We’ve heard many of you remark on how it “feels” to walk into Sollievo, how the energy in the space is peaceful and calming.  Even more interesting is how the space reminds you of different parts of the world.  We’ve heard you say Italy (our ancestry of course), Portugal, Spain, the Mediterranean and the southwest of the U.S.  How cool it evokes so many different responses!

Our vision for the inside of Sollievo was that of a Tuscan farmhouse -- muted tones, dark woods, simple, straight lines…Of course, we wanted the space to be beautiful – warm, calming and inviting – so we could cater to the whole experience of holistic medicine – mind, body and spirit.  We wanted Sollievo to be as beautiful as some upscale spas, but a place where we you would feel right at home; a place where you could feel comfortable building that partnership with your therapist find the right treatment and define your path toward wellness.

When we started designing the space, we knew the massage rooms had to be functional, beautiful and spacious enough to allow the therapist to work comfortably.  When you enter any of the massage rooms here, you may notice that each room has its own personality because of the different art.  Some of the art came from our homes, some were painted by street vendors in Italy, and others were selected because it resonated with the therapist working out of that particular room.

Still keeping the idea of comfort in mind, the rooms all have cork floors (for therapists’ joint protection), heated tables, dimming lights and that “fall asleep” feel which allows you to fully relax when on the table.

All of the rooms here, including the break room, carry the same feel – a space where clients, staff and therapists would want to hang out before or after a treatment, a space to unwind or simply kick back and soak up the calmness of the space.  The break room is, in fact, coveted by all the staffers here as a “kitchen” we’d vie for in our own homes; and in the reception area, the rocking chair is rarely unoccupied whether by one of you chilling after your treatment with a cup of tea or a magazine, or by a therapist unwinding after a day’s work.

Every day people walk or drive by this rectangular, brick building – it’s easy to miss as you hastily make your way down Mass Ave in North Cambridge.  But just beyond the brick and mortar is where Sollievo is found – a truly unexpected experience of worldly beauty, embracing peace.

As we end this blog – we leave you with some of our favorite photos of Sollievo.  Enjoy!

(What were your first impressions of Sollievo?  We would love to hear from you.  Leave us a comment!)