Top Massage Spots in Amsterdam
The best Places to Relax and Unwind in the Dutch Capital
It is probably safe to say that Amsterdam is better known for its hedonistic attractions than its relaxing ones. However, the city has several top-class massage centers and spas that offer a wide range of treatments and, in some cases, stunning architecture. Whether you are looking to escape the cold weather or just want to take some time out, here is a list of the best places to visit.
Amsterdam Massage Center
Amsterdam Massage Center is a small concern near the Rijksmuseum, but has an extensive list of massages and treatments. These include Swedish, Ayurvedic, deep tissue, hot stone, cranio-sacral and Dorn Breuss massages. Shiatsu and chair massages (which do not require you to remove your clothes) and foot reflexology are also offered.
Weteringschans 121. Call +31 (0)20 427 8176 for an appointment and exact opening times.
Floating for Stress Relief
Koan Float also offers a good range of massages in modern, restful surroundings, including Swedish, Shiatsu, rebalancing, hot stone and Thai. Some lesser well-known massages are also available. These are Boja, which combines elements of classic Western massage with Eastern acupressure, and Esalen, a bodywork technique that uses long, tai'chi-like strokes to encourage deep relaxation.
As the name suggests, Koan Float also offers the unusual "floating" treatment in private tanks. The tanks are filled with highly salted water which buoys up the body, giving a feeling of weightlessness. The tank is warm and quiet and there are no external distractions. As a result, your muscles will gradually relax and your mind empty. This treatment is particularly nice on a cold day.
Herengracht 321. Open daily from 9.30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Call +31 (0)20 555 0333 to make an appointment.
Relaxation in Art Deco Surroundings
Sauna Deco is perhaps Amsterdam’s most beautiful spa and treatment center. Small and unprepossessing from the outside, in reality it is a large building, originally designed as an office in 1890 by the Dutch architect Hendrik Petrus Berlage.
What makes a visit here really worthwhile is the stunning art deco interior that gives the place its name. Almost all of the furnishings were salvaged in the 1970s from the Parisian department store Au Bon Marche, after the board of directors decided that the store needed immediate modernization.
The arched stained-glass windows, originally from the ceiling of the store, for example, are now panels in the walls around the lounge and splash pool; while the imposing wood and bronze staircase that leads up to the relaxation area used to take Parisian shoppers from one floor to the next.
Sauna Deco offers a smaller number of massages than Koan Float and Amsterdam Massage Center. These include Swedish, Shiatsu, hot stone and sports massages. However, this is compensated by a range of additional facilities, such as a Turkish steam bath, two saunas, splash pool, relaxation area, beauty salon, juice bar and terrace.
The spa also offers beauty packages. If you have the time, you can combine several of the treatments and make a day of it.
Herengracht 115. Go to the website for more details.
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Massages in Amsterdam
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