Warmed basalt stones used as part of the massage; sixty minutes £68, ninety £95
Hot stone massage
Smooth basalt stones warmed in water to a safe temperature and used as an extension of the therapist's hands: placed along the back to soften the muscles, then glided over them in long, warm strokes. Deeply relaxing, and lovely in winter. Sixty minutes £68, ninety £95.
The warmth of the stones lets the muscles soften faster than hands alone, so the massage feels deep without much pressure. It is the treatment people book in January and come back for every January after.
The stones are smooth basalt, heated in a stone heater to a temperature we check with a thermometer and with our own skin before they touch yours. Some are placed on the towel along your back while we massage your legs; others are held in oiled hands and glided over the muscles in long strokes, turned and changed as they cool.
Sixty minutes covers the back, legs, arms, neck and shoulders. Ninety minutes adds stones under the palms and between the toes, and a slower finish. If a stone ever feels too hot, say so and it is gone in a second.
Hot stone massage is not suitable during pregnancy, with diabetes that affects the feeling in your skin, with varicose veins in the areas being treated, or on sunburn. We ask about these first.
What is included
- Basalt stones heated and checked
- Stones placed and glided in the massage
- Warm oil and warm towels
- Ninety minutes adds palms and feet
- Health questions first
- Tea after, no rush
What it costs
Sixty minutes £68; ninety minutes £95. The menu has every massage at sixty and ninety minutes; the voucher builder makes any of them a gift.
Questions about hot stone
Can the stones burn?
They are heated in water to a controlled temperature and checked before they touch you, and they are always moving or on a towel. If anything feels too hot, say so; it is removed straight away.
Is it deep?
It feels deep because of the warmth, with only moderate pressure. If you want real depth, deep tissue is the better choice.
The next free time is on this website.
Sixty minutes from £58, ninety from £82, Monday to Saturday and until nine on Thursdays. Pick an hour on the book page up to two hours ahead, or build a gift voucher and we post it the same day.