Frequently asked questions

Swedish massage is the classic Western style of massage. It uses long, flowing strokes, gentle kneading and rhythmic movements over the whole body to relax muscles, improve circulation and calm the nervous system. It is the ideal choice if you want to unwind, ease everyday tension or simply enjoy a peaceful hour of self-care.

Swedish massage typically uses light to medium pressure — firm enough to release tight muscles, but always relaxing rather than painful. Every body is different, so just say if you would like the pressure softer or deeper and Almarie will adjust throughout the session.

Most people feel deeply relaxed, lighter and clear-headed. Occasionally you may feel mild, short-lived muscle soreness the next day, similar to after gentle exercise — drinking water and resting helps. Many clients sleep especially well the night after a massage.

A hot stone massage uses smooth, heated basalt stones — a volcanic rock that holds warmth beautifully. The warm stones are glided over the body and rested on key areas, so the heat sinks deep into tired muscles. It is wonderfully warming and cocooning, and a lovely choice on a cold day or when tension is sitting deep and stubborn.

The deep, penetrating heat relaxes tight muscles faster than hands alone, eases stubborn knots in the back, shoulders and neck, and encourages healthy circulation. Many clients find it especially soothing for chronic tension and stiffness, and it leaves you deeply relaxed — often helping you sleep more soundly that night.

Not at all. The stones are warmed to a comfortable temperature that is always checked before they touch your skin, and your comfort guides the whole session — just let Almarie know if a stone ever feels too warm and she will adjust straight away. Performed by a trained therapist, hot stone massage is very safe and deeply relaxing.

A Swedish massage relaxes the body using the hands and long, flowing strokes. A hot stone massage adds heated stones, so the warmth penetrates deeper and muscles release more easily — which often means real relief with gentler pressure. If you love warmth and tend to carry deep tension, hot stone is a beautiful step up.

It is a gentle, deeply calming treatment designed to quiet a busy mind and body. Using slow, rhythmic strokes with extra focus on the neck, shoulders, back and scalp, it guides you out of 'fight or flight' and into deep relaxation — the ideal state for restful, restorative sleep. It is perfect if stress or a racing mind keeps you awake.

Massage calms the nervous system and lowers cortisol, your main stress hormone, while encouraging serotonin — which your body uses to make melatonin, the hormone that prepares you for sleep. By easing physical tension and gently shifting you into a 'rest and digest' state, a session helps you fall asleep more easily and sleep more deeply.

Yes — beautifully. A Swedish massage uses long, gentle, flowing strokes that calm the nervous system and lower cortisol, your stress hormone, while easing the muscle tension that often keeps you awake. Many clients say the night after a Swedish massage brings their deepest, most restful sleep — it is one of its most loved benefits.

The deep, soothing warmth of the heated stones is wonderfully sedating. It relaxes tight muscles, quiets a racing mind and gently encourages your body into the calm 'rest and digest' state that makes falling asleep easier. If stress and stubborn tension tend to keep you up at night, the added heat of a hot stone massage can be especially good for deeper sleep.

Late afternoon or early evening is lovely, as the deep relaxation carries you gently into the night. That said, the calming benefits build over time, so any time of day is worthwhile. Many clients book a regular session to keep stress low and their sleep settled and consistent.

Many people sleep beautifully the very first night. If you have struggled with stress or poor sleep for a long time, regular sessions — often weekly for a few weeks — give the best, longest-lasting results, which is exactly what the monthly packages of four massages are designed for.

You will be welcomed into a calm, private home-based studio in Eldoraigne, Centurion. Almarie will ask a few quick questions about problem areas, pressure preference and anything she should know. You then undress in private to your own comfort level and lie on the massage table, covered with a towel — only the area being massaged is uncovered at any time.

No — you undress only to the level you are comfortable with. Most people keep their underwear on. You are always covered with a towel except for the area being worked on, and your comfort and privacy come first at all times.

Swedish sessions are 60 minutes (R700) or 90 minutes (R1,000), while premium Hot Stone sessions are 60 minutes (R800) or 90 minutes (R1,100). Monthly packages of four massages are R2,500 (60-min Swedish) / R2,900 (60-min Hot Stone) or R3,600 (90-min Swedish) / R4,000 (90-min Hot Stone).

It depends on your goals. For general relaxation, once a month works well for many people. If you are managing ongoing tension or stress, weekly or fortnightly sessions bring the best results — which is exactly what the monthly packages of four massages are designed for.

Very little preparation is needed. Try to arrive a few minutes early so you can settle in, avoid a heavy meal right before your session, and drink water afterwards. If you have any injuries or medical conditions, mention them before the massage starts.

Massage is gentle and safe for most people. If you are pregnant, have a fever or infection, a recent injury or surgery, or a medical condition such as deep vein thrombosis or uncontrolled high blood pressure, please check with your doctor first and let Almarie know before booking.

The easiest way is the booking form on this website, which prepares a WhatsApp message with your details — just press send. You can also message or call the studio directly on +27 82 083 9989. The studio is open Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 18:00.