What Is a Couples Massage & What to Expect
- A couples massage is two people getting massaged simultaneously in the same room — you don't have to be a romantic couple.
- You do not have to get the same treatment. Each person gets their own therapist and their own consultation.
- Arrive 15–20 minutes early — many spas include complimentary access to saunas, pools, or steam rooms with your booking.
- Add-ons like hot stones, aromatherapy, and CBD oil can be different for each person — ask when you book, not on the day.
- Couples massage deals on Groupon regularly start from $60–$100 for both people combined.
You've probably heard of a couples massage, but if you've never booked one you likely have a few questions. Do you have to get the same treatment? Can you talk? Is champagne actually a thing? What does "arrive early" mean in practice?
We spoke with Monica Jaso — director of spa operations at Swissôtel Chicago's Spa 42 and a licensed massage therapist since 2008 — to get answers straight from someone who has guided thousands of couples through the experience. Everything below comes from that conversation. If you're also exploring what type of massage to book, our complete guide to types of massage covers all the options.
What Actually Happens During a Couples Massage
The setup is simpler than people expect. Two tables, side by side in the same room. One therapist each. You both have your own consultation before the session, and the massage runs simultaneously — typically 60 or 90 minutes.
💡 Popular add-ons to ask about when booking:
Add-ons can be different for each person. Some require preparation time, so ask when you book rather than on the day.
Your Questions Answered
No — and this is probably the most common misconception. Each person gets a full individual consultation, which means different focus areas, different pressure, and a completely different massage style if you want.
"Usually people have individual wants and needs for their own bodies. Someone might have shoulder tension; someone else might have just had ankle surgery and want attention on their legs. If one person just wants to relax, Swedish is probably enough for them. If the other person wants a more therapeutic treatment, then by all means, get the deep tissue, get the sports massage. Don't limit yourself."
— Monica Jaso, Director of Spa Operations, Spa 42 at Swissôtel Chicago
Not at all. The "couples" label refers to the format — two people, one room — not the relationship. Friends, sisters, mothers and daughters all book couples massages regularly. The only thing that matters is choosing someone you can actually relax around.
"There's been more platonic pairs than I would have expected. The most important thing is just choosing someone you can really relax and enjoy the experience with."
— Monica Jaso
Technically yes — but it's worth having a conversation about this before you go in. Talking disrupts relaxation for both people, and not everyone is on the same page about it.
"One time, this married couple came in. Twenty or thirty minutes in, they're nice and relaxed, and all of a sudden you hear her call out, 'Honey? How are ya feelin'?' And you can see his shoulders raise up, and she's like, 'How ya feelin' over there?' And he just chuckled and said, 'Well, I was until you opened your big mouth!'"
— Monica Jaso
He wasn't bothered — but not everyone is that patient. Agree beforehand on staying quiet once you're in the room. You can always catch up after.
"Eating beforehand is OK, but do it at least an hour before so you're not lying on a full belly. And don't have a massage at six o'clock and then make a dinner reservation for 7:30, because then you're rushing to get there and you're not going to enjoy that nice, relaxing massage you just had."
— Monica Jaso
Build in time after the session to stay relaxed. If you're making an evening of it, book dinner somewhere nearby with a later reservation rather than immediately after.
Possibly — many spas include it with couples packages or offer it as an add-on. If it matters to you, ask when booking. One note worth passing on:
"If you do drink afterward, it can hit you a lot faster because your circulatory system is going a lot quicker. A little alcohol is OK, but make sure you drink plenty of water too."
— Monica Jaso
How to Get the Most Out of Your Booking
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1Arrive 15–20 minutes early
Most spas include complimentary access to saunas, steam rooms, pools, or lounges with treatment bookings. Arriving early gives you time to use them — and lets you actually arrive relaxed rather than rushing in from outside.
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2Fill in the intake form carefully
Mention any injuries, health conditions, or areas of tension. This isn't just paperwork — it genuinely changes how the therapist approaches your session.
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3Request your preferred pressure and focus areas
During the pre-session consultation, be specific. "Medium pressure on my shoulders, lighter on my legs" is more useful than "medium." If the pressure feels wrong during the massage, say so — therapists adjust constantly.
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4Stay hydrated before and after
Drink water before your session and straight after. This is especially important if you're having a deeper treatment like deep tissue or hot stone.
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5Tip each therapist individually
In the U.S., 15–20% per therapist is standard. If you booked through Groupon, tip is calculated on the pre-discount value of the service — factor that into your budget when booking.
$150
Find Couples Massage Deals Near You
Couples massage is one of the most discounted spa categories on Groupon — spas regularly offer 30–50% off for new customers, and the savings are highest on 60- and 90-minute bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a couples massage?
A couples massage is when two people receive massages simultaneously in the same room, each with their own therapist on separate tables. It's the shared experience that defines it — not the relationship between the two people. Friends, siblings, and mothers and daughters book couples massages just as often as romantic partners.
Do you have to get the same massage in a couples massage?
No. Each person gets their own consultation and can request a completely different style and focus area. One person can have a relaxing Swedish while the other gets deep tissue work on a specific problem area. Most spas actively encourage you to customise individually.
How much does a couples massage cost?
A 60-minute couples massage typically costs $140–$250 for both people combined ($70–$125 each), depending on the spa and location. Through Groupon, couples massage deals regularly start from $60–$100 for both — typically 30–50% off the standard rate.
Is it weird to get a couples massage with a friend?
Not at all. Plenty of platonic pairs — friends, sisters, mothers and daughters — book couples massages. The "couples" label just means two people in the same room. Choose someone you can genuinely relax around and it works perfectly.
Should you talk during a couples massage?
It's best to keep conversation minimal. Talking disrupts relaxation for both of you and for the therapists. A quick check-in at the start is fine, but once the massage is underway, staying quiet tends to make the experience significantly better for everyone in the room.
What should you wear to a couples massage?
For Swedish or deep tissue couples massages, you'll undress to your comfort level and be covered by a sheet throughout. Loose, comfortable clothing is ideal for getting changed easily. If you're doing a clothed treatment like shiatsu or Thai as a couple, wear comfortable clothes you can move in.
Can you add extras to a couples massage?
Yes. Most spas are happy to add aromatherapy, hot stones, or CBD oil to either or both sessions. Add-ons can be different for each person. It's worth asking when you book rather than on the day, as some require advance preparation.
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