The Best Massages in Melbourne To Relax & Recharge

Whether you’re feeling a little stiff, want to bliss out for an hour, or just because – there’s nothing quite like a massage to soothe, calm and recharge. From relaxation to remedial, gentle to vigorous, zen to sports, Melbourne offers a wealth of options for weary bodies, that can be found in some of the city's most achingly (in a good way) beautiful day spas or must-try fitness and wellness centres. 

Here is our edit of the best massages in Melbourne for when you need the touch of expert hands. Go on, you deserve a little me time. 

Ma Saj 

This brand new design-led massage studio in Carlton North combines ancient methods of self-care for modern overwhelm. Ma Saj was founded by partners Kate Cawley and Sonya Galenson, who were drawn to an aesthetic that felt more like a cosy wine bar or restaurant as opposed to the modern and often clinical feel of many other massage studios. Nostalgic and warm feelings abound, allowing you to slip into a sense of calm the moment you step through the door. 

As for the massages themselves? Experience a massage collection of hypnotising oils, sounds and body work to expand the mind and uncoil the body. Ma Saj's treatments are designed by qualified remedial massage therapists to be a remedy for muscle tension, pain, overwhelm and stress - and they're some of the best massages in Melbourne. 

635 Nicholson Street, Carlton North

Willow Urban Retreat

This one-stop-shop for wellness takes a holistic approach to medium, hosting fitness classes, naturopaths and even a nutritious on-site café. After giving it your all at one of their yoga classes, why not treat yourself to a restorative massage at Willow Urban Retreats' spa? Their professional therapists will soothe tension, both physical and emotional, using personalised oil blends that calm your mind and nervous system.

1203 High Street, Armadale

Relinque

Rediscover your inner bliss with the help of the nimble hands at Relinque Urban Retreat and Spa. Their massages will send you on a sensory journey that melts away all your worldly cares. From beautifully appointed treatment suites you can treat yourself to their signature massage incorporating firm, flowing strokes and acupressure points, or opt for deep tissue, relaxation or hot stone massages depending on your needs. You can even add on facial, scalp, foot and hand therapies, or a steam and ice to wake you right up.

19 Upper Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe

Alba Thermal Springs

It’s easy to see how they spent $90 million building the lush wellness precinct that is Alba Thermal Springs, from the beautifully landscaped native bushland to the dozens of geothermal, botanical and cold plunge pools for dipping in. There’s also over 20 spa treatment studios offering rituals, facials, hammam floats and some of the best massages this side of Melbourne. Dive into massages with names like ‘feminine lullaby’, ‘elemental balance’, ‘Vedic warrior’ and ‘herbal healer’ that draw on both modern and ancient techniques to soothe all that ails you.

282 Browns Road, Fingal

Peninsula Hot Springs

These award winning hot springs are a must visit on any trip to the Mornington Peninsula. You’ll instantly recognise their highly Instagrammed hilltop pools, which overlook 360-degree views of Fingal’s farmlands. After taking a dip in their mineral-rich waters, rebalance with a package at the Peninsula Hot Springs spa. Choose massages that relax and refresh, or go for full body yinga and hot stone massages that stimulate the senses. 

140 Springs Lane, Fingal  

Aurora Spa & Bathhouse

Located within the newly revamped Hotel Continental, Aurora Spa & Bathhouse has instantly become a hit with those accustomed to luxury. The gorgeously designed subterranean bathhouse invites you to bathe, sweat, and relax, and there’s no better way to follow up a calming soak than a masterfully-delivered massage. Their menu ranges from percussive power massages that deeply target muscles and soft tissue to restorative Himalayan sound and stone passages that unblock congestion and nourish the skin with minerals. However you choose, each session starts with a grounding mindfulness practice to put you in the ideal headspace.

23 Constitution Hill Road, Sorrento 

Sense of Self

This calming studio located above Sense of Self’s bathhouse is a contender for the best massages in Melbourne's inner-north. Within a serene space on the upper levels of a converted warehouse, guests can immerse themselves in Sense of Self’s modern wellness philosophies. The business was inspired by a desire to ensure guests can reconnect with their bodies and find the time and space to indulge in some healthy hedonism.

30-32 Easey Street, Collingwood

Crown Spa

The indulgent pampering doled out by Crown Spa will iron out even the most stressful of weeks.  Zen out in dreamy treatment suites and let the experts take control. Their signature Blissful Marma massage uses long, firm and flowing movements to relieve tension while drawing on Ayurvedic principles to balance your chakras and align your energy centres. The 90 minute session includes a powerful facial marma massage that uses potent aromatics to reduce anxiety and renew you with positive emotions.

8 Whiteman Street, Southbank

Sakura Lounge

A dreamy Japanese oasis hidden within the city chaos, Sakura Lounge brings a touch of Eastern zen to Melbourne’s CBD. Warm, inviting and steeped in character, the traditional Japanese interiors are a welcome escape from the bustling laneways outside. De-stress and heal your body with one of the many treatments on offer – the hot stone massage is a must-try. For those looking to make the most out of their health insurance, Sakura Lounge offers rebates for remedial bookings. 

8/10 Warburton Lane, Melbourne

Body Freedom Day Spa

These days we can customise just about anything so why would our massages be any different? Located in a 1850s hosiery mill in the heart of South Melbourne, Body Freedom Day Spa's opulent interior spans three levels. Open fireplaces and ultra-high ceilings set the tone for a one-of-a-kind relaxation experience. No seriously, every treatment is tailored to your individual needs, so feel free to name it after yours truly. 

392 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne

Sensu Spa

In need of some serious TLC? This Japanese-inspired day spa has just the thing. From relaxation and aromatherapy to Reiki and remedial (rebates offered), settle in for one of the best massages in Melbourne. For the ultimate de-stress, look no further than Sensu’s Float Away Package which pairs their signature shiatsu massage with 60 minutes of serene solitude inside their float tanks.

570 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Urban Leopard

For when a soft touch, candles and essential oils just won’t cut it – the therapists at Urban Leopard have created a specially formulated cream made of beeswax, cocoa butter and coconut oil that makes the connective tissue underneath the skin extra malleable, allowing them to shape it into more pain-free positions. Here they do myotherapy, which goes beyond typical massages and strategically targets pain points, so you can rest assured that even the most stubborn of knots will be kneaded loose.

42-44 Moreland Road, Brunswick East

Norbu Urban Retreat

Norbu sees massage and relaxation as an essential component of a balanced life. In this appropriately named ‘urban retreat’, you’ll find everything from hot stone to relaxation to remedial massages, with each option as calming and relieving as the last. Afterwards, you’re encouraged to try their Detox Box – a soothing infra-red sauna that increases circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system.

30/32 Swan Street, Cremorne 

Skin Day Spa

Nestled away from the everyday chaos of busy St Kilda, Skin Day Spa is a study in serenity (and a particularly chic one at that). Here the team of expert therapists bring a relaxed energy to their practice that will have you feeling at peace in no time. Their deep relaxation massage draws on Balinese-inspired techniques to calm the mind and alleviate fatigue.

147 Chapel Street, St Kilda

Lancemore Mansion Hotel and Spa 

First, there’s the location – an oasis of calm hidden within the breathtaking heritage Lancemore Mansion Hotel. Then, there’s the massage. Achy, tired bodies will love the spa’s deep tissue massage, which works the pressure points around your body whilst easing you into a state of pure meditation. The easy 30 minute drive from the CBD is well worth it for one of the best massages in Melbourne.

Escarpment Road, Werribee South 

Endota Spa Brighton Beach

Encouraging you to consider your wellbeing as a priority rather than a treat, Endota Spa was designed as a haven to escape life’s everyday stresses. From your welcoming cup of herbal tea to your expertly handled candle-lit massage, here you’ll experience a sensory journey with transformative results. Offering some of the best massages all throughout Melbourne, our favourite location in charming Brighton comes complete with beachside views.

242 The Esplanade, Brighton

Milk & Honey Remedial Massage

The minute you enter the lovingly put together, sun-drenched studio at Milk & Honey you’ll be sure to feel some of that tension begin to fade away. A combination of relaxing spa-quality massage combined with remedial techniques ensure that as well as leaving calmer, you’ll likely exit feeling looser and a little lighter too.

Level 1, 285 Victoria Street, West Melbourne

Whether you need to tend to some nagging aches and pains, nourish the skin with aromatherapy or just need an excuse to turn your phone to do not disturb, make the most of our lineup of the best massages in Melbourne. Looking for a head to pamper? Be sure to check out the best day spas, facials and nail salons. for a day of total opulence.