When you hear the term “couples massage,” you might picture two identical, gentle treatments happening side-by-side. The reality is much more personal and effective. A great couples massage is actually two completely customized sessions that just happen to take place in the same serene room. This means you can finally get the deep tissue work you need for your aching shoulders, while your partner enjoys a relaxing Swedish massage to de-stress. It’s the perfect solution for partners with different needs and preferences. This shared experience allows for individual care, ensuring you both get exactly what your bodies are asking for. This is the true art of couples massage therapy: creating a shared moment of peace without sacrificing personalized attention.
Key Takeaways
- Customize Your Individual Treatments: A couples massage is a shared experience, but your services don’t have to be identical. Feel free to mix and match styles—like a Deep Tissue for one person and a relaxing Swedish for the other—to ensure you both get the exact treatment you need.
- Deepen Your Connection Without Words: Sharing a quiet, therapeutic space allows you and your partner to de-stress in unison. This joint relaxation strengthens your bond and creates a lasting positive memory, making it a powerful way to invest in your relationship.
- Communicate for the Best Experience: To get the most out of your session, talk with your therapist about your pressure preferences and specific areas of focus. A little communication ensures you both receive a comfortable, effective, and perfectly tailored massage.
What is a Couples Massage?
A couples massage is a wonderful way for two people to relax and reconnect in a peaceful setting. It’s a shared experience where you and a partner—be it a spouse, friend, or family member—receive massages at the same time, in the same private room, from two different therapists. Think of it as a mini-retreat, a chance to unwind together without the distractions of daily life. The core idea is simple: you both get to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of massage, side-by-side.
This shared session allows you to synchronize your relaxation. While each massage is tailored to your individual preferences, the joint experience of de-stressing can create a unique sense of closeness and shared calm. It’s an opportunity to introduce someone new to the benefits of massage in a comfortable environment or to simply spend quality time together in a meaningful way. At Nola Bliss, we have more dedicated rooms for couples massages than any other studio in New Orleans, making it easy to find a time that works for both of you. It’s the perfect way to celebrate an anniversary, a birthday, or simply the end of a long week.
The Setting and Atmosphere
When you arrive for your couples massage, you’ll be led to a private room specifically prepared for two. Inside, you’ll find two comfortable massage tables set up side-by-side. The atmosphere is designed to be a sanctuary of calm. We use soft, ambient lighting and play soothing music to help you both disconnect from the outside world and settle into a state of relaxation. The room is kept at a comfortable temperature, and you’ll have plenty of privacy. It’s a quiet, intimate space where the focus is entirely on your comfort and well-being, allowing you and your partner to relax completely.
How the Massage Works
During a couples massage, each of you will have your own dedicated licensed massage therapist. This is a key part of the experience because it ensures that both of you receive a high-quality, personalized treatment. Before you get started, you’ll have a moment to talk with your therapist about your specific needs. This is your chance to mention any areas of tension, injuries, or pressure preferences. While you’re sharing the room, your massages don’t have to be identical. One person might opt for a gentle Swedish massage to de-stress, while the other might need a deep tissue massage to work out stubborn knots.
Your Session from Start to Finish
From the moment you walk in, we want you to feel at ease. You’ll start by filling out a brief intake form to note your preferences and any health considerations. Your therapists will then greet you and lead you to your private room, where they’ll discuss your goals for the session. After that, they’ll step out to give you and your partner privacy to undress to your comfort level and get settled under the sheets on your respective tables. The therapists will knock before re-entering and will then begin the massages. Once your time is up, they will quietly leave the room again, allowing you to get up and dressed at your own pace.
The Benefits of a Couples Massage
A couples massage is more than just getting individual massages in the same room. It’s a shared experience that allows you and your partner to relax, reconnect, and heal together. By setting aside dedicated time for mutual well-being, you can discover benefits that extend far beyond the massage table, strengthening your connection on physical, emotional, and mental levels. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, looking for a unique date idea, or simply need to unwind together, this shared therapeutic time can have a profound impact on your relationship.
Shared Physical Relief
Life comes with its share of aches and pains, from stiff necks after a long day at work to sore muscles from a new workout routine. Going through this together can be a powerful experience. During a couples massage, you and your partner can address your individual physical needs side-by-side. As your respective therapists work to release knots and ease tension, you’re both embarking on a journey toward feeling better in your bodies. This shared path to physical relief creates a unique sense of mutual care and understanding, leaving you both feeling refreshed and renewed. It’s a wonderful way to support each other’s well-being through our diverse massage services.
A Deeper Emotional Connection
In our busy lives, it can be hard to find moments for quiet connection. A couples massage provides a serene environment where you can reconnect without saying a word. The simple act of relaxing together helps synchronize your moods and energy. Plus, massage therapy is known to release oxytocin, often called the “cuddle hormone.” This powerful chemical promotes feelings of bonding, happiness, and trust. As you both unwind, this natural boost can help you feel closer and more connected to your partner, fostering a sense of intimacy that lingers long after your session ends. It’s an experience designed to deepen your emotional bond.
Joint Stress Relief and Relaxation
Stress can easily build up and impact a relationship. A couples massage offers a powerful antidote by allowing you to de-stress in unison. As your massage begins, your body’s production of cortisol (the primary stress hormone) decreases, while levels of serotonin and dopamine—your natural “feel-good” chemicals—begin to rise. Experiencing this shift together in a calm, soothing setting helps break the cycle of shared stress. You leave not only feeling individually relaxed but also with a renewed sense of shared peace. This joint relaxation can reset your dynamic, making it easier to communicate and enjoy each other’s company away from the pressures of daily life.
A Stronger Relationship
Ultimately, the combination of physical relief, emotional connection, and stress reduction contributes to a stronger, more resilient relationship. A couples massage is a deliberate choice to invest in your partnership and prioritize shared wellness. It’s an opportunity to step away from screens, chores, and obligations to simply be present with one another. Sharing a quiet, restorative experience can increase feelings of affection and reinforce your bond. You’re not just getting a massage; you’re creating a positive, lasting memory together and reaffirming your commitment to caring for one another, body and mind.
Choose Your Massage Style
One of the best parts of a couples massage is that it’s a shared experience, but your massage styles don’t have to be identical. At Nola Bliss, we believe in creating a custom-tailored session that addresses each person’s unique needs. You and your partner can each select the type of massage that sounds best to you. Whether you both want to unwind with something gentle or one of you needs deep, therapeutic work while the other relaxes, you can mix and match to create the perfect session for both of you. Here are some of our most popular options for a couples massage.
Swedish Massage
If you’re picturing a classic, relaxing massage, you’re probably thinking of a Swedish massage. This style is perfect for first-timers or anyone simply looking to de-stress and feel rejuvenated. Your therapist will use long, smooth, gliding strokes and gentle kneading to release tension and improve circulation from head to toe. It’s a fantastic way to calm your nervous system and quiet your mind, making it a popular choice for couples who want to unwind together. Think of it as a gentle reset for your body and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Deep Tissue Massage
For those carrying more persistent tension or dealing with chronic aches, a deep tissue massage can provide significant relief. This technique focuses on the deeper layers of your muscles and connective tissues. Your therapist will use slower, more forceful strokes to target specific knots and problem areas. While the pressure is more intense than a Swedish massage, it should never be painful. It’s an incredibly effective way to address issues like a stiff neck, sore shoulders, or lower back pain, helping you and your partner leave feeling looser and more comfortable in your bodies.
Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy
Ready for something truly unique? Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy is our specialty and a client favorite. In this ancient technique with a modern twist, your therapist uses their feet to deliver what many call “the deepest, most luxurious massage on the planet.” Using overhead bars for balance and support, the therapist can apply deep, consistent pressure that feels incredible. It’s perfect for anyone who loves deep tissue work but wants a broader, more comfortable pressure that can’t be achieved with hands or elbows. It’s a powerful and deeply relaxing experience you won’t soon forget.
Hot Himalayan Salt Stone Massage
Take your relaxation to the next level by adding the soothing properties of Hot Himalayan Salt Stones to your massage. This isn’t your average hot stone massage. We use smooth, warm salt stones to gently exfoliate the skin while infusing it with 84 naturally occurring minerals. The warmth from the stones melts away tension in the muscles, allowing your therapist to work more deeply and effectively. It’s a wonderfully grounding and detoxifying enhancement that can be incorporated into any massage by hand or Ashiatsu session, leaving you feeling warm, refreshed, and utterly serene.
Customize with Enhancements
Your massage should be as unique as you are. We reject the one-size-fits-all approach and instead focus on creating a personalized experience. Beyond choosing your primary massage style, you can add enhancements like CBD oil for extra pain relief and anti-inflammatory benefits or the aforementioned Himalayan Salt Stones. You and your partner can discuss your individual needs with your therapists before the session begins to ensure you both get exactly what you’re looking for. This commitment to customization is what makes a couples massage at Nola Bliss a truly special and therapeutic experience.
How to Prepare for Your First Session
A little preparation can go a long way in making your couples massage a truly blissful experience. By taking care of a few small details beforehand, you and your partner can arrive ready to unwind and connect. Think of it as setting the stage for total relaxation. From discussing your goals to knowing what to expect when you walk through the door, these simple steps will help you make the most of your shared session.
Get on the Same Page with Your Partner
First things first, remember that a couples massage isn’t just for romantic partners—it’s a wonderful experience for friends and family, too. The key is to have a quick chat before you book. What does each of you hope to get out of the session? One of you might be craving a gentle, relaxing Swedish massage, while the other needs a deep tissue massage to work out some stubborn knots. Deciding on your individual goals ahead of time ensures you both get the therapeutic experience you’re looking for. It’s also a good idea to discuss whether you’d prefer to chat during the massage or enjoy the quiet time together.
What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)
You can pack light for this outing. We provide everything you need for a comfortable experience, including linens and a calm, quiet atmosphere. It’s best to leave valuable jewelry at home or in your hotel safe. The most important thing to bring is an open mind, ready to relax and let go of stress. While you’re focused on relaxing, remember that your therapists are dedicated professionals. It’s customary to tip for great service, so you may want to plan for that ahead of time to avoid any awkwardness after your wonderfully tranquil session.
Tips for a Smooth Arrival
We recommend arriving about 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This gives you plenty of time to use the restroom, fill out your intake forms, and start to decompress without feeling rushed. Once you’re checked in, you’ll be led to a private room where two massage tables are set up. Our couples massage sessions take place in the same room, allowing you to share the experience while each receiving a personalized treatment from your own dedicated therapist. Your therapists will step out to give you privacy to undress to your comfort level and get settled under the sheets on your respective tables.
Important Health Considerations
Your health and safety are our top priorities. Be sure to communicate any medical conditions, injuries, allergies, or areas of concern on your intake form and directly with your therapist. This information is confidential and allows us to tailor the massage to your specific needs, ensuring a safe and effective treatment. If you are pregnant, we offer a wonderful prenatal massage designed for your comfort. On that note, if either of you feels unwell on the day of your appointment, please give us a call to reschedule. It’s best for everyone’s well-being to enjoy your massage when you’re feeling your best.
Customize Your Perfect Session
A couples massage is much more than just getting a massage in the same room as your partner. It’s an opportunity for both of you to have a completely personalized experience, side-by-side. Forget the idea that you both have to get the exact same service. Maybe you’re craving a deep, therapeutic session to work out knots from a stressful work week, while your partner is looking for a gentle, relaxing massage to simply unwind. That’s not just possible; it’s encouraged.
The best massage studios reject a formulaic, one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, the focus is on you. Your session should be custom-tailored to address your unique needs and preferences on that specific day. This is your time to tune into your body and ask for what you need. By thinking through a few key details beforehand, you and your partner can co-create an experience that leaves you both feeling refreshed, reconnected, and completely cared for. The goal is for each of you to walk out feeling like you got the perfect massage for you.
Match the Massage to Your Needs
One of the biggest misconceptions about couples massage is that both partners receive the same treatment. The reality is that you can, and should, choose the massage style that best suits your individual body. If you’re dealing with chronic pain and need targeted relief, a Deep Tissue or Ashiatsu massage might be your best bet. If your partner simply wants to de-stress, a classic Swedish massage could be the ideal choice. You can explore all the different massage services available and decide together what makes the most sense for each of you. It’s the perfect blend of a shared experience and individual care.
Communicate Your Pressure Preferences
Your massage therapist’s number one goal is your comfort. But they aren’t mind readers! Communicating your pressure preference is the most important thing you can do to ensure you love your massage. “Deep” for one person might be “medium” for another, so don’t be shy about speaking up. Before the session begins, your therapist will ask what you prefer, but you should also feel empowered to give feedback during the massage. A simple “a little more pressure, please” or “that’s a bit too deep” makes all the difference. Your therapist will be happy to adjust their technique to make sure you’re comfortable and getting exactly what you need.
Pinpoint Your Areas of Focus
Do you carry all your stress in your neck and shoulders? Is your lower back aching from a long flight or too much time at a desk? Take a moment before your session to identify any specific areas of tension or soreness. Letting your therapist know where to focus their attention helps them use their time effectively to provide you with the most relief. You can also let them know if there are any areas you’d like them to avoid. This simple communication ensures your massage is targeted and effective, helping you get the most out of every minute on the table.
Plan for a Special Occasion
While a couples massage is a wonderful treat for any day, it’s an especially memorable way to celebrate a special occasion. Whether it’s an anniversary, a birthday, Valentine’s Day, or part of a New Orleans vacation, sharing this relaxing experience is a powerful way to connect. It’s a chance to put away your phones, quiet the outside world, and simply be present with one another. A couples massage is more than a gift; it’s a shared memory that promotes wellness and strengthens your bond, leaving you both with a sense of calm and connection that lasts long after you leave the studio.
How to Choose the Right Studio
Finding the right setting is just as important as the massage itself. The studio you choose sets the tone for your entire experience, from the moment you walk in the door to how you feel when you leave. A great studio prioritizes your comfort, health, and relaxation. When you’re sharing this experience with someone, you want to be sure you’re both in good hands. Look for a place that feels professional, welcoming, and dedicated to the art of massage therapy. This ensures your couples massage is a truly restorative and connecting experience, not just another appointment on the calendar.
Look for Qualified Therapists
The quality of your massage depends entirely on the skill of your therapist. Before you book, check out the studio’s team. Are the therapists licensed? How much experience do they have? A studio that proudly showcases its therapists’ credentials and experience is a great sign. At Nola Bliss, our team of therapists has, on average, over a decade of experience and a genuine passion for healing. An experienced professional can better understand your needs, apply the right techniques, and ensure a safe, effective session. Don’t hesitate to look for a studio that invests in highly trained therapists—it makes all the difference.
Check for a Professional Environment
Look for a studio that specializes in therapeutic massage rather than a general-purpose salon or hotel spa. Dedicated massage studios are designed for relaxation and healing, with a calm atmosphere and private treatment rooms. The environment should be clean, quiet, and professional. This focus on a therapeutic setting means the studio rejects a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, they offer custom-tailored services that address your specific needs and goals for the session. A professional environment shows respect for both the client and the craft of massage.
Ask These Questions Before Booking
A little research upfront can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. When you call or look online, have a few questions ready. Find out if they have a dedicated room large enough for a couples massage and if you and your partner can request different types of massages or pressure levels. It’s also a good idea to ask about their policies on talking during the session—some couples prefer silence, while others enjoy light conversation. Remember, a couples massage is a great experience for friends or family members, too, not just romantic partners.
Understand Pricing and Packages
Pricing for a couples massage can vary based on location, duration, and the type of massage you choose. Reputable studios will have clear, upfront pricing listed on their website, so there are no surprises. A 60-minute session can range from $80 to over $150 per person. Look for studios that offer good value, which doesn’t always mean the lowest price. Consider what’s included. Are there options to add enhancements to your experience? For example, adding Hot Himalayan Salt Stones can add a layer of deep relaxation to your session for a small additional fee.
Make Booking Easy
The process of booking your appointment should be simple and stress-free. A professional studio will typically offer a straightforward online booking system or a responsive person to speak with over the phone. This makes it easy to see available times, choose your services, and confirm your appointment without any hassle. While it’s always a good idea to book in advance, especially for a popular service like a couples massage, some studios may have same-day appointments available if you decide on a whim. A smooth booking process is often the first indicator of a well-organized and client-focused studio.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do my partner and I have to get the same type of massage? Not at all! In fact, we encourage you to each choose the service that best fits your individual needs. One of you might be in the mood for a gentle, relaxing Swedish massage, while the other needs the targeted relief of a Deep Tissue or Ashiatsu session. The beauty of a couples massage is that you get to share the experience of relaxing together while still receiving a completely personalized treatment.
Is it okay to talk during our session? This is your time, and you should enjoy it however you feel most comfortable. Some couples love to chat quietly throughout their massage, while others prefer to sink into a shared, peaceful silence. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. It can be helpful to have a quick chat with your partner beforehand to decide what vibe you’re going for so you can both fully relax.
What if one of us has never had a professional massage before? A couples massage is a perfect introduction to massage therapy. Having a friend, partner, or family member with you can make the experience feel more comfortable and less intimidating. Our therapists are experts at working with first-time clients and will take the time to explain the process, answer any questions, and make sure you feel completely at ease from start to finish.
How much privacy will we have? Your comfort and privacy are our top priorities. You and your partner will be in a private room. The therapists will step out to allow you to undress to your comfort level and get settled under the sheets on your respective tables. You will be securely draped with a sheet throughout the entire massage, with only the area being worked on uncovered. The therapists will knock before re-entering the room.
Can we request different pressure levels for our massages? Absolutely. Communication is the key to a great massage. Before your session begins, your therapist will ask about your pressure preference, but you should also feel empowered to give feedback during the massage. A simple “a little more pressure, please” or “that’s a bit too deep” makes all the difference. Our goal is for each of you to leave feeling like you got the perfect massage.
