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12 May 2026 5 min readGuideTherapeutic

Swedish vs Thai vs Deep Tissue: Which Massage Should You Actually Book?

Three of the world's most popular massages. They feel different, do different things — and the right one depends on what you walk in with.

Swedish: when you want to disappear for an hour

Long, flowing strokes. Light to medium pressure. Warm oil. Swedish is what people picture when they say "spa massage" — and there's a reason it's lasted 200 years. It's the best choice if you're stressed, sleeping poorly, or simply need an hour where the world doesn't exist. You'll leave loose, calm, and a little floaty.

Thai: when your body feels rigid

No oil. You stay clothed (loose, comfortable clothes). Your therapist uses their hands, elbows, knees and feet to stretch you into yoga-like positions and apply rhythmic pressure along energy lines. It's incredible for flexibility, posture, and that "my whole body is stiff" feeling. You'll feel taller walking out.

Deep tissue: when you've got one thing that won't let go

Slower, firmer, focused. Deep tissue goes after a specific knot or chronic tight area — your traps, lower back, IT band, hips — and works it loose. Book this when there's pain you can point to, not when you just want to relax. (For relaxation, see Swedish above.)

Still not sure?

Tell our host how you're feeling in plain words — "my shoulders are killing me", "I haven't slept in a week", "I just ran a marathon". We'll recommend the right one. There's no wrong answer.

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Thai MassageKES 4,000

An invigorating blend of acupressure, assisted stretching and yoga-inspired postures to improve flexibility and energy flow.

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