Every spa menu has names. Very few tell you what those names actually mean when you are standing there trying to choose. So forget the complicated descriptions.
| Massage | Pick it when… | Think twice when… |
|---|---|---|
| Aromatherapy | You want calm more than pressure. | Your first sentence will be “I like very strong massage.” |
| Swedish | You want the safest middle ground. | You specifically want a very firm session. |
| Deep Tissue | You enjoy noticeably firmer pressure. | You mainly want a light, sleepy session. |
| Balinese | You want more variation and rhythm. | You want the simplest, most predictable pace. |
| Thai | You genuinely enjoy stretching. | You want a quiet oil-based massage with very little movement. |
| Four Hands | You want the most unusual format on the menu. | You want the simplest first-time introduction. |
The answer you probably came here for
First massage
Start with Swedish
Balanced pressure and an easy pace make it straightforward.
Stressed and want peace
Choose Aromatherapy
The calmer option when relaxation comes first.
Always ask for strong pressure
Choose Deep Tissue
Do not pick it because it sounds more serious. Pick it because you genuinely prefer firm pressure.
Want something memorable
Try Four Hands
Two therapists working simultaneously changes the whole format.
What about Balinese and Thai?
Balinese is a good bridge when you want more rhythm and variation than Swedish. Thai is the obvious choice when assisted stretching sounds more appealing than another oil-based massage.
If you still cannot decide, stop Googling massage names. Tell us what pressure you like and whether you enjoy stretching.
That is usually enough to point you toward the right option.