Perhaps you have been meaning to book a massage for months. A friend swears by them, your shoulders keep reminding you, and yet something holds you back. What do I wear? What if it hurts? What if I do something wrong?
These are the questions almost every first-time guest asks us, usually quietly, at reception. So here is everything, in order, from the moment you book to the moment you walk back out onto Al Fassel Road.
Before you book: choosing a treatment
You do not need to know massage terminology. If you are unsure, a 60-minute full body massage is the safest first choice: warm oil, light to medium pressure, head to toe. It is predictable and easy to adjust.
If the idea of undressing is what worries you most, a traditional Thai massage is done fully clothed, in loose clothing we provide.
When you book, by phone, WhatsApp or online, tell us:
- your preferred treatment and length
- any therapist preference
- anything about your health we should know: pregnancy, recent injury, allergies, skin conditions
That is all. You do not need to prepare anything else.
The day of your massage
Eat lightly. A big meal right before lying face down is uncomfortable. A light snack an hour or two before is ideal.
Leave a little time. Rushing in from the car park keeps your shoulders up for the first ten minutes. Aim to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
Come as you are. No special clothing needed. Shaving or waxing is unnecessary before a massage.
At Olive Spa, take the lift or stairs to the 1st Floor of V Hotel Fujairah and follow the signs to reception.
The consultation: two minutes that matter
You will fill in a short form and your therapist will ask a few questions: how firm you like the pressure, which areas feel tight, anywhere you would like them to avoid, and anything about your health.
This is your chance to set the tone. Useful things to say:
- “It’s my first massage, so I’d like medium pressure to start.”
- “My shoulders are tight, but please avoid my feet.”
- “I’d rather not talk during the massage.”
There are no wrong answers.
Undressing and draping
Your therapist shows you to a private room, explains how to lie on the table (usually face down first), then leaves the room while you undress. You undress only as far as you are comfortable. For oil massages, disposable underwear is provided.
You then lie under a sheet or towel. When the therapist knocks and comes back in, you are fully covered. During the massage, only the area being worked on is uncovered: your back, then one leg, then the other, and so on. It is covered again before they move on.
This is called draping, and in a professional spa it is never optional. If anything ever feels uncomfortable, say so. The session pauses immediately.
During the massage
The first touch is usually a still hand on your back for a moment. Then the strokes begin, slow and broad to start with.
A few things that are completely normal:
- Your mind wanders. It takes most people ten minutes to really settle.
- Your stomach rumbles. It happens as you relax. Nobody minds.
- You fall asleep. That is a compliment to your therapist.
- You feel a “good ache” on tight spots. That is fine. Sharp pain is not, so say “lighter.”
Halfway through, you will be asked to turn over. The therapist holds the sheet up so you stay covered while you move.
Speaking up: the most important skill
If there is one thing to remember, it is this: you are in charge of your massage. Therapists cannot feel what you feel. They rely on you to tell them.
Simple phrases work best:
- “Lighter, please.” / “A bit firmer.”
- “Could you spend more time on my shoulders?”
- “I’m a little cold.”
- “Could you skip my feet?”
After the massage
When the session ends, your therapist leaves so you can rest for a minute and get up slowly. Lightheadedness is common if you stand too fast.
Then: dress, shower if you like (especially after an oil massage), drink some water, and take a moment in the relaxation area. Many guests sleep very well that night.
A quick checklist
| Before | During | After |
|---|---|---|
| Book and mention health details | Breathe slowly | Get up slowly |
| Eat lightly | Say “lighter” or “firmer” when needed | Drink water |
| Arrive 10–15 minutes early | Ask for changes any time | Plan an easy evening |
Ready for your first one?
A first massage should feel like being looked after, not like a test. Choose a full body massage, or tell us how you feel and we will suggest something. Massages at Olive Spa start from AED 120 for 60 minutes. Book online, call +971 54 594 0701 or +971 50 271 8276, or message us on WhatsApp (+971 50 271 8276).
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