There’s nothing like a massage to give your body a break from the stresses of city life.
From deep-tissue fixes for desk-bound backs to slow, restorative treatments designed to help you properly switch off, Manchester is packed with expert therapists ready to work out the knots and melt the tension away.
Looking to really switch off? If one treatment isn’t enough, take a look at our guide to the best spa breaks in Manchester for full-day and overnight escapes that go way beyond a quick massage.
Quick picks: Best massages in Manchester
Ninispa
Our top pick for a full-body reset in Manchester, the experience at Ninispa starts the moment you walk through the door. After a warm welcome by the friendly team, head into the treatment room and marvel at all the special finishing touches like hangers for your clothes, a heated reclining massage bed and oils from GMT Beauty, a natural and eco-friendly cosmetic line.
Choose from bliss-inducing treatments including their revitalising full body treatment, invigorating deep pressure massage, and our personal favourite, the Nina signature massage – a freestyle tissue treatment followed by hot stones. After your massage, head to the Tea Room where a warm cup of herbal brew will wake you up from your daze.
Where? Ninispa, Block 6, Spectrum, Blackfriars Road, Manchester, M3 7BS.
How much? £68.40 to £126.
Book it: ninispa.co.uk
Manchester Queer Massage
Credit: Jona Frain
A safe and relaxing space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to melt into pure massage bliss, Manchester Queer Massage can help you reverse the effects of your 9 to 5. Whether you opt for a Swedish massage, a shorter break session (great for doing in your lunchtime) or special Desk Escape treatment – this will make your ergonomic chair and laptop riser look like child’s play.
Each massage is personalised to your own aches and pains. If you’re guilty of spending too long hunched over your laptop, one of the friendly therapists will focus on your lower back, neck and hands. If you’re on your feet all day, any tight quads will be targeted. As well as great massage therapists, the team are also great listeners – so feel free to vent about your day.
Where? Manchester Queer Massage, Peter House, Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 5AN.
How much? £35 to £55.
Book it: manchesterqueermassage.com
Lotus Thai Spa
Masters of all types of Thai massage, Lotus Thai Spa is your best bet for an authentic experience in Manchester. Take note of the beautiful Thai cloth patterns on the bed while your body is stretched out during a traditional treatment, or cry tears of joy as your therapist glides their elbows between your shoulder blades with a deep tissue massage.
For something a little more tranquil, try their Thai herbal compress massage. It uses a heated herbal pouch with a blend of traditional herbs to relieve pain and tension. Alternatively, float to heaven with the four-hand Thai massage where two therapists work together on your body to ease away all your aches and pains, and leave you feeling blissfully relaxed.
Where? Lotus Traditional Thai Massage and Spa, 58 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JU.
How much? £30 to £90.
Book it: lotusthaimanchester.com
Nu U Therapy
Nu U Therapy mixes holistic healing with restorative massage styles, offering nurturing treatments like deep tissue massage, Reiki and somatic therapy. Here, it’s as much about looking after your mental health as your physical. Before you start… Before you start, there’s the chance to talk through any emotional issues affecting your body, and later, yoga stretching is brought into your massage.
Their aromatherapy massages are the best in Manchester. In-house therapist Sarah Bell will mix up a personal blend of oils based on your favourite scents. But if you want to make the most of your time, try the total chakra cleanse. It combines a full body Swedish and scalp massage, with an aroma-blend facial and balancing reflexology to promote the full healing of your chakras.
Where? Nu U Therapy operates from two home studios, one in Old Trafford and one in the city centre. Location confirmed on booking.
How much? From £30 to £120.
Book it: nuutherapy.co.uk
Sarisin
If you haven’t worked out what your favourite massage is, Sarisin is the perfect place to experiment. Their treatments will take you around the world from Sweden to Thailand, without leaving Manchester. Their expert therapists also offer janjira hot candle treatment, foot reflexology and an incredible deep tissue massage – not for the faint-hearted!
At Sarisin, it’s easy to relax from the get-go. Despite the smaller building size, the waiting area is adorned with plants, traditional Thai motifs and Buddhist ornaments. Inside the treatment rooms, the mix of Manchester’s iconic exposed brick walls and beautiful exotic pillows and silks help you lie back and relax while your therapist works their magic.
Where? Sarasin Spa, 4 Bradley street, Manchester, M1 1EH.
How much? £37 to £150.
Book it: sarasinmassagespa.co.uk
