Nestled among the tranquil lanes of Hoi An’s ancient town, Art Spa stands as a hidden sanctuary for weary travelers, tired professionals, and wellness seekers alike. On a particularly grey and rainy afternoon during my trip, I walked through their doors in search of warmth, healing, and calm — and what I found was far beyond expectation.
If you’ve ever wondered whether hot stone massage is worth trying — especially during the rainy season — let me walk you through the experience, the details, and the long-lasting effects that have left me recommending it to every traveler I meet.
First Impressions: A Space Designed for Peace
The first thing you notice when entering Art Spa is the quiet. Not the kind of silence that feels cold, but one that wraps around you like a soft blanket. The air is delicately scented with lemongrass and ginger, and there’s a warm towel waiting for you upon arrival.
I was greeted by a friendly receptionist who spoke English fluently and offered me a cup of hot herbal tea — a small touch, but it made me feel immediately welcome and grounded. The check-in process was smooth, and I was asked to fill out a short form noting my areas of tension, preferences for pressure, and any medical concerns. That attention to detail set the tone for what was to come.
The Room: Private, Warm, and Perfectly Prepared
A gentle therapist guided me to a softly lit room with minimalist Vietnamese decor — natural wood, muted tones, essential oil diffusers, and a massage table already warm with fresh linens. The rainy season humidity seemed to fade away the moment I stepped inside.
Before beginning, the therapist explained the process and confirmed my pain points — in my case, my shoulders and lower back from carrying a heavy backpack. She also gave me the choice of oil aroma — I selected eucalyptus, known for its respiratory benefits and grounding scent.
The Treatment: What a True Hot Stone Massage Feels Like
The hot stone massage began with a light warm-up using natural oil massage techniques. The therapist’s hands were incredibly intuitive — knowing exactly when to apply gentle pressure and when to go deeper.
Then came the stones.
The volcanic stones — smooth, dark, and perfectly heated — were placed on key points across my back, legs, and hands. The warmth penetrated deep into my muscles, easing aches I didn’t even know I had. Rather than simply placing the stones on the body and letting them sit, the therapist used them as extensions of her hands, skillfully moving them in long, slow strokes across my back, shoulders, and arms.
There was a rhythm — a dance — between heat and touch. The therapist alternated between warm stones and hand pressure, gently coaxing my muscles into a state of surrender. At one point, I could feel my body sigh with relief — no exaggeration.
The treatment also included a neck and scalp massage, where I felt every inch of stress release. The warm compress on my abdomen at the end helped soothe my digestion and left me feeling completely restored.
Why This Treatment Stood Out
I’ve experienced hot stone massages in luxury spas in Thailand, Bali, and even at five-star resorts, but something about the session at Art Spa felt more authentic, more attuned to the body and its needs. Here’s why it was so exceptional:
1. Therapist Skill
My therapist had over 10 years of experience, and it showed. Every movement was fluid and intentional — no awkward transitions, no moments of uncertainty.
2. Stone Temperature
Many places either underheat or overheat the stones. At Art Spa, they were perfectly warm — not scalding, not lukewarm, but just right to relax without discomfort.
3. Customization
Before starting, I could choose the oil aroma, note any pain points, and even decide how much attention I wanted on certain areas (my lower back needed extra care).
4. Rainy Season Rejuvenation
There is something inherently healing about being inside a warm spa during the rain, listening to soft music and water droplets while heat works its way through your tired muscles.
Physical and Emotional Benefits I Noticed
After the 90-minute session, I felt light, balanced, and deeply rested — not groggy, just peaceful. But even more remarkable were the benefits that lasted days after:
- My shoulder tension was completely gone
- I slept deeply that night for the first time in weeks
- I felt emotionally lighter, as if someone had released internal pressure
- My sinuses felt clearer, which was a surprise bonus
Combo Options and Add-Ons
If you’re planning to visit, consider asking for the Herbal Stone Combo package, which includes:
- A foot soak with ginger and lemongrass
- 90-minute hot stone full-body massage
- An optional facial or herbal bag compress
They also offer group packages, so if you’re traveling with friends or your partner, it’s worth booking together for special discounts.
Table: What You Get with Hot Stone Massage at Art Spa
| Feature | Art Spa Experience | Typical Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Stone Use | Therapeutic movement + heat placement | Mostly passive stone placement |
| Oils | Custom-scented, high-quality herbal oils | Generic unscented oil |
| Room Ambiance | Private, soundproof, herbal aroma, heated table | Shared space or limited atmosphere |
| Therapist Skill | Certified, trained in Vietnamese & Thai techniques | Varies (not always skilled in stone use) |
| Add-On Options | Facial, scrub, herbal compress, group discounts | Often rigid, limited flexibility |
Pricing and Value
A 90-minute hot stone session at Art Spa costs around 750,000–850,000 VND (about $30–35 USD) — which, in my opinion, is a bargain compared to both the quality and experience provided.
When you compare this to what you’d pay at a hotel spa or high-end resort — often 2 to 3 times more for a lesser experience — the value is obvious.
Traveler Tips
- Book in advance, especially during rainy season (August–November)
- Drink water before and after the session to flush out toxins
- Request extra focus on stress zones like shoulders or feet
- Combine with a herbal compress or facial for total rejuvenation
- Bring a loose outfit to wear after so you can extend the relaxed feeling
Final Verdict: A Five-Star Rainy Day Ritual
There’s no other way to say it — this massage changed my trip. What started as a rainy, gloomy day turned into an unexpectedly blissful experience. I walked into Art Spa carrying tension, travel fatigue, and a bit of seasonal malaise. I walked out floating, smiling, and with every part of me whispering, “Thank you.”
If you’re in Hoi An and looking for an experience that blends tradition, warmth, and deep healing, don’t hesitate. The hot stone massage at Art Spa is more than just a treatment — it’s a ritual of renewal.
Want to Experience It Too? Here’s How to Book
Art Spa
Our Branches
Art Spa 1
37 Nguyen Phuc Tan St., Hoi An, Quang Nam
Art Spa 2
37/6 Le Quy Don St., Hoi An, Quang Nam
Email: artspahoian@gmail.com
Hotline: 0906 488 820 (WhatsApp)
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Visit: https://artspahoian.com/
