About Apex Retreat

Therapeutic massage, holistic bodywork, restorative wellness, and education-focused care designed to help you feel better, move easier, and support long-term well-being.

Rooted in Whole-Body Wellness

Blending therapeutic bodywork, restorative care, and mindful movement to support natural healing and lasting balance

Who We Are

A Holistic Retreat for Healing, Restoration, and Whole-Body Wellness


Apex Retreat provides therapeutic massage, holistic bodywork, restorative care, and wellness support for clients in Apex, NC and the surrounding community.

Our approach is rooted in helping each person feel more supported in their body. Whether you are seeking pain relief, improved mobility, stress reduction, facial rejuvenation, movement support, or ongoing wellness care, our team brings together a variety of therapeutic and holistic modalities to meet your needs.

Every session is catered to the individual, allowing your therapist to adjust the care experience based on your goals, comfort level, and what your body needs that day.

100+

Wellness Clients

11+

Therapeutic & Holistic Specialties

4.9

Average Rating

Meet The Team

Choose the Therapist That Best Fits Your Wellness Goals

Each therapist brings a different background, specialty focus, and approach to care. Choose the provider whose experience best fits your needs, then use their booking link or contact information to schedule directly.

Fernanda Santiago

CO-FOUNDER, CERTIFIED AROMATHERAPIST - Aromatic Medicine, LMBT

NCLic # 09509

Fernanda is currently not accepting new massage therapy clients, as her practice is focused exclusively on holistic skincare and facial rejuvenation treatments. 

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    Holistic Skin Therapist | Facial Rejuvenation Specialist | Certified Aromatherapist


    Fernanda Santiago is a holistic skin therapist and facial rejuvenation specialist devoted to restoring skin health through natural, results-driven therapies. Her work blends advanced facial massage techniques, traditional healing practices, and aromatic medicine to support the skin from the inside out—enhancing tone, circulation, and overall vitality without invasive procedures.


    Born in Puerto Rico, Fernanda was deeply influenced by her great-grandmother, a midwife and herbalist who practiced plant-based healing. This early connection to herbal medicine shaped her philosophy: true skin health is a reflection of internal balance, supported by nature, touch, and intentional care.


    With over a decade of experience in the wellness industry, Fernanda has worked across clinical and holistic settings, specializing in therapeutic bodywork, facial massage, and integrative skincare. Today, her practice is fully dedicated to holistic skin therapy, offering treatments such as facial sculpting massage, Gua Sha, Bo Jin facial therapy, and customized botanical skincare rituals designed to lift, tone, and rejuvenate the skin naturally.


    As a certified aromatherapist specializing in aromatic medicine, Fernanda incorporates essential oils and handcrafted botanical formulations into her treatments, creating a deeply sensory and effective healing experience.


    Fernanda is also the founder of Apex Retreat Seminars, where she educates licensed professionals in advanced facial therapies and holistic techniques. Through her teaching, she is committed to raising the standard of care in the spa and wellness industry—empowering practitioners to deliver meaningful, results-oriented treatments.


    She loves to share her knowledge and passion for helping others using traditional methods of healing.


    Her philosophy is simple: healthy, radiant skin doesn’t come from force—it comes from balance, circulation, and care.


    Please note: Fernanda is currently not accepting new massage therapy clients, as her practice is focused exclusively on holistic skincare and facial rejuvenation treatments. 

Rapeewan Kannawat (Gail)

LMBT

Best for clients seeking:
Thai massage, deep therapeutic work, and whole-body relaxation.

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    Gail was born and raised in Thailand, she has a thriving interest in helping people reach their health and healing goals. Using a holistic approach to her work.


    Gail went to the healing arts and massage school in Raleigh where she completed her massage training therapy program. She became a Board certified massage therapist in 2018.


    She specializes in Thai Massage, Ashiatsu (barefoot massage), Swedish, Deep tissue and Lymphatic massage. She is a highly skilled, sought-after instructor for Apex Retreat Seminars. Gail’s extensive knowledge and genuine enthusiasm make her a valuable asset to our program and a source of inspiration for all who work with her.


    910-477-0915

    Gailkannamassage@gmail.com

Lijing Liu

LMBT

NCLic # 19742

Best for clients seeking:
Pain relief, relaxation, clinical-style bodywork, sports recovery, and a blend of Eastern and Western massage techniques.

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    I love to work with all types of different people. I provide eastern clinical massage combined with western massage for clients who are suffering pain.


    My favorite massage techniques include, but are not limited to Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, hot stone massage, Thai massage, reflexology, lymphatic massage, and acupoint massage.


    My goal is to help promote the QOL (quality of life) of the individual client. I look forward to helping the clients get what they need to feel better and relax.

    (954) 464-4814

Dean Hebert

LMBT, Advanced Thai Massage Practitioner, Educator

NCLic # 10820

Best for clients seeking:
Mobility support, Thai massage, deep tissue work, and bodywork focused on helping the body move and function better.

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    “The body knows what to do, you just need to let it.”

    Dean has a versatile portfolio of a hard working man. He discovered his true calling in the wellness field. Dean has been a practicing LMBT for over 6 years and is one of the most sought after Massage Therapists in well known Spas in the Triangle Area.  Dean’s specialty and focus is on helping the body function and mobilize better to achieve optimal health. 


    He specializes in Myofacial Release, Joint Mobilization, Thai Massage, and Deep Tissue work. He believes in teaching his clients how to live a healthier lifestyle overall. He is a continuing education instructor for Apex Retreat Seminars and co-founder for apex retreat.

    (919) 400-1609

Josephine McErlean

LMBT, PTA, RYT

NCLic # 21439

Best for clients seeking:

Stress relief and nervous system calming, A whole-body approach to pain and physical well-being.

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    Josephine is a licensed massage therapist, a graduate of the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in Boston, and a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. She is also a Somatic Movement therapist, yoga teacher, and Pilates practitioner and educator.


    Beginning her journey in holistic healing over two decades ago, Josephine brings an in-depth understanding of anatomy, postural assessment, and neuromuscular techniques to her practice. She specializes in integrating advanced Myofascial Release techniques, Thai massage, trigger point techniques, and manual movement therapies. Her work offers a unique blend of medical, Eastern, and Western modalities focused on managing pain, reducing stress, and improving mobility.


    By strategically assessing muscle tissue and fascia, she supports physical recovery while addressing the deeper energetic level through Somatic approaches.


    Inspired by Joseph Pilates' philosophy that "change happens through movement and movement heals," Josephine believes that deep, intentional therapeutic work does not need to be painful. Her goal is to provide a calming, supportive space tailored to each client's specific therapeutic needs.  While addressing the body as a whole—mind, body, and spirit. 


    Outside of her practice, she enjoys spending time in nature and exploring all types of movement. Laughter, great stories and Good Food are a few of her favorite things! 


    Each massage is a magical journey. We look forward to welcoming you!🌻🌻🌻

    (718) 730-3881

Hilda

Therapy Dog, Certified for Emotional Support

Meet Hilda, our newest therapist at Apex Retreat. She just joined us in July of 2023 and fit right in! You might hear her little feet pitter patter around the hallway at retreat. If she greets you at the door, do not be afraid, she just wants to welcome you and say 'Hello!' This is one of her roles at Apex Retreat. As a very whimsical emotional support animal she loves to make people feel calm and at ease before their sessions. She might even escort you to the treatment room! She loves chin scratches and stays with her handler, Fernanda during treatment sessions.

Disclaimer

Massage therapists that are members of Respect Massage hold themselves to the highest standards of ethical, boundary-driven practice. Respect Massage members have a zero-tolerance policy for solicitations of any kind. Jokes, innuendo, and inappropriate requests are taken seriously and will result in the swift termination of the session. When choosing a practice displaying the Respect Massage logo, you can have confidence in the safety and professionalism you will experience as a client.

Testimonials

Hear from Our Happy Clients

See how clients describe their experience with our natural wellness care, calming therapies, and supportive guidance.

Sue O.

I’ve been seeing Lia For massages Biweekly massages for about two months now and I Highly recommend her! She’s done so much to help me with my pain throughout my body, and improved my overall health! I have had many many massages for the past 20 plus years, and I can honestly say that Lia is the best in the business! She puts 110% in every time and she’s just amazing at what she does, and I’ll never go anywhere else!

Michelle D.

I’ve been going to Fernanda at Apex Retreat for 15 years and she never disappoints me. I love that she Taylor’s my appointments to my needs. She truly cares about me as an individual and it’s obvious she has a passion for her work. I also love that she gives me “homework” AKA Stretches between visits so that I can feel my best. Her professionalism, passion for her work, reliability and ambience, are all five stars. I highly recommend All of the therapists at Apex Retreat.

Maria R.

My massage therapist, Gail, was phenomenal. She used different methods to easy muscle tension and joint pain and the result was amazing, I feel renewed. Perfect pressure, loved the eucalyptus smell during the massage and the scrub she used on my back and feet after my massage; best 90 mins massage of my life. Highly recommend her.

Client Resources

Find helpful information for booking, preparing for your visit, using benefits, reviewing policies, and exploring education or events at Apex Retreat.


Learn how HSA or FLEX benefits may be used for eligible therapeutic massage services.


Review our appointment cancellation, rescheduling, and no-show guidelines before booking.


Download and complete your intake form before your first appointment to help your therapist better understand your needs.


Explore Apex Retreat Seminars and continuing education opportunities for massage therapists and wellness professionals.

Events


View upcoming classes, wellness events, and community learning opportunities at Apex Retreat.