The best massages in London for men

By Zak Maoui

Getting a massage should be a simple task, but there are things you need to know. Like say, where to go if you want one that's going to cater to specific needs. Massage menus are often vast and can include a lot of jargon like “lava shells”, “ayurvedic” and "Therabody RecoveryAir", which can make it extremely hard to sift out the one that's right for you.

Guys who insist on lifting 40kg every morning before work will likely want one that's intense enough to iron out bench press-induced back knots. Men who spend 10 hours a day hunched over a laptop will probably do best with a mid-pressure massage to help their backs to level out. Meanwhile, guys who just want a bit of R&R away from the stresses of life will do good to have one that harnesses the power of essential oils.

So to help you out, we've tried, tested and reviewed some of the best massages for men.

The Bamford Grooming Department Edition 1 signature treatment has been specially created for guys who are always on the go. It's one for anyone who feels the stresses of modern life and then some. It is a combination of traditional Japanese massage (full of finger pressures and kneading), Swedish massage (long strokes combined with rhythmic tapping to relieve muscle tension), hot stones therapy, reflexology and an acupressure facial – applying pressure to specific points on the face.

Located at Bamford's Chelsea clinic, which is tucked away underground, the treatment encourages blood flow through the body, relieves tired muscles and pain, and reduces physical and mental stress. It's also really, truly relaxing. bamford.com

Cowshed's bespoke massage incorporates the soothing effects of heated lava shells to release tension, boost circulation, and encourage gentle detoxification of the body. Lava Shells, which are harvested in the Philippines, are the world’s first self-heating massage tools - the heat is produced by inserting a lava gel sachet and activator liquid into each shell. Your masseuse uses the shells to ease aches and stiffness, reduce swelling and water retention, and to aid mobility, working them over palms, arms, feet and legs in slow movements. A lava shell massage might not be the best for guys with serious backache, but it'll definitely do wonders for mid-level tension. cowshed.com

Handmade in a lab in Tuscany, Seed To Skin products combine all-natural ingredients which are ethically sourced or wild-foraged from land and sea. But you don't need to travel to Italy to indulge in them. Seed To Skin has launched at The Carlton Jumeirah Tower in Belgravia, and the Cocoon Massage is an exceptional head-to-toe treatment that delivers all the good stuff. It begins with a gentle body brush exfoliation to stimulate the lymphatic system, which is followed by a tension-melting warm candle massage (quite literally having candle wax rubbed into your back) and skin-restoring body wrap which is rich in argan oil, shea butter, and vanilla rose extracts. While being cocooned, you'll also be given a mini facial. Great for unwinding, great for men who don't have time to jet to Tuscany. jumeirah.com

Haeckels' full-body treatment uses a variety of techniques to release deep tension from the body. The in-house therapist will use a combination of manual massage techniques and hot basalt stones (typically sourced from riverbeds, the stones have a rich iron content that retains heat) to alleviate tightness in the body. The heat from the stones relaxes and softens the muscles, boosting circulation whilst classic massage techniques target held tension in the body. haeckels.com

Deep beneath Hyde Park Corner there's a hidden secret: the Lanesborough spa. A maze of tunnels in which there's a pool, fitness space and spa. The best bit? The Tata Harper massage rooms. There you can indulge in a full body massage, which uses Tata Harper's all-organic products, such as its sunflower and olive oil body scrub, to fully unwind away from the noise above. Each massage incorporates a scrub and two body masks into it, giving you a full cleanse. Next comes an intense massage that uses palm leaves that won't just sort out your aches and pains, but will leave your skin with a healthy glow. lanesboroughclubandspa.com