"Whoever said getting a massage or any other form of spa treatment was emasculating, hasn't been to Urban Oasis. This upscale massage therapy spa, with two locations in Chicago, is the only facility in the city that specializes in massage therapy exclusively.

And they had my respect from the get-go, when they told me to turn off my cell phone before entering. That is really what the spa experience should be about - tranquility, peace and no startling rings that jolt you from your massage table. This place is all about class. I was impressed with the modern furnishings, clean lines and courteous staff. Even the clients in the waiting area seemed very pleasant. I also enjoyed the complimentary natural fruit juices and herbal teas that are offered before and after treatments."

Urban Oasis boasts two soothing downtown destinations, one in Lincoln Park and one in the Gold Coast.

"Halo[FOR MEN] in the Gold Coast boasts over 3000 square feet of grooming exclusively for guys. The salon offers the same services as Halo's Lakeview and Bucktown locations, although the expansive space offers several additional treatments and amenities that are exclusive to this locale.

A first for Halo, The Spa offers luxurious treatments designed just for men including massages, facials and waxing. And the setting is not to be believed. The Chill Out Spa features individual rain showers, a private locker room and a relaxing waiting area with two computer workstations, a printer and a fax machine for customer use during services or any time. That's right, clients can drop by and hang out at the Chill Out space, free-of-charge."

I arrived at Lincoln Park Massage Spa in the heart of the thriving Lincoln Park neighborhood for my treatments, and I was greeted with a "hello" that included my name. I took note of the personal greeting. It is always nice to feel welcomed. While filling out my paperwork I was offered some wonderful tea and made to feel right at home.

While LPMS is clean, professional and marked by an upscale décor, it has an intimate and personal feel to it, and by listening to the conversations of other clients at the spa, it seems to have a very loyal following.

A massage therapist showed me the way into the spa where soft music was playing and then to a private treatment room for my first service called an "Enerssage." She explained that this would be a massage where stressed and tight muscles are relieved with lightly scented, pure organic essential oils that help detoxify, purify, stimulate and relax.

The massage also focuses on the body's chakras or energy centers, which she explained promotes healing. She utilized a combination of clinical, Swedish and deep tissue techniques all along my back, neck and shoulders. She found my sore spots immediately and applied isolated pressure to break up these build ups of fibrotic tissue (what I call "knots"). At the end of the treatment my muscles felt great and really stretched out.