OVERTURE - HIVER 2005
A SMALL SLICE OF BLISS
Their name says it all: Studio Bliss is a small haven of tranquility along one of Montreal's busiest strips. Located on hip St. Laurent Blvd., Studio Bliss differentiates itself from the competition with the amount of care put into each and every massage. "It's the heart of what we do", notes the studio's co-founder Mathew Mackay. "Our clients appreciate the quality of our care, and the warmth and heat of each of our massage therapists."
Two years ago, Mackay and co-founders Caley Crossman and Veronique Legendre set out to create a destination where massage is taken to another level. To set their studio apart, they pioneered their own massage techniques to create the most blissful and relaxing experience possible.
Aside from the traditional therapeutic and relaxation massages, the studio offers four intense "bliss massages", unique to their studio. The first, known as the bliss massage, was designed by Mackay and Legendre. They combine traditional techniques from the Swedish, Shiatsu and Californian styles of massage with original maneuvers to create a dynamic, three-dimensional massage experience that provides sublime relaxation.
Another original massage is called the four-hand massage, where four hands prove to be better than two. The four hands works together to massage the body into a deep state of relaxed bliss. The third is known as the rain massage, where overhead hot water jets are used in conjunction with the massage for maximum alleviation of aches and pains. This one is followed by a salt scrub exfoliation and application of hydration cream.
Last but not least is the hot stone massage, where smooth volcanic stones are heated and placed on one's chakras. The massage is given gently with the oil-lathered stones for a comforting and supremely relaxing experience resulting in a deep state of inner peace.
Upon walking into their waiting room, I realized this wasn't an ordinary massage studio. Soothing trance music played softly from a stereo in the corner. My sock-clad feet glided over the hardwood floors as I allowed my lungs to fill with the incense-laden air.
I opted for the standard "bliss massage", and was floored by the experience. The massage started out gently, as Mackay's hands moved from the soles of my feet to the center of all my stress, my shoulders. As he worked away all my tension, I never wanted it to end. The hour-long massage left me feeling blissful all day.
Studio Bliss is currently expanding their services. "We are moving towards becoming an overall health and well-being center, a place where people can come to grow, heal, relax and learn," says Mackay.
The first step in their expansion includes yoga classes in the upstairs studio. The classes, which start up in a few weeks, will be limited to ten participants for a maximum amount of personalized instruction and guidance. They will also be offering one-on-one yoga therapy classes, where the instructor is able to work with a person's body, objectives and routine.
Studio Bliss is located at 3841 Saint-Laurent Boulevard in Montreal. To schedule an appointment, call 514.286.0007 or visit www.studiobliss.ca.
Jessica Klein
