Deep Tissue, Swedish or Thai? How to Choose Your Massage

Want to simply relax? Swedish or relax massage

If your main goal is unwinding rather than working out a specific knot, our Swedish massage (45 or 60 minutes) uses long, smooth strokes at moderate pressure — it's the most universally comfortable option and a safe choice if you're not sure what you want. The relax massage is a close sibling, slightly gentler still.

Have real muscle tension? Deep tissue

If you're carrying tension from travel, desk work or a workout, deep tissue uses firmer, slower pressure that works into the muscle rather than over it. It can feel more intense in the moment, especially on tight areas, but it's the right choice when relaxation alone won't touch the knot you're feeling.

Curious about something different? Thai, shiatsu or Bali massage

Thai massage uses stretching and rhythmic pressure rather than pure kneading — it's done fully clothed and feels closer to assisted yoga than a traditional massage. Shiatsu applies firm, focused pressure with the thumbs along specific points. Our Bali massage, done by our team of therapists trained in traditional Balinese technique, combines long strokes with deeper pressure on specific muscle groups — a good middle ground if you want more than Swedish but less intense than deep tissue.

• Swedish / relax: broad relaxation, lighter pressure, safe default choice.
• Deep tissue: firmer pressure, targets real tension, more intense in the moment.
• Thai: clothed, stretching-based, closer to assisted yoga.
• Shiatsu: focused pressure on specific points.
• Bali: long strokes with deeper focus, Balinese technique.

Still not sure?

Tell your therapist what you're hoping to feel afterward — loose and sleepy, or like a specific knot is finally gone — and they'll recommend the right option and adjust pressure as they go. You're never locked into the pressure level you started with.