Michael
San Diego, CA
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Rates
Sessions run $95 for 30 minutes, $135 for 60 minutes, $160 for 75 minutes, and $185 for 90 minutes. All work happens in the studio on an extra-wide heated table with organic lotion and essential oils included.
| Duration | At studio | At your location |
|---|---|---|
| 30 min | $95 | Ask |
| 60 min Popular | $135 | Ask |
| 75 min | $160 | Ask |
| 90 min | $185 | Ask |
Accepted Payments
About
Fifteen years of working with clients' bodies has taught me that tension lives everywhere—in shoulders hunched over desks, in hips tight from sitting, in the jaw we clench without noticing. I've spent those years learning to listen through my hands, to feel what each person needs, and to blend techniques in ways that create real, lasting change.
I work in a bungalow studio in North Park, San Diego, where I've created a space that feels like stepping into calm itself. The moment you arrive, you notice the details: soft lighting, candles, music that doesn't demand anything from you, essential oils in the air. The extra-wide heated massage table becomes your sanctuary for the next hour. I use organic lotions and oils, and I check in with you about temperature and pressure because your comfort matters.
My approach fuses Thai massage—what some call yoga for lazy people because I do the stretching while you relax—with Swedish and deep compression bodywork. I layer in breath meditation and sound healing too. It's not one technique applied to everyone. I read what your body is telling me and adjust as we go. Some clients come in wound tight and leave floating. Others come in managing chronic pain and discover they can move differently. A few have mentioned their Thai massage experience in Thailand wasn't as complete as what I offered here.
I've built this practice for the LGBTQA+ community, and for anyone who's been searching for a space where they feel safe and truly cared for. Your schedule matters to me. I book quickly, so text or call—I respond fast. And yes, you deserve this time. Life moves quickly. Your body needs you to slow down.
Techniques
Testimonials
This wasn't just the best massage I've received—it was something special entirely. Michael has real gifts for his work. His studio made me lose track of time completely. He's professional, respectful, and masterful at what he does. It's an honor to work with him. The benefits stick around for days afterward.
Truly transcendent. I've had Thai massages in Thailand, but never seen one mixed with Swedish and compression work the way Michael does it. It was a complete reset for my body and mind. His cottage studio is beautiful—the room temperature, scents, music, and lighting all show his care for detail. The extra-wide heated table is incredibly comfortable, and private parking in crowded North Park is a huge plus. He's professional and easy to work with, so scheduling was smooth. I see him weekly and refer friends regularly.
I've been a regular client for several years and always come back because Mike is someone I trust to deliver incredible, professional work. His skills are amazing and he's always learning and adding new techniques over the years. I've had several injuries and he's worked with me to support recovery. He's very knowledgeable and a genuinely great person. Highly recommended.
He made me feel very comfortable and secure from the start. The ambiance was very relaxing. I enjoyed my massage greatly. That's why I keep coming back.
The most unique, incredible massage of my life. Michael's technique combination had me melting on his heated, extra-wide table. He checked in about temperature and got to work. I'm new to massage but this changes everything—I'll be a regular. I was nervous about some body concerns, but he put me at ease instantly. His studio is relaxing and welcoming, parking was great. The aromatherapy, heat, and his touch combined beautifully. I'd never done Thai massage before and I'm eager for the next one. He responded almost immediately to my text. The massage never felt rushed. I was floating the next day. Thank you for such a great experience.
Mike is truly excellent—very professional and compassionate. He reads the body's mechanics with real intuition, and his session proved it. I've been twice since moving back to San Diego and both times were worth every dollar. His studio has a warm, modern, funky, and relaxed vibe. I've been able to shower both times, which is wonderful before and after. His Thai, Swedish, and compression blend is genuinely unique. I haven't found anyone else in San Diego who does Thai this way. He's also in great shape and even better-looking in person than in photos.
My first massage therapy session with Mike and certainly not the last. I'm active and have struggled finding true expertise, intuition, and professionalism. Beyond the stretching and lengthening of troubled areas, he delivered incredible Thai massage on a huge heated table while staying fully engaged. He worked with me in a way that revealed his gift—I booked three more appointments immediately. After, I told him this was the best bodywork I'd had since living in Minneapolis years ago. San Diego finally has someone I trust completely in a space where I feel safe, welcomed, and relaxed. The days after, I felt flexible, pain-free, and euphoric. My mind, spirit, and body got a full reset. His bungalow is beautifully decorated, private, quiet, and has parking—huge in crowded North Park. I cannot recommend enough.
By far one of the best massage experiences I've had. Everything was perfect and I left feeling like a new person. I will definitely be a repeat client.
Michael made me feel completely relaxed from the moment I arrived at his stunning North Park studio. His space is beautifully decorated and private parking is a lifesaver in that neighborhood. The heated, wide massage table was a joy, and the music and essential oils created a five-star spa feeling. His massage was skilled, calming, and reviving. He's clearly a master, found every knot in my body, and worked my glutes and hamstrings with effective Thai technique using his full body weight. I felt completely relaxed afterward and slept soundly that night.
Best massage experience I've ever had. Michael made communication easy, stayed professional throughout, and his blend of Thai and compression work stands out from any other massage therapist I've visited. His studio space is gorgeous. I'm booking another session soon.
Hands down the best massage I've ever had. Michael's energy hits you the moment you meet him, and his photos don't capture him at all. The music, aromatherapy, heated table, and beautiful studio atmosphere put me at ease right away. I've already booked the next appointment and can't wait.
One of the best massages in quite some time. I have a very high-stress job and the whole experience was terrific. Technique, lighting, and overall ambiance were all great. I loved the aromatherapy. The table and comfort were real pluses. This was my first visit and it was just what I needed. The Thai technique is wonderful. No doubt I'll be back.
Never had a Thai massage before, and Michael came highly recommended, so I booked a 90-minute session. Hands down the best massage ever. It felt like a massage, chiropractor, and yoga session combined. His hands are gentle yet powerfully strong. Every motion was slow, deliberate, and solid. I was completely in his hands. Michael is a kind healer and I felt at ease immediately. His North Park studio is absolutely beautiful, parking was easy to find, the space is spotless, it smelled wonderful, the music was perfect, and the lighting was exquisite. As a designer, I notice details, and Michael has a real eye—his paintings throughout the space are lovely. He's talented in many ways. Highly recommend.
Mike's massage was exactly what I needed after an endurance race. He was mindful of sensitive and tight areas, and his technique had me feeling better than ever after months of race training. His massage will absolutely be a regular part of my training regimen for future races.
I've searched long for someone who gives a phenomenal massage without losing sight of the details that matter. Mike's studio is always warm and essential oils calm me immediately. Perfect music, dim lights, plenty of candles. The heated table melts me the second I lie down. Mike's energy is felt right away. His technique is meditation, massage, and yoga in one. Unique and always leaves me recharged and stress-free. I've been coming once a month for over a year now. Very highly recommend.
Mike deserves consideration. I was referred by a close friend who's been his client for years, and I quickly understood why. Mike's bungalow studio is well decorated, spotless, comfortable, aromatic, with just the right light and Central A/C. Easy, effortless communication beforehand, clear directions, private parking, and a warm welcome. His training and professionalism are obvious from the start. Smooth, organic movements with just the right pressure. He checked in to make sure I was comfortable. Blissful moments almost had me drifting, then invigorating Thai work brought me back. I love when a masseur stretches, and Mike worked me through my paces gently but without holding back. The massage was wonderful and I've felt euphoric ever since. Very polite and handsome. He's more attractive in person than his pictures, and he's sweet too. I told him his touch was finesse. Bravo.
One of the best massages I've ever had. Michael was punctual and detailed in his communication, his North Park studio is beautiful, and his table is the most comfortable I've experienced. Music, lighting, essential oils—every element was carefully chosen. I love the private parking. I now book with him every other week.
I'd never experienced a massage that combined Thai, compression, and Swedish techniques, and I was hesitant at first. A friend recommended Michael, so I took the chance. Within two minutes, I knew I'd found my therapist. His studio is inviting, beautiful, and genuinely peaceful. His movements are thoughtful and strong yet gentle at the same time. I leave his table feeling total relief, euphoria, and calm. His personality is warm and engaging—it's truly a pleasure to spend time in his presence. I come every other week now and physically feel better than I ever have.
I've been hunting for the perfect massage in San Diego and finally found it. Michael's technique was thorough, relaxing, and intuitive. His slow, steady pace let me sink into the heated table and breathe in the aromatherapy. Pressure and stretching were exactly what I needed to ease the tension from sitting at a desk all day. His studio is beautifully decorated with candles and spa music. He's also a very talented artist—his paintings are displayed nearby. I cannot recommend enough. I've been coming twice a month since I found him. Worth every penny.
Mike is an excellent masseur. His place is spotless and has one of the most relaxing atmospheres—soft candles, a warming massage table, and tranquil music. He uses the perfect amount of pressure and finishes with Thai stretching. Highly recommend, especially if you want relaxation or relief from tired muscles.
Hemasseur's Take
Across his years of practice, Michael has earned consistent praise for his intuitive blend of Thai, Swedish, and deep compression techniques—a combination clients describe as feeling like massage, chiropractic work, and yoga fused together. Clients report lasting benefits including pain relief, flexibility gains, deep relaxation that extends for days, and a sense of euphoria and reset.
His studio environment sets him apart just as much as his technique. The heated extra-wide table, private parking, aromatherapy, soft lighting, candles, and meticulous attention to ambiance create what many describe as a five-star spa feeling. Beyond the technical skill and space design, clients consistently mention Michael's warmth, professionalism, ease of communication, and his ability to make people feel completely safe and cared for—a quality especially noted by those in the LGBTQA+ community.
Location
Mississippi Street & Lincoln Avenue, San Diego
Hours
10 a.m. - 11 p.m. every day
Details
In-Studio Amenities
Additional Services
FAQ
What is Thai massage and how is it different from Swedish massage?
Thai massage involves assisted stretching and deeper pressure applied using the therapist's hands, forearms, and body weight, while you remain fully clothed and relaxed on the table. Swedish massage uses oil and focuses on kneading and gliding strokes to ease muscle tension. Michael combines both techniques in a single session, layering deep compression work with Thai stretching to create a complete experience that clients often compare to having a massage, chiropractor visit, and yoga class all in one.
How much does a 60-minute massage cost in San Diego?
Michael charges $135 for a 60-minute studio session, which includes organic lotion, essential oils, and use of his heated extra-wide massage table. This rate is below the San Diego average of $136, and he also offers 30-minute sessions for $95 and extended 75 and 90-minute options for deeper work.
Does Michael offer same-day or last-minute appointments in San Diego?
Michael's schedule books quickly, so advance booking is encouraged. However, he responds fast to texts and calls, so reach out directly to ask about availability—he may have an opening depending on the day. His studio is open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., which gives flexibility for early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
What amenities are included at Michael's North Park studio?
His studio includes private parking, a private restroom with a shower, bottled water, fresh linens and towels, and a heated extra-wide massage table. The space features soft candles, calming music, and aromatherapy essential oils diffused throughout. Many clients mention that every detail—lighting, temperature, scent, and ambiance—feels intentionally designed for relaxation.
What payment methods does Michael accept?
Michael accepts cash, Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, Square Cash, Apple Pay, and QuickPay. This gives you flexibility in how you pay for your session.
Is there a massage therapist in San Diego who specializes in Thai massage?
Yes, Michael offers Thai massage as a core part of his practice, often blended with Swedish and deep compression techniques in a single session. Clients who have received Thai massage in Thailand mention that his unique fusion approach is not commonly found elsewhere in San Diego.
What should I expect during my first massage with Michael?
Your first session begins with clear, prompt communication—Michael responds quickly to booking requests and provides directions. When you arrive at his North Park studio, you'll find a warm, beautifully decorated space with private parking. He checks in about pressure and comfort, moves slowly and deliberately, and blends stretching with deep bodywork. Most clients report losing track of time and feeling euphoric relief that lasts for days afterward.
Can Michael help with tension from a desk job or sports training?
Yes. Clients with high-stress desk jobs report that his combination of deep compression, Thai stretching, and breath work leaves them completely relaxed and sleeping deeply that night. Athletes and endurance runners have worked with Michael to ease training tightness and support recovery, incorporating his massage into their regular regimen.
From the Hemasseur Team
Michael is a massage therapist in San Diego, California with 15 years of hands-on experience blending Thai, Swedish, and deep compression bodywork. His signature approach fuses assisted Thai stretching with deeper pressure work and incorporates breath meditation and sound healing—all delivered in a private studio space designed for complete relaxation. He operates from his North Park bungalow studio and serves the San Diego area with daily hours from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Michael is particularly known for creating a welcoming, safe space for the LGBTQA+ community. Clients consistently praise his intuitive ability to read what their body needs, his full-body technique with Thai work, and the lasting effects of his sessions. His studio includes amenities like an extra-wide heated table, organic lotion and essential oils, private parking, a shower, and meticulous attention to ambiance. Those managing desk-job tension, athletic recovery, chronic pain, or anyone seeking deep relaxation and flexibility work benefit most from his practice.
