Types of Massage & Spa Treatments, Explained

Dry Massage

A dry massage is exactly what it sounds like — a full body massage performed without oil or lotion. Instead, the therapist works directly with their hands using kneading, rolling and pressure techniques, sometimes through a light cloth, to release tension in the muscles.

Because there's no oil involved, a dry massage tends to use slightly firmer, more direct pressure than an oil massage, since there's no slick surface to glide over. It's a great option if you're short on time and don't want to shower afterward, if you dislike the feeling of oil on your skin, or if you're coming in on your lunch break and need to head straight back to work.

It's one of our most popular entry points for first-time visitors who aren't sure what to expect from a spa massage — it's simple, effective, and there's nothing to wash off after.

Oil Massage

This is the classic, full body massage most people picture when they think "spa." Warm oil is applied to the skin and the therapist uses long, smooth gliding strokes (effleurage), kneading, and gentle pressure to work through the muscles from head to toe.

The oil reduces friction, which lets the therapist use longer, more flowing strokes than a dry massage allows — the overall feel is smoother and, for many people, more deeply relaxing. It also leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated afterward.

Oil massage is a good all-rounder: it works well whether you want pure relaxation or you're carrying tension from sitting at a desk all day. Plan for a shower afterward, or pair it with our Steam or Sauna add-on to make a longer session of it.

Lotion Massage

A lotion massage uses the same gliding, kneading strokes as an oil massage, but with a moisturizing lotion or cream instead of oil. Lotion absorbs into the skin faster and leaves a much lighter finish — no oily sheen, no greasy feeling on your clothes afterward.

If you've tried an oil massage before and found it too slippery or rich for your taste, lotion is a nice middle ground: you still get the smooth, flowing massage technique, but with a fresher, drier finish and a light, moisturized feel on the skin.

It's also a comfortable option if you're planning to head somewhere right after your session and don't want to worry about oil marks.

Ayurvedic Massage

Ayurvedic massage draws on the traditional South Asian system of Ayurveda, which has been practiced for centuries across Nepal and India. Warm herbal oils are used, and the therapist applies rhythmic, flowing strokes along the body's natural lines, often with more sustained pressure than a standard oil massage.

Traditionally, the choice of oil and technique in Ayurveda is tailored to a person's individual constitution (their "dosha"), with the broader goal of promoting balance and overall wellbeing rather than targeting one specific muscle group. In a spa setting, this translates into a warm, grounding, full-body experience that many people find more holistic and ritual-like than a typical massage.

It's a lovely choice if you're interested in traditional wellness practices, or simply want a longer, more immersive treatment than a standard oil massage.

Olive Oil Massage

This full body massage uses olive oil as the massage medium instead of a standard massage oil. Olive oil is naturally rich and emollient, so it glides smoothly over the skin and is well known for its moisturizing properties — it's a favourite for people with dry skin, especially during Kathmandu's cooler, drier months.

The massage technique itself follows the same long, flowing strokes as our standard oil massage; what changes is the oil, and the noticeably soft, nourished feel it leaves on your skin afterward.

Coffee Massage

A coffee massage uses a coffee-infused oil or scrub as part of the treatment. It's popular for two reasons: the rich, energizing aroma of coffee is genuinely pleasant and mood-lifting for many people, and the fine texture of ground coffee gives a gentle exfoliating effect on the skin as the therapist works.

Coffee-based treatments are often marketed for their skin-brightening and invigorating feel — while we won't make specific clinical claims about long-term skin effects, most guests find it a genuinely different, sensory experience from a standard oil massage, and a nice option if you want your skin to feel smooth and polished afterward.

Mustard Oil Massage

Mustard oil massage is a traditional South Asian practice, especially popular in the cooler months. Mustard oil has a naturally warming quality on the skin, and many people in Nepal and India have grown up with it as a household remedy for soothing tired, cold, or achy muscles and joints.

The massage technique itself is similar to our standard oil massage — long strokes and kneading — but the mustard oil gives it a distinctly warm, slightly pungent character that many regulars specifically ask for, particularly during winter.

Note: mustard oil has a strong smell and can occasionally irritate very sensitive skin, so let your therapist know if you have skin sensitivities before booking this one.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage combines traditional massage strokes with smooth, heated stones (typically basalt, which retains heat well). The therapist places warmed stones on key points of the body and also uses them directly as massage tools, gliding them over larger muscle groups.

The heat from the stones helps the muscles relax more quickly than they would from touch alone, which often allows the therapist to work more deeply and effectively, especially on the back, shoulders and legs where tension tends to build up. Many guests describe it as feeling more intense and more deeply relaxing than a standard massage.

It's a great choice if you carry a lot of tension in your shoulders and back, or if you simply love the feeling of warmth during a massage.

Honey Massage

Honey massage is a distinctive technique where warm honey is applied to the skin, and the therapist uses a rhythmic pressing-and-pulling motion with their palms rather than the usual gliding strokes. As the hands press down and lift away, the honey creates a light, sticky "pull" on the skin.

This technique is rooted in Eastern European and Russian folk massage traditions. Honey is also a natural humectant, meaning it draws in and holds moisture, so many guests find their skin feels noticeably soft and smooth once it's cleaned off at the end of the session.

It's a completely different sensation from an oil or lotion massage — if you've tried everything else on our menu and want something new, this is worth experiencing at least once. It's also our premium full body option.

Head Massage

A head massage focuses on the scalp, neck and shoulders — exactly the areas that build up tension from hours at a desk, staring at a phone, or general daily stress. The therapist uses circular kneading motions on the scalp along with pressure-point work across the neck and shoulder muscles.

It's a great targeted option if you don't have time (or need) for a full body session but want real relief from tension headaches, neck stiffness, or general mental fatigue. Many guests also find it simply one of the most immediately relaxing treatments on the menu.

Foot Massage

A foot massage focuses on the soles, arches, heels and calves — the parts of your body that take the most punishment if you've spent the day walking, standing, or wearing shoes that weren't kind to you. The therapist works through the muscles of the foot and lower leg with targeted pressure and kneading.

It's a favourite for people on their feet all day for work, or after a long day of sightseeing or errands around Kathmandu. Like our head massage, it's a great option when you want real relief in a specific area without booking a full hour on your whole body.

Steam

Our steam treatment uses moist heat to warm the body and open the pores. Sitting in steam encourages sweating and gives the skin a deep, gentle cleanse, and the warm, humid air can be genuinely soothing if you're feeling congested or just want to unwind.

Steam pairs especially well with a massage — many guests use it to warm up their muscles beforehand (making the massage feel even more effective) or to relax afterward. It's included in two of our combination packages if you'd like to bundle it with a massage.

Sauna

Unlike steam, a sauna uses dry heat rather than moist heat. The dry warmth encourages your body to sweat and your muscles to loosen up, and many people find it a deeply relaxing way to unwind, especially after physical activity or a long, tiring week.

Some guests prefer sauna to steam simply because they find dry heat more comfortable than humidity — it's really a matter of personal preference. Like steam, it can be combined with a massage as part of our combination packages.

Waxing

Waxing is a hair removal method where warm wax is applied to the skin and then removed, pulling hair out from the root. Compared to shaving, it leaves skin smoother for longer, since hair takes longer to grow back when removed from the root rather than cut at the surface.

Duration and pricing depend on the area being treated, so let our therapist know what you'd like done when you book and we'll confirm the details with you directly.

Cleansing

Our cleansing treatment is a facial-focused service that removes dirt, excess oil and impurities that build up on the skin day to day. It typically includes a deeper cleanse than your regular face wash, leaving skin feeling fresh and clear.

It's a nice treatment to pair with a full body massage for a more complete spa visit — ask our therapist about combining the two when you book.