Hot stone massage vs aromatherapy massage: How to choose

Massage is one of the most popular experiences on any spa treatment menu, but it’s a category of treatment that encompasses so many different options, and that can sometimes be a bit bewildering. Surely, a massage is a massage? In reality, it’s a whole world of options to suit different wants, needs, and crucially, designed to support different outcomes as well.

Here, we look at two very different variations - hot stone massage vs aromatherapy massage - both of which are extremely popular to understand the differences between them and to help you choose what’s right for you.

Hot stone massage: The ultimate deep tissue treatment

Hot stone massage is exactly what it sounds like. While there are variations within the theme, and each therapist will personalise the treatment to you, broadly speaking, this is a heated massage that’s great for tackling physical tension and soothing aching muscles.

• What it is: This treatment is a back or full-body massage that goes beyond standard hands-on kneading. Your therapist incorporates stones that are heated in a hot water tank before the session begins. You might also encounter variations like Lava Shell massages, which use shells containing a self-heating mixture of algae and black lava.
• How it works: Therapists use the heated stone to help them perform the massage, and while the shape allows them to get deeper into knots and tension than their hands alone, the heat from the stones helps to relax the muscles as well. This further allows the therapist to work deeper into the tissue.
• The physical benefits: It is particularly popular because it provides a more intense massage movement than standard techniques. It is therefore highly recommended if you do a lot of sport, and to ease everyday muscle aches.

Aromatherapy massage: Balancing mind, body, and spirit

If you are looking for a deeply relaxing, holistic ritual that treats your mental and emotional wellbeing as well as physical tension, an aromatherapy massage is a beautiful choice.

• What it is: A gentle massage that combines physical relaxation with aromatherapy oils to help you feel relaxed, energised, or ready for sleep, aromatherapy massage works on a mental, physical, and emotional level.
• How it works: This treatment usually begins with an aroma test, where your sense of smell guides the selection of your aromatherapy oil to give you what you need at that time. The essential oils work on your body's olfactory system (your sense of smell), which connects to the areas of the brain controlling memory, mood, and emotion. On a physical level, the massage is relaxing, using gentler movements than a hot stone massage.
• The holistic benefits: While the massage physically relaxes muscles, the essential oils are absorbed into your skin, helping to impact your mood. It’s a wonderful overall therapy, and is better for people who prefer a massage not to be too intense.

Quick comparison: Which massage should you book?

Hot stone massage

• Primary focus: Deep tissue muscle relaxation
• Key element: Heated stones or self-heating Lava Shells.
• Best for: Sports recovery, muscle tension, and physical aches.
• What to expect: A firm, deep-pressure massage eased by therapeutic heat

Aromatherapy massage

• Primary focus: Holistic healing for mind, body, and spirit
• Key element: A personalised choice of essential oils based on an aroma test
• Best for: Stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue
• What to expect: Gentle pressure focused on long sweeping movements

Spa tips to maximise your treatment

Whichever massage you choose, you can maximise the results with a few top tips:

• Before your treatment: Use the spa’s thermal and wet facilities before your massage to prepare the skin and muscles to absorb products and get the relaxation process started. It will also mean you won't wash away the therapeutic oils immediately afterwards.
• What to wear: Wear comfortable underwear or dry swimwear. While you are typically asked to remove your top or bra during a massage, you will remain covered by towels throughout. Bringing a second, dry swimsuit on your spa break to change into for your treatment is a great way to stay comfortable.
• Aftercare: All massages help the body’s natural detox process, making it important to drink plenty of water after your treatment. Try to avoid caffeine, alcohol, or going to the gym for the rest of the day. Simply keep warm, head to the relaxation lounge, and let the products continue to work their magic.