Local Spa Gives Couples A New Way to Share

Let us guess: You have no clue what to give your significant other for Valentine's Day. You've thought about clever cards, decadent chocolates and expensive flowers, but would prefer to do something new, something outside of the status quo. A Parsippany spa says the answer for you and your someone special could be a massage for two.

Love is even lovelier when you enjoy a massage as a couple, according to Steve Miller, co-owner of . 

"When couples come in together, it's a great time to connect," Miller said.

Right now, Massage Envy offers pampering a deux for couples: For $98, a pair can enjoy a one-hour massage for two in the same or separate rooms. For $10 more, a couple can have a one-hour facial. (These prices apply to new guests and guests who haven’t been to Massage Envy for more than a year.)

Sharing the massage experience has many benefits for couples, said Miller.

"They get the benefit of alleviating stress and increasing wellness," he said. "The couple's room allows them to be together to enjoy the services, if they approve. When one person gives the package to their partner, they're showing that they care." 

Manager Dawn Brindle said the service is a gift unto itself.

"We give a customized, professional therapeutic massage," she said. "It's really special for couples to experience that with each other."

If massage isn't up the couple's alley, Brindle said facials for two are available as well.

Miller and his wife own the Parsippany Massage Envy franchise, which boasts nearly 750 locations throughout the U.S. and more than 30 in New Jersey.

"The company was founded in 2002," Miller said, adding that the Parsippany branch has been operating for 14 months. "Our goal is to provide fully customized professional massages at convenient times and at affordable prices.

"We're doing great. So far we have 550 members and business is strong," Miller said.

He added that he wants the spa to take a more active role in the township. Recently, Massage Envy helped sponsor the Jan. 28  featuring the Harlem Wizards.

"It's important for us to give back and to be a real part of this community," Miller said.

He added that his shop is partnering with several school PTAs this year. Right now through Feb. 21, anyone who comes into the Parsippany shop and mentions the PTA will earn a $10 donation for the parent-teacher group.

The rest of the schedule is as follows:

      Feb. 1-29: PTA

      March 1-31: l PTA

      May 1-31: l PTA

For customers, Miller said the aim is to give them value for their dollar. Massage Envy Parsippany offers a basic wellness program in which members get massages for a monthly rate of $59.

For a facial instead of a massage, the price is only $10 more, Brindle said.

It had to be asked: Massages and facials sound wonderful for a lot of women, but most men are conditioned away from touchy-feely activities. How do women with massage- or facial-resistant sweethearts convince them to go along?

"That's just one of the myths going around," Miller said, with a laugh. "The traditional belief is that massage is upscale and for women. That is definitely not the case in our business.

"For men, there are lots of benefits. Everyone has back problems, so they can experience relief. Not to mention stress reduction, which helps everybody."

Miller offered a list of massage benefits:

• Relieves stress
• Encourages relaxation
• Improves posture
• Improves circulation
• Lowers blood pressure
• Promotes deeper and easier breathing
• Relieves headaches
• Strengthens immune system
• Helps manage pain
• Relaxes muscles
• Improves flexibility and range of motion
• Enhances post-operative rehabilitation
• Improves rehabilitation after injury

Manager Brindle said the dual massages or facials offer another benefit to romantic pairs.

"You're sharing an intimate experience," she said. "That can bring a couple closer together."

And isn't that what nearly every couple wants on Valentine's Day?

is located at 1119 Route 46. For more information, call 973-335-4900.