About the massage centres with online booking
A massage centre is a place to stop. The menu usually revolves around a handful of massages, such as a relaxing massage with oil, a sports massage before or after training, a deep-tissue massage of the back and neck with firm pressure, a tired-legs massage with upward strokes, and hot stone massage. Most offer them in 30, 60 or 90 minutes, and some add couples' rituals or packs of several sessions.
When choosing, look at the kind of pressure each centre works with (light, medium or firm), whether you can ask them to focus on one area and whether they have single or double rooms. Thirty-minute massages are usually spent on one area, back or legs. Sixty-minute ones cover the whole body. Ninety minutes lets the therapist slow down and come back to the areas that ask for it. On top of the massage itself there are a few minutes to change before and after, and the centre usually counts them in its diary.
Before booking, think about when you will arrive least rushed, as a hurried massage does little. Avoid a heavy meal right before, arrive five minutes early to talk to your therapist and tell them whether you prefer more or less pressure, which areas you would rather they left alone and whether you are allergic to any oil or scent. If you are going as a couple or a group, say so, so they can put you in adjoining rooms at the same time.
You pay at the end, at the centre. If you cannot make it, cancel from the link in your email well in advance, as in a small centre an empty room is a lost hour for the person who was holding it for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a relaxing massage and a sports massage?
A relaxing massage uses oil, a slow rhythm and light to medium pressure, and the point is to switch off. A sports massage uses firm pressure, stretches and faster strokes on the areas you use most when training. If in doubt, say so when you arrive and the therapist will adjust the pressure.
How long should a massage be, 30, 60 or 90 minutes?
Each centre shows the length before you book. Thirty minutes usually covers one area (back or legs), sixty covers the whole body and ninety adds time on the areas that need it most. At some centres changing time is extra. At others it is already included.
Can I ask for the massage to focus on my back or legs?
Yes. Book the closest match (many centres list a back massage or a tired-legs massage) and, when you arrive, tell your therapist which area you want worked on and how much pressure you like.
What is a hot stone massage like?
Heated basalt stones are glided over the body with oil and left to rest on certain areas. The warmth makes the massage more enveloping, and it usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes. If you are sensitive to heat, mention it when booking.
Can I book a massage for two people at the same time?
It depends on the centre. Some have a double room or two therapists available at the same time. Make two bookings for the same time and note that you are coming together, or call the centre to make sure.
What should I do before a massage?
Arrive five minutes early, avoid a heavy meal right before and wear comfortable clothes. If you are allergic to any oil or scent, say so when you book or when you arrive.