How to book a couples massage in British Columbia

A couples massage is two people receiving massage in the same room at the same time. Booking one takes more planning than booking a single session. You need two therapists, one room, and one time that works for both people. This guide walks through each step in order.

This guide does not give health advice. It covers planning and booking only.

What a couples session is

Massage List lists “couples” as one of eight session types. The label describes the setup, not the technique. Two people share a room, and each person has a therapist.

The technique is a separate choice. A couple can book relaxation, deep tissue, hot stone, or another style. For a plain description of each type, read types of massage sessions in British Columbia explained.

Places run couples sessions in different ways. Some use one room with two tables. Some use a larger suite. A therapist who works alone may offer a session for two people one after the other. That is not the same thing, so ask which one is on offer.

Decide what each person wants

Talk before you book. Answer these questions together:

• Do both people want the same style of massage?
• Does one person want a firmer or lighter touch than the other?
• Does either person want to focus on one area, such as the shoulders or the lower back?
• How long should the session be?
• Would either person prefer a quiet room with no talking?

Ask the therapist if each person can choose a different style or pressure within one booking. Many can. Some places sell a fixed package. Get the answer before you pay.

Choose a region

BC has six tourism regions: Vancouver Island, Vancouver Coast and Mountains, Thompson Okanagan, Kootenay Rockies, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, and Northern BC. Massage List sorts therapists by session type and by these regions. Pick the region where you will be, then look under the couples type.

Travelers can book near the place they are staying. Residents can book near home. Check the street address and the parking before you confirm, since some clinics and studios share a building with other businesses.

Ask about the setup

Send your questions in one message. These cover the setup:

• Will both therapists work in the same room?
• Are the tables side by side or apart?
• Is the room private, or do other clients share it?
• Is the session length the time on the table, or does it include getting ready and dressing?
• What time should we arrive?
• Is there a place to leave coats and bags?

Ask what each person wears and how draping works. Massage therapists cover the parts of the body they are not working on. Each person decides what to remove, and each person can say so at any point. A therapist will explain this at the start.

If either person feels uneasy about sharing a room, say so. Ask if the place offers two rooms for the same time slot.

Ask about price and payment

Prices differ across the province. Ask for the total in dollars and what it covers. Do not assume.

• Is the price per person or for both people?
• Is tax included?
• Is there a deposit?
• What happens if one person cannot come? Does the other person keep the booking?
• How long before the session can you cancel without a fee?
• How is payment made? Cash, card, e-transfer?
• Is a tip expected, and is it handled in person?

Keep the replies together. A written reply helps if the booking changes.

Check both therapists’ registration

Two therapists means two checks. Ask for the full name of each one. Then search each name on the public register kept by the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC. A business name does not cover the people who work there.

The steps are in how to check a massage therapist’s registration in BC. Massage List does not verify registration. The register is the source.

Booking a mobile couples session

Some therapists travel to a home, a rental, or a hotel room. For two people, that means two therapists and two tables. Ask these questions:

• Do the therapists bring tables, linens, and music?
• How much floor space do two tables need?
• Is there a charge for travel time?
• Do the therapists need a power outlet?
• Does the hotel or building allow outside service providers?

Clear a space before they arrive. Plan where each person will change and where the therapists can set down their supplies.

Booking a couples massage as a gift

Gift bookings add a few questions.

• Does the gift certificate have an end date?
• Can the person who receives it choose the date and time?
• Can they change the session type?
• Does it cover two people or one?
• Is it refundable, or can it be passed to someone else?

Ask for the answers in writing and pass them on with the gift. Tell the other person early so they can ask any questions of their own.

A message you can send

Copy this and fill in the blanks.

“Hello. We would like to book a couples massage for two people on [date] around [time]. We are looking for [session style] for [length of time]. Will two therapists work in the same room? What is the total price, and what does it cover? What is your cancellation policy? Please send the full name of each therapist so we can check the College register. Thank you.”

Before the session

A few things make the visit easier.

1. Confirm the date, time, and address a day ahead.
2. Arrive a few minutes early, since late arrivals shorten the session at many places.
3. Silence your phones.
4. Tell the therapist about any area you want avoided. This is a talk between you and the therapist.
5. Speak up during the session if the pressure, the room temperature, or the music needs to change.

If you have not had a massage before, read what to expect at your first massage appointment in BC. It covers the steps from check-in to payment.