A massage at home can feel unfamiliar the first time. Where will the table go? Do you need to supply towels? What do you wear? The answers are simpler than you might think — and once you've had one, you'll wonder why you ever drove to a spa.
Before the day
When you book, we'll ask for your address, the treatment and length you'd like, and your preferred time. This is also the moment to mention anything that could affect your treatment:
- injuries, recent surgery or areas you'd like the therapist to avoid
- allergies, especially to oils or scents
- pregnancy or any medical condition
- access details — gate codes, parking, or whether we need to sign in at an estate
A 50% deposit or full payment confirms the booking. On the day, try to have a light meal an hour or two beforehand rather than a big lunch right before your massage.
Choosing and preparing the room
Your therapist brings the massage table, fresh linen, towels and oils. What you need to provide is the space:
- Floor space roughly the size of a small bedroom, so the therapist can walk all the way around the table. A lounge with the coffee table pushed aside often works better than a crowded bedroom.
- A plug point nearby, in case it's needed.
- A comfortable temperature. You'll be lying still under a towel, so warm the room a little in winter. A heater is welcome on a June evening.
- Calm. Put your phone on silent and, if you can, arrange for children and pets to be looked after elsewhere for the hour.
Soft lighting and your own playlist are optional extras that make a big difference.
What to wear (and what not to worry about)
For a back, neck and shoulder massage, you'll only need to remove your top. For a full-body massage, most people undress to their comfort level — many keep their underwear on. Your therapist will step out while you get onto the table and cover yourself with the towel provided.
Throughout the massage only the area being worked on is uncovered. If you'd prefer to keep more clothing on, just say so; the therapist will adapt.
What happens during the massage
Your therapist will set up the table, ask a few quick questions about pressure and problem areas, and then leave you to get comfortable. A typical full-body massage covers the back, shoulders, neck, arms, legs and feet.
Speak up at any point if the pressure is too firm or too light, if you're cold, or if anything is uncomfortable. It's your treatment. Some people like to chat; most prefer silence. Either is perfectly fine.
If you're not sure which style to book, Swedish is the gentlest introduction. Deep tissue uses firmer pressure on specific tight spots, and may leave you a little tender the next day. Our mobile massage page explains each option.
After your massage
The best part of a mobile massage is that you don't have to go anywhere. Take your time getting up, drink some water and, if you can, keep the rest of the evening quiet. Your therapist packs everything away, so there's nothing to clean up.
Mobile massage etiquette
- Be ready at the booked time — your appointment length is set aside for you, and the therapist may have another booking afterwards.
- Let us know about delays as early as possible. We do the same if traffic, roadworks or weather affect our arrival.
- Tipping is up to you. If you enjoyed your treatment, a tip is a kind way to say thank you.
Curious about cost? See how much a mobile massage costs in Cape Town, or book for two with a couples massage at home.
Ready for your first at-home massage?
Tell us where you are and when suits you, and we will bring the spa to you.
Book a MassageWhatsApp 081 855 2292
