Which Massage Should You Choose in Amsterdam? Thai vs Deep Tissue vs Relaxation
- Natu Wellness
- 25 jun
- 6 minuten om te lezen
Written 25 june 2026 Natu Wellness & Beauty
If you're thinking about booking a massage in Amsterdam, you've probably noticed there are plenty of options. Thai massage, Deep Tissue massage and Relaxation massage are among the most popular, but each treatment has a different purpose. Choosing the right one depends on what your body needs.
Perhaps your neck and shoulders feel tight after working behind a desk all week. Maybe your legs are tired after walking through Amsterdam, or you're simply looking for an hour to unwind and escape the pace of everyday life.
In this guide, we'll explain the differences between the three most popular massage styles, when each one is recommended, and what you can expect during your appointment.
At Natu Wellness & Beauty, we've welcomed clients from Amsterdam and around the world for more than seven years. Our salon is located at Oude Hoogstraat 33, just a short walk from Dam Square, Nieuwmarkt and Amsterdam Central Station. With more than 700 verified reviews and an average rating of 4.7 stars, we're proud to provide personalised treatments in a calm and welcoming environment.
Which Massage Is Right for You?
If you're looking for a quick recommendation, this guide can help.
Choose a Relaxation Massage if you:
Feel stressed or mentally exhausted
Have difficulty sleeping because of tension
Want your first massage
Simply want to relax and recharge
Recommended duration: 60 to 90 minutes
Choose a Deep Tissue Massage if you:
Have pain in your neck, shoulders or back
Experience chronic muscle tension
Spend long hours sitting at a desk
Need recovery after exercise
Recommended duration: 60 minutes
Choose a Thai Massage if you:
Feel stiff throughout your body
Want to improve flexibility
Enjoy a complete full-body treatment
Have tired muscles after walking or cycling
Recommended duration: 60 to 90 minutes
Relaxation Massage
A Relaxation Massage is designed to help your body slow down and recover from the stress of everyday life.
Your therapist uses long, flowing movements with gentle to medium pressure to calm your nervous system and encourage deep relaxation. Rather than focusing on specific muscle complaints, this treatment helps your entire body unwind.
Many people choose a Relaxation Massage after a busy period at work or when they simply feel mentally drained. It is also an excellent choice if you've never had a massage before, as the pressure is gentle and the experience is easy to enjoy.
This massage is ideal if your goal is to reduce stress, improve sleep or take some time for yourself.
Deep Tissue Massage
A Deep Tissue Massage focuses on relieving tension in the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue.
Using slow, controlled pressure, your therapist works on areas where muscles have become tight or painful. This treatment is especially popular among people who work behind a computer, exercise regularly or experience recurring neck, shoulder or back pain.
Although the pressure is firmer than during a Relaxation Massage, it should always remain comfortable. Throughout the session, your therapist will adjust the pressure to match your preferences.
After a Deep Tissue Massage, it's normal to feel mild muscle soreness for a day or two. Many clients compare it to the feeling after a good workout. Once this disappears, muscles often feel looser and movement becomes easier.
Thai Massage
Thai Massage is a traditional treatment that combines massage techniques with assisted stretching and acupressure.
Instead of concentrating on one specific area, your therapist works on your entire body. Legs, hips, back, shoulders, arms and neck all receive attention during the treatment.
The stretches are gentle and always adapted to your flexibility. You don't need any previous experience or exceptional mobility to enjoy a Thai Massage.
Many clients leave feeling lighter, more flexible and surprisingly energised.
Thai Massage is an excellent choice if your whole body feels stiff or if you've spent several days walking, cycling or travelling.
Which Massage Do Our Therapists Recommend?
Every client is different, but after years of experience we've noticed some clear patterns.
People who spend most of their day behind a computer often benefit most from a Deep Tissue Massage because prolonged sitting commonly causes tension in the neck, shoulders and lower back.
Visitors exploring Amsterdam usually prefer a Thai Massage. Walking through the city and cycling for several days can leave muscles throughout the body feeling tired and tight.
Clients who mainly want to relax or who are booking their first massage almost always enjoy a Relaxation Massage. It allows the body to slow down naturally and provides a gentle introduction to massage therapy.
If you're unsure which treatment to choose, don't worry. Before every appointment, one of our therapists will discuss your needs and recommend the treatment that suits your body best. In many cases, we combine techniques to create a personalised massage.
For example, we may use Deep Tissue techniques on the back and shoulders while finishing the session with relaxing massage techniques for the rest of the body.
What Are the Benefits of Massage?
Massage offers more than a pleasant hour of relaxation.
Depending on the treatment, massage may help:
Reduce muscle tension
Improve circulation
Increase flexibility
Improve mobility
Support recovery after physical activity
Promote better sleep
Reduce everyday stress
Each massage style has its own strengths, but all are designed to help you feel more comfortable in your body.
Why Choose Natu Wellness & Beauty?
Our location in the centre of Amsterdam makes it easy to include a massage in your day.
We're located on Oude Hoogstraat 33, within walking distance of:
Dam Square
Nieuwmarkt
Amsterdam Central Station
Whether you've finished work, spent the afternoon sightseeing or are arriving by train, we're easy to reach.
We're open every day from 10:00 until 22:00, making it convenient to book a massage that fits your schedule.
Meet Our Therapists
At Natu Wellness & Beauty, every treatment is provided by experienced therapists who are passionate about helping people feel their best. We believe that every massage should be tailored to the individual, which is why we always take the time to understand your needs before the treatment begins.
Isabel
Isabel is a certified Thai massage therapist with more than four years of professional experience. She has also successfully owned and managed beauty salons for over seven years, both in Amsterdam and previously in Curaçao.
Her expertise in Traditional Thai Massage helps clients improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension and restore balance throughout the body. She combines authentic techniques with a warm and professional approach, creating treatments that are both therapeutic and deeply relaxing.
Isa
Isa has been part of the Natu Wellness & Beauty team for the past two years.
She is known for her caring personality, attention to detail and ability to tailor every treatment to the individual client. Whether someone is looking to reduce stress, relieve muscle tension or simply enjoy a relaxing massage, Isa creates a calm and comfortable experience from beginning to end.
Our Team
Alongside Isabel and Isa, our team includes experienced therapists with expertise in Relaxation Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Thai Massage and a variety of wellness treatments.
Together, they share one goal: helping every client leave feeling refreshed, relaxed and free from unnecessary tension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which massage is best for stress?
A Relaxation Massage is usually the best option if your main goal is reducing stress. If stress has caused significant muscle tension, particularly in your neck and shoulders, a Deep Tissue Massage may be more suitable.
Does a Deep Tissue Massage hurt?
No. The pressure is firmer than a Relaxation Massage, but it should never be painful. Your therapist adjusts the pressure throughout the treatment based on your feedback.
Is Thai Massage suitable for beginners?
Yes. Thai Massage is suitable for almost everyone. The stretches are always adapted to your flexibility and comfort level.
How long should I book?
For most people, a 60-minute massage provides enough time to fully relax while allowing your therapist to focus on the areas that need attention. If you want a more complete full-body treatment, 90 minutes is an excellent choice.
Can I walk in without an appointment?
Walk-ins are welcome whenever we have availability. If you'd like a specific therapist or appointment time, we recommend booking in advance.
Which massage is best after sports?
Deep Tissue Massage is often recommended after exercise because it focuses on deeper muscle layers and helps reduce muscle tension.
Book Your Massage in Amsterdam
Choosing the right massage doesn't have to be difficult. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, recover from physical activity or improve flexibility, our experienced therapists will help you find the treatment that suits your needs.
Visit Natu Wellness & Beauty at Oude Hoogstraat 33 in the heart of Amsterdam. We're open every day from 10:00 until 22:00.
Book your appointment today and experience the difference a professional massage can make.
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