Do we have to get the same massage?

Not at all. You're side by side in the same room, but each of you gets your own therapist and your own treatment. One partner can have a gentle relaxing massage while the other goes for deep tissue — just tell each therapist what you'd like.

Is it awkward being in the room together?

Most couples find the opposite — it's calming to share the experience. The lights are low, the music is soft, and you can talk quietly or simply relax in silence. Many say it's the most unhurried time they've spent together in weeks.

Can we talk during the massage?

Yes, quietly, if you like — though many couples drift into a peaceful quiet within a few minutes. There's no rule either way; do whatever feels relaxing for both of you.

Is a couples massage romantic or intimate?

It's a professional wellness treatment shared in the same room, not a private space for intimacy. Hand-holding is perfectly fine; beyond that, the focus stays on relaxation so you both get the full benefit.

What should we do to prepare?

Arrive a little early, skip a heavy meal and alcohol beforehand, and stay hydrated. Mention any injuries or preferences during the quick consultation so each therapist can tailor the session.

Couples Massage: A First-Timer's Guide

A couples massage is one of the easiest ways to actually slow down together — no phones, no to-do list, just two people unwinding side by side. If it's your first time booking one, here's exactly how it works, when it's worth doing, and how to get the most out of the hour.

What a couples massage actually is

A couples massage is simply two people massaged in the same room, at the same time, by two different therapists. You each get your own treatment, tailored to you, while sharing the calm of the same candlelit space. As ClassPass puts it, the appeal is the shared experience — relaxation plus connection in one sitting.

A couples massage in a private candlelit suite — Two therapists, one calm room — you unwind together, but each session is tailored to you.

When a couples massage is perfect

Occasion	Why it works
Anniversary or date night	Shared, screen-free quality time
Reconnecting after a busy stretch	Forces you both to actually slow down
A first 'wellness' experience together	Low-pressure, deeply relaxing
Travelling / a hotel stay	An easy treat without planning a whole day out
A gift for two	More memorable than another object

How a first session flows

1
Arrive & settle
You're welcomed together, offered tea, and shown to the private suite to relax for a moment.
2
Quick consultation
Each of you mentions pressure preference, focus areas and anything to avoid — your treatments can be completely different.
3
Side-by-side massage
Two therapists work at the same time on separate tables, so you both begin and end together.
4
Rest together
A few quiet minutes with water afterward before you head back into your day, both pleasantly floaty.

Etiquette & tipping

The etiquette is simple and relaxed. A couples massage is a professional treatment shared in one room — hand-holding is lovely, anything more isn't part of the service. On gratuity, where it isn't included, standard tipping guidance is 15–20% per therapist, but it's always a thank-you rather than an obligation.

Communicate — separately

Because you each have your own therapist, speak up individually about pressure and comfort. Your partner's "perfect" might be too firm or too light for you, and the therapists genuinely want your feedback.

Get the most from it

Book a 90-minute slot if you can — the extra time is where the deep calm lands.
Silence your phones completely before you walk in.
Hydrate before and after, and keep the evening gentle afterward.

Ready to unwind together? Our Swedish Couples treatment is set in a private, candlelit suite — book for two across central Shanghai, with outcall available daily.