Salford’s NiniSpa has been a real star in the wellness industry for a couple of years now. We’ve featured it before on our top massage service picks, and it’s high time to spotlight it again for its great aromatherapy experience!

What’s different this time? Well, not a lot, actually, as NiniSpa’s facilities and services have been consistently brilliant since our last visit.

The spa is spotless, the massage therapists are absolute rock stars, and it’s both calm and inviting all at the same time.

NiniSpa’s aromatherapy sessions are exceptional, especially the “deep pressure” massages using aromatic oils from its partner, GMT Beauty – and our most recent experience confirmed it.

Overall, the therapists at NiniSpa are highly skilled in all treatments. Just note that this level of service comes at a premium price.

To help keep costs down, you can always grab a spa membership with a set number of sessions, rather than paying for each one individually.

Flawless relaxing experience

“I just had the best massage of my life at Nini Spa [sic]! The masseuse was incredibly professional and skilled, ensuring every moment was relaxing and rejuvenating. The facility was spotless, creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere. From start to finish, the experience was flawless. If you’re looking for a clean, professional, and deeply relaxing spa experience, I can’t recommend Nini Spa [sic] enough. I’ll definitely be back soon!”

Luca De Falco, Google Review

Impressive quality service

“Best massage in Manchester! A little oasis found in Blackfriars. Friendly staff, relaxing vibes & quality massage. I felt like my therapist knew my body and what it needed. Very impressed! Will be coming back.”

Emily Brown, Google Review

If you’re after a Thai massage experience that’s as close to Bangkok as you’ll get in Manchester, Arokaya in Chorlton is the place to be. 

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by friendly staff, and the waiting area’s bright yet sophisticated décor instantly put us in a zen-like mood.

Arokaya specializes in various types of massage therapies, including Thai, TokSen, Sports, and Swedish. It’s rather brilliant – you can have a novel experience or target different areas of the body with each visit.

What makes Arokaya’s service quality truly authentic are the massage therapists themselves – they’re actually Thai! 

A snag, through, is that the level of communication with your therapist might depend on their fluency in English. It’s a bit of a niggle, but we know the management is working on it.

Nonetheless, even if some things get lost in translation, a great smile from you after a rejuvenating aromatherapy massage says it all, doesn’t it?

Place to go back to

“This is the best place for a Thai massage that I found so far in Manchester. Ive [sic] been to other places but nothing compared to this. The owner is very friendly and helpful, always up for a good chat. The Thai masseuse was great and knew exactly where it hurts. She focused on the back and neck which is where I needed it, however you can tell them how strong you want the pressure to be and also which area to focus on. Will be back”

Alex B, Google Review

Massage tailored to you

“Even when I moved away from Chorlton this is still the place I go back to after trying others. Massively recommend. Tailor massage to your needs well. Shout out to Kat as well on the front desk who makes arrival easy and friendly.”

Chris Regan, Google Review

NU U THERAPY isn’t your typical bricks-and-mortar massage and spa; it’s a holistic wellness hub that goes beyond location, connecting wellness enthusiasts with a network of experienced, independent therapists around Manchester.

Intrigued by this rather unique approach, we gave NU U a whirl by booking an in-person lymphatic aromatherapy massage session with their top therapists, Sarah.

The one-hour session at Sarah’s HQ in Old Trafford flew by, leaving us feeling completely refreshed. Her expert massage techniques, combined with the rejuvenating scent of essential oils, worked wonders – even clearing up my sinuses, which had been stuffy all week!

Sarah’s massage area and studio was cosy and inviting – we couldn’t ask for more. However, since NU U operates as a network rather than a single location, you might need to visit different places (or even a session online!) if you fancy trying another therapist.

Wonderful aromatherapy massage

“I had an Aromatherapy massage by Fede, and it was wonderful. After I told her about my body situation, she really did take special care of my arms and shoulders. Her massage skills and technique are very good, and I could fully relax my entire body there. The essential oil smelled great. It was a very good experience.”

Katherine Kwok, Google Review

Such a relaxing time

“Can’t recommend enough! Went for a Pure Bliss Aromatherapy massage and had such a relaxing time today with Sarah, she’s very welcoming and makes you feel very comfortable. Haven’t had a massage with such good environment. She make [sic] sure you get the full treatment, the music and the incense is a plus for a deep relaxation. A must and need to be back soon! Thank you so much ♡”

Sofia Goncalves, Google Review

Aromathai Spa in Whitefield is as straightforward as spas come. The facilities and decor are simple, yet they exude quality – it’s easy to get comfortable here.

The cleanliness is immediately noticeable, and the gentle aroma of essential oils soothes your senses even before your aromatherapy massage even begins.

As for the aromatherapy session itself, we were awed. The expert massage techniques combined with the therapeutic aromas of essential oils truly helped relieve the knots and tension in our shoulders and backs. 

The massage therapists are dedicated to your relaxation – you can request a softer or firmer pressure, and ask them to concentrate on your problem areas. In the end, the skilled hands of the therapist left us feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

We just hope this great experience continues on our next visit; every place has the odd off-day, doesn’t it? Perfectly understandable.

Every visit was amazing

“I’ve visited Aromathai on a few occasions now and every visit has been amazing. I highly recommend the aromatherapy massage.”

Jodie L James, Google Review

Calming aromatherapy

“Relaxing Aromatherapy massage offered by very friendly Joy. Calming and relaxing atmosphere. Very clean and staff is very friendly.”

Georgiana Propescu, Google Review

Andy at Equilibrium Massage Therapies is a one-man team with over 15 years under his belt. He’s helped countless folk find some much-needed stress relief through his expert massages and holistic treatments at his home-turned-massage-and-wellness centre in Stretford.

One of the best things about Andy’s cosy little hub is his dedication to understanding his clients’ aches, pains, and wellness goals.

He takes the time to properly listen before providing the most suitable treatments, which we very much appreciate. No need to worry about the clock ticking before you’ve even got on the couch, like we did – the session only starts when the massage begins, so relax and enjoy the chat!

A 50% deposit is required when booking at Equilibrium Massage Therapies to avoid no-shows. Perfectly understandable, as it keeps things running smoothly.

We’re absolutely chuffed to have discovered this place. The service is simply sublime. Andy’s qualifications in Swedish and Indian massages really shone through during our aromatherapy session, and like his other clients, we can’t wait to go return!

Worth the monthly visit

“Andy provides personalised and healing massages that imbue a sense of calm and serenity. Andy’s massages help to remove stress from both the body and the mind. His professional demeanour and immense skills have taken me from nervous first-timer to monthly visitor”

Ian Walmsley, Google Review

Excited about the next session

“Best massage ever! I had so many knots and tension in my back and shoulders Andy help realise it and it felt amazing [sic]. I can’t wait for my next session. Highly recommend”

Michelle Barnes, Google Review