A spa day for couples: how to plan it and what to look out for

For an anniversary, a birthday or simply a day together. What you need to know when planning a spa day.

What exactly is a couples' massage?

Two people are massaged at the same time in the same room, on two tables set side by side, by two separate therapists. What differs is the set-up, not the type of massage — in the same room you can have a Swedish, Balinese, aromatherapy or hot stone massage.

You can each choose a different massage. At most venues one of you can have deep tissue and the other aromatherapy; the durations are matched, so the session ends at the same time for you both.

It is not just for couples. Mothers and daughters, siblings and friends often choose it too.

The key question: shared room or private suite?

This is the most common reason for price differences, and most people forget to ask when booking.

Shared treatment room: two tables in one room, but the room is part of the venue's general flow.
Private suite: a closed-off area with its own shower and sometimes its own jacuzzi and relaxation area.

If privacy matters a lot to you, or the day has special meaning, the extra cost of a suite is usually worth it. Ask clearly when you book.

Package or single massage?

Most venues offer the couples' massage as a spa package:

Welcome refreshments
Use of the hammam or sauna
Kese (exfoliating scrub) and foam wash
Massage
Tea, fruit and dessert in the relaxation area

Work out the timing properly: the massage is 50-90 minutes, but the whole package can take 2-3 hours. When planning the day, go by the total time, not the length of the massage.

How far ahead should you book?

A couples' massage needs two therapists and a suitable room at the same time, so venues have limited daily capacity.

An ordinary weekend: 1-2 weeks ahead
Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, New Year: 3-4 weeks ahead
A weekday daytime: a few days may be enough, and it is quieter too

Questions to ask when booking

Is the room private or shared?
Exactly which services are in the package, and how long is each?
Is use of the hammam/sauna time-limited or unlimited?
Are a towel, peshtemal, slippers and robe included?
Can we each choose a different type of massage?
What are the cancellation and change terms?
If you want to arrange a surprise: are extras such as a cake or flowers possible?

Health: you are each assessed separately

If you are pregnant: the hammam, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi are not recommended during pregnancy. The massage part, however, can be arranged as a pregnancy massage — this requires a doctor's approval and telling the venue how many weeks pregnant you are. Mention it when booking so that the venue can put together a suitable programme.

Blood pressure, heart conditions, diabetes: a doctor's approval is needed for the parts of the package that involve heat.

Both of you: do not arrive after drinking alcohol, do not start on an empty stomach, and drink plenty of water.