Ever been for a Thai massage? If you have, you'll know it's heavenly. But if you've never been pampered on a beach in Phuket, the good news is you can now you can get your fix right here in good old SA.

Enmasse, a new massage concept in Cape Town, uses Thai massage as it's primary form of treatment, and everything about the concept they've created is unconventional, from the large open space with separate cubicles where you get massaged with your clothes on, to the convenience of being able to pop in over lunch.

Murray von Hirschberg, owner of enmasse says that he started this concept because he believes that the West has been denied the greatness of a good massage for far too long. "It's like the acceptance of sushi from the East to the rest of the world. Initially it was an exotic treat, but now it's popular everywhere. I think the days of a massage being considered an indulgent luxury are over. Today a massage needs to be available on the spur of the moment at a reasonable cost without compromising standards."

Ok, So What Is Thai Massage?

"Basically, a Thai massage is a deep-tissue massage combined with assisted stretching", says Murray. "It could be described as 'acupressure dancing with assisted yoga'."

The cornerstone of Thai massage is rhythm and it's performed on a floor mat, without the use of oil. Unlike conventional treatments on a bed, the mat allows therapists to use their body weight to massage you, which elevates the uniqueness of the experience.

What Are The Health Benefits?

If you've been stressed at work or have a tight neck from hunching over your laptop, a Thai massage will relieve the pain of stressed and overworked muscles. It also releases build up of lactic acid and toxins.

A Thai massage will increases your range of motion (through combination of assisted stretching and muscle manipulation) and so also prevents injury.

If you're a sloucher it will improve your posture and body alignment.

Although you may feel sleepy straight after, it actually increases your energy levels and balances the body's energy pathways. According to traditional Thai medicine the body has 72 000 energy lines of which 10 are considered principal. These energy lines are conduits for the 'flow of life' (or 'vital energy'). Physical benefits aside, a Thai massage aims to unblock these energy paths which promotes both physical and mental wellness.

Having a Thai massage will increase blood circulation and stimulate nerve endings (often resulting in people saying they bodies feel light after a massage).

And the best benefit of all? It's body toning!

Why You'll Love Enmasse

• If you loathe getting all greased up (and naked), you'll really love this idea. You get dressed into crisp white cotton Thai pants and top and you are massaged while fully clothed.

• They don't play Enya (thank goodness).

• Thai massage is quite energetic. You lie there (on plush white mattresses) while your therapist manipulates your body into various yoga-like positions.

• The whole spa (walls, ceilings, air conditioners, you name it) are painted deep-blue so you feel like you are suspended somewhere between heaven and earth.

• At enmasse you can phone 30 minutes or so beforehand and they'll ensure a therapist is available for you. Perfect if you want to nip in between client meetings or picking the kids up from school.

123 Hope Street, Gardens, Cape Town. www.enmasse.co.za, +27 21 461 5650.