A Guide For 1st Timers
What to expect at your
1st Thai massage
No jargon and no mystique. What actually happens, what you wear, whether it hurts and how it differs from the oil massage you may have had before.
The Short Version
Firm pressure, assisted stretching and optional oil
A firm, invigorating hour that sits close to deep tissue, with lots more assisted stretching to free up the hips, back and shoulders. Oil is optional, just let us know how you like it. Once you are warmed up, your therapist begins at the legs with steady pressure and stretches that leave you standing taller and feeling more flexible. A gentle head massage finishes things off beautifully. Brilliant if you feel stiff from sitting, driving or training and want to move freely again.
Your therapist adapts the pressure and assisted stretching to the comfortable range you have on the day, with or without oil as you prefer.
Compared with a flowing oil massage, this style feels more active because pressure and assisted movement are used together. Choose according to the treatment style you prefer rather than expecting a guaranteed result.
If none of that appeals and you simply want warm oil, a calm room and quiet, that is a perfectly good choice too and we offer aromatherapy and hot stone treatments for exactly that.
Step By Step
Your 1st visit, from the door to the street
Arrive 5 minutes early. We may be finishing with another guest, and 5 minutes gives you time to settle rather than arriving flustered. Tea is offered while you wait.
A short conversation. Your therapist asks what you do for a living, where you ache, whether you have any injuries, recent surgery or medical conditions, and how firm you like pressure. Tell her about anything, including things you think are irrelevant. It changes what she does.
Changing. For Thai massage, your therapist explains the treatment setup before you begin. You can choose with or without oil.
The treatment. We gently warm the whole body, work upwards from the legs and finish with a relaxing head massage. Talking is entirely optional, but speak up at any point about pressure, temperature or comfort.
Afterwards. You are given time to sit up rather than being rushed out. Notice how you feel before planning exercise or another demanding activity.
Honest Answers
The things people are too polite to ask
Will it hurt?
It should feel firm and purposeful, never painful. Say the word and pressure changes immediately. Some people notice mild next-day tenderness after firm work.
Do I have to talk?
No. Silence is completely normal and most guests prefer it. Speak up only about pressure, temperature or comfort.
What if I am not flexible?
Nobody is expected to be. Stretches are taken to your limit, not somebody else's, and your therapist works within whatever range you have that day.
What if I fall asleep?
That is completely fine. Your therapist will continue quietly unless they need to check pressure or positioning.
Am I too out of shape for this?
You do not need a particular level of fitness or flexibility. The treatment is adapted to your comfortable range on the day.
Is it appropriate to tip?
Tips are never expected. If you choose to leave a public review, please describe your own experience honestly.
Choosing
Which treatment should a 1st timer book?
Curious about Thai massage itself? Book 60 minutes of traditional Thai massage at £50. It uses firm work into tight muscles with more assisted stretching, and is the reason most guests find us.
A specific tight area? 30 minutes of head, neck and shoulder work at £30 spends the whole time where the problem is.
Prefer warmth to sustained pressure? Hot stone massage combines flowing massage with warm basalt stones.
Prefer a gentler pace and aromatic oil? Aromatherapy massage combines flowing massage with beautifully scented aromatherapy oils at light to medium pressure.
Want the full experience? Our 90 minute Deep Relief by Herbal ritual at £100 combines Thai technique, steamed herbal compresses, aromatherapy and head massage.
Still unsure? Call 07301 158604 and describe what is bothering you. We will tell you honestly which treatment fits, including when the cheaper option is the better answer.
Before You Book
When massage is not the right call
We would rather turn away a booking than accept a booking we should not. Massage is not appropriate if you have a fever or infection, are under the influence of alcohol, or have a fresh injury, an open wound or an undiagnosed lump. In those cases see a doctor 1st and come to us afterwards.
We do not offer massage to guests who are pregnant at any stage of pregnancy. That is a firm safety decision rather than a matter of convenience or paperwork.
If you are managing a condition such as diabetes, a circulatory problem, reduced skin sensation, osteoporosis, recent surgery or are taking blood thinning medication, tell us when you book. Often the treatment simply needs adapting, and occasionally we will ask you to check with your doctor before booking.
Nothing on this page is medical advice. Massage can ease muscular tension and help you relax, and it is not a treatment for injury or disease. If pain is severe, persistent, spreading or waking you at night, please see a GP or physiotherapist.
80 Google reviews
5.0 overall rating
What 1st time guests say
"Absolutely amazing. She is warm, welcoming and kind. I particularly enjoyed the Thai tea she makes whilst you are getting ready. The whole experience was relaxing and soothing. I will definitely be back!"
"60 minute hot oil massage. Massage was incredible, one of the best I’ve ever had. Walked in very tense, walked out a new woman!! Will definitely return and recommend."
Explore Further
Explore the treatments
Each page explains the technique, who it suits and exactly what happens.
Traditional Thai Massage
Thai massage in Yarm is very similar to deep tissue, with more assisted stretching. With or without oil. 60 minutes £50 or 90 minutes £75.
Hot Stone Massage
Warm basalt stones and oil soften tension without heavy pressure. Hands only head massage to finish. Hot Stone in Yarm, 60 minutes £65. Book online.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage in Yarm for focused work on muscular back and shoulder tension. Firm pressure adapted to your comfort. 60 minutes £50.
Aromatherapy Massage
Relaxing warm oil massage in Yarm with beautifully scented aromatherapy oils. Light to medium pressure. 60 minutes £60 on Yarm High Street.
Head, Neck & Shoulder
Focused head, neck and shoulder massage in Yarm for muscular tension around the upper body. 30 minutes £30 at Tara Spa. Book online.
Foot Massage
Focused foot massage in Yarm. A 30 minute treatment for £30 at Tara Spa. Book online.
Deep Relief by Herbal
Our signature 90 minute ritual in Yarm: Thai massage, steamed herbal compresses, aromatherapy oils and head massage. £100. Book online.
Couples Massage
Couples massage in Yarm: 16 options for 2 across 30, 60 and 90 minutes, from £60. Book Vagaro-listed services online; call for other treatments.
Explore Further
Where our guests travel from
Stockton-on-Tees
Traditional Thai massage in Yarm, around 12 minutes from Stockton-on-Tees. 60 minutes £50; hot stone £65. See the full Tara Spa menu and book online.
Middlesbrough
Traditional Thai massage at Tara Spa Yarm, around 15 minutes from Middlesbrough. 60 minutes £50, with hot stone and herbal rituals too. Book online.
Ingleby Barwick
Thai massage minutes from Ingleby Barwick on Yarm High Street. Hot stone and aromatherapy are also available. Rated 5.0 on Google.
Eaglescliffe
Thai massage near Eaglescliffe on Yarm High Street. Skilled therapists and a verified 5.0 Google rating. View treatments and book online.
Darlington
Traditional Thai massage and a 90 minute herbal compress ritual at Tara Spa Yarm, around 25 minutes from Darlington. Deep Relief £100. Book online.
Thornaby
Traditional Thai, deep tissue, hot stone and aromatherapy on Yarm High Street, around 10 minutes from Thornaby. Rated 5.0 on Google.
Norton
Traditional Thai, deep tissue, hot stone and aromatherapy on Yarm High Street, a short drive from Norton. Rated 5.0 on Google and open 7 days.
Come and try it properly
7 days a week on Yarm High Street. Reserve your 1st treatment online.
Book Your VisitNeed help choosing? 07301 158604