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The very best massages in London
From precise deep-tissue work to calming aromatherapy, these are the treatments to book now
The best massage for you depends entirely on your predilections – from gentle aromatherapy treatments to posture-altering muscle work, there’s a whole host of bookings to deliberate between.
For weary limbs and an even wearier mind, head straight to one of the capital’s famously good spas and settle in for a day or evening of pampering. If specific problem-solving ranks higher on your list of demands, consider a vigorous sports massage, or, for total realignment that lasts much longer than those 60 horizontal minutes, consider upgrading to an osteopath appointment (a smart move for anyone who spends too much time hunched over a desk). Alternatively, if you're currently expecting, look here for the best pregnancy treatments – tried and tested by Bazaar's beauty director.
With something for everyone, below see the Bazaar team's verdict on the very best massages to be found in London.
Santi London
BEST FOR PROBLEM-SOLVING
Santi, the South Kensington spa-meets-clinic beloved by beauty editors, is a must-visit for massage. Performed by remarkable sports therapists (one a former boxer, the other an ex-rugby player), you can expect technical massage here, unless you're craving something more relaxed (which they can do, too – there's even a specialist Meditation Massage on the menu). Whatever you choose from the offered Swedish, sports, remedial, aroma, or ultra-indulgent caviar oil massages, consider your body problems solved, with pressure tailored to your preference. There's even a dedicated massage for expectant mothers wanting to relieve muscular aches, joint pain, water retention and the stresses specific to pregnancy. We can't recommend it highly enough.
Bazaar's recommended massage: Deep Tissue Massage
Location: 33 Thurloe Street, London SW7 2LQ
Price: from £90 for 60 minutes
The Peninsula Spa and Wellness Centre
BEST FOR HOLISTIC MUSCLE WORK
Despite the cavernous space, the Peninsula Spa manages to still feel warm and welcoming thanks to its impeccable hospitality. This intricate massage is designed for those experiencing muscle aches from sports and workouts, joint problems and water retention. Using Ayurvedic principles, the two-hour session involves therapeutic dried herbs and warm oils to ease any tension followed by a thorough massage to untangle knots.
Bazaar's recommended massage: Subtle Energies Muscle De-Stress Hot Poultice
Location: 1 Grosvenor Place, London SW1X 7HJ
Price: £380 for 120 minutes
Boon Sappaya
BEST FOR TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE
You may not expect to find the best Thai massage in the country hidden in a Baker Street basement, but new opening Boon Sappaya is fast gaining a reputation for delivering just that.
The husband-and-wife operation specialises in traditional Thai treatments, combining assisted deep stretches with strong pressure, which gets to the root of muscle tension much more effectively than an hour of aromatherapy.
The setting is totally true to Thailand, so don’t expect fluffy slippers or marble interiors, but if you’re after an hour (or two!) of genuinely transformative treatment, this hidden gem is a must-try.
Bazaar's recommended massage: Traditional Thai Massage
Location: 107 Baker Street, London W1U 6RP
Price: from £40 for 30 minutes
Soho House Cowshed spas
BEST FOR PURE ZEN
When it comes to Cowshed, you can't beat the brand's signature massage at the Soho House spas. The indulgent, scent-filled experience spans 30 to 90 minutes (depending on which option you go for) of pure restorative relaxation. The treatment is based on Swedish-style massage, which uses light-to-medium pressure to alleviate stress and tension in the body wherever you need it most. The scents of invigorating eucalyptus or heavenly lavender from Cowshed's luxury oils fill the space as you feel your muscles sigh with relief. With 14 locations worldwide – from London’s Shoreditch House to Barcelona – the Soho House Cowshed spas (open to club members, with London's Primrose Hill, Shoreditch House and St Moritz Spa & Hotel open to the public) promise to help you relax and find your inner zen, wherever you are.
Bazaar's recommended massage: Cowshed Signature Massage
Location: various
Price: from £65 for 30 minutes
Bodied
BEST FOR DESK-DWELLERS
This East-London gem foregoes cavernous spaces for an intimate little cabin that has just enough comfortable space for you and your massage therapist. No dealing with receptionists and losing your way through a maze of lockers here. The Profound treatment is a deep tissue massage that aims to ease knots and sore muscles, but it's the added stretching that brings extra relief to stiff limbs. Bodied also offers brilliant massages for those going through pregnancy, too.
Bazaar's recommended massage: Profound 45 / 60 / 90
Location: 19–20 Gossamer Gardens, London E2 9FN
Price: from £65 for 45 minutes
Iris Avenue
BEST FOR HOT-STONE MASSAGE
Fitzrovia's Iris Avenue might be best known for its creative nail art and carefully curated cocktail menu (the salon-bar hybrid space is great for a pampering day out) but don't overlook its massage offerings.
If tight knots and sore muscles are your bugbear, book in for the hot stone treatment where warm pebbles are used to ease deep tension while a hands-on massage brings relief to achy limbs. Go all in with the 80-minute treatment for a restorative treat – you can choose your go-to relaxation soundtrack, too.
Bazaar's recommended massage: Out Of Office 80 With Hot Stones
Location: 32 Store Street, London WC1E 7BS
Price: £130 for 80 minutes
Elemis
BEST FOR POST RETAIL THERAPY THERAPY
Nestled in W1's Lancashire Court, Elemis' much-loved The House of Elemis flagship treatment centre is perfectly located for slipping into after a day of shopping.
The edited menu offers a treatment for all: the Deep Tissue Tension-Ease Massage is restorative and relaxing, while the Transformative Hot Stone Massage really targets tension, and for expectant mothers the intuitive Expert Peaceful Pregnancy Massage will nurture the skin and soul.
Bazaar's recommended massage: Elemis Deep Tissue Tension-Ease Massage
Location: 2 Lancashire Court, London W1S 1EX
Price: £70 for 30 minutes
The Ned
BEST FOR TARGETING DEEP TENSION
At The Ned's Club Spa we love the two blissful Akwaterra treatments from La Sultane de Saba; a massage and a facial. For the former, rather than using their hands, the therapist will apply pressure using specially designed Akwaterra sandstone pods (ergonomic ceramic tools that are gently heated from within), which glide seamlessly over your skin and provide a continuous flow of heat. Inspired by the synergy between earth and water, the treatment not only targets deep tension and relief from aches and pains, but will leave you feeling utterly and overwhelmingly relaxed.
Bazaar's recommended massage: Akwaterra Body Massage
Location: 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ
Price: from £170 for 60 minutes
Ilapothecary
BEST FOR SOULFUL RESPITE
Most massage therapists will ask about your preferred pressure intensity, be that firm or mild. But the expert hands at Ilapothecary in Kensington understand the importance of being attuned to the body's specific needs for each area. Sore spots, or places where more tension is held, are given a deeper knead while others may require a more tender touch.
Beat The Blues is especially useful for those prone to periods of low mood, as not only does it warm up the senses (thanks to the comfortable heated beds), it also uses a bespoke blend of oils to help improve energy levels, slow down frazzled minds and uplift moods. Beyond the back it includes a much-welcome head and feet massage for a true full-body experience.
Bazaar's recommended massage: Beat The Blues Bespoke Massage
Location: 99 Kensington Church Street, London W8 7LN
Price: from £90 for 45 minutes
Masaj
BEST FOR TRULY MODERN MASSAGE
Masaj's flagship home on Charlotte Road (it now has two additional London studios in Marylebone and Soho) reflects founder Scarlet Crawley's mission to provide a "functional, comfortable and beautiful" space for clients to truly switch off from the outside world.
Here, you'll find a modern approach to massage therapy, with a small selection of outstanding treatments performed with one of the brand's house-blend aromatherapy oils. The team excels at problem-solving, with full body deep-tissue, targeted bodywork and sports relief all on the menu. With some of the best (and friendliest) therapists in the city, there's a reason this burgeoning business is thriving.
Bazaar's recommended massage: Bespoke massages only
Location: 10 Charlotte Road, London EC2A
Price: from £56 for 30 minutes
Ten Health and Fitness
BEST FOR REMEDIAL SPORTS MASSAGE
Available at all Ten Health & Fitness studios dotted across London using several techniques, their intensely satisfying Sports Massage helps improve post-workout recovery, enhancing flexibility and reducing risk of injury, while enabling you to exercise more frequently. It's not for the faint hearted, though; expect deep pressure and firm muscle manipulation which will loosen even the most stubborn of knots. Alternatively, the physio-led team also perform gentler Recovery Massage (restoring the flow and drainage of lymph) and Assisted Stretching (with fascia release techniques) as well as specialist Prenatal and Postnatal Massage.
Bazaar's recommended massage: Sports Massage
Location: various
Price: from £85 for 60 minutes (£90 with a Senior Therapist)
Harrods
BEST FOR A LUXURY PAMPER
The iconic Harrods Hair & Beauty Salon recently underwent a total revamp, with pink marble and gilded rose gold paying homage to the store's original 1894 salon.
The body treatment to book has to be the Aromatherapy Associates Intensive Muscle Release experience, which involves a full head-to-toe massage using cross-muscle-fibre techniques combined with essential oils. Fusing soothing aroma and long, calming strokes with targeted, problem-solving musclework, you'll emerge feeling as light as air.
Bazaar's recommended massage: Aromatherapy Associates Intensive Muscle Release
Location: 87-135 Brompton Road, London SW1X 7XL
Price: from £115 for 60 minutes
Aveda
BEST FOR STRESS RELIEF
A visit to the Aveda flagship salon at 174-177 High Holborn can result in much more than great hair. Combining Swedish massage techniques with foot reflexology and energy work, the brand's Chakra Energy Balancing Massage is truly one of the most relaxing treatments we have ever experienced. Aveda's Stress-Fix Aroma Blend products are used throughout, and the soothing scent of lavender adds to the ambience and leaves skin smelling divine for hours afterwards. For anyone who is feeling stressed out and overwhelmed, this is the ultimate mind and body relaxation. (Note: they do a stellar pregnancy massage, too.)
Bazaar's recommended massage: Chakra Energy Balancing Massage
Location: 174-177 High Holborn, London WC1V 7AA
Price: £95 for 60 minutes (75 minute total appointment time)
Agua Spa
BEST FOR HERBAL-LED MASSAGE
Agua Spa at Sea Containers London has always been a go-to for seriously good massage, but now there's even more reason to book. The spa recently launched its own in-house line of products, Hedgerow, which pays homage to the brilliant array of plants that grow on our shores. In summer, lime, elderflower and chamomile take centre stage, while the cooler months welcome yarrow and thyme.
The signature Advanced Bodywork full-body massage is performed with a seasonal, sustainably produced herbal compress and heavenly batch-blended salve, which enhances the deeply relaxing effects of the skilled therapists' work.
Bazaar's recommended massage: Agua London Advanced Bodywork
Location: 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PD
Price: from £120 for 60 minutes
Linnaean
BEST FOR OSTEOMASSAGE
Linnaean's resident osteopath, Estivaliz Inigo Torres, breaks the mould of traditional treatments by offering extended, forensically detailed consultations that allow her to truly understand how best to treat each client. Whether you've been standing in heels or sitting behind a less-than-adequate desk at home, she'll identify your posture issues and ease any tension with a combination of massage, acupuncture and invaluable advice.
Bazaar's recommended massage: Osteopathy
Location: 2 New Union Square, Embassy Gardens, London SW11 7AX
Price: £180 for 60 minutes
Mauli Rituals at the Bulgari Hotel
BEST FOR A HEALING TREATMENT
If you are looking for far more than a massage, head to the Bulgari Hotel and try one of the spa's four new healing treatments, which are all powerful multi-layered experiences. Curated by Mauli Rituals, the massage is accompanied by a dosha-balancing sound therapy, which is personalised to your needs, and will leave you feeling at peace for weeks.
"Everything we experience is made from the four elements, each pointing towards strong feminine energy," explains Anita Kaushal, co-founder of Mauli Rituals. "Goddess energy and mantras are intrinsic to ancient India’s healing modalities and in collaborating with these four exceptional women, Mauli takes the guest experience to ever greater heights of authentic luxury."
Bazaar's recommended massage: Divine Feminine Nurturing Ritual
Location: 171 Knightsbridge, London SW7 1DW
Price: £370 for 120 minutes
Cloud Twelve
BEST FOR LASER-FOCUSED MUSCLE WORK
West London wellness destination Cloud Twelve is known for its forward-thinking treatment menu, and the Signature Deep Relief CBD Oil Massage is a real highlight.
The hour-long experience works on a mental and physical level, combining a soothing sound bath with astonishingly good muscle work, focusing thoroughly on areas of tightness and pain to ensure the benefits truly last. The Kloris CBD balm is more than a buzz-worthy choice: studies have found cannabidiol to have strong potential to ease muscle aches and pains.
Even better, the beautiful relaxation area – complete with steam, sauna and Himalayan salt rooms – will ensure you're completely blissed-out by the evening.
Bazaar's recommended massage: Signature Deep Relief Kloris CBD Oil Massage
Location: 2-5 Colville Mews, London W11 2DA
Price: £200 for 60 minutes
Kloris CBD
BEST FOR A MULTI-SENSORY RESET
You can also experience a Kloris CBD treatment at the award-winning brand’s flagship concept space, nestled in Soho. And we highly recommend you do. The delightfully different City Reset Treatment is multi-sensory; combining touch, scent and sound – the latter via cocooning headphones playing meditative music to lull you deep into tranquility.
The ritual starts with a Kloris CBD and magnesium-infused foot bath, and continues with a precisely executed top-to-toe rejuvenation massage using a bespoke combination of warmed Kloris balms and massage oils. Here, tension is worked out of the soles of the feet and hands, upper arms, neck and shoulders, while the expertly formulated products further calm your nervous system and help clarify your mind.
Bazaar's recommended massage: Kloris CBD City Reset Treatment
Location: The Treatment Room at Kloris, 13 Newburgh Street, London W1F 7RS (open select days)
Price: £150 for 60 minutes
Anne Berry at Four London
BEST FOR A SKIN-SPECIALIST MASSAGE
With over 23 years' experience in the industry, Anne Berry is a true master of her craft. As a skincare specialist, Berry knows how complex skin can be and has the technical skill to identify and resolve the issues that her clients may face, helping them to achieve their goals. Her Duke Street treatment room, held within the Four London salon, is immediately relaxing and her treatments are the ultimate act of self-care. Berry works with many well-loved skincare lines – including the award-winning Guinot – and strives for the best in luxury beauty for her clients. Just 45 minutes under her expert care relieved months of shoulder tension, after working from home and carrying heavy laptop bags to and from the office.
Bazaar's recommended massage: Anne Berry Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage
Location: 73 Duke Street, LondonW1K 5NP
Price: from £125 for 45 minutes
Harmony Massage
BEST FOR A HOLISTIC EXPERIENCE
If you are looking for more than a bit of stress relief and relaxation from your treatment, we'd go as far as to call the Harmony Massage, which operates out of the Beyond MediSpa in Harvey Nichols, as well as in other locations across the country, tranformative. The treatment merges the benefits of a hands-on massage with energy work, working to heal physical aches and pains in your body, as well as helping to heal emotional and spiritual ones. The therapist will cherry pick the best elements of various therapies (such as Reiki, aromatherapy, reflexology, remedial, womb, abdominal, Thai and Swedish massage) to create a powerful and often transcendent experience, which aims to bring the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies back into alignment.
Bazaar's recommended massage: Harmony Massage Experience
Location: 109–125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ
Price: from £300 for 120 minutes
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