By Navitas Spa & SportsPublished: 25 August 20261 min read
At a glance
A hot stone massage uses smooth heated basalt stones placed on the body and held in the therapist's hands to deliver heat deep into the muscles, so stiffness releases with medium rather than heavy pressure. Benefits include improved circulation, deep relaxation and relief of the back and leg stiffness of long flights. At Navitas Spa it is available in 50- and 90-minute sessions — ask us on WhatsApp for the current price; not recommended in pregnancy.
How heat changes a massage
Warm muscle fibre lengthens more easily than cold. A stone at around 50 °C laid on the back for a few minutes does what ten minutes of kneading would do, so the therapist can reach deep layers while the sensation stays soothing. Stones in the palms and on the feet warm the extremities that a long flight leaves cold.
Benefits
- Releases deep stiffness without heavy pressure
- Improves circulation, warms cold hands and feet
- Deep, sleepy relaxation — good for jet lag
- Eases the ache of carrying bags and sleeping upright
Who should avoid it
- Pregnancy
- Skin conditions or sunburn on the treated areas
- Conditions affecting heat sensation or circulation — tell us first
- Anyone who prefers cool rooms; the candle massage is a gentler warmth
Frequently asked questions
Are the stones placed or used to massage?
Both: some rest along the spine and in the hands while the therapist massages with others.
Hot stone or hammam after a flight?
Hammam for skin and a full-body wake-up; hot stone for a stiff back and deep rest. The Diamond Package's hammam-then-massage sequence is the best of both.