MASAJ's New Islington Space Proves That Great Massage Is an Art Form

Lifestyle

MASAJ has opened their third studio in the city and it's beyond expectation

After a week of relentless eighteen-hour days, photoshoots, concerts and a particularly unforgiving London heatwave, my shoulders had reached breaking point. Fortunately, I had an appointment at MASAJ's newly opened Islington clinic, which arrived at exactly the right moment.

Having opened its doors in June, the new space marks a significant expansion for the London wellness brand. Larger and more ambitious than its previous locations, the clinic immediately impresses with its thoughtful design. The aesthetic leans towards contemporary Tulum minimalism: washed cement walls, soft neutral tones and curved sofas that anchor an expansive reception area. It's calm without feeling contrived, luxurious without shouting about it.

The clinic houses eight treatment rooms, yet manages to retain an intimate atmosphere. Moving upstairs towards the treatment suites, the mood subtly shifts. The polished reception gives way to an industrial edge via the staircase, creating an interesting contrast that feels distinctly modern rather than overtly spa-like.

One of MASAJ's smartest innovations is its transparency around therapists. Before my appointment, I was able to see exactly who would be performing my treatment. My therapist, Jainaba, had accumulated more than 1,000 positively detailed client reviews. Before a single drop of oil touched my skin, I already felt reassured that I was in exceptionally capable hands. In an industry where quality can vary dramatically from one practitioner to another, that level of visibility is invaluable.

The sixty-minute Relaxing Massage began with three slow, grounding breaths, accompanied by the most sumptuous essential oils. It was a simple yet effective ritual that immediately signalled permission to switch off. From there, Jainaba demonstrated precisely why she has built such a loyal following.

Using a medium-pressure technique, she intuitively located every area carrying tension. Her approach combined traditional massage movements with carefully executed stretching techniques that encouraged muscles to release rather than simply endure pressure. The treatment never felt rushed or formulaic. Instead, it felt entirely responsive to what my body needed. Calm music played, from meditative and surprisingly a little neo soul, which made me feel more connected to the massage experience.

The difference was remarkable. Weeks of accumulated tightness across my neck, shoulders and lower back seemed to disappear under her hands. By the end of the treatment, I felt physically lighter, as though someone had quietly removed a weight I hadn't realised I was carrying.

What surprised me most, however, was what I saw afterwards. Looking in the mirror, my complexion appeared noticeably brighter and less fatigued. While it might sound anecdotal, there is science behind the phenomenon. Research has shown that massage can improve circulation and vascular function, increasing blood flow throughout the body. Enhanced circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients more efficiently to tissues, which may contribute to a healthier, more radiant appearance immediately after treatment. Studies have also demonstrated that massage can improve local blood flow and help reduce muscle soreness, which perhaps explains why both my body and face looked considerably more refreshed after just one hour.

In a city saturated with wellness offerings, MASAJ succeeds because it understands that the therapist matters just as much as the treatment itself. Beautiful interiors are easy to create. Consistently excellent practitioners are considerably harder to find.

For anyone carrying the physical load of modern life- long working hours, endless screen time, travel schedules or simply too much stress, the expert hands at MASAJ provide exactly the kind of reset that leaves you wondering why you waited so long to book.

For more information, visit HERE

MASAJ Islington

116J Upper Street

London

N1 1QP

Imagery courtesy of MASAJ

Words by Jheanelle Feanny