Experience a New Massage Option
There’s this vivid moment that sticks in my mind. I was dozing off during a massage when I suddenly awoke to the warm breath of the masseuse right in front of me. He had this shiny braces smile and asked me to turn over. Quite the surprise, to say the least.
He launched into a series of unsolicited life stories, which, well, didn’t really add much to the pricey experience.
Now, there’s an interesting alternative popping up for New Yorkers: Cloud Touchless Massage. This place offers a fully automated massage, swapping human hands for high-tech robots to bring affordable, personal relaxation.
“People come to the Cloud because they want all the perks of a massage without the human touch or conversation,” shared Bo Peabody, the founder. “It’s perfect for those who value self-care but don’t have the time or cash to spare at traditional spas.”
Since opening in Union Square this summer, Cloud has attracted over 500 members and aims to branch out further in the city.
Testing the Chair
I was a bit unsure when I first heard about Cloud. I mean, how much relief can a massage chair really provide?
The company claims its airbag technology can deliver up to 10 treatments tailored to individual needs, mirroring the techniques of skilled therapists.
Fresh off an uncomfortable experience with that masseuse, I was curious to see if these robot chairs could actually impress me.
Inside the studio, chairs are tucked away in private, dimly lit rooms. Besides taking off your shoes, you get to keep your clothes on during the session.
Sessions last 20 minutes, but there’s no strict time limit on visits. Members can enjoy as many treatments as they like in one day without extra charges.
Next to the chair, you can choose treatment options like “Sports Recharge” or “Office Chair Repair,” and a screen where you can select what you want.
Feeling tense from sitting all day, I opted for the “morning stretch,” which uses Swedish techniques for better flexibility.
I also added a warming eye mask that massages my temples and face. There’s even a choice for guided meditation if you want to feel extra Zen.
The customizable experience was evident—options to turn on heat, modify pressure, and select focus areas made it easy to adjust. If you’re ticklish like me, there’s even a way to disable the foot massager.
Surprisingly, it wasn’t just an ordinary chair experience.
I found it quite comfortable, with plush cushions wrapping around me as I sank into my seat.
Then, the action began. Rollers moved along my spine and calves, with airbags applying pressure to my torso and legs, gently easing me into a slow stretch. I cranked up the strength to really work out my tight muscles.
We also tried the “Rock-a-bye” treatment, which mixed various massage techniques with gentle shaking. It was soothing, especially as the chair took care of my back, arms, and legs all at once, kind of lulling me into a blissful state.
However, a drawback was that the chair didn’t treat my neck or head. It stopped at the top of my back.
Did it capture the subtle cues of human touch? Not exactly. It lacked those luxurious touches of a traditional spa—no fluffy robes, aromatic oils, or soothing lotions.
But considering all that, I was genuinely impressed by the Cloud Chair, particularly for the price. A single session sets you back $19. Membership starts at $49 a month, with unlimited access priced at $89 monthly.
Even at the upper tiers, Cloud offers a better deal than the typical one-hour massage in New York. Plus, you can visit as often as you like.
Massage therapy has long been associated with numerous health benefits—relieving muscle tension, promoting circulation, boosting the immune system, and alleviating pain.
It can also help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, contributing to deeper, more restful sleep.
“Our goal is to be the most accessible and affordable wellness option in the world,” Peabody stated.
If you’re interested in trying it out, Cloud offers a free 30-minute demo. Just a heads-up: unlike members, walk-ins need to make a reservation to secure a chair.
