Body Essence Day Spa, Salon, & Boutique

Darby is a kind, hard working body worker. Her downtown Nevada City space is easily accessible, charming and spotless. She always has the treatment room prepared and ready, gives deep, healing massages, and seems genuinely concerned with my physical well being. It is obvious that her profession is her calling.
Darby has a retail space with unique jewelry, therapeutic products, essential oils, Thieves products, incense, clothing, and more. It is worth stopping by just to look around and her prices are extremely reasonable.
I was given a gift certificate for Darby. I went in without knowing her and have been a client ever since. —– Do yourself a loving favor…. Book a massage with Darby. You will leave her red Victorian down a sweet garden path…. and you will be feeling SO much better!

Darby provides excellent body work and has an extensive knowledge of physiology. She’s extremely nice and does a great job explaining available exercises you can do at home that will improve your muscle condition.

Best massage EVER!!!!! I am a massage snob and with my gift card, was wondering where I could go ( Thanks, Spa Week!). Darby has oodles of positive reviews so I booked my same-day appointment. The place is a victorian home set back from the street. Huge and cute with multiple rooms. I could tell immediately she knew what she was doing. Within minutes, I was melting. Darby is magic! Her fluid massaging and knowledge of the body had me floating at the end of my 75 minute massage! There was never pain but I can tell she got deep into my achy joints! I am a Darby believer and will be back! Thanks, Darby!!!! Best massage ever!!!!

Wow! That was really something. Have you ever gotten a massage that makes your head tingle and takes you somewhere, and afterwards you feel younger? That’s what I experienced. Darby really knows her craft. I will be going back, and going for longer next time. I often forget the importance of self care and body work. This was a strong reminder to stay more on top of it. What better way to spend your money than on a business that makes you feel great?

I had a great massage here. The therapist was both knowledgeable and capable. The front desk staff was friendly and the spa has character and is charming. Even though it is older it was clean and maintained. It has a funky little vibe that I personally liked. I also had a facial. The aesthetician was sweet and gave a decent facial. She was VERY gentle, a little too gentle for me but I’m sure that a lot of people would like her style. She was careful and thorough. I would return to this establishment in the future.

Body Essence is the place to go for all your self care needs! Darby is the best massage therapist I’ve ever gone to and I always enjoy her skin care regimens as well. The therapists here are knowledgeable and great, and the environment is comfortable. I will continue going to Darby for all of my massages and waxes! Love this wonderful place!

I was in a lot of pain and was calling local therapist shops ( which I rarely do ) I called this business after reading all the positive reviews and was so happy someone answered the phone, and quickly helped me get into a In fared Sauna ( complementary ) and an hour massage with Darby, who helped me get some of the pain out of my left side and behind my shoulder blades. Her hands were like magic she is very skilled and has the right touch ! Her place of business is absolutely adorable. She then she took the time to show me some stretches to do with tennis balls, that also have helped me. The Bio Freeze is amazing it helped me be able to sleep some last night pain free. I have been to a lot of massage therapist’s in the county and hands down this was one of the best experiences I have had. Thank you Darby I am grateful to have your magic touch yesterday.

Darby and her team are excellent; they are professional and clearly passionate about their work. Four of us went to Nevada City for a girls’ retreat. Happily, Darby could accommodate all of us one morning, and every one of us staggered out of the treatment rooms, relaxed and amazed at the massages and quality of the facials. The building is darling, too–an old Victorian–and the jewelry around the check-in area is very fun. We had a wonderful time, and we would definitely come back. Thank you, Darby!!

I absolutely loved my massage. Darby was as wonderful as my friend said she was. She has strong hands, and helped me with my injured shoulder. I will be coming back regularly.

I was given a Spa Week gift certificate for Mother’s Day from my daughter. I finally used it today. Scheduling was a breeze with Erin. I had decided to get an hour massage which included a lovely 30 minutes using the infared sauna. Erin brought a cup of chamomile tea and cold glass a of water while in there. Relaxing and good start. Carly proceeded to give me the best massage I have ever had. She addressed all the tight places head to toe with just the right amount of pressure. I noticed two things that happened immediately. I could breath more freely as my chest tightness loosened and a nagging tension headache I have had for the last couple of weeks was gone. I am care taking my husband as he fights leukemia and had forgotten the motto “put your oxygen mask on first’ before helping another. I met Darby on the way out he gave me two tennis balls and showed me how to use them to work my neck and back. I will be adding massages from now on as my ‘mental health’ breaks. I also plan on gifting ‘gift certificates’ and “Spa Week” gift cards to my special people as gifts. Thank you Erin, Carly and Darby for the gift of healing you imparted today. Both thankful and blessed