The Netherlands, AmsterdamFebruary 2, 2026, by Iben Dekker

The best and nicest massages in Amsterdam

The Netherlands, Amsterdam, February 2, 2026, by Iben Dekker

The best and nicest massages in Amsterdam

It's been said before: nothing beats a good massage from time to time. Usually while away (Morocco! Bali! Thailand!) and on the road (foot massage at the airport in case of delay - recommended) and far too little in Amsterdam. Although it really is a good idea, a 'piece' me time/self-care/right now-not-on-time, just nearby. But how? Because secretly we find it difficult to make that time. Fortunately, the solution is always simple; in principle, it doesn't even require a coach.

 

And there's nothing like it quick fix is quick fixes: these are the best and nicest massages in Amsterdam. Nothing else for an hour you, yourself and the masseur.

Sauna Deco, Amsterdam Center

Sauna Deco, Amsterdam Center

A genuine oldie, it's one of Amsterdam's oldest saunas (a city institution for over 40 years!), and if you're looking for more than just a massage, but an experience, this is the place to be. You'll feel like you're in chic Amsterdam. meets Paris spa and hops from Finnish sauna cabins to steam bath and via infrared sauna to massages. A rock-solid gem in the city – without a doubt. In short, Herengracht is the place to be.

Sauna Decor 

Arigato, Amsterdam West/ Center

Arigato, Amsterdam West/ Center

It is subdued on the edge of the Amsterdam Jordaan Arigato quietly one of your best options in-town. Specialized in pregnancy massages (hurrah) and in painful backs (and the like). It is quiet, subdued, relaxed and, also very nice, fast. No bullshit, just really good massages. A glass of water and a kind word before you leave (often in the kitchen between the dryer and the laundry, but that's nice). Big fan? Big fan!

It is also good to know that Arigato can also help you with your sports injury.

Rebalance Massage, Amsterdam West

Rebalance Massage, Amsterdam West

You will find a five-minute bike ride from Vondelpark Rebalance, a practice where everything revolves around the recovery of body and mind. Here, they look beyond mere complaints and symptoms, and focus specifically on the root cause of tension. For mind and body are inextricably linked – stress always finds its way to the body.

Founder Sander Hoeksma developed a technical yet intuitive system of bodywork, specifically designed to address the physical and mental pressures of modern life. No airy-fairy nonsense, but a deep dive: where is the tension, where does it come from, and what does the body need to let go? Every detail is tailored for comfort and support.

Rebalance Massage 

We Like Massage

We Like Massage

To one uber cozy square in the Westerpark district in Amsterdam West (in a good way) the pink retro letters on the windows of We Like Massage from afar. Not to be missed. That's great, because the massages from the lovely Barbara are actually not to be missed. A good, intensive massage that can last a nice long time in a cozy living room setting. 1o Points for We Like Massage in Amsterdam West(erpark)!

 

We Like Massage

Akasha Holistic Wellbeing, Conservatory Amsterdam

Akasha Holistic Wellbeing, Conservatory Amsterdam

Akashic Holistic Wellbeing Calling it a spa is actually doing it a disservice. It is known as the wellness center of Amsterdam with 1.000 square meters of pure luxury. It is a spacious and quiet oasis, which is great in the middle of the capital. A hammam, sauna, jacuzzi and the most fully equipped gym (of all hotels in Amsterdam). The truly experienced employees are only too happy to pamper you. You can book all kinds of therapies or treatments – from facials to massages to watsuAkasha This has often been voted the best luxury spa in the Netherlands and should therefore certainly not be missing from the list.

Would you like to know more about the Conservatorium Hotel, then take a look here.

The Essence of Presence, Oud-West

The Essence of Presence, Oud-West

You will find it in Oud-West in the AOC building The Essence of Presence, where Jessica does body work. Body work? Yes, that is definitely a massage, but the 2.0 version. Because you 'breathe along' during the massage (Jessica guides you here of course) you remain much more aware during the massage and it almost becomes a kind of meditation. There are different types of essential oils (if you have a preference: be sure to indicate!) Your joints are freed, you receive a deep and good massage and by consciously breathing, you will find the places where the body needs a little extra help. and needs love. Your blood circulation improves, exercise is easier and even two days later you still felt the after-effects of the massage, both physically and mentally. Before your first session, you always sit down with Jessica to see where there may be bottlenecks, how you feel and what extra attention needs to be paid. Add a cup of tea and enjoy this body and breath work for days!

The Essence of Presence

Five City Spa Amsterdam

Five City Spa Amsterdam

In Amsterdam the Five City Spa Amsterdam is an absolute favorite when it comes to a quick spa in the city. The location on 1st Jacob van Campenstraat in the middle of De Pijp is just right (and there is also one in Utrecht, which was the first location). We are involved for the good masseurs. They are exactly what they should be: modest but decisive, listening to your own preferences and feeling your focus points. Their signature Five Full Body Massage is perfect. And that name? All five of your senses will be addressed when you visit. But you have to go there yourself!

 

Five City Spa

Your own massage

Your own massage

Yes, a professional massage gets top marks. Switch off, don't have to fiddle with figuring out which body parts are tight, and just lie there while someone else does the work. But chances are you can't or don't want to make an appointment right away for every stiff neck, tired legs, or tense shoulders. Time = money, money = time. Look, you can easily do a lot of that loosening, relaxing, and untangling yourself (or at home with someone else).

If you want to approach this in a smart way, without just messing around, then you have to prepare yourself well to know what you are doing and which tools add value. ZenGrowth explains in their extensive blog Everything from basic techniques and relaxation moments to must-have products. Bring on that blood circulation (bye bye waste materials, hello (health benefits). So you don't even have to leave the house. Apologies to all the other parties in this article...

Away spa, W Hotel

Away spa, W Hotel

That W Amsterdam has a flashy swimming pool on the rooftop lounge – aka the roof terrace for normal people – everyone knows. It is somewhat unknown that the basement contains another swimming pool and even an entire spa. AwaySpa is a urban sanctuary where you can relax, let your nails shine, one of many facials you can book, get your hair done or book a vegan massage. And I hear you thinking: why is a massage not vegan? That's where The Tide Wellness comes into the story: Away Spa used for the massages and body treatment the products of The Tides. Various massages can be booked at Away. We call them massages plus. Because it is much more than massaging your skin and muscles. From a detox massage to a soothing body exfoliation with seaweed. And from a pregnancy massage with magnesium to a de-stressing scalp treatment. Help from ice cube therapy, acupressure points, body scrub, a body wrap and much more is used to help you leave feeling revitalized and relaxed. Read more

The Massage House, Amsterdam West

The Massage House, Amsterdam West

Things are good at the Massagehuys near Mercatorplein in Amsterdam West. Yes, you can drink tea and relax with a croissant, but you are actually going there for a massage (which can be scheduled online, nice). The undersigned is certainly not a massage virgin (I once lay in a Mexican forest on a flat stone, on the left a babbling brook, on the right a Mexican Lilliputian dressed in a loincloth, playing a pan-whistle (it was what it was) and above me a humming Mexican who was doing her utmost to make me believe that there is more between heaven and earth. Oh well..), but this was really good. This is mainly due to the fact that it was not cowardly tickling or aggressive pounding, two common forms of massage, but that the masseuse was busy with me. Looked for pain points to work on, alternating with a relaxing massage shizzle. So. Go if you love your back.

 

The Massage House

The best spas in the Netherlands

The best spas in the Netherlands

How fantastic is it to turn off the work button and do nothing at all? Something we do far too little, but when we do, we do it well. And doing that well obviously coincides with going to the spa. But which one? For example, we don't really like spas that attract huge crowds. An allergic thing.

Anyway, here is a list with a whole selection of hotels with spas, because that combination is a favorite. First go to the spa and then dress yourself up for dinner with you loved one(s). Would you rather nap at home? That's also possible. Just scroll down and you will find a whole bunch of spas in the Netherlands that are completely different nothing have nothing to do with a hotel. But where you are in the right place for a day of relaxation. Treat yourself. Anyway: the best spas in the Netherlands

The Rub

The Rub

De numbero uno (especially for those who are pregnant). The Rub Amsterdam. In the Rivierenbuurt, in a typical Amsterdam South residential area and in an inconspicuous street between the houses, The Rub, a small super-sympathetic massage, yoga and wax studio.

Typical thing that The Rub got right: most people rush rushing madly to a salon, on his bike, pedaling hard, with work still on his mind. And then you rush in like one of those rushed types. And so first there is a cup of tea ready, so that you can calm yourself down, the masseuse chats with you for a while and then it's done. Mouth closed and on the table. Not too much fuss. Delicious.

There are, of course, various massages available to book. An original Thai massage is done on the floor and with your clothes on. The masseur then bends you in all kinds of directions stretched. At The Rub, the Thai massage is a combination of that and a 'normal' deep tissue massage. You simply lie (as usual) in your underpants on a massage table, the stretching is done with movements of your arms and legs. Not too intense, but very tasty. Oh, and a strong-smelling bowl of menthol comes under your nose (quite intense, but not annoying). Nice music (not too vague) and hands over your body that do not perform a routine job, but that really feel what they have to do. Not too hard (sometimes, in places where it is necessary) and certainly not too soft. Big 10 points towards the Rivieren area! The Rub