Urbana Cityspa & Teabar, Charlotte NC Massage Spa

Let me start by saying that I have not been to Urbana, so PLEASE do not take my low rating as a reflection of the ambiance, services, or value. I am sure they would have deserved a true 5-star rating.

I received a gift certificate to use at Urbana and was saving it for a special occasion. I took it out of my drawer yesterday only to realize that it had expired three weeks ago! Major slip-up on my part. I called this morning to see if there was any way that Urbana would still honor it and was told that no, this was not possible. I do understand and appreciate expiration dates; however -- being a would-be new customer, I see this as a missed opportunity for Urbana to garner a new loyal client. The gift certificate was only for $50 and I would have spent (at least) an additional $70-100 on my services that day -- surely to be followed by more visits. I realize that I was asking a big favor to have the expired certificate honored ... and had it been, it would have made for one truly happy and appreciative new client.

Exquisite customer service should be a spa's number-one priority, and I am perplexed at the way this situation was handled.

Posted 11/22/09

i live in south charlotte and had seen the sign for this place for quite some time, just never found the time to go there. when my regular massuse moved, i thought i would take a chance. i had no idea what would be hidden in this shopping center at the corner of highway 51 and carmel road. it is one of the too few cool places in charlotte and i had no idea i would find a massuse better than the one i had for several years. seeing john fox there before my massage clued me in and i certainly wasn't disappointed.

Pros: cool to the max

Cons: none found yet

Posted 11/22/09

Very relaxing, thorough, and delightful. Can't wait to go back.

Pros: Atmosphere, technique, pressure

Cons: pricey

Posted 11/19/09

Lydia is amazing!

Pros: HIgh qualilty massages, great atmosphere

Cons: Pricey

Posted 11/12/09

Nancy and her team are just wonderful! My husband Jim and I have always enjoyed relaxing in the tea bar to enjoy the teas, pampering and intimate ambiance. It is so special that I recently hosted a "Tea Party" there with 16 of my personal training clients and friends. It was such a wonderful and educational time! Nancy, and her staff offer the finest in service and products. You need to stop in and let them pamper you for sure! It's the best in Charlotte!
Thanks Urbana - Carmel location!

Pros: Best tea in town and so intimate

Posted 11/12/09

If you are looking for a relaxing environment to get away from your busy schedule, then look no further than Urbana. Urbana, as a teabar, offers an excellent variety of quality teas from around the world (100+). They also offer wine and several delicious appetizers. They also sell quality tea-related products. As a lounge, the environment is very conducive to relaxation. The decor, furniture, and continuous sounds of lounge, downtempo, and world music create a very chill atmosphere. As a massage parlor, they offer nothing but the best massage services by a very qualified and friendly staff. I highly recommend frequenting Urbana. I have never been disappointed and it has become a regular spot for me.

Pros: Tea, Atmosphere, Service

Posted 11/08/09

I bought my wife a Gift Certificate for mother's day from Urbana and they called back to confirm and when I went to pick the Gift Certificate up I found this place to be beautiful and the people professional and efficient. I feel confident my wife's experience will be wonderful.

Pros: Nice Place

Posted 05/10/09

On our next trip to Charlotte from Boston, this will be a definite place to revisit! What a wonderful, relaxing experience. The staff is truly outstanding!! A one of a kind true find.

Posted 02/27/09

I have been coming to Urbana for a while now and it is one of my favorite places in Charlotte. The music in the lounge can relax me on the craziest of days. I recently had a new service by Eminence, an organic line that I love and was really glad to find there. It was a 90 minute massage that included a full body massage and facial massage. I was so relaxed afterwards, I could hardly get off the table. Fortunately the lounge is great after massage too. For those who don't know, you can also drop in for tea or wine only and enjoy the same great lounge experience.

Pros: always excellent

Cons: no

Posted 02/19/09

Just took myself and Mom for a Red Flower Massage. I was very please with the atmosphere of Urbana.
It is very classy not the least bit stuffy and immaculate. Everyone was friendly and very accommodating. They have a nice menu of unique massages and I can't wait to try them all!

Pros: Unique massage options

Cons: none

Posted 01/31/09

I have seen two different specialists here for the "olympian' deep tissue massage. This is a REAL deep tissue, wonderful and so helpful to those of us who suffer from painful muscle knots and tightness. Both massage therapists had wonderful personalities and were extremely good at what they do. I have had the two best deep tissue massages of my life so far at Urbana! I highly recommend it to all!

Pros: Atmosphere, Skill of Massage Therapists, Tea

Cons: Wish I could go everyday.

Posted 12/14/08

From Charlotte, live in NYC. Every time I visit home, I make an appointment for a massage at Urbana (usually hot stone or Thai floor massage -- awesome!!!), and I usually end up spending a lot of time at the teabar while I'm in town. The lounge is SOOO RELAXING, even (especially?) by NYC standards. From the music to the couches to the lighting, they make every detail perfect. I saw they won "Best Massage" in Charlotte and they deserve it, but the tea is also worth the trip! I love to relax there over perfectly-brewed jasmine pearls or an icy matcha latte even when I'm not coming in for a massage. They have over 100 teas, so there really is something for everyone, even if you think you don't like tea because you've only had bags before. :)

Pros: Atmosphere, Tea, Hours

Cons: They don't have an NYC location yet!

Posted 12/11/08

I have never written a review before but feel Urbana cityspa and teabar deserves recognition. I am 6? 3? , workout often and have issues with my shoulders and back from weight training. A friend told me about Urbana. So I called and made an appointment. My therapist really was amazing. I have had many massages before but I have never had anyone do such good work on my shoulder and back. After some great deep work (not that wimpy stuff) she used some special stretching technique on my arms and legs that gave me relief from my tightness immediately. I left the service relaxed and pain free. I have joined there club for monthly massage. Highly recommended!

Posted 11/03/08

Massage here is all they say it is. You can?t go wrong and everyone is always friendly. This is a refreshing change from what you usually find. I?ve been to some discount places (won?t go back) and also to many higher priced spas when travelling but this place always gets it right.

Pros: massages are great

Posted 10/03/08

My husband and I are former med-spa owners of multiple sites in the DC area. We make it a point to go to at least one destination spa/resort yearly and massage is always my treatment of choice. I had been given a tour of Urbana's many gorgeous rooms awhile ago and sampled some of their exquiste teas but until yesterday had not experienced a massage. I was expecting a fairly decent experience but was quite pleasantly surprised at the quality of massage I received. My therapist, Jan, was outstanding. She asked all the appropriate questions prior to starting, didn't chatter during the massage, perfect amount of pressure - just wonderful! The staff was gracious and professional and the ambiance is perfect. Very impressive. I've also had a massage by Anna at another location which was very good as well. I plan on being back every month to try all the treatments and all the therapists.

Pros: everything

Cons: wish I could visit daily

Posted 06/15/08

The Tea Bar is great and provides one of the best selections in the area. The staff is very knowledgeable and the atmosphere is very calming. The only downside is that there never seems to be enough help at the front desk, so service is a little slow. Be sure to sign up to have spa package specials e-mailed to you.

Posted 05/06/08

I have been to many of the spas in Charlotte but none can compare with Urbana. I was very excited when my husband and I went for our couples massage at Urbana- What a wonderful experience! The masseuses Valerie and Jeffrey were outstanding. Truly the best massage either of us have ever had. It was a pleasure talking to the owner, Jim and learning about the different teas that they offered. The atmosphere reminds me of the W in New York City, very eclectic and chic. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we decided to treat ourselves again next month. I can't wait to take my friends from out town to my new favorite spa.

Wendy Hudak

Pros: The Best Around

Cons: We had to leave

Posted 03/03/08

Urbana is a warm and relaxed setting with a professional staff and visionary owner. Urbana keeps me sane in this stressful world we live in. I regularly use their massage services to calm my CNS and counteract the effects of a grueling physical training regimen. I highly recommend this establishment over your typical massage "assembly line" places. Do not confuse a basic massage offered by others with the complete Urbana experience. Urbana takes you to another world, if only for an hour or so. If Charlotte had more business owners who were willing to put as much money in their business as this one, we would live in quite a different city, my friends. Think of Urbana as a massage center-tea bar that is as hip and inviting as the restaurant "Town." Go ahead - treat yourself.

Pros: Relaxing, hospitable, professional, amazing service.

Cons: Perhaps pricier than other places, but you get what you pay for.

Posted 03/01/08

This is the place to introduce friends to tea, and great wines, too. I could hang out at Urbana every day. Staff is very nice and is happy to show the teas. A feel-good vibe. Everyone coming out of massages seems very happy and I?ve heard nothing but good.

Pros: the music

Cons: none

Posted 02/11/08

Urbana's tea was featured in a recent magazine article. I started to drink tea about two years ago in New York but I stopped in and was blown away by the style of this place. This isn't your typical place for tea or for anything at all in Charlotte. My tour of the overall facility was so impressive that I have already been back not just for tea but for massage too. I purchased several teas to take home--and would have taken my therapist home too if I could have. Hint: ask for Lydia. It was the best massage I've had in quite some time and I've had quite a few. I'm a true fan already of something this cool in Charlotte.

Posted 02/08/08

Where else can you get a fabulous massage seven days a week, even at night? My boyfriend and I went in December and he's been talking about his therapist Hanna ever since. He's going to love his Valentines Day surprise! I get massage at Urbana as often as I can and have had Hanna, too. She and the rest of the staff are really amazing and even if I call at the last minute, they try to get me on the schedule.

Pros: Seven days a week, the teas are fun too

Posted 02/07/08

Massages were wonderful. Lounge is nice but creepy older gentleman who works there stalks and makes for an uncomfortable stay. Front desk is friendly. Therapist turnover is high. My last appointment I arrived to find out my therapist is no longer there - 2nd time! High price is a risk if you're not sure who is working on you. I prefer to find a therapist I am comfortable with more than a lounge to sit in.

Pros: locations and atmosphere

Cons: high turnover

Posted 02/05/08

The entry of Urbana is designed like a bar. Only this bar serves fabulous tea, wine and voss water.
They play really good down tempo music that serves as both relaxing and fades into the background as you have a great conversation on the wide, long very comfortable couches.
So in the rare unlikely chance you are left waiting for your massage you get swept away with comfort.
Their retail section is merchandised to blend into the design of the spa.
If you are in a shopping mood you can purchase anything from candles, Cd's, Tea, teapots, and books. The more crowded the place gets, the more you feel like you are in a private NYC club. The less crowded you feel like you are in a quiet spa.
As a Black American you rarely(outside of major cities)find spas with a diverse staff. I applaud Urbana for their diverse hiring practice.
I've personally watched them welcome people from various walks of life with the same energy as the last.
My husband and I consider Urbana our date night.

I go to massage envy for medical reasons, but when I'm ready to be pampered or I want to show off the best of what Charlotte has to offer I go to Urbana!

Pros: Fabulous vibe

Cons: none!

Posted 12/25/07

Very nice tea. Very nice experience. We could all use a little more relaxation, and this is a wonderful place for a little pampering!

Posted 11/11/07

I took my boyfriend here because he had never received a massage before. We did the couples massage package and it was wonderful. Very calming music, and both of the ladies were very skilled. And not a wimpy massage either, they gently but with pressure worked the kinks out. And it was full body...very worth it. With the tea bar its definitely more of an urban, modern feel. I prefer a little more of the girlie -girl pampering style (providing you with a changing room, etc)....but over all it was a great massage! My boyfriend enjoyed it thouroughly! Afterrward, we checked out solar nails next door for a pedi/mani session!

Posted 10/24/07

If you're in Charlotte, you'll find everything at Urbana from great deep tissue or relaxing massages to barefoot massage and thai massage, which is next on my list to try. They always have tea samples and gave me a matcha latte recently that I loved. What's not to love about Urbana with it's cool atmosphere. It feels like a martini lounge or upscale wine bar in New York or Chicago. I always go early or stay after to hear the music and just chill. For massage I've experienced different therapists and they have all been incredible. This is a really romantic place for couples massage too, especialy since they stay open at night.

Pros: It's always a great experience

Cons: Zero

Posted 09/16/07

Not wanting a simple swedish/fluff massage because I am an athlete, I was surpised to find Valerie at Urbana turned out to be a true "body mechanic". She worked on my areas of tension with a type of confidence that can only come from a veteran of the massage field. While we talked about the pressure and depth of the massage, it turned out that this experience with the body comes from 9 yrs. of work and many, many hours of practice with all types of athletes (and even some Panthers). I would recommend Urbana (for the amazing environment and teas) and Valerie for massage to anyone who is seeeking a unique experience and a solid massage.

Pros: just what i needed and the pairing of delicious tea

Posted 08/08/07

If you like 45 minutes of having a sheet and blanket rearranged around you and 15 minutes of timid massage, this is the place for you. Massuese did not address areas I requested. To the "masseuses": Massage therapy should be all about the receiver, not the giver. I'm not comfortable when I'm wrapped up like a caterpillar in a cocoon. If you are afraid of seeing or touching a butt cleft or breast, perhaps you should consider a career in retail. Services are overpriced and fall far short of what is advertised. Urbana is about as sensual as a dentist's office.

Pros: none

Cons: timid massuese with tepid attitude

Posted 08/08/07

I had my first of many massages to come at Urbana on monday and the experience was more than I could have ever imagined. The atmosphere was a great escape from day to day life. I was immediately greeted and offered tea and then met by my therapist JEFF. I have had many massages in many differents cities so I was a little hesitant to see if Jeff would meet my very high expectations. I found my self in the service forgetting where I was, completely relaxed and there wasn't an area of tension or stress that went untouched. I HIGHLY advise anyone reading this to try it out. YOU WILL LOVE IT. I applaud Urbana for stepping a litlle out of the box from the traditional spa environment and offering what we all want... an escape!

Cons: none

Posted 08/07/07

I visited Urbana over the weekend and the atmosphere was great, the receptionist was great and my Swedish massage with Christine was excellent. I had the best experience. I have been to many spas in many cities and this city spa was excellent.
I recommend the jasmine tea and the Relax Riesling.

Posted 08/05/07

I had a really good massage (Swedish) at Urbana. The atmosphere is very hip, cool. The receptionists were extremely sweet and welcoming. One word of warning: my masseuse, let's call her V., was a little more...ahem...probing then most. I got a FULL massage on my backside without being asked! She also went higher on my thighs then I've ever had done before. I'm a bit of a prude, but if you're like me, you may have to swallow some of that modesty.

Pros: Cool atmosphere, great massage

Cons: Masseuse did not ask permission before touching certain areas.

Posted 08/03/07

For my last birthday, my husband arranged a surprise massage for me at Urbana. I was completely surprised when I found out I was getting a shiatsu massage from Erin and that she was going to use her feet. I'm pretty open to trying new things but I have a little bit of a foot fettish and was a bit apprehensive. This fear soon vanished shortly after Erin began working on me. She is phenomenal!!!!! Words cannot describe the experience. I walked out of there feeling better than I have in AGES!!!! I have had many massages in different cities and only one other person came close -- but that was for a Swedish massage. I would definitely go back to Erin for another shiatsu massage. The next time, I will go with my husband and also take time to enjoy the tearoom since I didn't get a chance the first time. What an amazing attraction to have in Charlotte!! Everyone should treat themselves at least once and go for this experience. Way to go Urbana!!! You rock!!! Thank you!!!

Pros: Massage Therapist (Erin!), Ambience, Parking

Cons: None!!

Posted 07/28/07

Went for a message 3 wks ago. Was having a very bad problem with my right shoulder. It was injured in a car accident years ago. Was going for triker point injection because it was the only way to get relieve when it flared up. But this time do to my sister in-law I went for a message at Urbana and days later I was feeling better and should was move able again and to this day still no pain.

Pros: All Good

Posted 05/27/07

I exceeded the limit on words for this fabulous place. Please go to Triple W dot Supplementyourlife dot blogspot dotcom to see my full review.
I cannot say enough good things about Urbana.

Pros: Staff, ambiance, therapy

Cons: none

Posted 05/22/07

Tea and massage--what a great concept. It works beautifully at Urbana cityspa and tea bar. I've had amazing massages there and have gone in just to sample teas. You can kick back in a cool lounge or use the wireless. Tea is complimentary before and after massage and very reasonably priced even on its own. You can also purchase it to take home. I'd hang out at Urbana every day if I could.

Pros: Open late, very cool place and excellent massages and teas

Cons: None. All is good.

Posted 05/22/07

Everyone should go to Urbana if you're looking for a great massage therapist. But for other reasons, Urbana is a real experience that shouldnt be missed. There's not much I'd rather do than enjoy music in the loung, get a massage, and follow up with a mimosa at the bar. Urbana is the perfect lazy Sunday.

Posted 05/22/07

-If there is healing in the touch of a hand, then the magical touch of the therapists' hands @ Urbana Cityspa is a gift that you deserve to give yourself- I went the first time in February for my birthday and now I go back every month. Being a public school teacher gives me plenty of opportunity to carry stress within my body. DJ has patiently messaged a lot of it out using just the right amount of pressure and comfort. The atmosphere is peaceful and it is pure joy to step down off of the table onto clean, Italian tile. I gave my 2 daughters (26 & 28 yrs old) a message for their birthdays recently. When they came home after the message, I looked out the drive and they looked like they could float away. They both agreed that Urbana has "it all right" elegant, yet not stuffy.
And then after your message they give you the best drinking water : Voss, artesian water from Norway as well as a choice of tea from their tea bar. The organic teas range from "Yerba Mate", a rich, earthy, rainforest aroma with a dark sweet accent to "Chai" that celebrates in your mouth with a competition between cinnamon and dark pepper.
Oh, did I mention the qurterly wine tastings? What a delight to taste Spanish wines, enjoy an assortment of "tapas", see authentic Latin dance, and watch the tea expert, Jim and the graceful owner, Nancy entertain their guests. I always feel like a guest when I go. They do seem to have "it all right". As a matter of fact, now I have joined the "Club Urbana" for a monthly discount. I have been to several local message spas and I don't even see a comparison. Charlotte, we are fortunate to have this classy touch added to our city.

Pros: Read the review: it's all good

Posted 05/20/07

Anyone will be wowed by Urbana. My girlfriend loves getting a couple massage or meeting after work for a glass of wine. The wine selection is limited but excellent and killer music set the mood every time. Last time we were there, we talked with someone at the tea bar who had just had a barefoot massage and raved about it. But for something romantic, I recommend a massage for two in the midnight room, then champagne at the tea bar or lounging on one of the South Beach style sofas.

Pros: lounge atmosphere, great massages, very nice wine selection and teas too

Cons: not a single bad thing to say

Posted 05/19/07

The massages are great - very professional. The atmosphere is the treatment rooms is very relaxing - perfect lighting, sound and aroma.
The Tea Room is a perfect place to relax before or after with friends or on a date. I have gone with girlfriends and with my husband and it was very nice both times.
I highly recommend one of their champagne elixers - very tasty and very effective.
The snacks are wonderful - I discovered the combination of quality aged cheddar combined with honeycomb - a delightful combination - no cracker or bread required.

Pros: see review

Cons: none

Posted 05/19/07

I?ve gone to Urbana when I hurt my back and also just to destress after some tough days at work. It always lives up to high expectations and I hear great things about it from other people all the time. The massages are first rate, and if you go in early to relax in the lounge, you'll be glad you did. There's not a place in Charlotte that's cooler or more relaxing than this.

Posted 05/18/07

I often speak of Urbana to every single person that walks in the door at my restaraunt, Ilios Noche. I have been a server there for three years, and have developed many strong relationships with the clientelle. Whenever you say, "message" there is a big discussion that follows. People tell me to go to the Ballantyne resort, or Message Envy, or to call some girl who comes door to door.

My first message expierience was with Urbana, so I decided to venture out and try the rest of the market. Let me just say that I was thoroughly dissapointed. I might have gotten a better deal here and there, but the quality was just not the same.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT URBANA:
1) As soon as you walk in the door you begin to feel relaxed. All around are the most comfortable looking couches and chairs. The music is very chill, with a nice Euro beat. I immediately forget where I am.

2)The wine list is amazing and everything is only $6.50 a glass. WOW!!!

3)Last time I was there they had 80+ organic loose leaf teas. I've had about 15. You don't even need sugar or honey for this tea.

*these aren't neccessarily in order in terms of favorite*

4)The rooms for messages are incredible. They each have their own theme which you can pick at your own discretion.

5)The THERAPIST ACTUALLY DOES WHAT YOU WANT AND NOT WHAT THEY WANT.

6)Every person on staff, from manager to receptionist, make you feel overly welcome without pressuring you to buy or do anything. They just let you find your own comfort and encourage you to just come over and sit down and RELAX.

I often go to Urbana with friends just to do a tea tasting. (Much like a wine tasting) It is different, hip, and never too crowded as to impair your relaxation. You definitely owe it to yourself to just go and sit down and take in the atmosphere rather than going and sitting in a smokey bar or a Starbucks after work!!!

-Jonathan Graham

Pros: Atmosphere, Service, Menu selection of services, wine, tea, and light appetizers.

Cons: I honestly can't think of any, and I always seem to find a negative!

Posted 05/16/07

I recently had the good fortune to receive a deep tissue massage from Urbana City Spa and Tea Bar. While I was skeptical of the combination of these two disciplines, I?m now sold on the concept.
My experience with massage is no lightweight matter. Low back pain, resulting from youthful disregard for the torture I inflicted upon myself through aggressive sports activities, prompted my seeking out massage therapy some 20+ years ago. Over the years I have had various and sundry types of massage, administered by a rainbow of individuals, from students at massage schools to some of the most experienced hands in the business... from 45 minutes on a portable table in a small-town office barely bigger than a phone booth, to full service treatments at resorts like Spa at Pebble Beach and Grove Park Inn. I have paid from twenty-five dollars to ten times that amount for massage treatments. I?ve enjoyed sessions on the beach in Brazil, in steamy Turkish baths in Istanbul, on the island of St. Lucia to the turquoise waters surrounding Bora Bora. I say all this not to impress, but to show I?m not just a casual fan of massage.
I rate my treatment at Urbana right up there at the top of the list of service providers. The techniques were as effective and professional as they come. The support staff was friendly and accommodating. While the treatment rooms were not elaborate, the premises were clean, relaxing and exhibited a collective understated sophistication. Contemporary background music, while adding to the ?cool urban? atmosphere throughout, was soothing and mood enhancing without being too spiritual. It can be enjoyed during a session or while in the lounge, enjoying one of a thousand flavorful, freshly brewed teas.
If you?re looking for a massage experience that is first rate and doesn?t require extended travel to get there, Urbana will suit you to a tea!!

Pros: Great therapists, great ambience

Cons: None

Posted 05/16/07

It was the day before for my friends and I were going to St. Martin; we wanted to start our vacation and relax. It was definitely the best thing to do before taking a long flight. When we enter in Urbana Cityspa and Teabar w first notice how beautiful the place looks with all the varies tea around the world. You wouldn't mind waiting longer in the waiting area just to taste another flavor tea. This is the place to experience. Just don't be shy about asking for another flavor tea and chocolate. Yummy. Oh- another thing.. my message was out of this world... I just wished it was longer!

Pros: Teas, Chocolate and of course messages

Cons: Front staff needs to be more friendly and greet!

Posted 05/16/07

My girlfriends and I went to Urbana for a girl's day out. Myself and one friend got a Swedish Massage and the other two received Hot Rock Massages. No one was disappointed. We arrive and immediately are served with tea of our choice. The atmosphere is so serene! But most importantly the massage was EXCELLENT!! The smells of all the aromatherapy immediately put me at ease. It was the shortest hour of my life but one of the most unforgettable. I would recommend Urbana Cityspa in a heart beat!!!

Pros: Love the e-mails sent with special offers and discounts!!

Cons: None.

Posted 05/16/07

As a spa enthusiast, Urbana provided a calm and inviting environment with chic flare. The facility is absolutely beautiful and indeed different for Charlotte. The massage therapist was incredible. She paid attention to the kinks and worked them out in a manner that was comfortable.
If you are looking for a nice place unwind with your significant other or kick off a girls night in/out, Urbana is a the place to start.
Oh, and the tea is fabulous!

Pros: Atmosphere

Cons: None

Posted 05/16/07

Cool website, and this place lives up to it. I scheduled a couples massage as a birthday surprise for my boyfriend. Everything was amazing from the time we walked in til we reluctantly had to leave. Urbana looks like something out of Architectural Digest. It's a very relaxed atmosphere--and very pampering, starting with the tea they offer you before your massage. My boyfriend and I loved the teas and learned all about them from the guy at the tea bar. Of course, we took some home with us, too, but that was after an awesome couples massage in the midnight room followed by a bottle of Voss water and more tea. There are three rooms for couples, and the other rooms looked really cool, too. Can't wait to go back and you can even go just for tea or wine. Maybe tonight.

Pros: Massages available at night. Great experience.

Posted 05/13/07