The first thing that grabs a customer’s attention upon entering Royal Foot Spa is the smell of incense filling the air. Classical Chinese music plays quietly from rock-shaped speakers, and a history program about China is shown on a large, flat screen television. Ten crisp, clean massage chairs lined side-by-side gradually come into focus in the calm darkness of this one-room establishment.

Royal Foot Spa is the newest massaging station in Cupertino, run by a Chinese couple and open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. $19.99 gets you an hour-long foot massage, a superb deal, considering other foot massages nearby that cost about $30 per hour.

Though I originally thought the massage would be focused on the feet, the masseuse treated me to what seemed like a full body massage instead; all foot massages at Royal Foot Spa come with more than just a foot treatment, but a back, head, and shoulder massage  too. After rubbing my temples for a few minutes, she went on to stretch out my arms, legs, and back. The foot rub, with two different kinds of floral scented lotion and a soothing hot water foot soak, came next. The masseuse expertly pounded the knots out of all the right places and alternated the strength of her kneading. It was nothing short of fantastic.

Service, however, proved to be another issue. One piece of advice: don’t go if you’re running on a tight schedule. Although the masseuse was friendly, she was the only one working at the time, and two customers were already waiting in line when I arrived for my scheduled appointment. And even though the atmosphere was tranquil initially, the combination of the masseuse’s continously ringing cell phone and the nonstop conversation between her and the receptionist made the massage less satisfying.

In short, Royal Foot Spa can be quite a treat for those who enjoy firm, hard-handed Chinese massages as opposed to soft Swedish massages. For those who want to be treated like royalty though, it’s probably best to look elsewhere.

Royal Foot Spa is located on 10615 South De Anza Blvd. and is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. For more information, call (408)873-7899.