Bamboo Spa
Written and Photographed by Nancy Clover
I decided to start 2026 with a little self-care, and it led me to a truly special experience.
Bamboo Spa, which opened about a month ago, is located at 533 Franklin Street, across from Mother’s Pizza. From the moment you open the door, you know you’ve entered a calm and welcoming space — the atmosphere immediately invites you to slow down and breathe.
The founder, Sophia (Liping Li), is warm, gracious, and deeply attentive. She is a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience, and her philosophy is refreshing: massage is not a luxury—it’s a form of healing, prevention, and essential self-care. Each session is tailored to the client’s needs and preferences, right down to whether you’d prefer quiet relaxation or light conversation during your massage.
There is a scent bar for aromatherapy, and I chose something new — rosemary, known to improve memory and increase circulation. I loved it. This is not a massage you simply fall asleep through; there is so much intention and care woven throughout the experience.
The session began with deep breaths using the rosemary oil, followed by singing bowls and bells — a form of sound therapy that promotes deep relaxation and helps balance the mind, body, and spirit. Next came acupressure (a love–hate relationship for me, but always worth it in the end!), which felt wonderful afterward.
Sophia then dripped warm oil onto my back, using slow, firm strokes that were absolutely perfect. Because my legs were dry, she used a luxurious cucumber lotion, and she also incorporated warm stones. When I turned over, she placed a heated eye mask to block out the light — such a thoughtful touch.
The massage itself was a phenomenal blend of massage, acupressure, chiropractor-like adjustments, and physical-therapy-style stretching. It was restorative, grounding, and incredibly effective.
Bamboo Spa is more than a business — it is clearly Sophia’s passion. This is a delightful and welcome addition to the Melrose Highlands neighborhood, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
