I’ve always loved a Thai massage but hadn’t had one for a couple of years, so I jumped at the chance when I was invited to experience a Traditional Thai Massage in London at Thai Square Spa.
Thai massage is an ancient healing practice designed to promote energy flow throughout the body, bringing harmony and balance to body and mind. Using pressure point massage and deep, deliberate stretches it gets deep into muscles to relieve tension and encourage flexibility. No oil is used during the treatment, and the massage is performed through clothing – usually a pair of loose-fitting Thai massage pyjamas.
Just a couple of minutes’ walk from Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross, Thai Square spa couldn’t have been easier to find, with its prominent entrance on Northumberland Avenue.
It’s a great option for anyone who’s looking to book a Thai massage in central London, and it’s literally got wellness in its foundations as the site was home to the local Turkish baths way back in the 1800s.
As soon as I entered the spa foyer, I was transported to Thailand, surrounded by golden Buddhas, orchids, and a gentle jasmine fragrance.
The Spa Manager welcomed me and gave me a health questionnaire to complete. Once I’d filled it in (most amusing question: had I ‘flown back from Asia’ recently—sadly not…), I was shown to my locker and handed a pair of flip-flops along with a pair or traditional Thai massage pyjamas to wear during the treatment.
I made my way downstairs, past a large Buddha statue, where I was greeted by my smiling therapist, Kate. She led me down a candlelit corridor to one of the authentically styled treatment rooms. I already felt a million miles away from the pigeon-filled buzz of Trafalgar Square!
I made myself comfortable on the large, low treatment bed. Traditionally, Thai massage is performed on a floor mat but at Thai Square Spa the comfort level has been elevated with a firm raised bed.
My therapist invited me to place my feet into a bowl filled with water and fresh rose petals for a refreshing foot cleanse while she reviewed my health form, checking what level of pressure I preferred and whether there were any areas I’d like her to focus on.
She then politely instructed me to lie face down on the bed, where rolled and folded towels were ready to support my forehead and chest, and placed a large towel on my back.
Thai massage is performed without oil and through fabric to protect both modesty and skin. The covering helps the therapist gain traction when performing certain moves, plus, historically Thai massage was often performed in temples and communal settings where full-body exposure would have been inappropriate.
My therapist started working on my back muscles straight away, using firm pressure and deep stretches, confidently working out to my ribs through the towel and regularly checking in with me about the pressure. I’d requested firm pressure to target deep muscle tension, and that’s exactly what I got – strong and effective but just the right side of uncomfortable. As soon as the treatment started, I felt it was really doing something, and I asked myself why I’d waited so long to book.
In true traditional Thai massage style, my therapist used her hands, forearms and elbows for greater pressure, at times perching beside and even over me for greater strength. After thoroughly working on my back, she began manipulating my limbs and joints, circling, pulling, and stretching, again checking to ensure I was comfortable with the pressure.
Once she had stretched and loosened the back of my body, she asked me to turn over so she could work on the front, placing a mask over my eyes and a towel over my body.
The deep stretches felt great as she moved my body into positions I didn’t know I was still capable of! It was like taking part in a yin yoga or stretch class, but without any effort on my part – apart from resisting the urge to laugh and squirm when she worked firmly into my thigh muscles!
The treatment felt like a particularly comprehensive workout, leaving no joint unstretched – fingers were pulled, thigh joints circled, and feet pressed upwards. Even my toes were given a mini workout.
The treatment finale focused on my neck and scalp, incorporating more stretching and massage and culminating in a soothing pressure point massage on my forehead. I was sorry to see it end but felt positively invigorated and deeply relaxed.
After a couple of minutes reacclimatising to the light – and being upright – my therapist led me to the fragrant, candlelit relaxation area, where I flopped onto one of the loungers to enjoy some fresh fruit and a cup of anti-inflammatory bael fruit tea. I felt physically energised but mentally relaxed and vowed to invest in a Thai Massage more often.
I can see why Thai massage is sometimes called ‘lazy yoga’ – you come out feeling like you’ve had a proper workout, but it’s the therapist who’s put in all the effort.
This treatment is perfect for anyone looking for deep tissue work, to relieve muscle tension, boost energy, and/or improve flexibility. Thai massage is also great for reducing stress and boosting circulation.
It’s not for the fainthearted though – it’s no delicate, feather-light massage. If you fancy a Thai-inspired treatment but prefer something gentler, opt for an oil massage or herbal poultice treatment.
If you’re searching for ‘Thai Square’ on a map, make sure you head to the spa – not its local sister restaurant of the same name!
The above review is for Thai Square Spa’s 60-minute Traditional Thai Massage (£125 at the time of
writing). The treatment was PR-gifted, but our reviews will always be honest and independent.
Available at https://spavellous.co.uk/thai-massage-at-thai-square-london-review/
