Lava Shells Massage

The aim is comforting warmth, not intense heat. Lava Shells are designed to generate and retain heat during the massage, and your therapist remains in control of how they're used throughout your treatment. We'll check your comfort and, if something feels too warm at any point, tell us straight away. Everybody experiences temperature differently, so we'd always rather adjust the treatment around you than expect you to tolerate something that doesn't feel pleasant.

We'll begin as we would with any massage: by talking to you about how you're feeling, what you'd like from the treatment and anything we need to know. Once you're comfortable on the treatment bed, your therapist combines hands-on massage with smooth, warmed Lava Shells, using their shape to glide and work across the areas included in your chosen treatment. The shells aren't simply placed on you and left there — they're used as part of the massage itself. If it's your first time, we'll explain what to expect before we begin so there's no need to arrive knowing anything about the treatment.

They share one obvious feature — warmth — but the tools and experience are different. Hot stone massage traditionally uses heated stones, whereas Lava Shells uses smooth shell-shaped massage tools with a self-heating system that allows them to maintain warmth during treatment. Their shape also allows the therapist to use different surfaces and edges as part of flowing massage techniques. If what attracts you is the idea of sustained warmth combined with massage, Lava Shells is well worth considering.

Yes. Although the shells are an important part of the treatment, this is still your massage. Pressure and focus can be adapted within the treatment, and we'll talk to you beforehand about what you prefer. Please also tell us during the massage if you'd like something changed. We don't expect you to lie quietly thinking “I wish that was a little lighter” for the next hour — feedback helps us make the treatment better for you.

Yes. The shells are used directly as part of the massage, gliding across the areas of skin being treated alongside your therapist's hands. You'll be appropriately covered throughout your appointment, with only the area being worked on uncovered. We'll explain what clothing needs to be removed for your chosen treatment and give you privacy to get ready before we begin.

Think about both where you'd like us to focus and how much time you want to give yourself. If your back, neck and shoulders are the main reason you're booking, the 45-minute treatment keeps the attention there. If you'd like the warmth and massage across the whole body, choose 60 minutes. And if you're booking because you want the most complete Lava Shells experience — and as much time as possible to switch off — the 90-minute Full Body + Head & Face treatment is the one we'd look at first.

Not necessarily, which is why we'll complete a consultation before treatment. Certain health conditions, injuries, changes in sensation, skin concerns or other circumstances may mean heat or massage needs to be adapted or isn't appropriate. Please tell us about relevant medical conditions, medication, recent procedures, injuries or changes to your health. If we're unsure whether treatment is suitable, we may recommend medical advice before going ahead. We'd always rather check than make assumptions.

Absolutely, provided the treatment is suitable for you. You don't need to “work up” to Lava Shells by having a traditional massage first. In fact, if warmth is something you naturally find comforting, you may find it a lovely introduction to massage. We'll explain what happens, give you privacy to get ready, check your comfort and pressure, and guide you through anything you need to know. Your first massage doesn't have to feel like entering a world where everybody except you knows the rules.