walked by, not understanding a concept that involved drinking tea and soaking your feet. Luckily I had friends who had been there and I was introduced to the relaxing pleasures of the place. The tearoom is upstairs -- you can choose beverages and light meals and snacks to enjoy there -- or browse the retail shelves for teas, tea accessories, lotions, and other beautiful items. Downstairs you can soak your feet in the aromatic infused water of your choice -- just relax -- order tea or snacks to enjoy while you soak -- add on a leg/foot massage or neck/shoulder massage. It's an amazing place. Even my husband loves it! I've been by myself and with friends. I firmly believe we all need to pamper ourselves more -- it's not an indulgence. It's a necessity in this hectic world.
-
Review from Jen C.
Boston, MA
11/27/2010
Oh. My. God.
It was a little difficult to find, but from the moment I walked in the door, it was Relaxtion City, Population : Me. I have decided, they need to open a location in Boston. STAT.
Once inside, the friendly woman at the desk invited us to sit at a little table upstairs and select from a menu of soaks and add-ons. The array of soak choices was a little overwhelming, so I just sort of closed my eyes and landed my finger somewhere on the page. I'm not even sure what I chose, but it smelled like heaven, that's for sure. If I remember correctly, soaks were $30-$45 or so and lasted about an hour.
Once downstairs, they have you change into the most comfortable slippers you've ever put onto your feet. The chairs were huge and so soft. The tubs come filled with warm water, river rocks, and your soak of choice . They check on you a few times to add some more hot water. I laid my head back and seriously just melted.
I also elected to have a head/neck/shoulder massage. I can't even begin to tell you how good this was. Words cannot even describe. The massage was an additional $30 for 20 minutes and was worth every penny.
I cannot recommend this place enough. Especially on a cold day. Especially when you're stressed. Especially when you just need to sit and get your tranquil on. Just go. Now! -
Review from whiskey c.
Everett, MA
4/22/2011
I may move back to Portland just to have this around me again! I know I make a day trip just to stop by. Hmm maybe I should go again this weekend!
It is an absolutely divine experience. The most peaceful you will ever feel is during your soak and drinking your amazing tea. -
Review from sara p.
Marlborough, MA
9/12/2011
Organic amazing smelling beauty products, organic tea and a spa! I am in LOVE, I can't wait to go back!
-
Review from Michelle S.
Brooklyn, NY
11/27/2011
Hmmm. If you have had reflexology by an experienced practitioner this MAY.NOT be the place. I was not blown away.and there was a really.loud group alongside me and none of the staff told them to quiet down. So in the end not very good..not very relaxing. oh well...
-
Review from Dessa R.
9/12/2010
Worthy of a six star amendment to Yelp, Soakology was probably the best part of my trip to Portland. The top floor is a teahouse with a variety of light snacks and treats. They also have an impressive showcase of expensive natural beauty products. We got to inspect it all at great length while waiting for our appointment, which was the very last one-- you should probably make reservations though, as our luck was not clear to us until two out-of-breath young ladies came staggering in after us, only to discover their intended slot had already been nabbed up minutes ago (by us). We avoided eye contact.
We decided to enjoy some tea while we waited. We were given a tea menu, which included pages and pages of verbose descriptions of teas. The tea selection ran the gamut from common, to rare, to very rare, to practically extinct. My companion chose a small pot of the "Golden Monkey" tea for us to share. He chose it mostly for the name, but it turned out to be a fine selection, as it was indeed delicious.
When they led us downstairs, we were amazed to find a dim, indulgent, Moroccan style lair that assailed our nostrils with smells of peace and tranquility. All of the patrons were seated in various oversized chairs and couches with overstuffed pillows, eyes closed, and completely undisturbed by our presence. They had their feet in giant clay pots, some steaming with heat and aromatherapy. One woman was getting the best foot massage of her life-- I could tell. An employee led us to a comfortable couch peppered with fluffy tasseled pillows and propped our feet up. Our feet were then pampered for a total of 45 minutes, during which time we barely said a word to one another. It was too good to speak.
We left Soakology completely relaxed, with a refreshed attitude about the world, with sublimely happy feet, and totally unaffected by the Portland rain. Worth every single penny, and might just be worth a repeat trip to Maine. -
Review from Christopher M.
Somerville, MA
8/16/2010
The world needs more places like Soakology.
Foot rubs and tea? Massages, facials. . and tea? a moose on the sign. .drinking tea?
LET ME IN!!
Seriously though, the moose is a little odd but the place is amazing. A relaxing upstairs with a solid tea menu and great prices.
Downstairs is dimly lit with a great bathroom that involves rocks in the sink (yeah I know, it sounds like when you were two and went to the local creek and brought back souveniers, but it's really cool!). Foot soak stations in the back and massage tables towards the front.
Why someone doesn't open something like this is Boston is a mystery to me. If everyone spent an hour here every week, we'd all be happier, more productive, and friendlier as a whole
five stars. -
Review from Ed H.
Cambridge, MA
8/29/2010
Big comfy couches. Hot paraffin wax. Golden Monkey tea. The combination of scents in the air. It was sublime. The single most calming, relaxing, enjoyable experience I have had in a long time.
This little slice of ped-haven was just what I needed and I can't wait to go back again. -
Review from Sasha R.
Dartmouth, MA
8/3/2008 1 photo
My whole trip to Portland was an entirely surprising and unexpected experience, not the least of which was this place.
Imagine one of those gimmick stores that sells crystals, chimes, yoga paraphernalia, and rock gardens. Now add a tiny counter and an impressive tea menu. Throw in some healthy snacks, like olives, pretzels, and pizzettas. That's the upper floor.
Now, put that establishment atop a dark basement room, wherein you will get your feet pampered. You descend the stairs, and end up in this muted, exposed brick space, with big enveloping chairs and couches poised on pedestals. You pick a foot soak, out a menu of about 100 different types. Mine was of the "Uplift" category, and was made with milk, jasmine and oriental spice ($30). Other things I checked out were eucalyptus aromatherapy ($26), mint and teatree stress relief - and I don't remember, countless amazing sounding others ($26-50). A girl will roll out a little cart, with a giant clay bowl, into which hot water and your soak ingredients have been poured. You dip your feet - and relaaaaax....
Additionally, you can choose from a variety of services, some cheap and others very expensive ones. I picked a pumice treatment - and got the strangest compliment ever: "your feet are not even dry; there is nothing here to work with." You could also get a hot soothing parafin dip, a foot and lower leg massage, or even reflexology.
The whole thing was about 1/2 hour to an hour. At the end, the girl rubbed some sort of moisturizing salve into my steamed piggies, sprayed with tonic water for feet, and sent me on my way.
I recgonize that this is clearly high way robbery: 50 bucks to soak my feet and get'em rubbed with a pumice stone? Serious?!
But thing is, it was totally awesome.
My only question is: WHY is this place in Portland, and not on Newbury St in Boston?! -
Review from Lisa H.
Chicago, IL
10/15/2011
This was an amazing experience. I was in Portland for five days and this was my last stop before returning to Chicago. The service was impeccable, the staff knowledgeable and the environment was so relaxing I feel asleep. Best of all, it was affordable and welcoming. Best way to end a wonderful trip. You have to visit.
-
Review from Carrie G.
Silver Spring, MD
6/6/2009
I came here during a visit to Portland and had an amazing experience.
Soakology is two levels -- a tea house with a wide selection of loose leaf teas and food upstairs, and, in the basement, a spa centered around foot soaks.
I started by selecting a foot soak, "Piece of Mind," with essential oils and salts. My soak was $30, and they range from $20 to $50. Then I followed my attendant downstairs to the basement. It's dimly lit, with a fountain and soft music playing in the background, and a number of large, stuffed chairs raised up off of the ground.
I settled back into one of the chairs and my attendant wheeled out my foot soak in a large ceramic bowl lined with smooth stones. When I put my feet into the warm water, in that lovely, quiet space, it was instant, blissful relaxation.
You can order from the tea house menu from the basement, and I got two adorable cast iron personal pots of tea -- spicy peppermint and ginger -- during my treatment, which definitely added to the experience. I also upgraded my foot soak with an excellent head, neck, and shoulders massage (you can choose from a variety of a la carte massage options), and so by the time the whole experience was done, I absolutely floated out of there.
This is a great concept, and I hope it spreads (particularly to my area). I was a little doubtful of the value of paying $20 or more to soak your feet, but it is well worth the cost, and a real value compared to a "full" spa. With a $20 soak and one personal pot of tea, you could pay around $30, which makes it even better in this economy.
So, Portland natives and visitors alike -- don't miss out on this place!
Some basic details: Soaks last about an hour, and if you wear pants make sure you can roll them up to the knee. If you go for a head, neck, and shoulders massage like I did, the masseuse does use massage oil, so plan your shirt accordingly. -
Review from Robert S.
7/6/2009
Let's get one thing clear; I am not a chamomille-sniffing, lavender tea-drinking, purification nut. BUT, that being said, after spending a couple of hours in this place being massaged by a nice girl -Rachel- with STRONG hands, I was putty. My wife was in the same state after 'Matt' was finished with her.
Guys, this place ain't cheap, but it ain't no dive either! You will score some serious points with your SO if you can work up the courage to brave that boiling cauldron of water you have to soak your feet in!
The foot soak is highly recommended as a first step along with any other combination of treatments on the menu. I also had a tea that had milk and honey in it that kept me cool as Rachel did her best to squeeze and prod my whimpering muscles into nirvana.
If we are ever back in Maine, we will return. I understand my wife is already making plans...
Props to Matthew and Rachel! -
Review from Denise R.
Brooklyn, NY
9/16/2010
Fantastic! We were looking for something fun to do with my 15 year old neice on a recent trip to Portland, Soakology was it! At first, the idea of a foot soak sounded slightly geriatric, but after reading other reviews on Yelp and checking out their menu of services (and food) online, we decided to give it a try.
Several great things about Soakology as opposed to other spas I have enjoyed: You don't have to undress completely to get head/neck/back massage; they allow patrons under 16 (12-15) when accompanied by and adult (who also have to sign a waiver); they serve your food and drink WHILE you have your soak/service; you're seated in large comfy chairs while you have your service (as opposed to laying face down on a table); you can get an evening appointment and linger until 9pm after your service is complete. All of which made for a great experience.
After enjoying our service and hot foot soak (which was oddly relaxing despite the 90 degree + heat outside) we chatted (quietly!) undisturbed while we lingered over our tea house treats (try the 4 feet of chocolate!). Being the spa lizard that I am, I found the massage to be top notch (ask for Abi or Sarah-Lee) and the prices extremely reasonable for a 40 minute massage (as compared to NYC).
If you find yourself in Portland, skip the lobster roll, but be sure to make your way to Soakology. -
Review from Ali C.
Boothbay Harbor, ME
2/8/2011
This place is wonderful to get away and relax. The service was really fantastic, but I thought it was very expensive for what you get.
-
Review from Wade L.
Bethlehem, PA
4/3/2008
I'm man enough to admit that i've been to Soak....And i liked it, too. Yeah, that's right, I liked it. I sat with my feet all warm in some hot water (and just when it got cold they dumped in more) and enjoyed a pot of awesome tea.
Not a bad place for a date. As long as it's not like a first date or anything. Partly because you don't want to look like a total wimp, but also because you're left to your own devices whilst soaking. So if you don't have anything to talk about, you'll just sit there and soak. Gift certificates make good gifts, too. -
Review from Justin H.
Orlando, FL
12/18/2008
An excellent selection of teas, with friendly and knowledgeable staff.
They will sell you any of their loose leaf teas on the menu. I would have liked to see more help for a newbie tea buyer, though - I kept having to ask how to prepare the different teas I was getting.
The tea is pricey, but good. Try the Jasmine Pearls - visually and olfactorily (o-what?) rewarding! -
Review from Kelly K.
San Francisco, CA
1/20/2009
About 3 or 4 years ago, my mom bought me and my sister-in-laws gift certificates to Soak for Christmas. We all went and had soaks, snacks, tea, and neck and shoulder massages. It was a wonderfully indulgent experience that has become a family fav. Since then,s I have enjoyed buying gift certificates here for friends and family...in hopes they'll invite me along as well!
My cousin loves to go here with me every time she visits from NY. The staff is friendly and all licensed masage therapists. I highly recommend the head neck and shoulder massage and dare you to not fall asleep in this relaxing, peaceful, and cozy environment. -
Review from Alli M.
Portland, ME
4/23/2011
I received a gift certificate from my bf's family so I went to Soak with his mom and sister. It was a very enjoyable experience overall, the spicy peppermint tea was delicious and the peppermint soak that i picked smelled yummy and was relaxing. I also got a massage which was nice. The woman did not appear to wash her hands between my foot massage and touching other peoples feet. (i guess that is more gross for them not me but still...)
Also when we went to leave/pay, me with my gift certificate, and the others with regular money, the girl at the desk curtly informed us that the bill could not be separated out because the appointments had been booked together...Annoying. Luckily, we were able to get it separated because they mistakenly charged me for 2 peppermint foot soaks instead of a peppermint soak + a peppermint tea. Then they were mysteriously able to split the bill.
That kind of put a damper on what had been a fun and relaxing experience. I would still go back, but I would be making sure to closely inspect the bill and announce SEPARATE checks at the beginning. -
Review from s w.
Los Angeles, CA
9/12/2011
I got a foot soak, foot and leg massage, and head, neck and shoulder massage for my husband as a surprise. He LOVED his experience here. And while my son and I waited for him to finish we sipped tea at the small tea bar. All of us were very happy, and would recommend this place if you're looking for a special experience in Portland. Hard to find because it doesn't face the street (it's on the opposite side of the building,) so use the pictures on Yelp to help you find it.
-
Review from Sam N.
Cambridge, MA
6/26/2009
I'll give it a 5 because it was cold and raining outside. Had it been the sunny and hot June day I thought it might be, this would have only received a 4.
Right as you walk in the door, the staff are very friendly and helpful. They're all cute Maine types. We ordered two different foot soaks, the tension relief and the lavender something, that were delightfully scented. You could put my feet in any hot vat of wonderfully smelling liquid and I wouldn't complain-let alone a vat complete with rose petals, big bubbles, and river stones at the bottom. Heated shoulder pads are also complimentary.
I had a great head, neck, and shoulder massage. My girlfriend really enjoyed her foot and lower leg. We had a big teapot of yerba mate, which came complete with traditional gourdes and straws. While nothing was cheap, it was a very fair deal compared to most spa places.
We were totally relaxed when we left and ready to brave the rain back to the hotel. -
Review from Kerry D.
Framingham, MA
4/19/2010
Heaven! A totally peaceful atmosphere, and a 20 min head massage while soaking my toes in a peppermint foot bath was exactly what the doctor ordered!
-
Review from Julie W.
South Portland, ME
9/9/2010
I enjoyed a birthday treat here and loved it! Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Two thumbs up! Ask for Matthew if you can...top notch!
-
Review from Sarah N.
Austin, TX
11/3/2009
Heavenly day! I'm in the process of moving so this was the perfect departure from the recent hectic days! This was my first time at soak and I wish I had found it sooner! Maybe that is a good thing because I would have been here all the time! I had the chocolate mint soak (very moisturizing), and a 20 minute foot/leg massage. I also sipped chai, ate a lavender shortbread cookie, and read my book for an hour. Such a treat!
-
Review from Amy K.
Stoneham, MA
6/21/2007
The foot soaking bowls in the basement are very impressive and so is their tea menu - a 3-ring binder with exotic teas from around the world. I tried the deep lavender relaxation while sipping on a pot of black mango tea. Very nice!
-
Review from Neil S.
Portland, ME
5/17/2011
I had a wonderful time relaxing at Soakology. I had the peppermint cleanse soak and a twenty minute foot massage. Nicole was my attendant and she made the experience all the more enjoyable! I will definitely return for another soak!
-
Review from Joe R.
Portland, ME
6/8/2010
When your foot aches, when your back aches, when your feeling sad. I simply remember my favorite things. And then I don't feel...so bad. Soakology is a feel good. Not all the time. I might go there once a year. I would definitely prefer a massage. But something different. A foot soak and a tea. Sitting next to a friend. It is a pleasant way to spend a rainy day.
-
Review from Laura B.
Silver Spring, MD
11/23/2010
Went to Soakology last week with two friends. It was sublime! It was sheer heaven! We had Abby and Rachel working with us. We got foot soaks, along with shoulder and neck massages, as well as food and leg massages. Wow. The tea was lovely too. Honestly, this is one of the best things we've ever done and we can't wait to go back. The downstairs is like a blissful grotto, where the outside world is completely forgotten. Totally pampering and luxury, but it a cuddly and comfortable atmosphere. Can't say enough positive things about it. Get in there. You will be glad you did! The prices are reasonable and you make a la carte choices, doing just want you like and what you can afford. I wish we had one of these in Washington, DC!
-
Review from Susan O.
Syracuse, NY
12/20/2010
The experience was wonderful, but be aware - the menu is long and complicated, and when you're sitting there choosing your spa treatment you may underestimate how much your visit will end up costing. Most everything you select is ala carte, which adds up quickly. Be sure to have the reservationist tell you the full price before you "sign up." Foot massage and neck massage doesn't include the soak, which is an additional $30! I thought I was going to be charged $60 or so and it turned out to be $90! A lot of money - worth it, but I'll have to save this splurge for only once a year.
-
Review from Jessica S.
Brighton, MA
8/6/2008
I love this place! I totally agree, I don't know why there isn't one like it in Boston. It's so relaxing to just walk in this place, nevermind getting your feet soaked. There are plenty of different soak options - you can do just a soak or add on a foot massage - the prices can be affordable, depends on what you choose. Some people might not enjoy sitting and relaxing with their feet in a big bowl, but for me, this is HEAVEN! Next time, I'll probably add on a massage. They also have a very extensive and great list of teas - I even bought some to go last time I was there. Every time I go to Portland, I try to add Soak to my list of activities.
