What a full body massage includes here
Full body means exactly that. The therapist works the back and shoulders, the neck, both arms and hands, the back and front of both legs, the feet, and finishes with the scalp and face if you like. Warm oil lets the hands glide in long, slow strokes that warm the muscles and settle the nervous system. Pressure is light to medium by default and adjusted the moment you ask.
You are covered with a sheet throughout and only the area being massaged is uncovered. If you prefer we skip the face, the feet or any other area, say so when the session starts.
The order of the session
- Face down first: back, shoulders and neck, usually the areas that need the most time
- Legs and feet: the back of the legs and the soles, then you turn over
- Face up: front of the legs, feet, arms and hands
- Finish: shoulders, neck, scalp and face, with slow strokes to end the session calm
- Your choice: ask for extra time on a sore area and less elsewhere
How long should a full body massage be?
Sixty minutes is enough for the whole body at a steady pace, with the back getting the most attention. Ninety minutes gives every area real time and nothing feels rushed; it is the length we suggest if you are undecided. Two hours lets the therapist slow right down and return to the back and shoulders at the end.
At the spa in Plaza Río Segundo, 15 minutes from SJO Airport, a 60-minute relaxation massage is $40 / ₡20,000, 90 minutes is $60 / ₡30,000 and 120 minutes is $80 / ₡40,000. At your hotel, Airbnb or home the same sessions are $80, $110 and $140 (₡40,000, ₡55,000 and ₡70,000), travel included, nothing to add.
When to choose deep tissue or the combination instead
A full body relaxation massage is the right choice when you want to unwind, sleep better or simply feel good from head to toe. If you have specific knots, a stiff neck from flying or a lower back that aches after long drives, deep tissue massage works those areas with firmer pressure, forearms and elbows; see our back, neck and shoulder page. The Best Combination sits in between: full body with oil, firmer work where you need it and Thai stretches for the hips and legs.