Thai Kosai

I've been having Thai massage for over ten years (so feel quite knowledgeable about what is good), and got into it when I Iived in Sydney for five years, where I had it 2-4 times per month. I have to say that I haven't yet found anywhere in London that is as good as Siam Cabana, Crows Nest, Sydney, and tried quite a few in London before settling on my usual place a couple of years ago, which is Siam Breeze in Angel. However after my favourite masseuse left I have been thinking about trying new places.

This was my first visit to Thai Kosai. It was a mixed experience. I happened to arrive at 125pm, half an hour early, to find no one there and a sign on the door saying 'back at 145pm'. Instead of being able to wait in there, or have some tea, I had to walk around the block for 20 minutes.

The place is very clean, smells pleasantly of some kind of gentle jos-stick (not those awful ones in some corner shops, which are far too strong), and the receptionist (who may also have been my masseuse; she had a mask on so I couldn't tell) was friendly, though didn't show any sympathy about my having to hang around till she opened up.

There were some lovely plants, the bathrooms were very clean and light, and the atmosphere was calming. It was however overall too light, in my view, including in the therapy room. Perhaps others wouldn't mind because one lies face down most of the time, but it's an atmosphere thing. The air con in the therapy room was rather too cold, and occasionally blasted an enormous gust of cold air towards the massage bed.

The background music was soothing and of a perfect volume. The use of hot towels was pleasant.

I had a 60-minute combination Thai/deep tissue. The massage was efficient and strong. However it wasn't what I would call 'deep tissue': I was surprised that my back massage (which I'd asked them to focus on) was hard elbow work and no effleurage at all! I really think there has to be a lot of good effleurage to offset the hardness of elbow pressure points work. And there was no effleurage on my legs - just stretching (good, but shouldn't be the only thing in such a massage). It was also quite quick elbow work and in my view the very best massage should be strong but slower of movement. The head massage was functional; they didn't do my face (possibly because of Covid).

The masseuse did ask me about pressure, was kind with her hands, and was able to give a hard massage (which I always request; sometimes people aren't strong enough but she was). She used a fragrance-free oil. I would probably prefer one with a gentle fragrance (eg almond) but it was fine. Her hands were a bit cold though.

There was no Thai hot tea or water offered afterwards, which a lot of places do offer, so I was surprised at that. I have since discovered that this is not at all their fault - the Council still have a restriction on that.

Siam Cabana in Sydney is the best spa in every way (wonderfully warm welcome/slippers to wear/flowers and flowing water everywhere/superlative massage with nice-smelling oil/tea and water with a nice chair afterwards) so it is the only place in the world that I have given 5 stars to, and I can only give 4 when the massage is a really good combination of Thai and deep tissue. Therefore I'm giving 3 here.

(Translated by Google) A real quality Thai massage in central London, very friendly and extremely competent staff, very simple setting. An hour or two of relaxation. Closing your eyes, it's like being on the banks of the Chao Praya or the Mekong. To try it is to adopt it.

(Original)
Un vrai massage thaïlandais de qualité au centre de Londres, personnel très aimable et extrêmement compétent, cadre très simple. Une heure ou deux de relaxation. En fermant les yeux, on se croirait au bord du Chao Praya ou du Mékong. L'essayer, c'est l'adopter.

I visited Thai Kosai in Holborn and it felt like an oasis in the middle of the city chaos. From their reception to the actual massage, everything was kind, professional and above all, relaxing. I totally recommend the Thai Combination massage -your body will thank you afterwards!

Both Thai Kosai massage shops are great. Nice and professional staff. Wonderful services! ????????????

Federico Loi opted not to leave a text review of Thai Kosai

Had an outstanding massage here today. Bit of a mix up with my booking but perhaps to be expected as place is obviously brand new. Highly recommended