Cortiva Institute

as good as a massage *school* gets, definitely.
Don’t go in there expecting the same treatment as a full scale elite facility with seasoned masseuses. I don’t mean this in a bad way or a knock on Cortiva, its just not what it is and people shouldn’t negatively review it because it isn’t a high end establishment. There is a reason those places cost at least 6 times more…
For me, I don’t need all of the flashy stuff so this was perfect.
Fantastic 1 hour experience for $ 20. I believe it was only $ 20 because it was bring a friend for $ 25 each — $ 5 early bird special. Or maybe -$ 5 for first time? Not sure…
Note: there were a few signs up stating rates to increase in 2016 but the facility wasn’t aware of the amount of the rate increase from the parent company yet.
Get there a little early if its your first time as you’ll have to fill out a 1 page form (very easy).
During the massage, my recommendation is to just over communicate to your masseuse what you like or to increase/​decrease pressure, they can’t read your mind (yet) that’s why they are in school :) You’ll also have an opp to speak to them as you walk to the common massage room (yes there are only curtains hanging between beds), so you can express your likes/​dislikes at that point too.
Plan to make it back a few times a month now.

I had my 1-​hr Swedish massage with Mika. I came in with a stiff neck and tension in my shoulders, so she spent the hour focusing on my upper body just as I requested. She applied firm pressure (which is what I prefer) to get my knots out, and she made sure to check in occasionally on how I was feeling. I feel so relieved, looking forward to returning again.

It’s a hit or miss. Some times they are good, some times they are bad. These are students and still learning. The ambiance is not bad. The people at the reception could be a hit or miss. Some or courteous some are not. There timings suck too. Only on mondays and tuesdays they take appointments after 6 PM. If you want a good massage by strong hands I think China town is a better option. But I would give it to them they are quite inexpensive for sure.

Took path train to Hoboken and literally a minute walk to the doorway to go up to the 2^nd floor to check in. My appointment was for 130 and I arrived exactly at 130pm due to train switches (can’t get to Hoboken from grove, had to switch at Newport, etc.) The front desk guy did not look away from his computer screen when he said he’ll be right with me and then preceeded to have small talk with some of the other students?/workers talking about how frustrated he was and how excited he is that it’s Friday. Not very professional to vent in front of customers that’s why this doesn’t have 5 stars. The masseuse was a male, as I requested and I’m not sure how much experience the students have with massaging opposite sexes however I could tell he was professional and maybe a little nervous. The massage was great, he focused on the areas I asked him to and he asked frequent temp checks to make sure I was comfortable and attended to. I got a frequent customer card, 10 stamps and you get one free. I am going to request all different masseuses each time I go to find which are my favorite, can’t beat the price of 40 $ for 1.5 hour of massage (it’s actually illegal to tip the students” said paul the front desk guy over the phone. I called to book second appointment, the front desk woman was incredibly helpful and gave good tips for booking (i.e. advanced students massage on Wednesdays or Fridays more often than not). I have back and knee issues and I asked if I could bring biofreeze to be part of the massage and they were happy to oblige. Side notes: The feel of the front desk area is more like a student reception area rather than creating a calm, spa feel to meet and greet the customers, maybe a eucalyptus candle might help and dimmer lighting? The massage area is a line of curtains with sturdy massage tables and basic bed sheets lining the table. It was a bit cold on the table so blankets would’ve been a nice option to have if the customers get cold. The oils used seemed to be aromatherapy and were FANTASTIC!

Fantastic! One of the best massages I’ve ever gotten. Professional and friendly staff. Very attentive. The place is nice and clean, relaxing music in the background. Say bye to stress and any problems you may be dealing with!
I had a back injury about a month ago — the masseuse was very attentive and thoughtful, asked me all the questions to make sure she didn’t hurt me. After 60 minutes of treatment, I felt like I was reborn!
Scheduled my next appointment for next week — will go there again and again — such a great deal!

Went for the early bird special, and really enjoyed it. The place was very clean and the massage lasted for an hour! And was only $ 20! Normally, it’s $ 25, which is already pretty cheap… I will definitely return!

Great massage, affordable prices ! That pretty much sums up this place .
The place is clean and has a positive vibe. The students are polite and helpful. All in all I love going here and would recommend it to all !

I have studied at Cortiva Insitutue (amongst other institutes) and their philosophy, is one can achieve optimal health — by gaining proper balance in life, which can be attained through holistic medicine, inclusive of message therapy. This is something I strongly believe in myself and have been performing massages, for the past three and a half years (strictly on my loved ones). I was fortunate to enter with a strong understanding of this art (can easily pin-​point 200 pressure points), which enabled me to breeze through some of the introductory courses. What I have learned is a more comprehensive massage therapy strategy and they helped me perfect both the art and science of delivering therapy. Again, personally this is more of a hobby, but they do teach sound business practices if that is your goal. If you are interested in getting licensed, the programs exceed the educational requirements for licensure in most states. Locally, the 1080-​hour program will prepare you for New York State licensure and the 600-​hour program will prepare you for New Jersey State licensure. I highly recommend them to anyone interested in this art.
If you are simply looking for a true value massage, do check them out as well. Once these students graduate, expect to pay up to $ 100+ an hour for this type of therapy.

I love this place. I mean LOVE this place. I try to book at least a massage a week. The prices are amazing and I have never had a bad massage. I have had good to AMAZING massages every single time. The staff is professional and the prices are outstanding. No reason to go anywhere else. Honestly. give it a try!

What a delight!!! I was surprised by my bestie at this massage place. Everyone was helpful and lovey. Maira was gently and made me feel at ease. What a wonderful birthday surprise!!!

I love this place. I go twice a month, and each time, I’ve had a wonderful message. Even without the their specials $ 40 for 90 mins is well worth it. The atmosphere is semi-​private with relaxation music in background. All the therapist are attentive, and very skilled with targeting your problem areas.

I’m shocked that anyone could give this place less than 4 stars. For the price it’s an unbeatable deal, an hour massage is $ 25 and a 90 minute is $ 40. In addition to the already low price they have a card stamp program where your 10^th massage is free. Also, because it is a school, there is no tipping, but you can make a donation that goes to the graduation ceremony or something like that.
I’ve never had a bad massage, and I’ve had many great ones. The worst you can expect is a student who you sense isn’t too confident and you wonder if she’s just dragging her hands over you pausing only to lightly press down on you. That’s happened once or twice. If you find a student you like you can request them again.
The massage tables are in an open area separated by hospital type curtains, but it’s well done, so it doesn’t feel like a hospital. They have fountains and white noise machines to drown out sounds. I think they do a nice job with the tables and the massage room considering that it is a teaching facility.

I found this place through a living social deals since it was a last min surprise birthday gift for my best friend. it was our first time getting a massage and not knowing what to expect we crossed our fingers hoping it wouldn’t be a nightmare… my masseuse, David hit all the right spots with just the right amount of pressure. and also asked and described to me each step of what he was doing to each area of my body I give this 5 stars. u cant beat it for its price which is 50 for the bring a friend deal. only thing I have to say is parking may be a pain since there’s only street parking but eventually you’ll find some thing… all in all we loved our experience and cant wait to go there again

A friend of mine invited me to go in on the bring-​a-​friend deal here, and with the week I had at work, I couldn’t resist. A 60-​minute massage is only $ 35, and when you bring a friend, both of you pay only $ 25. Amazing deal.
Even with keeping in mind that this is a school and the therapists are students, the experience was great. My therapist talked to me in-​depth about what I was needing and what areas to focus on. He did an amazing job, and afterwards explained to me everything that he did.
A great, relaxing massage for the price and I will definitely be back!

I love this place! I’ve been here twice and each time, I’ve had a great experience. Even though they are still students, they do an amazing job and really make sure you feel comfortable and at ease. They run a lot of specials including $ 20 massages for 1 hour. They send out emails frequently for same day specials as well, in case you are feeling spontaneous or extra tense. Since it is a school, it’s not your typical spa atmosphere, but nevertheless it’s a steal.
Ask about the punch card they have… Receive 9 massages, get your 10^th free!

Can’t beat the massage for the money. And there is nothing like helping students on their way to becoming professionals. The «students» do a wonderful job, I’ve never had a bad massage here and I’ve been quite a few times. The rooms are quiet, the music is relaxing and the massage students always ask if you need more/​less pressure and adjust accordingly. I would recommend this school to anyone, why spend $ 80 for an hour massage when you can spend $ 30?

I am surprised by the blah reviews of this place. I thought it was great. Granted, you can’t come here expecting a spa experience. You come here knowing that its students practicing massage techniques on you and it’s basically a no frills massage room. Its very clean and quiet, but has zero ambiance.
I paid $ 30 for a massage that lasted 80 minutes. You can’t go wrong. And if you go on Mondays or Fridays, its only $ 20. The student was very efficient and friendly (I wish I remembered her name but I misplaced the card. I know that it starts with a C) and I felt very comfortable and relaxed with her.
I definitely plan on revisiting in the future.

I know it’s a massage school and that people are learning so I am being very open minded here — but this is by farrrr the worst massage experience I’ve ever had. I also must admit that I had a coupon for this massage, so it cost me like $ 20 which you really can’t beat.
First off, the makeshift rooms are super awkward and the curtains aren’t even fully closed when you are changing! There are people of both sexes running around and I’m not trying to give a private show. plus, as I was changing someone opened my curtain and said, «oops». yea, oops.
Second my massage therapist was beyond awkward, barely spoke English, and no joke had the worst breathe I’ve ever come in contact with so when I was face up it was just painful :(Also, the lady I had applied such weak pressure that I felt like I was getting a back rub rather than a massage — –but then when she surprised me with some added pressure, I felt like I just had an elbow pressing into the most random parts of my body– usually where my bones were rather than the muscles. It was just one of those experiences where I would have rather gotten up after 10min vs laying there the full hour.
I honestly think this was just luck of the draw– and I just didn’t get lucky. I’m sure there are other fantastic massage therapists here who will be very successful, I just didn’t get one of those. I love massages as much as the next massage snob, but if I had to choose between not getting a massage and getting one here– I’d chose not getting one at all. Again, these people are in training and this is the best way to get experience so I fully support that. I also wrote my therapist some constructive criticism that I hope will help her in the future. I should also say that I’ve been to numerous «schools of massage» back in PA, and had the absolute BEST experience at those so the fact that this is a school rather than a professional spa shouldn’t deter you from going. Just wouldn’t go to this specific one again :(

Amazing. Can’t beat the prices. Very professional, clean and relaxing.

Located right across the street from PATH station. Which is great for a post work /​workout massage.
Found out about this place through a livingsocial deal. Never knew they gave massages at the institute.
Decide that it would be worth the risk, since it was such a low price.
With the risk came the reward of an hour long message from my massage therapist, Rosemary.
She asked me how I enjoyed the pressure, which was perfect medium touch. Setting was relaxing (dark) and quite. She massaged from my head to my toes. Really working on my neck and the bottom of my heels. I’ve never had someone find all the little parts you never knew were harboring tension. I felt like a million dollars afterwards.
I was so relaxed that I think I feel asleep about halfway in, because the next thing I know Rosemary was telling me our time was up. Double checked my cell phone and sure enough time flew by without me realizing.
Upon leaving they gave me a flyer for summer special weekday rates that were $ 25 an hr. Can’t beat that price. Tips go towards the massage students graduation, which is a good way to do it. Remember to tip!
At the end of the massage they have you fill out a small survey to better help the massage therapist.
If anyone mentions getting a massage I tell them about Cortiva.