Couples Massage 101: What Is It, The Benefits, And What to Expect
There are few things as wonderful as getting a massage. The relaxing ambiance, the soft kneading slowly ebbing away your sore muscles or kinks, the unavoidable feeling of complete relaxation. The only thing that beats this experience is doing it with someone you love instead of by yourself. Getting a couples massage can be a great bonding experience out of which both parties come out happy, healthy, glowing, and above all, absolutely calm and relaxed.
What is a Couples Massage?
A couples massage is a shared experience designed for two people where each person involved receives a relaxing massage from a therapist. The massages are provided at the same time, in the same private room, but in different massage beds (one per person). The massage therapists start both massages at the same time and coordinate the treatment for the couple to ensure both parties get the same shared experience. The ambiance tends to be relaxing, dark, and calm in order to make the most out of the experience.
And while it’s common to get a couples massage with your significant other (as part of a romantic outing or celebration), couples massages can be experienced with anyone you are close to. Friends, siblings, or even a different relative, such as a cousin, can be the person you share this experience with. It’s meant to provide physical, mental, and health benefits to both parties, creating a bond of relaxation that will persist even after the massage is over.
Why Get a Couples Massage And Not Go Solo? (The Benefits of a Couples Massage)
Even though going solo is an amazing experience when it comes to getting a massage, there are a few things that make couples massages extra special.
You’re trying something new. Even though trying new things might be scary, doing it with someone you love (be it a partner, friend, or family member), can make you feel braver. After all, you’re doing it together!
It lowers stress and anxiety levels. Who isn’t relaxed after a massage?
It encourages intimacy. Couples massages imply having a private room all to yourselves. And given the state of vulnerability both of you are in (being partially uncovered while being massaged) is an amazing way to create a bond and encourage intimacy. Whether it’s your best friend or the love of your life, you will have something to talk about when you walk out the door.
It’s quality time together! It provides a chance for both parties to spend time together without having to worry about making conversation or dealing with problems. It’s, quite literally, time together that both get to spend completely relaxed.
And as we already mentioned before, it’s a bonding experience. Trust us - you will have more in common after a couples massage than you ever did before entering. And it will give you something to talk about over dinner or drinks!
What to Expect From a Couples Massage?
There are a couple of things you can expect from a couples massage, both before going in and after it’s finished.
When you get to your favorite spa, you can expect to go through a relaxation process before being led into the massage room. Sauna, vapor rooms, jacuzzies, hot and cold showers, drinks, and sometimes snacks are provided to elevate the entire experience and get both of you in the mood.
When entering the private room, it’s normal to expect the massage therapists to provide some robes and disposable clothing and leave you and your massage partner alone for a bit to undress. But don’t be scared! It’s not full nudity - you will probably have to remove your tops and you can immediately crawl onto the massage table. And although the massage therapists will act professionally and always keep your private parts covered for the massage, this partial nudity and the vulnerability it entails is the reason why we recommend always taking a couples massage with someone you are close with.
Once the massage starts, you can expect total and complete relaxation! Lay back, breathe the scented perfumes, enjoy the dim lighting, and let go of everything you have been carrying around. Concentrate on enjoying the moment (we guarantee it won’t be hard to do!).
When the massage is over, the massage therapists will again leave the room to allow you to get dressed. Once outside, it’s customary to allow you more time to relax with your massage partner. Some packages include some time in a relaxing jacuzzi, with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, while others may lead you to a room with cozy chairs, serene music, and relaxing drinks like tea or infused water. While this varies from spa to spa and package to package, there is one thing you can expect from any couples massage: the benefits. Aside from the reasons why we already listed it’s better to go together rather than solo, any massage can provide unquestionable health benefits:
Release of “feel good” chemicals
Massages can positively affect the electrical activity in your brain and the chemical processes of your body. During a massage, endorphins, oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin are released, all of which are colloquially referred to as “feel good” chemicals. So you will literally walk out happier than when you entered.
Reduction in stress and depression
Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, is significantly reduced when you get a massage. Add to it the fact that your body is already producing extra endorphins, dopamine, etc., and you’re in for a very relaxing time!
Sense of calm
As humans, we naturally respond to the human touch of massage and generate a state of calmness. So when you feel like you are floating away into space from all the relaxation, you’re not imagining it! It’s all part of the massage experience.
Increased blood flow
Getting a massage increases the blood flow to various joints, which in turn improves circulation, reduces aches and cramps, and leaves you feeling refreshed. Also, the stimulation of the body’s lubricants can increase your overall flexibility!
Aside from these, massages can also help improve posture and even reduce headaches! So a massage will definitely have you and your partner feeling happy, healthy, and fully relaxed.
What are the Different Types of Couples Massage?
There are different types of massages you can choose from. Below, we outline the main differences between the massages we offer so you can pick the one that suits you and your massage partner the best!
Swedish Couples Massage
A classic Swedish massage is the standard technique in the western world. This massage refers to a sequence of long, gliding strokes, kneads, and circular motions to help ease shallow tension in the muscles. This type of massage is excellent for general relaxation, relieving muscle tension, and boosting overall circulation throughout the body!
Aromatherapy Couples Massage
This type of massage is basically a Swedish massage with aromatherapy elements. Scented plant oils are added to the massage oil to provide a more relaxing experience. Extracted from flowers and other plant parts, these essential oils offer a pleasing scent and are believed to have healing properties. Although different essential oils may be selected to address specific needs, the therapist typically uses pre-blended oils to relax, energize, or uplift, depending on the client’s needs.
Deep Tissue Couples Massage
Deep tissue massage is a slower, more specific form of massage focused on muscle knots in the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Using deliberate, slow strokes or friction across the grain of the muscle, the therapist can address chronic tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, or injuries. This type of massage is best used for acute and chronic muscle tension patterns caused by overuse or prior injury. While the pressure is generally more intense, you can simply let your massage therapist know right away if you would like to reduce pressure to meet your preferences.
Hot Stones Couples Massage
Swedish with Hot Stone Massage is a specialty massage in which the therapist uses smooth, heated stones as a tool for the treatment. The massage therapist places warm, smooth stones on specific points on the body and also holds the stones while giving the massage. Heat has been shown to relax tight muscles, so using hot stones allows the therapist to relieve areas of muscle tension in tandem with the massage.
How to Get the Ultimate Couples Massage Experience
Now that you know the theory behind what a couples massage is, what it entails, its benefits, and the types of massages you can choose from, it’s time to make sure you know how to make the most out of your couples massage experience!
How to Prepare
In order to make sure you can fully enjoy the massage experience, you need to prepare accordingly. Below, we’ll run through the options on who you can bring to a couples massage, what you need to wear, and what you should pack.
Who to Bring (+Some Tips To Make The Best of It)
The best part of a couples massage is the couple! Who you bring is part of what makes this experience so wonderful. Below, we will give you a couple of ideas of who you can choose for your next couples massage.
Your Partner For a Romantic Date
Dinner and a movie can get old after you’ve done it 10, 50, or 100 times. Before you know it, you’ve watched the entire movie and are halfway through dinner, both having nothing to talk about and maybe even immersed in your phones. Change up the routine! A couples massage can be a perfect idea for a romantic date, part of a weekend getaway, or even a celebration like an anniversary or engagement. Trust us - you’ll both end up feeling relaxed, happy, and more connected with one another.
Your Best Friend For a Bonding Experience
Although it might not sound as traditional as a romantic date, taking your best friend to a couples massage can actually be an amazing experience to share and bond over. It will give you something amazing to talk about, both of you will walk out feeling happier, and you will have one more anecdote to put down in the books!
Your Mom (She Deserves to Relax Too)
This should be a no-brainer. Be it for Mother’s day, her birthday, or any other special (or non-special) occasion, your mom deserves to be pampered, too. Think about everything she’s done for you! A massage is an excellent way to give something back to her and make sure she’s happy and relaxed.
What to Wear
For any massage, including couples massage, we recommend packing a bag that includes the following:
A bathing suit
Flip flops
Comfortable, loose clothing
Toiletries
Makeup
Your spa will probably provide you with a pair of slippers and a robe to move around, but it’s still best to come prepared. Since you may make use of facilities (such as the sauna, jacuzzi, or vapor room), bringing your own bathing suit is a must. And as for the flip flops, although you might not need them to move around, you might want to make use of them if you plan on showering afterward. Also, if you do plan on taking a shower at the spa, you might want to pack your own toiletries!
We also recommend not wearing any makeup before the massage! Because you will lie face down for most of the massage, you may end up with a streaked, runny look to your makeup - and if you’re wearing mascara or fake lashes, these may end up being compromised as well. It’s best to apply it when you’re done with your massage so that you can walk out of the spa feeling on top of the world.
As for clothing, we recommend taking comfy, loose-fitting clothes. Anything that is easy to slip on and off and is extremely comfortable for you to wear. Avoid anything tight-fitted as there may be some residual massage oil on your skin and it can end up transferring to your clothes, which can make you uncomfortable or could stain your clothes as well. If you have somewhere to be after your massage, we also recommend bringing a change of clothes so you can change before you leave.
If you have long hair, another tip is to tie your hair up in a loose bun or into a braid. This way, it won’t get in the therapist's way and you can avoid it from getting oily!
Couples Massage FAQs
Do you wear clothing?
You don’t need to disrobe completely, but it is customary because it allows your therapist to be able to provide thorough treatment. Upon arrival at the spa, you will probably be handed some disposable underwear (similar to what you would find at hospitals) to keep your privates private. You will also always be discreetly draped at all times during the massage.
Can you talk during a massage?
Of course! You can talk at any point. However, since the experience is meant to be more relaxing than anything, we think you will find it difficult to talk! We recommend enjoying the soothing moments in tandem with your partner and just letting yourself calm down and relax. However, if you want to talk, you can do so! But many find the couples massage experience more relaxing without conversation. It’s a time to be present and enjoy the soothing moments with your partner. Your therapists will follow your lead on this one.
So, while occasional comments wouldn't be out of place, talking too much during the massage can detract from the relaxation. You should, however, talk to your assigned massage therapist when needed. For example, when you need to specify whether you would like more or less pressure to be used.
Are there any rules of etiquette?
Yes. We recommend that you arrive early for your massage appointment since that helps alleviate stress for both partners and lets both of you enjoy the session to the fullest. We also recommend that you stow away your cellphones, cameras, or electronic devices and keep them in silent mode.
Also, covering up or wearing bathing suits in public areas (like the pool, jacuzzi, sauna, or vapor room) is a good etiquette rule to follow.
Do both people receive the same treatment?
Normally, yes. But if one of you desires a different treatment, you only need to make sure to specify it when you book the appointment at the spa. Your massage therapists will customize the session to fit each person’s preferences and requirements. However, we recommend getting the same one so that both of you experience the same wonderful treatment.
What protocols do I need to follow?
Your spa will tell you everything you need to know regarding protocols upon arrival. During the massage, we recommend focusing on your own experience instead of worrying about your partner. Trust us, they’re in good hands!
How much is a couples massage?
The price of a couples massage varies depending on where (or who) you are getting it from and the type of massage that you are wanting, of course. Deep tissue, aromatherapy, and hot stone massages tend to cost a bit more than classic Swedish massages; and if you’d like to request a specific master technician, then be prepared to pay an extra fee for their hard work! For those who would like to enhance their experience with additional service(s) such as a facial and/or manicures and pedicures, you may want to upgrade and opt for a couples massage package, or even add a bit of extra romance with a rose, chocolates, and a gift for your special someone. There is a couples massage package out there that will fit your needs and your budget. Don’t forget; the whole purpose of a couples massage is to have a great time and make memories together!
Book Your Couples Massage at ZZ Day Spa!
Whether you’re looking for a Couples Swedish, Deep Tissue, Aromatherapy, or Hot Stone massage, we are here to create not only a relaxing experience but also a unique bonding experience between you and your partner. We aim to make your luxury couples massage experience the most cherished part of your day.
Get ready for the best couples massage experience in NYC. Book your appointment here.
