i've had a membership to massage envy for the past 3-4 years. When I lived on the west side of town i would go to the one in arrowhead, surprise, and litchfield park locations. I now regulary go to the moon valley location because i have moved East of the 51.
I'm a fan of deep tissue and i'm very picky about getting massages. Many years ago, I completed the massage training program at Massage School of Santa Monica. It's hit and miss. Once you find a therapist that is good then you need to stick with them. At the moon valley location i usually book appts with Gary, Lydia, David, or Javier. Lydia does really good deep tissue. And she addresses all the issues i have.
My philosophy on resorts and local massage centers is that at the resorts the therapist does not depend on repeat customers. Many of the clients are resort guests and they receive gift cards for the spa as part of a package or many times when guests are there as part of a work convention etc. they will receive gift cards to use. I feel that at local massage centers they depend on repeat business so the therapist makes sure they address all your concerns. I have never had a great massage at a resort.