SoderWorld Wellness Center & Academy

I am so sad at how disappointed I left Soderworld yesterday. I wanted so badly for this to become my «go-​to» massage place in the western suburbs but apparently my search will continue. I gave this place one star for being very clean and another because the massage therapist I got was obviously skilled and did indeed know what she was doing as far as technique… HOWEVER…
This place had ZERO mood from the moment I walked in, I walked in to listen to radio commercials. I get that this is not a luxury spa experience, but I did expect a holisitic/​spiritual wellness ambiance. The receptionist was dry and looked like she could care less to be at work. She did not offer me anything to drink nor was the lobby space inviting. It felt very much like a doctors office waiting area. When my therapist came to greet me she was dressed like a customer. Flip flops, shorts and a blouse– maybe they don’t enforce a uniform but it felt strangely casual. The minute we walk in the room the therapist begins to loudly have her consultation with me with the door wide open. It was very obvious to me that this therapist had gotten a customer complaint and was talked to by the owner and she was bitter about this. She decided to take this out on me by saying «you booked for a Swedish massage, you know? That’s not going to fix anything. That’s just going to relax you.» I expressed to her that yes I did understand what I booked for and that with my migraines (which I had at the moment) deep tissue could sometimes make it worse and I didn’t want the soreness afterward and so I just needed something to relax my body and mind and did not want any knots or deep work to be done. She continued to debate that in order to fix my headache the Swedish would do very little. She then voiced that her boss told her «You have to do what the client wants, not what you think the client needs all the time.» I understand why the owner communicated this to the therapist because even though we had that long drawn out consultation where I specified that I not only understood what I booked (and that I worked for a top massage place in Chicago for a year and had massage knowledge) she proceeded to do what she felt was best in the end. Lots of stretches and knot work around my neck and shoulders– although the technique was good and this woman is obviously skilled she did not tailor the service to my requests. There was tribal music playing and at one point, singing and chanting, maybe some find that relaxing but I didn’t. The room was not warm or even a comfortable temperature, my hands were freezing and anytime she moved around sitting on the stool it would make loud unpleasant sounds and she would bump the headrest. She also talked to me about the benefits of massage for the first ten minutes and why people don’t know the difference between Swedish or Deep Tissue. Not so great when you’ve expressed you have a migraine going on day 3 and all you want to do is relax. The finishing scalp massage was weak and short, after expressing since the very first time I called that I had a migraine, you’d think there would of been a little more focus there. She then gave a nice tip to put an ice pack on my neck when I got home. Her demeanor was very nice at the end but in the beginning there was just tons of attitude and her making me feel dumb about what I booked for. I even saw a fellow therapist walk by and make eye contact with me (looking mortified) as if to say «i’m so sorry.» If your experience begins like this, how are you supposed to enjoy the service and relax while that person touches you? It was tough but we got through the 60 minutes. I then sat in their salt cave waiting for my ride to come. The salt cave was nice and I enjoyed the music selection. They could have dimmed the lights a bit more but overall that was pleasant. When I came up I noticed the owner (that I saw in the brochure) was very friendly in greeting a regular client. They hugged and smiled and I thought –great! Here is an owner who cares about the clients! She will surely ask how my experience was.- Not so much. She walked past me once and the second time I did say «pardon…» but she did not hear me and proceeded to walk. It is nice to become a regular at establishments and greeted in such a manner but it is nice to feel welcomed and important as a new customer too. I wish you well SoderWorld. The intention seems to be there but the execution needs revitalizing.
I will express that some years ago my family and I attended some meditation classes and other spiritual workshops and we did really enjoy those. So I do recommend their workshops, but if you’re looking to go to a place that feels sacred and get a relaxing massage to possibly relieve your migraine then this isn’t the place for that.

I have had nothing but positive experiences here. I have had massage therapy, reflexology and reiki treatments from Karli. I absolutely recommend this place.

I am going to give them another try.

Came here with a good friend to go in the himalayan sea salt cave. Was super awesome. Led lighting in the ceiling & you can pick your meditation. We ended up falling asleep it was so relaxing! The only reason for 4 stars is after reading the reviews learning there was a beautiful grounds. Wish someone would have mentioned it so we could have gone and sipped tea there as we transitioned back to reality.

I often wonder why I go to places like Coldwater Creek Spa and Kohler Spa when SoderWorld is a better massage experience and only minutes from home.
I just had a Swedish massage by GiGi and it was amazing. She asked questions so she was able to zero in on my trouble spots and checked my preference for pressure. It was therapeutic and so relaxing — I walked out of there feeling like a million bucks! I think the price for their services is a great value too. I cannot wait to go again!

Very relaxing as soon as you walk in. The receptionist was very friendly and professional. I had a groupon for an hour massage and my therapist, Karli did a wonderful job. Felt much better after I came out and mt therapist asked about my comfort and pressure during the massage. Oh and the heated matress pad was a plus :)

Great place for a professional, healing masssage in a serene environment. I highly recommend Kelly if you’re seeking help with muscle pain. After three SERIOUS deep tissue massages, the chronic pain I’d had in my shoulder blade finally disappeared. She was able to find three spots in my shoulder that were causing me so much trouble and then used as much pressure as I could take to loosen them up.
In my opinion, as an experienced spa-​goer, this is a place that is focused solely on healing and tranquility. I wouldn’t go there if you’re wanting more of a spa experience with robes and sitting areas and slippers.

I really don’t understand some of the negative reviews here. I’ve had massages in various places all over the country, and there is no better massage than what I get at Soderworld. I’ve been to various chain places (like Massage Envy — meh), some of the smaller local spas all the way up to some of the nicest spas attached to high end resorts in varoius parts of the country. While some of the latter were pretty good, there is no better than Soderworld. It’s especially good if you go a few times and ask for different therapists until you find one you click with. They take the time to really learn your body and what it needs, and it’s EXTREMELY healing. I recently had lower back/​sciatic nerves issues that were painful enough that I could barely walk. I worked with Gigi for a few weeks in a row, and I no longer have ANY pain. She is almost supernatural, in my opinion.
The grounds ARE beautiful — especially in Spring and Summer. Anyone can go there and check it out, walk the outdoor labyrinth and enjoy the peace. You don’t have to be «invited» to do so. Just go.

I had one of the best massages ever at Soder World by Rachael. Soder World doesn’t necessarily have the tranquil, spa-​like atmosphere, but I’ll sacrifice that for a great massage! And I think the prices are reasonable. I think they have a membership plan and it would’ve been nice to receive more info about that or maybe even a tour of the place. There was a loud noice that I could hear during my massage and she said it was some type of vibrating or tanning bed in the room above us.

I have only had one massage in my entire life so I don’t have much to compare to. I came here a few days ago because my friend is in the school and needed hours of practice. I brought a friend with and we both enjoyed our massages from Rachel. She did a wonderful job and I was impressed with the little lounge we got to wait in while the other person was getting their massage.
I don’t know if I’d come back here for a massage from upstairs. I will probably go where my friend does after she graduates, but my friend does really like the school and is very happy there.

Zee is a wizard! I have been having chronic neck problems from stress and repetitive motions at work (i.e. sitting at a desk) and all 120 pounds of this woman put in work! I got a deep tissue massage and asked for the full hour to be worked on my upper half. She spent the full hour trying to get my knots out, knots that were so bad that I actually was sort of nauseous from the pain, but that sort of pain is better than the pain of the knots themselves.
Soder world is large, has many technicians and availability all the time, is clean and very welcoming. It’s close to my house, really convenient, and not as pretentious as some of the salons that offer massages in the area.

I’ve had nothing but GOOD experiences at Soderworld. The therapists are all very talented and caring.

Wow. I really wanted to like this place. Went here for a couples massage and was really hoping for an «experience». I have had MANY a massage and I knew the second I was rushed straight into the room with my partner without being asked if I wanted water, or to use the bathroom, and just told to get undressed and onto the table with no stage setting– that this was NOT about having an experience.
Where was the MOOD? This was a couples massage? I have very high expectations and I expected to slowly be brought back into a relaxing waiting area with water and a private room to change into a robe where I would then be gracefully lead into the suite…
Not so. It was hasty (We did walk in the door at exactly our appointment time and it was our fault for not being early– but it was our first time here and we got lost), and rough around the edges. We were literally told to just hang our clothes and bags on the back of the door in this tiny cramped room. Not romantic AT ALL.
I also know that the grounds are supposed to be beautiful but when we were done we were promptly shown the door after hasty and disapointing massages and nothing was said about taking a «look around» or anything. C’mon Soderworld, I know you’ve got more to offer!

It’s been about 2 years since I’ve been to Soderworld. I was surprised to see they had a listing here on Unilocal and no reviews. So allow me to go first. Bear in mind this is based on experiences that are going back a few years. But I doubt much has changed.
The owner Eric Soderholm and his daughter run the place. I’ve talked with Eric several times. He’s got a very soothing tone and cadence when he speaks and I’m sure the classes get a great turn out when he’s speaking. He also does hypnotherapy. We talked about it a couple of times and in the end I decided against it. But if I had to do it, I would want him to be the one.
They had guest speakers in various healing arts pretty frequently. Sometimes they were free and other times there was a small fee. I went to a couple of group meditations with Billie Topatati (I think that’s how you spell it). They were really wonderful. The meditation room was big and comfortable and cushions were provided (or chairs).
They had a small retail section where you could buy various oils, tinctures, incense, candles, mats and books on various self help topics. Prices were a little high but most spa’s that sell stuff usually are.
Primarily I went here for massage. I was a massage junkie. I ended up going to school for it, I loved it so much. But the therapists at SW were all fantastic. They all had a sort of hippie vibe and were really laid back. They weren’t in uniforms back then but it looks like now they’re more spa oriented. One of the things that I loved about the massage was the rooms. They were always really dimly lit with beautiful scented candles and almost ethereal music in the background. Each room had one wall that was wallpapered with some outdoor mural. One was a tropical waterfall, another was a mountain stream. The tables all had table warmers which I really appreciate. I get cold easy and there’s nothing worse that being uncomfortably chilly while getting massaged. The therapists were really in tune to my needs. Sometimes I was chatty and they would talk me up in an almost therapeutic way. Other times I wanted quiet and they seemed to understand and naturally facilitate that. They were always good with intuitive touch. I’ve been to a LOT of MT’s. They can teach anyone to be a «massage therapist» but that doesn’t mean they have a clue or are any good when it comes to intuitively knowing where and how to alleviate the aches and pains. I never had that problem here.
They also offered couples massage, which I did for Valentines Day one year. At that time all the MT’s were women and at first I was worried about another woman touching my greased up naked boyfriend. LOL. But my fears were quickly put to rest. They were utterly professional and I never gave it another thought.
I used to think the prices were really fair. Back then it was $ 65 for an hour. They seem to have changed the pricing structure. I’d love to hear from someone that’s been there recently to see how it compares to my experience. But for me I’d give a 4 and I really should go back and check out the new digs.