It’s been a dozen years since we tied the knot, so, hubby and I decided to book ourselves a couple massage in order to celebrate the survival. We realized that, though we went for individual massages, we hadn’t taken a couple massage since we moved to India (a decade ago) amid having babies, shifting houses, handling married life, running to schools, being stressed with work, getting used to India, etc.

So, in September, to enjoy our year of Silk and Fine Linen, we had booked a slot where the receptionist mentioned that they had allotted the couple room for us and assured us of a wonderful time. We did not ask further questions and regretted it later on. You’ll soon understand why!

Firstly, what we were looking for was not merely to be massaged in the same room. A couple spa experience will include access to jacuzzis, hot-tubs, lounging areas and other spa amenities as a couple, and not separately. Therefore, besides ensuring that both of you will be massaged in the same room (couple room) at the same time by two different therapists, here are some other questions you should ask (and we should have) if you want the best couple spa experience.

MASSAGE BEDS

When we went for the couple massage, I realized (while I was getting the massage) that I was very uncomfortable. They gave me a neck pillow to keep my face in and I had difficulty breathing. After I changed the position of my head several times, I asked them to take the neck pillow away. Curiously, I looked towards my husband and wondered how he was so relaxed with a neck pillow. It was only then when I realized that his bed had the crescent headrest attached to it. I did not and only avoided making a scene, so, we could enjoy the session in harmony.

So, before booking your slot, do make sure to ask whether both the beds have a crescent headrest or crescent facehole attached to them or not.

STEAM & SAUNA

Due to COVID-19, their sauna room was closed and their steam room wasn’t ready. After the massage, my husband and I were sent to different rooms. The pipes that released the steam in the steam room began to so loudly flutter and stutter that I was scared to even sit down and relax. What if something burst out of that area? I was in two minds; whether to stay there alone or run away. For a few minutes, I stood there patiently before I opened the door and went out.

So, make inquiries as to whether their steam and sauna rooms are open and if they regularly have spa appointments or not. You will know if the pipes are in use or getting rusty! Also, make sure you and your partner can go to the steam and sauna rooms together.

COUPLE SHOWER

After the steam and sauna experience, I thought I would finally meet my husband. But, the woman gave me a towel and asked me to go into a small shower area and wash up. I wasn’t sure if I was spending my anniversary with my husband or her.

So, always ask if they have a couple shower, too, so that you both can enjoy a hot and steamy time together.

PROFESSIONAL THERAPISTS

We had selected the 90-minute session. Towards the end of the session, while the masseuse worked on my upper body, I felt her hands slowly sliding off my shoulders. It happened a couple of times due to which I became alert and my relax-mode vanished. When I loudly cleared my throat, I felt her hands jerk and continue to massage me with the normal pressure.

Whether you like it or not, make sure you inquire about the massage therapists they have available. We usually choose to have both masseuses (female massage therapists). But, you can probably choose a masseur as well. Also, ask the receptionist if their therapists are well-trained professionals or not.

TYPE OF PACKAGE

There are many types of massages that spas offer on their menu. Make sure you select the one you want. Some packages include a scrub along with a massage. We had once selected a package that included a masala wrap (hot) along with the relaxing massage (with oil). I loved it but my husband did not. Thus, the next day he took the coconut wrap (cool) instead. I selected the same as the previous day because I loved the smell of cloves and the feel of the heat around my body. My husband and I were still getting to know each other then.

So, once you have all the satisfactory answers to the above questions, go ahead and book a package that best suits you and your partner.

We realized (the hard way) that all hotels may have a couple room for a couple massage but may or may not have the whole couple spa experience. Therefore, after our not-so-interesting experience during our anniversary, we decided to make a list of questions to ask before we booked the next couple spa experience.

Hope this article has helped you book the right experience for you and your partner, especially when you visit a new place. Do share this with those couples whom you think would benefit from a good spa experience.

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Featured image by Ron Lach from Pexels