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While there are plenty of shady massage parlours in Delhi, there are also some excellent and reputable wellness clinics that offer therapeutic massage. As a Delhi resident, I have had a chance to try or at least visit all of these. They are all professional massage parlours in Delhi that are known for wonderful service.
Best Legitimate Massage Parlours in Delhi: Quick List
If you are in a hurry, here is a quick list of the very best authentic massage parlours in Delhi:
- Sawadhee Traditional Thai Massage – independent (not hotel affiliated) massage parlour
- Kairali Ayurvedic Centre – ayurvedic massage centre
- Chi, The Spa – hotel spa (at Shangri-la Eros)
The Best Legitimate Massage Parlours in Delhi
Tattva Wellness
Tattva Wellness is one of the most trusted spa brands for massage in India. They offer a full range of traditional and healing massages including Swedish, deep tissue, aromatherapy and ayurvedic. You’ll find Tattva Wellness in Lemon Tree, Courtyard by Marriott and Radisson brand hotels in Delhi. Prices start at INR 3,500 for 60 minutes.
Sawadhee Traditional Thai Massage
This is probably the best legitimate massage parlour in Delhi that is not a in luxury hotel. Located in Vasant Kunj (south west Delhi, not far from the airport) the spa is beautiful and spotlessly clean. You can have a traditional Thai, deep tissue, hot stone or sports massage. Prices start at INR 3000 for 60 minutes.
Pocket C-9, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
Kairali Ayurvedic Centre
This is one of India’s most trusted ayurvedic wellness brands and they have the best ayurvedic massages in Delhi. Kairali uses herbal oils, scrubs and specialty muslin poultices filled with rice, seeds and powdered pulses in a variety of massages, each one targeting specific ailments, such as headaches, obesity and diabetes. The Abhyangam is their most popular massage – a whole body massage with herbal oils. Prices start at INR 3000 for 60 minutes.
Kairali Ayurvedic Centre, D-130, Ambedkar Colony, Mehrauli, New Delhi
The Lodhi Spa
The Lodhi Spa is an exceptional spa, and I would expect nothing less as it’s located in one of Delhi’s most prestigious hotels, The Lodhi. This could very well be the best hotel spa in Delhi.
The spa itself is a serene oasis of tranquility, but where they really outshine the competition is in their exhaustive list of massage therapies. You can get everything from Swedish deep tissue to sports, to lymphatic drainage massages plus a long list of ayurvedic massages. The Lodhi Spa also has a traditional Turkish style hammam with separate sections for men and women. Hamman treatments include the vigorous massage/soapy scrub down Turkish hammans are famous for. Prices start at INR 7500 for 60 minutes.
The Lodhi, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
https://www.thelodhi.com/the-lodhi-spa/
Imperial Hotel Spa
Delhi’s most beautiful heritage hotel has an equally beautiful spa. The Imperial Hotel Spa offers traditional, Thai, Balinese, hot stone and fitness massages. Bespoke oils are used in the treatments which rely heavily on ayurvedic principles. All of this in a gorgeous Moroccan inspired space, full of Mughal and Indian decorative accents. Prices start at INR 5000 for 30 minutes.
If you time your massage for the early afternoon, you can enjoy the afternoon tea buffet in the Atrium restaurant (Thursday to Sunday, 3:00 – 6:00 pm) and tour the renowned art collection in the lobby and hallways after.
Janpath Lane, Connaught Place, New Delhi
https://theimperialindia.com/wellness/spa-therapies/
Chi, The Spa
Located at the Shangri-La Eros Hotel, Chi, The Spa is an oasis of quiet luxury in the heart of Delhi. Treatments include deep tissue, Asian, Balinese, Ayurvedic and hot stone massage therapies. The spa is one of the largest in Delhi, spread over 20,000 square feet and it oozes quiet, subdued elegance. Prices start at INR 6000 for 60 minutes.
19 Ashoka Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi
https://www.shangri-la.com/newdelhi/erosshangrila/health-leisure/chi-the-spa/
What are the different kinds of massages?
There are so many different styles of massage, how do you know which one is right for you? All of these massage parlours in Delhi offer different types of massage, and each one has different health benefits.
Swedish Massage
This is probably the most popular massage type and what some spas refer to as ‘traditional.’ It uses different techniques such as effleurage (stroking), friction (rubbing), petrissage (kneading) and tapotement (rhythmic chopping). Pressure will vary from light to firm. It’s one of the best massages to reduce tension and anxiety.
Hot Stone
Basalt stones are heated and applied to the body with hot oil. The massage therapist will glide the stones along the body and then rest them on the back, palms, feet and stomach. This is one of the best massages for total relaxation and is sometimes used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Cold stones are occasionally used to soothe irritated skin.
Deep Tissue Massage
Sometimes referred to as a sports massage, this one is great for anyone with tight muscles. Deep layers of muscle and surrounding tissue are targeted by using short, slow strokes and strong pressure from the therapist’s thumbs, forearms and elbows to break up tight, knotted muscles.
Shiatsu Massage
In Shiatsu massage the therapist uses their fingers, palms, elbows and sometimes feet to apply pressure on specific points or channels of the body. It is done through clothing and does not use oils. Shiatsu is an ancient and traditional massage therapy from Japan. Shiatsu massage can eliminate tension, reduce muscle and joint pain, and improve flexibility.
Thai Massage
A Thai massage is a bit like a hatha yoga session where your therapist does most of the work. Thai massage focuses on stretches and is often done on a mat placed on the floor. You’ll probably keep you clothes on for this one (some spas provide loose shifts) so make sure you wear something loose and comfortable. This is great massage to reduce stress and boost energy levels.
Balinese Massage
Aromatherapy is an important part of a Balinese massage and will use a liberal amount of essential oils. This style of massage uses stretches, reflexology, acupressure, kneading, stroking and skin rolling. It’s kind of like a combo massage, incorporating different elements from many styles of massage. Expect your therapist to use deep pressure to get into muscles and knots. This type of massage is great for boosting energy and can help alleviate sports injuries.
Abhyanga Massage (Ayurvedic)
This is the most common ayurvedic massage. Warm herbal oil is liberally used to massage the entire body (including scalp). This is not so much a deep tissue massage, but a gentle massage with light pressure meant to boost the body’s energy flow. Benefits are improved sleep, reduced stress and lower blood pressure.
Pinda Sweda (Ayurvedic)
Pinda Sweda is a massage with muslin poultices (called khizi) that are rubbed over the body. The pouches are filled with herbs, powdered pulses, seeds and rice, then soaked in herbal oil. This type of massage is ideally done by at least 2 massage therapists, one on each side. It’s ideal for anyone suffering from back pain, arthritis, muscular or soft tissue pain.
How is Ayurvedic massage different?
India is the birth place of ayurvedic medicine so it makes sense that massage parlours in Delhi offer different ayurvedic massages. But how is an ayurvedic massage different from a traditional massage?
The key difference is the liberal use of oil. In a traditional massage, oil is used to help with massaging the skin, in ayurvedic massage, the oil is an integral part of the therapy. The oil is heated and always herbal. An ayurvedic massage is a lighter touch, meant to clear energy channels and dislodge toxins. It’s a bit like getting a facial on your whole body. Benefits are improved energy and better sleep.
How can I tell if it’s a reputable massage parlour in Delhi?
Like I said, there are a lot of seedy massage parlours in Delhi. So how can you be sure the one you are going to is legitimate and professional? These are good indicators:
- not open late at night
- exterior windows are not covered over
- entrance is well marked and not down a back alley
- uses a proper in-take form to check for health concerns
- very clean
- the reception area is well lit
- staff are dressed professionally
How should I get ready for a massage?
- don’t eat 1 hour before a massage
- don’t drink alcohol before a massage
- wear loose, comfortable clothing
- arrive 10-15 minutes early
- don’t be afraid to speak up about your preferences (intensity of massage, music or no music, temperature of room)
- bring a head band or hair elastic for long hair
- don’t wear perfume or use heavily scented products before a massage
What should I wear for a massage?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Most spas provide robes and towels, and it’s absolutely up to you how much clothing you want to remove for a body massage. While not ideal, a massage therapist can work around bra straps, t-shirts or jogging pants.
If you prefer keeping your clothes on, opt for massage styles like Shiatsu or Thai massage, which are usually done fully clothed.
Should I tip after a massage?
If you are pleased with the service, it is customary to tip your massage therapist. 10-20% is standard.
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