Aurora journal
Which Massage Should You Book in Santa Teresa?
Surf sessions, long beach walks, yoga classes, bumpy roads from the airport: a few days in Santa Teresa add up. A massage is one of the easiest ways to reset — but the menu can be confusing. Relaxing, deep tissue, Thai, Lomi Lomi, Hawaiian, Shiatsu, lymphatic: which one is right for you?
This guide explains, in plain words, what each style feels like and who it usually suits, so you can choose before you book. At the end you’ll find our prices at Aurora, Plaza Royal, and how a booking request works.
In this guide
Quick guide: match the massage to how you feel
| If you want… | Consider |
|---|---|
| To switch off and rest, with gentle to medium pressure | Relaxing massage |
| Firm, focused pressure on tight shoulders, back or legs | Deep tissue massage |
| Assisted stretching and rhythmic pressure | Thai massage |
| Long, flowing strokes with a continuous rhythm | Lomi Lomi or Hawaiian massage |
| Pressure applied point by point, with a calm pace | Shiatsu |
| Light, slow, rhythmic movements | Lymphatic massage |
Not sure? Choose the style that sounds closest and tell our team what you need when we confirm your appointment — pressure and focus areas can be discussed with your therapist.
The seven massage styles at Aurora
Every massage on our menu is a 60-minute treatment at our salon in Plaza Royal, Santa Teresa.
Relaxing massage
60 minutes · $115
The classic choice when the goal is simply to slow down. Smooth, steady strokes with gentle to medium pressure, at an unhurried pace. A good first massage if you don’t know what to pick, or a calm way to end a day of travel.
Request a relaxing massage ›Deep tissue massage
60 minutes · $120
Slower, firmer pressure that works into the deeper layers of muscle. People who surf, train or carry heavy bags often ask for it on the shoulders, upper back and legs. It can feel intense in tight spots — say so if you want more or less pressure.
Request a deep tissue massage ›Thai massage
60 minutes · $126
A traditional style that combines rhythmic pressure with assisted stretching: the therapist gently moves your arms, legs and back through stretches. Many people like it when they feel stiff rather than sore.
Request a Thai massage ›Lomi Lomi and Hawaiian massage
60 minutes · $126 each
Both come from Hawaiian massage traditions known for long, flowing strokes, often using the forearms, in a continuous wave-like rhythm. If you love the feeling of one long movement from shoulders to feet, start here. Our team can tell you how our two Hawaiian-style treatments differ when confirming your time.
Request a Lomi Lomi massage › Request a Hawaiian massage ›Shiatsu
60 minutes · $136
A Japanese technique based on pressure applied point by point with the fingers and palms, combined with gentle stretches. The pace is calm and the pressure precise — a good fit if you prefer focused pressure to long strokes.
Request a Shiatsu massage ›Lymphatic massage
60 minutes · $136
Light, slow and rhythmic movements, very different from deep tissue. People who want a gentle treatment often choose it, for example after long flights. If you have a medical condition, check with your doctor before booking.
Request a lymphatic massage ›Massage after surfing: what to keep in mind
Santa Teresa is a surf town, and a lot of our guests book after a few days in the water. A few simple tips help you get more out of it:
- Tell us where it’s tight. Paddling tends to load the shoulders, neck and upper back; mention the areas you want the therapist to focus on.
- Mention sunburn. Sunburned skin usually calls for lighter pressure — let the team know so the treatment can be adapted.
- Choose pressure by how you feel, not by habit. Firm pressure (deep tissue) for tight muscles; a relaxing or lymphatic massage if you’re simply tired.
- Drink water and take it easy afterwards. Plan your massage for the end of the day if you can.
- Injury or medical condition? A massage is not a substitute for medical care. Check with a doctor first.
Prices and how booking works
| Massage | Duration | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Relaxing | 60 min | $115 |
| Deep tissue | 60 min | $120 |
| Thai | 60 min | $126 |
| Lomi Lomi | 60 min | $126 |
| Hawaiian | 60 min | $126 |
| Shiatsu | 60 min | $136 |
| Lymphatic | 60 min | $136 |
How it works: choose a massage, pick a day and time, and send your request online. Our team confirms availability with you. You pay at the salon, in cash or by card — the website never asks for card details.
Where: Aurora, Plaza Royal, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
See available massages ›Frequently asked questions
How long is a massage at Aurora?
All seven massages on our menu are 60-minute treatments.
How much does a massage cost in Santa Teresa at Aurora?
From $115 (relaxing massage) to $136 (Shiatsu and lymphatic). Deep tissue is $120; Thai, Lomi Lomi and Hawaiian are $126. Prices are in USD and paid at the salon.
How do I book a massage?
Send a request online with your preferred service, day and time. Our team confirms availability with you. No payment or card details are needed online.
When is Aurora open?
Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are closed on Sundays.
Where is Aurora?
At Plaza Royal, Santa Teresa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
Which massage is best after surfing?
It depends on how you feel. Many surfers choose deep tissue for tight shoulders and back; if you’re tired or sunburned, a relaxing or lymphatic massage with lighter pressure may feel better. Tell our team what you need when we confirm your time.