Couples Massage Styles: Swedish, Deep Tissue & More

A couples massage isn’t just a luxury. It’s a shared moment of care that helps both partners feel more relaxed, in sync, and supported. It’s often used as a way to celebrate milestones, create space for quality time, or simply take a break from the pressures of everyday life. But beyond the calming atmosphere, the type of massage you choose can play a big role in what you both get out of the session.

Some styles use long, gentle strokes that encourage full-body relaxation, perfect for winding down together. Others apply more targeted pressure to relieve muscle tension or physical discomfort, ideal if one or both of you deal with stress, soreness, or post-workout tightness. And then there are techniques that incorporate stretching or rhythmic movements, which can energise the body and restore balance.

By understanding the different types of couples massage available, you’ll not only feel more confident in what you’re booking but also get the results you’re actually looking for, whether it’s deep rest, better recovery, or closer connection.

What Are the Main Types of Couples Massage?

Couples massage can take many forms, depending on your goals, comfort level, and preferences. Whether you’re seeking deep relief from sore muscles or simply looking to share a quiet moment of calm, there’s a style that suits your needs. Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular types offered by mobile massage therapists on Blys.

These massage styles offer more than just physical benefits. Choosing the right one can improve sleep, reduce mental stress, enhance emotional connection, and promote better body awareness. For couples who have different needs, such as one partner dealing with soreness while the other wants to relax—it’s also possible to request two different styles within the same session.

Explore the calming and mood-boosting benefits of essential oils in our Aromatherapy Couples Massage Benefits blog.

Swedish Couples Massage

Swedish massage is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly massage styles—and for couples, it offers a shared experience that’s both soothing and restorative. This technique focuses on long, gliding strokes, circular movements, gentle kneading, and light tapping, all delivered with light to medium pressure. The goal is to calm the nervous system, ease surface-level muscle tension, and promote a full-body sense of ease.

When enjoyed together, a Swedish couples massage becomes more than just a physical reset. It helps create a peaceful environment where both partners can slow down and reconnect, making it an ideal choice for those who want to bond while letting go of stress.

What makes it ideal for couples:

• Encourages synchronised relaxation in a shared setting
• Uses techniques that are gentle yet effective for circulation and tension relief
• Ideal for massage first-timers or those sensitive to firm pressure
• Creates a calm space for emotional and physical release

Backed by research:

• Studies have shown Swedish massage can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) by up to 31% and increase serotonin and dopamine levels, which support improved mood and relaxation.
• Also linked to increased lymphocyte count, indicating support for the immune system.

It’s no surprise this is the most booked couples massage on Blys it’s gentle, versatile, and a perfect starting point for couples new to massage.

Looking for a calming way to reconnect? Swedish couples massage delivers comfort and connection in one relaxing session.

Deep Tissue Couples Massage Targeted Relief Together

Deep tissue massage offers a more focused, therapeutic approach compared to gentler styles like Swedish massage. It uses firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and fascia, making it highly effective for releasing chronic knots, improving mobility, and addressing long-standing tension.

As a couples experience, it’s ideal for those who want more than just relaxation. Sharing a deep tissue massage allows both partners to benefit from targeted care while still enjoying the comfort and connection of being side by side. It’s particularly well-suited for couples with active routines or high physical demands.

This massage is best for couples who:

• Experience muscle soreness or stiffness from workouts or physical labour
• Spend long hours at a desk or on their feet
• Prefer stronger pressure that addresses deeper muscle tension

What to expect during and after the session:

• A more intense sensation compared to relaxation massages
• Focused work on areas like the back, neck, shoulders, or legs
• Possible mild soreness afterward, which typically fades within a day or two
• Long-term benefits such as improved posture, flexibility, and reduced tension

Scientific research supports its effectiveness. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that deep tissue massage reduced both blood pressure and cortisol levels after just one treatment.

Need deeper relief? Book a mobile deep tissue couples massage with trusted therapists through Blys.

Thai Massage For Couples Who Want to Stretch

Thai massage offers a uniquely energising experience, blending acupressure, assisted stretching, and rhythmic movement to restore the body’s natural flow and flexibility. Unlike traditional oil-based massages.

This style is performed fully clothed on a padded mat, allowing for greater range of motion and dynamic movement. It’s often described as “passive yoga,” thanks to the way the therapist gently moves your body through a series of guided poses.

For couples, it’s not just about unwinding—it’s about reawakening the body. If you’re both feeling tight, mentally foggy, or low on energy, Thai massage offers a powerful way to reconnect while improving physical wellbeing.

What makes Thai massage unique:

• Performed on a floor mat while fully clothed—no oils or lotions used
• Involves assisted stretching that mimics yoga movements
• Therapist applies pressure using palms, elbows, knees, and feet
• Helps release tension while promoting energy flow through the body’s meridian lines
• Sessions are structured yet adaptable to your body’s flexibility and comfort level

Ideal for couples who:

• Feel stiff, sluggish, or physically drained
• Prefer an active massage over a purely relaxing one
• Want to improve flexibility, posture, and joint mobility
• Enjoy yoga, Pilates, or movement-based recovery methods

Research shows that Thai massage can significantly enhance joint function and circulation. One study found it comparable in effectiveness to physical therapy for lower back pain, improving both range of motion and perceived energy levels.

If you and your partner are looking to feel more mobile, balanced, and energised, Thai massage is a refreshing change from the usual.

Lomi Lomi Massage: A Healing Hawaiian Experience for Two

Lomi Lomi is a Hawaiian massage technique that offers more than physical relief—it’s a nurturing experience that helps release emotional tension, restore balance, and strengthen connection. For couples, it creates a space to slow down, tune in, and reconnect on a deeper level.

• Flowing, wave-like movements: Lomi Lomi is known for its long, continuous strokes that flow across the body using the therapist’s forearms and elbows. The rhythm mimics ocean waves, promoting deep relaxation and a sense of harmony.
• Holistic and intuitive touch: Unlike massage styles that focus on isolated muscles, Lomi Lomi treats the body as a whole. Movements are intuitive rather than clinical, creating a more fluid, nurturing experience from head to toe.
• Emotional support and stress release: This style isn’t just about easing tension—it’s also about helping you feel emotionally lighter. Lomi Lomi can support emotional release, especially during times of change, grief, or stress.
• Ideal for couples needing reconnection: Whether you’re going through a transition or simply feeling distant, this massage offers a safe space to reconnect and be present with one another. It’s especially powerful for couples who value mindful, intentional experiences.
• A meditative, grounding experience: Lomi Lomi often incorporates breathwork or intention setting, which helps quiet the mind and ground the body. It’s not about pressure—it’s about presence.

Want to explore more? Read our blog on the Benefits of Lomi Lomi for Emotional Release to learn how this healing style supports connection and wellbeing.

Discover how couples massage can deepen your connection and strengthen your relationship in our couples massage strengthens relationships blog.

Aromatherapy Couples Massage

Aromatherapy couples massage combines the power of essential oils with gentle massage techniques to create a deeply relaxing and restorative experience. By engaging both touch and scent, it enhances relaxation while supporting emotional and physical wellbeing.

Key features of aromatherapy massage include:

• The use of essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, chamomile, or peppermint, chosen based on your desired effects
• Enhancing mood and mental calm through the scent’s impact on the brain’s limbic system, which governs emotions and memory
• Supporting better sleep and reducing stress by promoting relaxation and easing anxiety

This style is often layered onto a Swedish or other gentle massage, making it a perfect sensory experience for couples seeking both tactile and aromatic benefits. The combination helps deepen relaxation and creates a soothing environment to unwind together.

Choosing the Right Style

Selecting the perfect couples massage style is about more than just preference—it’s about matching the experience to your physical and emotional needs, as well as clear communication with your partner and therapist.

Physical needs come first 

Consider what your bodies require. Are you looking to ease muscle tension or soreness? Do you need to improve flexibility or recover from physical strain? For example, deep tissue massage is great for chronic tension, while Swedish or aromatherapy massages are better suited for relaxation and light muscle relief.

Emotional goals matter just as much 

Couples massage isn’t only about physical benefits—it’s also about connection. Think about whether your priority is to bond, relax deeply, or uplift your mood together. Some massage types, like Lomi Lomi or aromatherapy, focus more on emotional balance and creating a calming environment.

Open communication sets the tone 

Before booking or during your session, talk with your partner and your therapist about your expectations, preferences, and any concerns. Sharing your comfort levels and goals ensures a personalised experience that both of you will enjoy.

To help you prepare, check out our guide on Tips on Preparing for a Couples Massage at Home. It offers practical advice to get the most from your shared experience.

Choosing the right couples massage style makes all the difference—helping you relax, reconnect, and feel renewed together.

Relax Together, Your Way With Blys

Couples massage supports both your individual wellbeing and your connection as a pair. Whether you prefer gentle relaxation, deep muscle relief, or emotional healing, the key is choosing what feels right for both of you.

You don’t need to be perfect what matters most is being present and open to the experience together. Massage creates a calming space to unwind, reduce stress, and reconnect.

Feel closer and more refreshed by booking a couples massage tailored to your needs. With Blys, you can enjoy a convenient mobile massage at home, designed just for you.