These two are, by far, the questions we're asked most often at the front desk: "What's the difference?" and "Which one should I book?" Both are excellent, both use similar strokes — but they're built for genuinely different goals, and picking the wrong one can leave you either under-treated or unexpectedly sore.
Swedish Massage: Built for Relaxation
Swedish massage uses long, gliding strokes, kneading and light circular movements applied with moderate, even pressure. The goal is full-body relaxation, improved circulation and stress relief — not working out deep knots. It's an excellent entry point if you've never had a professional massage before, or if your primary goal is simply to unwind.
Deep Tissue Massage: Built for Release
Deep tissue massage uses slower strokes and firmer, more targeted pressure to reach deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It's designed to address chronic tension, muscle knots and stiffness — often in specific areas like the shoulders, lower back or neck — rather than delivering a uniform, full-body treatment.
Side-by-Side Comparison
- Pressure: Swedish is light-to-moderate; Deep Tissue is firm and targeted.
- Goal: Swedish relaxes the whole body; Deep Tissue releases specific chronic tension.
- Best for: Swedish suits stress relief and first-timers; Deep Tissue suits desk workers, athletes and anyone with recurring muscle pain.
- After-effects: Swedish typically leaves you loose and sleepy; Deep Tissue can leave mild soreness for a day, similar to a good workout.
Which Should You Book?
If your main goal is to de-stress after a long week and you don't have specific pain points, start with Swedish. If you carry visible tension in your shoulders or lower back, sit at a desk most of the day, or train regularly, Deep Tissue will likely deliver more noticeable, lasting relief.
Still unsure? Many guests split the difference by requesting a Full Body Massage, which our therapists can adapt with firmer pressure in problem areas while keeping the rest of the session gentle.
A Note on Communication
Whichever you choose, the most important factor is communicating with your therapist throughout the session. Pressure preferences vary hugely from person to person — don't hesitate to ask for more or less at any point.
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